I have recd. yrs. to [ ] of 26 Ult. enclosing the Rept. of Col. Long on the contemplated subject of a Rail Road from Fredg. to the Western counties, and requesting my view on it, particularly of the route for it. Impressed as I am with the importance of improvts. which cheapen & expedite, transportation & travel, I shd. feel it a duty as well as pleasure, to promote them in every way that I cd. But apart from my little acquaintance with the general subject of Rail roads, I am so ignorant of the comparative charms of different routes, and in my present condn. so utterly unable to examine them, that I can only answer yr. letter by my thanks for the friendly sentiments in expressn and by a tender of my respects & good wishes