Albemarle Co., VA

Correspondence between Alexander Rives of Albemarle
and Thomas Garland of Shadwell Depot, Albemarle

Richmond 25 Feby 1858
My dear sir,
            
I am indebted to you for several favors, which I am sorry, I 
have not found time to acknowledge till the present time.
                
Appointment of State Directors does not occur till September 
next. Hence, I would advise that you do not move in the matter 
so early as to have your application forgotten. I handed your 
note to Mr. Johnson but he mislaid it. I will, how ever, prepare 
for himm in case he doesnot recover it, a suitable testimonial.  
I now enclose two papers which you can use at such time & in such 
mode as on reflection you may choose to adopt.
               
Your views for the regulation of our rural (or rival) & 
impracticable R. Roads companies are eminently correct.

We have a project of bringing them under some common control; 
but nothing so perfeect as the cleaning house system, with which 
you have made me acquainted, can now be carried out.

The prospect of appropriations to our P. works is a gloomy one.  
I think they will be defeated.
                             
I prevailed on Magruder to prepare a ryder for the Rivanna Bill, 
prohibiting the payment of debts out of the appropriation; and 
confining it to a continuous prosecution of the work.  Still, I 
think, there is a chance for its success.  Col. R. has entrusted 
the project to Magruder and I shall have nothing further to do 
with it unless it should reach the Senate, upon which I do not 
calculate. You know, I have a settled mistrust of the management. 
Col. R. is now here.  I told him to come, for it would require 
the exertions of all its friends to do anything for this work.

The Democrats are stark mad on banking; and I know of no way of 
arresting them.  I trust the House is more conservative than the 
Senate.  I fully believe if Mr. Old's aims - contradictory in 
themselves, to-wit- the increase of metals in the banks, and a 
greater increase in the hands of the people by the prohibition 
of notes under $ 10 & $ 20  successively prevail, the people will 
experience a worried pressure & distress heretofore unknown.  I 
have combated the, but in vain and fear they will be sustained 
by the Senate.

Having been from home for near 2 mos. I am about to run up 
tomorrow to remain till Sunday or Monday.

In great haste
                                                                                             
Most truly
                                                                                                   
Yr frd
                                                                                                        
Alex Rives

Th. Garland, Esq


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