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Chesnut Bluff Tennessee 24th June 1850
To The Governor of Tennssee
Dear Sir As you are aware there is a Chartered Turnpike Company [illegible] as the [illegible] deen Turn pike led in which the State is interested to the amount of $7000 [illegible] Where of I am a commissioner according to a commission granted by yourself.
But known that there is one Charles W. Murphy who has bought land on each side of said Chartered pick & who for the last 12 months has so managed by his [untiring?] inferences as to render the Road almost a dead expense to both State & [stockholders?] by putting out false reports to the travling community. that there is no Pike here. the Pike is knocked down. the pike has forfeited its Charter, There is no means of crossing the River by cutting down the [trees?] or [Posts?] to which the ferry line is tied by putting obstructions in the Road. by putting in a ferry by the side of the regular ferry & convoy -ing. Persons over free of charge (such as live near) (those at a distance) charging [exorbitant?]
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prices. & not not letting said persons or travkers know but what it is the regular ferry. & its rates of charge. In short there is n underminding means that can be used to break down the ferry but what he uses it The commissioners have resorted to the ordinary process of Law. without putting a stop to the repeated [illegible] there was but little [illegible] by the commissioners at Riply Court on account of his going there & making pledges that he would stop his aggressions. But so soon as court was over with he has redoubled his exersions to put the road down. in fact he told me that he intended to run a fence across the road in a few days.
There is no otehr commissioner the the part of the State nearer here than [Canton?] 13 miles.
Therefore believing as I do that those agressions upon the [illegible] of the state and its Citizens ought to be Stoped [sic]. Ever if you have to inprison him I appeal to you; your judgment: and the power vested in you, for your assistance. What you do do quickly
I am Very respectfully your Obedent Servant John. H. Moss Commissioner on the part of the State for the Red deer Turnpike
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Chesnut Bluffs Tenn. June 29 1849
Hon William Trousdale Governor of Tennessee Nashville Ten
