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NARA 32

to select someone to act for him as soon as possible.  I told him also that I was ready then to settle the matter with him without arbitration or suit of any kind.  He said that he was satisfied with what he had received himself; but he thought his mother was entitled to something.  He has repeatedly told others the same.  I think that he has no excuse for not referring the matter to arbitration. There are a dozen men around him who would adjudicate any matter impartially.

[[overwritten]] Belvidere, Hinds Co. Miss, Nov 16, 1867. Edward Fountain [[/overwritten]]

My business demands my presence in N. Orleans.  I must commence my Lectures in Geology, and attend to my work in the Academy of Sciences:  besides Professo'r Hilgard (the geologist of Miss State) has written to me to aid him in the examination of the Delta of Louisiana which he is now engaged about; and much other work more important than petty litigation is there awaiting me.  I think Osborne is disposed to "Blackmail" me by getting you to keep me from my proper business.  This is unnecessary, as my wife has the accounts, and can settle with him as well as myself.   Her feeble health keeps her at home; but she can meet any arbitrators here, and transact her own business, as the guardian of this Estate without my presence.

Respectfully
Y'r o'b't S't
E'wd Fontaine.

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