Early Governors' Papers

(A Copy)

Executive Office Tennessee Murfreesboro. June 6. 1825.

Sir;

I am directed by an act of the legislature of this State passed at their session of 1823 "to commence a written corrispondence with the Governor of the State of Alabama and Georgia on the subject of connecting the waters of Hiwassee with the waters of Coosa by means of a canal, as well as the practicability of a canal around the Muscle shoals in the Tennessee, and through what is called the Tennessee vally [sic] on the south side of said river".

The object to which our legislature expected that the attention of Gerogia would be most particularly drawn, was doubtless that of a canal from Hiwassee to Coosa:- Allow me therefore to request, that you will be pleased to communciate any information you may have on the following points.

Is it probable that Georgia would co-operate with Tennessee in making the canal spoken?

Have you any correct information of the probable expense of making completing a canal from Hiwassee to Coosa?

Have you any knowledge of the ground through which a canal would haue to be cut, the quantity of water that may be commanded with convenience and the practicability of the plan? Do you know of a skillful engineer, who could be procured to make the necessary examinations of the grounds? Is it likely that

1825

10

Major Daniel Graham

{Murfreesboro Tennessee

Executive Office Tennessee Murfreesboro November 17 1825.

Sir,

In compliance with the inclosed [sic] resolution you are appointed to join the United States Engineers with as little delay as possible for the purpose of rendering such aid as may be in your power, in the survey which is about to take place of a route through this State for the nati -onal road contemplated to be established from the city of Washington to New Orleans.

Having no information of the extent of the examination which the Engineers are directed to make, I am somewhat at a loss how to instruct you on the subject. I shall however state what I conceive to be the wishes of Tennessee in relation to the matter, leaving it with you to inforce her claims, not doubting, but, that you will accomplish all that can be effected.

In the Eastern section of the State it is desired and expected, that the road from the Virginia line through the counties of Sullivan Hawkins and Granger [sic], passing through Rogersville and Rutledge to Knoxville shall be examined, as will [sic] as the road through the counties of carter, Washington Green [sic], Cocke and Jefferson to Knoxville. From Knoxville to Kingston, the best and I believe the only good route is along the main stage roads. From the latter place it is very desirable, that a survey should be made not only along the new road that has lately been run by commissi -oners on the part of this State to sparta, thence along the Stage road by way of McMinnville, Winchester and Salem

Executive Office Tennessee Murfreesboro. November 17. 1825.

Sir:

In compliance with the inclosed [sic] resolution you are appointed to Join the United States Engineers with as little delay as possible for the purpose of rendering such aid as may be in your power, in the survey which is about to take place of a route through this State for the national road contemplated to be established from the city of Washington to New Orleans.

Having no information of the extent of the examination which the Engineers are directed to make, I am somewhat at a loss how to instruct you on the subject. I shall however state what I conceive to be the wishes of Tennessee in relation to the matter not doubting leaving it with you to inforce [sic] her claims, not doubting, but, that you will accomplish all that can be effected.

In the Eastern section of the State it is desired and expected, that the road from the Virginia line, through the counties of Sullivan Hawkins and Granger [sic], passing through Rogersville and Rutledge to Knoxville shall be examined, as will [sic] as the road through the counties of Carter, Washington, Greene, Cocke and Jefferson to Knoxville. From Knoxville to Kingston, the best and I believe the only good route is along the main stage road. From the latter place it is very desirable, that a survey should be made not only along the new road that has

His Excellency William Carroll Governor of Tennessee Murfreesboro.

1822

Mail}

Sparta [J S?] Jan 4^t

Isaac Taylor with petition to appoint a Justice of the peace White Cty Jan.y 2 1822