These published reports to the Governor were submitted by special attorneys retained to supervise the transfer of property formerly owned by the Western & Atlantic Railroad, a state agency, to the general public. The attorneys also monitored problems, usually involving litigation, attendant upon lease agreements with private leases and other railroads, the construction and location of depots in Atlanta, Dalton and elsewhere, and property rights of various railroads and their relationships with former Western & Atlantic property. Each attorney reported to the Governor the status of various lawsuits, sometimes recounted the legislative history of the situation, and gave his legal opinion on the outcome of the dispute.