Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 23.djvu/212



nected with the building is a reserve of 60 acres forming the South East corner (nearly) of the entire claim of 640 acres. The entire claim is held by Wm. H. Wilson for which he is to receive one undivided third but on this reserve he has no claim for 1 third as he has per agreement July llth 1847 on the other part for holding the claim and getting a title from the United States. You are aware from my previous communication of my strong objection to his holding it after this fashion for such a compensation. NO MAN OUGHT TO HAVE A PRIVATE FUND ON PROPERTY IN A PUBLIC INSTITUTION. It will always be a draivback in every case. I have done all I could to induce him to give it up and let me or some one else hold it for the church gratuitously but in vain. My dissatisfaction with the tenure may be unnecessary. The arrangement was entered into with good faith under Bro Gary's superintendance and was thought to [be] best for the security of the property. If I can copy the two bonds I hold in relation to the property I will do so but I am overwhelmed with business. The one given by Leslie, Wilson, Beers, & Abernethy for $4437.83 The other by Wilson to pay all the debts of the Institution and restore two thirds of the claim when a title is perfected with these you can see with clenrness into the somewhat complicated position of the affair growing first out of the illadvised sale of the Institute it ought to have been kept by all means, and secondly by the most unfortunate fact that every claim under the Organic Law must be held by some one private person, as the Legislature would not incorporate any trustes who could hold property in trust for any purpose whatever. No doubt need be entertained for a moment as to the saity of the Money [owed to] the Institute, none whatever, for it will be payed unquestionably The property is valuable and increasing in value every day, The Location is admirable, The land good for the purposes for which it is needed, and in the Absence of blunders and mismanagement both here and with the Board may with God's blessing be made available for the most valuable purposes.

That you may see the position of the land and Institute buildings and town of Salem I shall forward to you if possible a Plot of the claim a front Elevation of the building with the simple remark that my Artistic skill is exceedingly humble and unpretending. With these