^Gake Olearies ^smtmtxon of Commerce
Sept. 8, 1922
Mr. H. B. Ayres, Managing Director, The Old Spanish Trail Association, San Antonio, Texas
My Dear Harral:
As outlined in my letter of the 2nd, we merely wish to mark a highway through Lake Charles as a matter of convenience to the travelling public.
As afore stated, the writer is going to go down through the territory as far as Morgan City, with a view of putting up some sort of quota for the Louisiana section, however I am obliged to be governed in my time for so doing by existing conditions.
As doubtless you are aware, both the rice and cane country have not only suffered for the past two and one-half years, but have had other conditions to contend with as well, however so soon as the rice crop starts moving in good shape, I am going to visit each community between here and Lafayette and then a little later on as the cane crop moves, will continue on to Morgan City.
The writer, of course, appreciates what money has been spent by the San Antonio people, but I also wish to advise that Lake Charles spent, in the early part of this game in 1916, 1917 and the first part of 1918, as our records will show, something over $3500.00 in having the route of the Trail put through this territory and really in promoting a proposition that had laxed into indifference, I might say, because of the fact that Mobile was so far East for headquarters.
however, be that as it may, it is my intention to do the very best we can to help out in the splendid work that you and your associates in San Antonio have been carrying on.
Very truly yours.
HB'
HERBERT BAYLISS GENERAL MANAGER