R. K. Davenport
Mt Holly¹

Hon. Locke Craig,
Raleigh, N.C.

My dear Governor Craig:-

I trust I shall not transgress too much on your time but I have a matter to call to your attention in behalf of certain citizens of our county - Gaston. The recent flood conditions in our section did much damage in addition to washing away bridges, houses manufacturing plants etc. A great deal has been written about such damage. In our section the farmer has sustained severe loss of which little has been said.

The South Fork river enters Gaston county about midway of the northern border and runs diagonally across the county coming out at the extreme south-eastern corner. The Catawba runs along the entire eastern border of the county. Dutchman creek intersects the north-eastern section. The crop loss on these three streams was entire - corn, cotton, grass, melons. A Confederate Veteran - a tenant - told me a few days ago that every thing he had in the way of a crop upon which he was entirely dependent for a living had gone in the flood.

These men are being forced to sell their cattle, hogs, horses etc. at a scarifice because they will not be able to feed them through the winter. Of course we cannot replace these losses, but can you not assist us in giving these good citizens some relief. The free distribution of seed corn alone (in the spring) would mean much to them. Surely this or something similar could be done to aid them.

If you can give us a little time and your influence we will be delighted and we will co-operate with you in any way you may suggest.

Trusting that a movement of this nature will meet with your approval and that I am not asking too much of one whose timme is occupied with so many large affairs, I am

Cordially yours,

(Rev.) S. L. Cathey, Chrm.
Local Relief Com. of
the Town of Mt. Holly.

Mount Holly, N.C.,
Aug. 28, 1916.

1. This handwritten note at the top of the page likely means the matter was passed along to Richard K. Davenport for relief response.