26

Raleigh 27th January 1822

Gentlemen

A few days ago Mr Nisbett called on me
for a settlement of the open collection account existing between
us, which has been effected in a way that will prove
satisfactory. He at the same time wished me to
settle your claim agt Holloway. This I declined, stating
to him that I did not expect to be called on to settle
a claim in which I was no way interested, and that
from the conversation with you in Petersburg, I only
considered myself bound, if it should be decided that under
the circumstances of the case I ought in justice and
Equity to pay - expecting to be heard myself before
you came to an ultimate conclusion. Mr. N-
however informs me that you have taken the opinion
of others on the subject and that it is thought
I should pay the debt.

This ex parte proceeding
I consider as altogether wrong; as all the circumstances
were not before those you consulted.

Since Mr N-
left here I have also consulted my friends for advice.
Their opinion is that I ought not to be made
liable. I can prove that I possessed the best
course to secure your money, by obtaining collateral
security, at that time deemed unexceptionable. That suits
were instituted against the Security as well as Holloway