On the 23 of Sept [September] last I availed myself of the privilege granted me by your Excellency at our last [unclear: interview ] & addressd [addressed] a letter to you on the subject of the navigation of the [unclear: Coral River ]

At the time I wrote that letter I had it in contemplation to proceed immediately to the survey of the muscle shoals of the Tennessee , from which however I was prevented for a time by an attack of the bilious fever;__ Since my recovery that river has been surveyed by me; and as I have no doubt but yourself, as well as most of the inhabitants of the state over which you preside, will feel a level interest in the navigation of that river, I have thought that a letter on that subject would not be altogether unacceptable to your Excellency.__

The survey was commenced at the [added: Hurricane] muscle shoals which are three miles above Meltons Bluff .__ The obstructions to the navigation are caused by solid bed of limestone rock extending quite across the river, & from one quarter to those and four miles down the same__ at these places the River spreads not very wide, and in consequence becomes very shallow, say from nine to twelve inches in depth at the longest season.__ I have submitted to the General assembly of this State (now in session) an estimate of the probable expense of opening a sluice two and a half foot deep and forty feet wide__ an abstract of which I will take the liberty of adding at the foot of this letter.__

The embbarrasments [embarrassments] that have involved the

inhabitants of the other states have also reached this state, and from the want of funds to carry into effect any plans that might be formed for the internal improvement of the state they seem discouraged, and I expect the further surveys contemplated will for the present be discontinued.__

As I have so arranged my private affairs so as to put it in my power to devote my time to the labour [labor] of civil engineering I shall have it in my power to serve your State in that capacity should your Legislature at their next session conclude to reserve their resolution to have their streams surveyed

[added: your most. obt. servt. [most obedient servant]]

Wm [William] Terry

[added: His Exy Gov [Excellency Governor]: McMinn
Estimate of the expense of improving the Tennessee Roads from the head of the muscle shoals to the foot of the little shoals which is 36 1/2 miles
Total fall 96 feet 3 inches
Cost of sluicing the same as estimates in my report $221.300
From the foot of the little shoals
to Bear Crash is 36 miles fall not taken; cost $16.875
Total distance 68 1/2 miles__ Cost $238.075
from the foot of the shoals down the survey and estimate was for steam Boat navigation__]

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[added: No [Number] 3 Wm Terry To Gov [Governor] McMinn 23 Nov [November] 1820]