President of Canal Company asks for witness in trial

Date Written

Nov. 10, 1830

Robert M. Lewis was 44 years old when this was written.
The recipient, Simon Newton Dexter, was 45 when it was received.

Robert M. Lewis died 24 years, 3 months, 11 days after writing this.
It was written 193 years, 28 days ago.
It was a Wednesday.

Canal Office
Philadelphia
Nov. 10 1830

Dear Sir,

I am requested to state to you the trial of the suit of John Randal vs. the Ches. & Del. Canal Co. is expected to come at New Castle, Del. About the 15th of next month, December and that your testimony is deemed of the greatest importance, both as suspects Judge Wright and this company, and particularly so, as it is expected that every possible effort will be made, to place in an unfavorable view, the motives and proceedings of both.

Under these circumstances, your general and accurate knowledge of the work and its details and of the conduct of the company and engineer; will be of the utmost consequence in the trial. The number of the Board therefore confidently trust, that you will so far oblige them, and subscribe the ends of justice as to attend and give your evidence at that time.

The expenses of the journey, etc., of course will be remunerated. I have given this timely notice that you may have an opportunity of making such arrangements as will enable you to leave home with the least inconvenience. Please let me know your reply soon.

Very respectfully,
Your Obed. Srvt.
Robert M. Lewis, President Chesapeake & Del. Canal Co.

To:
Simon Newton Dexter, Esq
Whitesborough, Oneida Co.,
New York

Scans of Letter