convenient and easy traveling conspires to render its location on the new line of the road desirable. The officer charged with the repairs of the road is now engaged in giving out the work to contract, and making other arrangements necessary to a speedy application of the funds. It is, therefore, very desirable that an early decision may be had of this question, and it is accordingly respectfully requested. I have the honor to be, &c., C. GRATIOT, Brig. Gen. Hon. Secretary of War. * * * * * I approve of the course recommended by General Gratiot with regard to the bridges--the abutments to be of stone, and the superstructure of wood--believing that such a course would be deemed by Maryland a substantial compliance with the law, under the circumstances of the case. JOHN FORSYTH, Act. Sec'y of War. July 28, 1834. * * * * * CUMBERLAND, August 5, 1834. _Sir_: I was this day informed that the bridge across Wills creek, on the new location of the Cumberland road up Braddock's run, is to be built of wood. By the act of the Legislature of Maryland, authorizing the President to change the location of the road, it is enacted that the road may be located up Wills creek through the narrows, provided the bridges were all built of stone. I am decidedly of the opinion that, by the provisions of that law, the President had no right to change the location of the road unless he strictly complied with every provision and requisition of said law. You will, on examination of the act of Maryland, passed at December session, 1832, chapter 55, see that the bridges are to be all built of stone. I sincerely hope you will, on examining the law, and reflecting on the subject, direct the bridges to be built in strict compliance with the law authorizing the change in location; it would, in all probability, save money and time. I am sure the State will not receive the road without the stone bridges. I shall be gratified to hear from you on this subject by return mail. Your most obedient, JOHN HOYE. General C. Gratiot. * * * * * ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, August 14, 1834.