Poe Archive

Baltimore
March 28, 1851

Ben Johnson, Esq

Dear Sir,

I received your letter in regular course of mail dated 27 Jany last, but had so much sickness in my family upon the receipt of it, and having been so much engaged since prevented my replying sooner; my only child died Feb 22, in less than one year I have buried two children and a wife.

Upon the same day that I wrote you last, it occurred to my mind after closing the letter to you, to address a letter to the clerk of Ohio Co. Court, I did address a letter to the clerk without knowing his name, asking whether the deeds were recorded or not, he informed me that they were recorded, but March 1st I received a letter from W. Charles Henderson, the clerk informing me that I was indebted to him $1.37 ½ for recording the deed and that W. Morgan who executed the deed was also indebted for the same amount. The same day that I received his letter, I enclosed hi $3. At $1 & 2$ note since which I have not heard from him. I have written him today enquiring whether he had received it or not.

In regard to the notes left with you by Mr. J. M. Dorsey for collection. I have to say as I think I have said before. I leave the management of them with you, being perfectly satisfied that you have done and will do the best you can for his sisters and brother. I intended and only intended to say should the money for all the notes left with you be collected and the money be handed over to his sisters. They would not receive then as much as W. Dorsey said they were entitled to receive , for he said my wife and her sisters portion was over $600 each of which they have received $135 each, but we have made a bad bargain and we must submit to it. I repeat that I have the utmost confidence in you and leave the management of the notes entirely with you.

I have been informed that Mr. J. M. Dorsey was on his way from Calafornia to Texas with a drove of cattle and that he had written to some of his acquaintances that he had made $2000 in Calafornia. I hope it may prove true and hope he ay do well, yet I very much doubt making much money in Calafornia.

I tender you my thanks and feel much indebted to you for your kind offer to become my agent, but I received a letter a short time since from Wm. Anthony, Esqr, stating that he would undertake the settlement of the Ohio land claiming, and fearing that it may be a very troublesome business and having drawn a power last November in his favor, already to be executed, I shall send it to him. I am very desirous to have this Kentucky business closed in some way. I wish either to obtain the land or lose it, I wish to leave it settled and I fear as you state that you could not give the attention it would require, and not only so but lawyers only know how to manage lawyers.

I thank you for your kindness in attending to our business and hope you will charge for your trouble by retaining a portion you may collect. If I can serve you in any way in this place, I will cheerfully do it. I am,

Very respectfully,
Phil Littig, Jr.