Polk Family Papers Box 9 Document 31

POLK Letters: June 18, 1859

[printed:] 1859, June 18

Bishop Polk, New Orleans, La., to Francis B. Fogg, re: reporting that he has heard from Tracy that the corrected deed for the lands has been given to him, hoping that he had received it and had it recorded; mentioning a misunderstanding developing into ill feelings between Col. Barney and Mr. Bachus and that caution should be taken in examining Col. Barney's survey to be sure it is correct; his own opinion that it will be found to be correct; hoping also that all other tracts have been recorded; stating that he has $320,000, believing that he will have obtained the amount of $500,000 by the time of the meeting in August at which time he can say "the University is a fact." 45 pp. ( Note: These deeds and tracts refer to University lands ).

Mr. Adams,

June 18. 1859

My dear Sir:

I have received a letter from Tracy informing me that he has handed the corrected deed for the lands his company conveyed us to you. I hope you have received it & have had it registered. He writes me, to say that, (on account of some ill feeling I take it which has grown up between Barney & Bachus) he hopes if there should be found any errors in Barney's survey he will be willing to correct them.

I have replied I have no doubt the Board would do so immediately on there being shown to be errors. I have myself no doubt that the surveys have been carefully made & that they will be so found & that this feeling, which suggests there has grown out of certain suits in which Tracy & Bachus have been engaged with [their? ] employed of which Barney has probably allowed him to speak rather more freely than a prudent man should.

I have felt uneasy about the [securing ?] [tract?] [canceled?] deed from Tracey & am glad

to hear from him it has been sent to you. I hope you will dispose of it as early as may be by having it put on record.

I hope also all the other [Lewellen?] tracts have been secured by deed & that [those?] deeds too have been recorded. Every day we put off that [matter ? ] will make it more difficult for us. In this we shall have to rely upon you as you are upon the ground.

I have secured $320,000. of the $500,000. required as the lowest limit at which we will begin, & this [from?] [say? ] 50 percent. I think I shall be able to obtain in one

way or other the residue by the meeting in August so that we may then say the University is a fact, & so go on to its completion.

I send you our address on the Endowment.

With my respectful regards to Mrs Fogg;

I ever am

faithfully your

Leonidas Polk.

[address on outside of folded letter:] Bishop Polk To F. B. Fogg

June 18 1859