Some people in Massachusetts will find out that I am not quite dead yet, they may feel me kicking before long. Help Field all you can to get releases on payment of the 85 per cent. I will not forget you.
Haupt.
Previous to the receipt of Mr. Haupt's letter to the treasurer, but subsequent to the message of the governor, from the foregoing, extracts have been made, to wit: On the first day of April, 1863, the following preamble and resolutions were passed by the directors.
"On motion of Mr. Brigham, seconded by Mr. Cheever, the following resolutions were adopted:—
"Whereas, The stockholders of this company at their annual meeting held September 2, 1862, unanimously acquiesced in the action which the legislature had taken in regard to the affairs of this company, and voted to surrender the property of the corporation to the Commonwealth in the expectation that the railroad and tunnel should be completed in conformity with the avowed intention of the legislature. It is
"Resolved, That this board of directors see no reason to regret the step which this corporation has taken, but in the kindly interest shown by His Excellency the governor in this enterprise, and in the able report of the commissioners appointed to examine the subject, they perceive every indication that the great work will be prosecuted with vigor and arrive at an early completion.
"Resolved, That having released the property to the Commonwealth, we recognize the State as having entire and complete control over the same; our only claim being that the State shall carry out in good faith the recommendations of the commissioners as contained in their report, and in the address of the chief magistrate of the Commonwealth.
"Resolved, That the clerk be requested to furnish copies of the above vote to the friends of the road in the Senate and House of Representatives, to be used if necessary to show the views of the directors."
On the 29th day of April, 1863, the legislature, passed an Act entitled "an Act in addition to an Act, providing for the more speedy completion of the Troy and Greenfield Railroad, and Hoosac Tunnel," which is chapter 214 of the Acts of 1863. By the provisions of this Act, the commissioners appointed under chapter 156 of the previous year, were authorized, subject to the advice and approval of the governor and council, to construct, complete and equip the Troy and Greenfield Railroad and Hoosac Tunnel, and to make such alterations in the line of the road as may be deemed necessary to render it suitable and proper for part of a through line from Troy to Boston. Also such alterations in the location and dimensions of said tunnel as will render it suitable and proper for use, in accordance with the spirit and intent of the 224th chapter of the Acts of 1854.