Whereas the State of Illinois being now engaged in the prosecution of a general system of internal improvements, the interest of the State would be consulted by the connection of her works with those of a similar character in the adjoining States; while it would appear that the mutual interest of the people, in that which would so evidently contribute to the facilities of transportation in each State, would induce them [t]o embrace a proposition fraught with such manifest advantage to all:

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And whereas the Cincinnati and Charleston railroad, commencing at the former city, and traversing the fertile and populous States of Kentucky, Tennesse, Georgia, and South Carolina, and terminating at Charleston, will approach within a short distance of the southern border of Illinois, whence a lateral branch would connect that extensive work with the great system of our State, and through it with Wisconsin, and the vast territory of Missouri, a conjunction of such incalculable value to those respective States, as cannot long be overlooked: And whereas the vast accumulation of mineral wealth, the inexhaustible quantities of iron ore, in the adjacent State of Missouri, render it an object with the mass of her citizens to obtain a certain and convenient market, where the raw material may be exchanged for manufactured article—and such the city of Charleston, from its situation, could not fail to afford: And whereas a company of individuals have undertaken to construct a bridge across the Mississippi river at the Grand Tower, a natural pier situated in the stream of said river, and the nearest point of approximation between the Central railroad and the Mississippi: Therefore, be it

Resolved, That the attention of the Legislature and citizens of Missouri be respectfully directed to the latter point, as a convenient position to effect a junction of their contemplated Iron Mountain road with the works of this State.

Resolved, That the attention of the Legislatures of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri, be respectfully invited to the importance of said conjunctions.

Resolved, That we consider a connecting link between the Cincinnati and Charleston railroad an object of great importance to the said company, and to all the respective States which it traverses.

Resolved, That the Legislatures of Kentucky and Tennessee, or any chartered company, be respectfully invited to construct such a conjunctive work to meet the State of Illinois at the most convenient point on the Ohio.

Resolved, That the Legislature of Missouri, or any chartered company be respectfully invited to terminate their contemplated works, at the most convenient point for connection with the system of Illinois.

Resolved, That the Governor be requested, forthwith, to transmit a copy of these resolutions to each of the Legislatures of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri, now in session.