Prescott Journal

Correspondence of the Journal,
County Seat, Perry, July 13, 1861.

Mr. Editor:—In your issue of Wednesday
last you request the Building Committee to
send you for publication a statement of the
plan and intent of said Committee. In reply, Mr. Editor, as one of the Committee I
would say it will afford me pleasure to impart
to you and through the columns of the Journal to the public, any and all information I
possess in relation thereto.

I will begin by first stating what was the
first plan of building namely: 41 feet front by
71 feet deep and three stories in height. The
ground floor was intended when finished, to
be used in part for Jail and in part for dwelling of Jailor; the second story for offices, and
the third story as a Court Room. This, you
will bear in mind, was the original intention
of the Committee. On Thursday last the
Committee had a meeting and mutually agreed
to make a change by leaving out entirely
that portion intended for Jail purposes,
thereby reducing the stone work
some 500 perch; otherwise the building will
be the same—41 feet by 51 feet, and two stories in height, the first story to be divided into
hall, and four rooms for offices, and jury room.
provided with two stone fire proof vaults for
the keeping of records, with capacity sufficient
to hold 300 volumes. Therefore, Sir, you will
perceive the building of a Jail will be a subject for future consideration. The Committee
were of opinion this plan would be advisable
in view of the monetary pressure together
with the shortness of the season. I would
further state that it is the intention of the Committee to erect a plain, substantial stone building, and the Committee intend to keep inside of the appropriation, that being $6,500.—
They are desirous of getting the building enclosed and otherwise in such a stage of progress as will enable the county to have the
benefit of the use of the same the coming winter. Neither is it the intention, wish, or desire of the Committee to waste, expend recklessly, use favoritism, or in any way make an
improper use of the appropriation or any part
thereof. But will use every effort to use the
same to the best advantage, notwithstanding
all the Tax Payer has or may hereafter say to
the contrary.

Respectfully yours,
JAMES AKERS.