Polk Family Papers Box 9 Document 24

New Orleans

{illegible: June? Jan?} 15 { [1858] }

My dear Elliott:

I write to say that I'm back from a new work to Beersheba has been assured. You start just after passing the Tunnels at Cowan Depot. Then you take the Sewanee R.R. up the mountain, which takes you through the University lands to within say 15 miles of the springs.

I have received your letter informing me of the action of your {illegible: curative?} which was deeply gratifying because we just like you

all the way through. I suppose Johnson is by this time {illegible} {illegible: full} of {illegible: the? his?} status of Georgia.

You see much {illegible: than?} Alabama people are still hoping on Huntsville & trust they have instructed {illegible: their? them?} {illegible} to {illegible: turn?} a {illegible: blind? been?} {illegible: eye?} when of the question of {illegible}. I am surprised to see this as it betokens a want of much {illegible: safe?}-

{illegible} to all {illegible: nicely?} {illegible} & local {illegible} which I hoped to find awaiting all who proposed to come up to this great work. But I suppose I have counted too largely on the capability of human nature from when prayed by Apostolic Baptism.

An examination of the place selected will nevertheless I cannot doubt satisfy every body

{along left-hand side} you w'd do well to let your people know of this route.

{Bp. Polk to Bp. Elliott Jan 15}

& if possible every body should be satisfied.

I shall leave home on Thursday 24th, & my family on Saturday 26th for the mountain. They will take me up on the way & we hope to be at Cowan on Thursday or Friday the 1st or 2nd & at Beersheba on the 3d.

We hope to have the pleasure of meeting Mrs Elliott & other ladies of your family with you -- Please present them our kindest regards & believe always yours

L. Polk