James L. Stack to Tyler

[notes in top margin] With Frank J. Orme letter 11/25/62 With James L. Stack letter 1/24/61 With Joseph H. Tucker Letter 12/13/62 With General Order signed by Daniel Tyler 9/30/62

Chicago Ills Jan 24, 1862

General Tyler

Camp Douglas

Sir,

It was my intention when I called upon you in company with David A Gage Esq. in relation to a claim made by Henry Graves against the Government for the grounds on which the Camp is located to make out at one his claim and present the same to you but circumstances over which I had no control has thus far prevented one from so doing, and if in presenting the same at this late hour you are no longer in a situation to listen to his claim or to present it so those who are finally to pass upon it, I would be obliged if you would so inform me, and inform one to whom I shall present the claim. Mr. Graves' claim is for the use of about thirty one (31) acres of land. At the time it was taken possession of by the Government it was enclosed in a nine (9) feet high board fence, some buildings thereon and was in good order. It was in the first place leased by Mr. Graves to David A. Gage with the knowledge that it was to be used for a Camp; and was from October 1st, 1861 to May 1st, 1862 for a monthly rent. He was fearful that the use of it for a Camp might injure it, and this led to him have instituted in the lease the following covenant "to use and occupy " "said premises in a careful and prudent manner and to not"

"cut, girdle, prune or in any way injure the trees growing" "on said premises, and at the end of said term to yield up" "said premises in as good condition as they now are natural wear" "& tear excepted" "and to remove from said premises all excrement" "and filth which may accumulate there during said term." The object of inserting the above is to inform the Government that Mr. Graves claims that when the premises are given up to him that they should be left in as good condition as when taken possession of. And in his proposition to receive a monthly rent the questions which may arise as to any injury other then the natural wear or which may arise from the accumulation of filth are not taken into consideration. In view of all the facts & circumstances surrounding the use and occupation of this thirty one acres of land, Mr. Graves thinks that the least he can take is a monthly rent of three hundred dollars. Mr. Graves has had opportunity the past seasons to make permanent arrangements for its occupation and would have done so, could he have gotten the possession of it. If the above proposition does not meet the views of those representing the Government Mr. Graves would like to take the course indicated and leave the settlement of it to three disinterested persons.

Very Respectfully

James L. Stack Jr.

Atty for H. Graves