Augusta, May 28, 1860. 



To S. L. GooDALE, Esq., Dr. Amos Nourse, Dr. E. Holmes. 



Gentlemen : — In view of the existence of a contagious and fatal 

 disease among the cattle of a neighboring State, and the magnitude 

 of the interest involved, should the malady extend to this State, it 

 has seemed to me important to be possessed of full information as 

 to the nature and extent of the disease, the method of treatment, 

 the manner of infection, and what measures may be deemed neces- 

 sary to prevent its spread, or arrest its progress. For this pur- 

 pose, and to provide for the safety of this important interest, and 

 preserve it, if possible, from the impending calamity, I have insti- 

 tuted this commission, and authorize and request you, without 

 delay, to visit the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and especially 

 the district therein infected with the disease, for the purposes above 

 mentioned, and make report at your earliest convenience. 



Very respectfully yours, 



LOT M. MORRILL, Gov. of Maine. 



