Polk Family Papers Box 9 Document 22

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Huntsville Ala.

Sept 27. / 57.

My dear Elliott

On consultation I have thought {insert symbol}it expedient to have a thorough examination of the places proposed for sites of an University made by a commission of Engineers. This will satisfy every body & protect us. I have therefore organized such a commission headed by Col W. Gwynn; a graduate of W. Point, a Southern man, a churchman, & a gentleman. He is now in charge of a public work in So.Ca. To that commission I have submitted the questions on the other half sheet. I have sent copies to the places to be examined that those places may be preposed for the commission. The several places examined are to foot the expense of the examination. I have waited in this part of the world until they could {illegible} upon the work that I might have a personal conference with them, I requested they sh'd begin here. & I am {illegible}

{on the left-hand side}

Do you see that inspiration of {illegible: Mary?} {illegible} wisdom H. D. {illegible: Every?} in {illegible: order?} {illegible: upon?} the {illegible: timing? thing?} especially in the endorsement of the Knoxville Convention. The {illegible} of the {illegible}, has {illegible} defense quite satisfactorily. "Let the pot= --sherds strive."

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to meet them. They are on the spot, I have had the conference & they have begun their work. They will keep at it until it is finished & presented us their expert in time for our Montgomery meeting. I leave this evening for home.

The places to be examined are this place, Atlanta, Knoxville, Cleveland, Chattanooga, McMinnville, & a place in the mountains near the Tunnels of the Nashville & Chattanooga R.Road.

This last is a new place, I have examined it thoroughly my self & think it will prove to be the{underlined} place{underlined}. It has in itself & about it all we want & we can get {illegible: this? them? their?} 5000 acres of land. Do let me hear from you. With kindest regards to your family Affectionately yours

Leonidas. Polk.

Bp Elliott.

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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.

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