1

Huntsville Aug^t 14, 1820

Dear Sir

On Saturday last I entered into a contract
with Co^l Tho^s Bibb (the Governor pro tem) by which I engage to
furnish my own assistants and bear the expenses of the survey, and
am allowed the amount of the appropriation $4,000 for one years services

As the Governor was necessarily confined to the ap-
=propriation it was not in his power to allow me a more liberal sal=
=ary, which he was disposed to do, but it is confidently expected by us
both that the General Assembly will authorize him to allow a salary
that shall be ascertained by taking the average of the allowance for
the like services in S^o Carolina N^o Carolina & Virginia by which the
sum I shall receive will be considerably larger than the present. -
Should my employment be continued in this State it will nevertheess
be of that nature that will admit of time to survey the Rivers in
your State. - I shall therefore hold myself in readiness to obey her
call whenever it shall be thought advisable to commence that
work. -

I am yours &c
W^m Terry

His Excy Gov: M^cMinn