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University Place
Jan'y 13th. 60
Rt. Rev. Bishop Polk
Com'r University of the South
Montgomery
Rt. Rev. Sir,
In want of roofing boards to build a shed at the Stopping place on the S.R.R. and for VanVleck's boarding shanty & finding it difficult to {illegible} a suitable tree at a convenient point, I gave orders to cut up one of those logs {illegible} saw near the R.R'd. lying on the {illegible: Vassen?} tract, and {insert symbol}the result is set forth in letters 1, 2 & 3 as per copies herewith sent. I believe I am right in the position taken altho' I never understood from you how to act in the matter.
As all the Sewanee Compy's property including the land over which the railroad passes has been {illegible: build?} on, I deemed in an appropriate time to assert the University's rights over the parts specified
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in letter 2. It remains for your consideration whether a more formal claim to ownership should not be made before or at the Sale, to take place in {insert symbol}a few weeks. Bowers told me the road was carried through his tract without ever consulting him & I understood the owner of the Vassen tract was treated also in the same unceremonious manner.
As the location of the town along the RR'd will be on the Vassen tract it is important to know positively whether the Sewanee Company under the circumstances is entitled to a right of way of 50 or 100 ft on each side of the track. Would it not be wise for you to take legal advice on the subject so that we may know how to shape{underlined} our course in laying off the town.
