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Ashwood Tennessee. Sp'r 21/57
To
The Rev
Dr Curtis.
D'r Sir, --
I send you herewith a copy of enquiries to be answered by a Scientific commission appointed by the Com. on location of the proposed University. After consideration I deemed it Expedient to organize such a commission with the view satisfying public opinions as to the grounds on what preferences should be given by the Committee to this place rather than that. The enquiries proposed are believed to cover the whole ground. The commission charged with the duty of solving them is headed by Col W. Gwynn, a graduate of West Point & a Civil Engineer of the highest personal & scientific Character. His work will make that of the Committee & the Board comparatively light.
I am informed by Col G. the commission will commence its
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labours during the current week, at Huntsville Ala.
The places to be examined are Huntsville Ala. Atlanta, Geo: Knoxville, Cleveland, Chattanooga, McMinnville, & a place upon the top of the Cumberland Table near the point at which the Nashville & Chattanooga R Road pierces the mountain, in Tennessee.
The expense of the survey is to be at the Cost of the parties hourly.
I have examined the locality last mentioned & incline to think it will be found to embrace what we wish more than any other,
I remain
Respectfully
Your {illegible: brother?} in {illegible: X (Christ?)}.
Leonidas Polk.
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ENQUIRIES
TO BE ANSWERED BY THE COMMISSION APPOINTED BY THE COMMITTEE ON LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY.
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1. What is the elevation of the site indicated above the surrounding country, and above the sea ?
2. What extent of surface can be had at that elevation? and of that, what proportion is available for our purposes ?
3. Are there any subordinate elevations which may be advantageously used; in connection with the highest elevation, for building or agricultural purposes ?
4. What is the nature of the soil of the sites indicated; and of that of the surrounding country for fifteen, or twenty miles at least ?
5. What is the nature and extent of the timber on these sites, and its availability for building purposes ?
6. At what rate could it be delivered ?
7. Is there an abundance of stone for building material accessible? and of what nature ?
8. At what prices can it be delivered at the sites indicated ?
9. At what rate can lime and sand be delivered at the same sites ?
10. Can an adequate supply of water be obtained ? and how ?
11. Is there soil adapted to making brick ? and at what rate could they be delivered at the respective sites ?
12. Is coal accessible? and of what nature and quantity ?
13. At what price per ton can it probably be delivered at the respective sites ?
14. What is the range of the thermometer, barometer, and hygrometer, during the year, at the elevation of the sites indicated ?
15. What are the facilities of access to the town, or depot nearest these respective sites, from the States of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Tennessee ?
16. What is the easiest grade at which a road--railroad or turnpike--can be constructed from these towns or depots to the respective sites ? And at what expense per mile severally ?
17. Is there a river or other stream contiguous to these respective sites, which may be used for rowing and other aquatic exercises.
18. Are there mineral springs on or near the sites indicated ? If so, of what description ?
Please give a sketch of the general features of the several localities, with their surroundings.
LEONIDAS POLK,
Chairman of the Committee on Location.
BEERSHEBA SPRINGS, July 24, 1857.