38

Confidential
New York July 11th 1871

Mr. Wm. W. Crapo
New Bedford

Dear Sir - Your favor of 10th inst duly received, & contents have our attention.

Mr. Osborne called on us this morning, & fully stated his matters to us. He approached us in relation to compensation to him for what business he might bring to us bearing on "Alabama" Claims, & our reply to him was, that we had not departed from our original starting point, which was, that we should receive 10% for attending and collecting the claims, & to be allowed 2 1/2% & not over that for our expenses attending & that we decline to make any arrangements with him, telling him, we could have but one price & one understanding with all parties, but would leave everything in your hands to make any arrangement that you might think proper, as we thought you knew and could judge better as to what value his service & influence would be in the premises. In making any arrangement with him, as you know your man, we have no doubt you will be on your gaurd, in so making it, that it will not be detrimental to our interests in New Bedford, if it should be known, which it naturally will be.