Benjamin H. Helm to Samuel P. Lord, September 20, 1872

Mr. Helm to Mr. Lord.

Sir: According to the request you made when leaving, I write to say that yesterday the proclamations were issued Copies were stuck up at the door of our street chapel and at Mr. Houston’s. None were posted at my place; I suppose it was because the property on the hill was all one. There may be other reasons. We knew nothing about it till we saw it on the wall. At all the other missions they were taken in and given to the missionaries. I know of no cause for the difference, and it may be of no consequence.

Up to yesterday noon, I know certainly that the men had not been released. If they bad since been released, I should almost certainly have known it. Be-sien-sen, who sold us the lot I occupy, was up this morning to say that the officials still demanded that he should redeem this place. He said he did not wish to do it, and admitted that he could not do it, as we had expended over $1,400 on it.

Mr. Houston proposed to him on our part that if he were willing we would make out new papers. Instead of buying in the native’s name, we would “tien” in our own name, say for sixty or eighty years, destroying the deed of purchase and send in this paper for the official seal. If he agrees to this we may do it.

Should you reply please let me have your advice.

Since these troubles we hear the “Yiang Kwets” more than ever; but otherwise there is little change in the people.

Respectfully, &c.,