1

Huntsville Ala.

Sept 27. / 57.

My dear Elliott

On consultation I have
thought {insert symbol}it expedient to have a thorough ex-
amination 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 ex-
amined that those places may be pre-
posed 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 re-
quested 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."