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53
Halifax, May 6, 1842
Dear Sir,
Your name, and that of your Son, appears upon a Deed, purporting to be a conveyance from Joseph Paul to Tobias Cook, of a Property called Indian Point, in the Township of Chester. In my capacity of Commissioner for Indian Affairs, it has become my duty to investigate Cook's title to said Property. So far as my [researches?] have extended, it is quite clear that Joe Paul had no right to sell any more than 1/3d of the lot, but the Indians interested are quite concerned that no Consideration money was paid by Cook even under the deed referred to, and have stated that they have your authority for the assertion. Will you be kind enough to write me a full statement of all you know about the transaction, so that I may know exactly how far Cook has dealt honestly and fairly in this matter. I should also like to know what you considered the real value of the place at the time Cook bought it for ten pounds. An early answer will much oblige
Yours truly
Joe Howe

Mr. James Smith, Chester