- Transcription
Hickory, N.C., Aug. 10th, 1916.
Gov. Locke Craig,
Raleigh, N.C.
The flood conditions in parts of McDowell, Burke, Iredell, Caldwell, Wilkes, Ashe, and Catawba are bad. What releif is sent should be distributed through local committees in each county. What I most apprehend is that some of these fine North Carolina citizens may become discouraged and want to migrate. If possible, work such as road building, repairing bridges should begin in the district in the very near future. Otherwise, a loss to the state greater than occasioned by the flood is likely to occur. These good people need and desire work and not charity. Of their present pressing needs should be supplies out of the fund so generously provided by a sympathizing public but road building and bridge building will provide work at home and have a tendency to satisfy them. To many of them doubtless the out look is unpromising and calculated to make them restless. I have every confidence in the fine judgement of you and your splendid committee.
