J. B. Wright to Richard Yates

John B. Wright,

Attorney at Law & Notary Public,

Real Estate and Collection Agent.

Havana, Ill. July 8th, 1865

Hon Rich D Yates

Sir Mr. Geo. Stuart has directed me as his atty to obtain a decree of partition of the lands adjoining the Town of Mason City in this Co. Owing to the negligence of the Recorder it is almost impossible to ascertain correctly what if any conveyances have been mad for a year past. At Mr Stuart's suggestion I desire to know whether you have conveyed any part of your interest in the lands in question. If so to whom and whether you are willing to join Mr Stuart in the Petition

Respectfully

Your Obd Servt

J B Wright

Wrote him July 18th that I was willing to join him in this Petition + had not sold any of lands in question I believe.

Tallula Ills July 16th 1865

Dear Yates

The land in question is a remnant of the 320 that Mason City was laid out on we still have about 120 Acres that was not [plotted?] in to Lots located north + South of the town plot I know of no way to divide it only by the mode indicated in the [picture?]

To my knowledge you have not parted with any of the land in question I have bargined my undivided interest in said Tract on remnant of Land for which I am to get $50. per Acre in cash as soon as I am able to Execute a sufficient Deed [Warrick?] says I sold it to cheap.

The Lands in question could be partitioned in the manor you suggest but Judge Harriet's Decree made a Bolox of Law Equety and Mason City interests generally sofar as his thick Pate could

I have read your Elgin Oration cant you manage to have it Pub. in [paper?] form it is one of your proudest efforts it is a 4th July speech bran new you deal with the surroundings that restz heavily upon the Grandsons of the Patriots of -76 as a statesman only can do. have you noticed as a general rule the last 4th efforts have been complete failures the Waters have been to deep + turbed for ordinary mariners. I hope to see you soon

Truly [illegible] Greene

Dear Green -

Pleas return this with your answer whether you know about the arrangement spoken of within - and whether the parties could not agree upon a Division by arbitrator - Also have I sold any part of this land to be divided and oblige

Your friend (July 13. 1865)

Richard Yates

(Rec'd this letter today) (over)

Return this letter as I have not answered - You must read my Elgin Speech - they say I was great in it -.