March 10th, 1920.

Mr. A. E. Smith,
Mount Airy, N. C.

My dear Mr. Smith:-

I greatly fear that if the Prison Board departs from its policy of furnishing convicts only to roads approved by the State Highway Commission and that are to be a part of the state system, it will involve itself in endless trouble and arouse a vast deal of criticism. You can understand that we cannot serve an infinitesimal fraction of the State if we let the convicts out to work on roads that are mere feeders to the main highway.

Of course it is not necessary for me to say to you how deeply I am interested in the development of Surry county. It would be a real joy to me to see a high class road running through every section of the county, but my interest in and love for the county do not blind me to the fact that to make Surry county an exception to the general rule would place us in an untenable position, and especially in view of the fact that one member of the Board happens to be from Surry county.

I know that you want me to talk to you with perfect candor on this subject as on every other one that comes before the Board.

With much respect, I am,

Very truly yours,

[unsigned]

B-G