Samuel P. Lord to Benjamin H. Helm, September 27, 1872

Mr. Lord to Mr. Helm.

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your communications, dated the 20th and 23d instant; also of Mr. Houston’s note of the 17th.

The matter you mention about the proclamation, I should not be inclined to think of much importance. It may have happened from your proclamations being sent from one office, and the others from the other, or it may have been a mere difference in the way of doing things by the different runners. I am sorry not to hear of the release of the men in your district. I think they will be released, though tardily, and perhaps riot without much apparent injustice. I much regret that I am not able to prevent this.

The matter of changing the title-deed of your lot you must decide for yourselves. It has always been my opinion that property owned by foreigners should be held in their own name. But the British minister seems to have a different opinion, and possibly our minister may have, also. So, at present, I should not like to give you any positive advice.

Hoping soon to hear of the release of all the men suffering on account of their connection with the sale of lands to foreigners,

I remain, &c.,