FURTHER LEGISLATION

In February, 1854, Senator Shields introduced a bill in the United States senate providing for the sale of the island and providing further that D. B. Sears be allowed to enter the lands ocuppied by him at the minimum price of government lands to the extent of seventy-three acres.

It also provided that the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad be allowed a right of way 100 feet wide across the island. This measure at once started things again in the effort to save the island. A lively correspondence resulted in which Hon. A. C. Dodge, chairman of the committee in military affairs iu the United States senate, and Jefferson Davis, secretary of war, took an active part. Secretary Davis subsequent action prevented the passage of the bill, and he thus again became the saviour of the island to the government.

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois

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Illinois ancestors

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