Whereas, by an act of the General Assembly of the State of Illinois, entitled “An act to establish and maintain a general system of Internal Improvement.” It is authorized and provided for the construction of a railroad from Mount Carmel to Alton.2

And whereas also, a company has been incorporated by the Legislature

---

<Page 2>

of Indiana, for the extension of said railroad from Mount Carmel and New Albany.

And whereas also, various portions of our Union feel a common interest in the prosecution and completion of said road, as obviating the inconveniences arising from the frequent obstructions presented in the navigation of the Ohio river by low stages of water, &c.[etc.], to the trade between Louisville, the Wabash Valley, St. Louis, and New Orleans. Therefore,

Resolved, by the people of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and Representatives requested to use their best exertions to procure from Congress a donation of five hundred thousand acres of the public lands lying in the State of Indiana, on and near the line of said road to the said State of Indiana, and also a further donation of five hundred thousand acres of the public lands lying in the State of Illinois, on and near the line of said road, to said State of Illinois, the proceeds of which, or as much as shall be necessary, shall be applied to the completion of the said road.

Resolved, That the Legislature of the States of Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, and Indiana, be respectfully requested to urge their respective Senators and Representatives in Congress to use their efforts to secure the above named donations.

Resolved, That the Governor be requested to forward a copy of the above resolutions to each our Senators and Representatives in Congress.

Resolved, That the Governor also forward a copy of the same to each of the Executives of each of the above named States, with a request that they lay the same before the Legislatures of their respective States[.]