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to Huntsville, but also through the counties of Rhea and
Hamilton along the main road down what is called
the Tennessee valley, crossing the Tennessee river at Browns
ferry, so as to admit the direct continuance of the route
in Alabama through Wills' Valley. There is an other
route in the examination of which West Tennessee feels
very deeply interested. Many are impressed with a
belief that the great national road from Washington
city South Westward should terminate at some point
on the Mississippi river, near the mouth of big Hatchee
river. If it is inconvenient for the Engineers to make
the latter survey on their way to New Orleans you
will indeavour to prevail on them to do so as
they return to Washington city.

It is understood that the Engineers are instructed
to make a survey of a route along which a canal
would have to pass connecting the waters of the
Hiwassee with those of the Coosa. To this subject
so essential to the commerce of the Eastern part of the
State your attention wil be particularly directed.

It will be proper for you to keep a Journal
of the routes examined, noticing the quality of the land
through which they pass. the elevation of the principal
hills- water courses and the convenience of
materials for the construction of good turn pike
roads.

Without adding any thing further the whole matter is
submitted to your judgement and direction.

I am most respectfully
y.r ob.^t serv^t
W^m Carroll

Colo Newton Cannon,
Murfreesboro.
Tennessee.