Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 22.djvu/254



244 ROBERT MOULTON GATKE

Parsonage reserve to Bro. Craft for 10 acres of land in the rear.

I am sorry to find this business in its present position. About a month ago I called the committee which they say you ap- pointed together and enquired First. Are there any papers what- ever either from Bro. Gary or any one else in relation to this matter? It was answered No. Second. Is the transfer finished or is it expected that I in any way yet have it to do ? Ans. It is not finished the property is not surveyed. No writings have passed. A committee was appointed by Bro. Gary to confer with Bro. Craft to select or allow him to select a site for a taw yard. A site was selected. Bro. Craft now occupied it &C &C. And third. Is the lot which he is to give in Exchange now or was it at the time anything like an equivalent? Ans. No, by all the committee.

After some considerable reflection I came to the conclusion that I would not do anything in the affair until I reed word from you communicating definitely your understanding and intention with regard to the matter. My reasons are these. I dislike exceedingly these traditionary affairs, and especially in the conveyance of property. It is an unfinished, unsettled con- cern. There was time enough from April or May to August to settle it. It mutilates and spoils the 100 acres by takeing a quadrangular piece out of the middle (see diagram) and re- ceives a poor almost worthless, irregular shaped lot in return. The following is about the state of the case. Tho possible the exchange piece may be much more irregular than I have represented it. Now poor as the bargain is and much as the property is spoiled thereby! I should consummate the affair at once. If there was any writing whatever giveing me to understand that you understood the arrangement.

If you did understand it then you intended a donation or at least a favor for which you had good and sufficient reasons no doubt. And I never should object. But then you must really do the business or shew me that you engaged to do it. In which case I am of course under obligation.

Favors could not be bestowed on a more worthy Bro. than Bro. Craft. But I must not lengthen out my detail. There is no misunderstanding between Bro. Craft and myself, and tho he regrets the business was not finished, will wait patiently, until you communicate fully on the subject. If Bro. Leslie ever gave it as his opinion that the parsonage would lose noth- ing by the exchange he is now of a different opinion."