October 20th. 1916.

Mr. E. F. Watson,
Burnsville, N.C.

Dear Frank:-

I have yours of yesterday¹ as to the action of Mt. Mitchell Commission. I believe when the Governor and I state to the Commission what really occurred in Raleigh, and the aid I gave him especially with Henry Gilliam, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, who was opposed to the bill, they will accept the Governor's recommendation. I do not understand the attitude of some of the Commissioners in thinking that the Governor does not wish them to pay the amount agreed upon. I have never known the Governor to be unfrank or insincere, and I am sure that he is not in this case. My only trouble is that I am not willing to in any way embarrass the Governor, and in all events that matter must be kept from the public. I think the amount stated is really not fair value for the property as I would willing give more than $2000.00 for it myself, and I believe it could be sold for $5000. I desire to ask that the case be not heard before Thursday as I will wish the Governor to talk with the Commissioners when he goes to Burnsville. If they do not accept his recommendation, I will do all in my power to be ready to have the matter determined on Thursday. I must bring witnesses from Asheville, but cannot keep them for any length of time and do not like to bring them when there is a possibility of settlement. Please write me that the case will not be tried before Thursday.

Yours truly,

[unsigned]²

1. Item of correspondence not found among the papers of Locke Craig.

2. The content and timing of the letter leads the editor to believe the author is James W. Pless.