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The General Assembly of Mississippi, passed a resolution
at their last session directing the Governor to appoint
a suitable person to ascertain and designate the
point where the thirty fifth degree of North latitude
crossess the Missisippi river, for the purpose as is
alleged, of hereafter establishing the line between
that State and Tennessee. The Governor addressed
a letter to me requesting the co-operation of Tennesee
in accomplishing the business. In reply I informed
him that I had no authority to make an appointment
for that purpose; and requested him to delay the execu
tion of the work, until after the commencement of
your present meeting, expressing a conviction that you
would authorize the appointment of some person
to aid in procuring the information which he desired.
Notwithstanding it is believed, that the line as establish
ed by the commissioner of the United States in
eighteen hundred and nineteen, was run with great
care and accuracy, yet the courtesy which is due
to a sister state, would sum to require that some
person of scientific attainments should be appointed
to aid in ascertaining the true point, at which the
thirty fifth degree of North latitude crosses the Misssissippi
river.
It will be necessary at the present session to pass a law
authorizing the choice of electors to vote for President and
Vice President of the United States; and in the performance
of this duty [page damaged] must be had to the act of congress