Early Governors' Papers

Murfreesboro Tennessee 23^d December 1820

The following are extracts from a letter written to William Torrey esquire on the above date. "I am much gratified on learning, that you have obtained, employment, in a contract with Governor Bibb; by which you are to make a survey of a parts of the Coosa River; with which stream I con =template with great pleasure, that the day is ap =proaching, when the Holston, and the Tennessee Rivers will be united, to it by a canal; and being well aware, that the State of Tennessee cannot fail to profit, by every successful exertion, that may be made, to improve the navigation of the rivers within the Alabama; calls for the expression of my best wishes, for your prosperity in the present service.

I am extremely sorry to learn that you esteem your salary inadequate to your service's, as I had flattered myself with your future usefulness in the event, and will feel mortified should, I find my hopes baffled, by a parsimonious policy on your

Huntsville Aug^t 14, 1820

Dear Sir

On Saturday last I entered into a contract with Co^l Tho^s Bibb (the Governor pro tem) by which I engage to furnish my own assistants and bear the expenses of the survey, and am allowed the amount of the appropriation $4,000 for one years services

As the Governor was necessarily confined to the ap=propriation it was not in his power to allow me a more liberal sal= =ary, which he was disposed to do, but it is confidently expected by us both that the General Assembly will authorize him to allow a salary that shall be ascertained by taking the average of the allowance for the like services in S^o Carolina N^o Carolina & Virginia by which the sum I shall receive will be considerably larger than the present. - Should my employment be continued in this State it will nevertheess be of that nature that will admit of time to survey the Rivers in your State. - I shall therefore hold myself in readiness to obey her call whenever it shall be thought advisable to commence that work. -

I am yours &c W^m Terry

His Excy Gov: M^cMinn