President Jackson,

The canal system of this country is being threatened by the spread of a new form of transportation known as railroads. The federal government must preserve the canals for the following reasons:

One, if boats are supplanted by railroads, serious unemployment will result. Captains, cooks, drivers, hostlers, repairmen and lock tenders will be left without means of livelihood, not to mention the numerous farmers now employed in growing hay for horses.

Two, boat builders would suffer and towline, whip, and harness makers would be left destitute.

Three, canal boats are absolutely essential to the defense of the United States. In the event of the expected trouble with England, the Erie Canal would be the only means by which we could ever move the supplies so vital to waging modern war.

As you may well know, Mr. President, railroad carriages are pulled at the enormous speed of 15 miles per hour by engines which, in addition to endangering life and limb of passengers, roar and snort their way through the countryside, setting fire to crops, scaring the livestock and frightening women and children. The Almighty certain never intended that people should travel at such a breakneck speed.

Sincerely Yours,
Martin Van Buren
Governor of New York

Thought: In our modern society of technological advancement, we smile at Mr. Van Buren’s limited vision, but his letter does illustrate an important point: people are often fearful of change.

Question: Do YOU need to change something in your life...? What are you afraid of ...?—Mike Benson, One a Day Spiritual Vitamins

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” —2 Corinthians 5:17