4

all persons concurring could be made par-
-ties, & compelled to exhibit their titles, as
they really are, that the whole or a part
of the 5000 acres would be recovered.

But whether or not, it is matter of suffi
cient importance to authorise such ^an ex-
pensive course, when too, a recovery would
be contingent, I do not pretend to offer
an opinion, but leave to those, this con-
sideration, whose proper province it is
to judge. to as ?

I have not been able to learn the preci
-se number of acres, of which, Captain
Rice [?] seized, nor do I believe I could
without much trouble & considerable expen
-se, in consequence of his haveing un-
divided interests in lands granted to
other persons; but of this, I can assure
your excellency, that his real estate
is immense, & with [?] wasteful &
slovenly management, would be more
than sufficient to satisfy all devices &
outstanding debts.

My business & engagements will not
permit me to continue in this ag-
ency any longer, therefore, if the Legis-
lature be of opinion, that further ef-
forts ought to be made to secure
this devise, they will have to appo-
int some other gentleman, to act
for the State. Extreme indisposition
prevented me from making this co-
mmunication earlier.

With sentiments of high consideration,
your obt. & Hum^b servt.
J. W. Egnew