Whereas it is the opinion of the Legislature of the State of Illinois now in session that the route which the national road would pursue if extended so as to cross the Mississippi River at the Town of Alton would be in entire accordance with its ultimate destination, the Capitol of the, State of Missouri: would be more advantageous to the commercial & agricultural interests of this State, and afford to her inhabitants and those of her sister States, a more direct & convenient chain of intercommunication than any other route: And whereas the passage of said road across the Mississippi River at S^t Louis, would not only be highly detrimental to the prosperity of this State, but in violation of her just pretensions, & of her rights of sovereignty, contrary to the avowed policy of the General Government, and in open defiance of those principles of even handed justice & impartiality which have characterized her dealings with other States in relation to this matter:

Therefore,

Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Illinois that the consent of the State of Illinois is hereby given to the Federal Government to extend the national road through the territory of said State so as to cross the Mississippi River at the town of Alton in said State and at no other point.

Resolved that our Senators in Congress be instructed and our Representatives requested to use their best exertions to procure the passage of a law authorizing the survey of the route from Vandalia to Jefferson City by the way of Alton, and for the continuation of the national road upon said route.2