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Commission House of McFarlan, Straight & Co., 
STRAIGHT, DEMING & CO.
wholesale Grocers and Commission Merchants. 
CINCINNATI, OHIO
Nos. 44, 46 and 48 New Levee Street. 
New Orleans, April 9 1870

[[stamp]] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [[/stamp]]

Col. E.W. Mason
Dear Sir: In regard to the report herewith submitted I have to state as an individual that I consulted one of the most reliable builders in New Orleans who assured me that the wainscoting and ceiling could not be taken off and made consistent with the contract, making no allowance for waste of lumber or re-painting, below 15¢ pr square foot, or $15.00 pr square of 100 feet. You see we have put our estimate just two thirds as high,- 10¢. The painter who painted the name of the university, a very reliable man, estimated the cost of labor of completing the painting properly, without preluding cost of erecting scaffolding, as $250.00. We have estimated it $200.
I think I could state conscientiously, under oath if it would serve any good purpose, that if that university building belonged to me as an individual I would sooner give $1.500 to make it all the contract clearly contemplated then allow it to remain as it is, if I could have my choice. Yours &c
S Straight