30 December 1946 Mr. Thomas B. Gay Division Counsel Southern Railway System Richmond 12, Virginia Dear Mr. Gay: I have your letter regarding the vacancy for the Assistant Division Counsel of the Southern Railway System, and I appreciate very much the fact that you and Mr. S. R. Prince, General Counsel, desire to ascertain my availability for the position. As mentioned in your letter, I am now counsel for the People of the Valley of Virginia in an important matter pending before the State Cooperative Commission in which your company is the defendant. Due to the character of my employment and the peculiar nature of the case, I do not feel that I can with propriety give consideration to the matter of employment. I appreciate the urgency of the matter of filling the vacancy and my plans for the immediate future are of such an uncertain nature that a delay in your decision would not be justified. Again, I desire to express my great appreciation for the compliment you have made me in writing me about this matter. With kindest regards, I am Sincerely yours, Frank S. Tavenner, Jr.