1870 Correspondence with Barling and Davis

{I hinted at something else a [...ik?] we can work jointly}

I hinted at something else we could work profitably, & when you conclude (if you should do so) that nothing is to be done under the auspices of J & H -- I will be in a better position to develope my plan in which Mr. Beaman (who was formerly the private Secretary of Mr. Chas. Sumner & with whom he is on the most intimate terms) is included. He (Mr. B) from his long residence in Washington is acquainted throughly with the officials in the different departments, & he will, as he informs me, have all Senator Sumners aid & assistance in anything he may undertake.

He is a lawyer by profession practicing here now & I have known him socially for a year or two & esteem him highly.

Immediately upon hearing from you definitely as to what the Committee purpose doing I will either come over or write you fully, & I have no doubt that if you will take all the powers of Atty in your name including all the claims we represent & let the whole work be done between us dividing equally we can name figures that will

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strike the "Sufferers," & it is more than likely that us can include in this arrangement certain claims us know of here & thus increase the profits.

All these you will please consider as strictly confidential & not in any wise intruded to operate against the claims of Mr. G & H- not do I intend to take any step contrary to their wishes until you write definitely that the owners of the several claims propose taking some other course to present them than the one proposed by G & H & then B & D go with you certain.

Please let me hear from you by return mail or by telegraph tomorrow & Oblige.

I am truly yours

Henry A. Barling

Confidential

New York Decem 17 1870

W. W. Crapo Esqr

Dear Sir, I have your much esteemed favor the 16 Inst. & the enclosure I have shown Mr. Krebs who will probably write you today.

It is, as I expected, (after working more thorough inquiry as to the probable cost of getting of the bill through) with the Committee, & I am not much disappointed at the conclusion they have come to, & had I know as much when I met you in W.B. as I do now, I should not have advocated any such change as to 25%, & you might, incidentally hint this to any member of the Committee if you think well.

Mr. Beaman went to Washington night before last, intending to return on Monday, & I have telegraphed him to post himself fully & on me immediately on his return.

& we will hold ourselves in readiness to come over any day you may indicate, including Monday, if you will telegraph me Earlybut shall make no move in that direction except under advice from you.

Mr. Hicks has just been in & says, if his firm can cut aloof from other parties he thinks (his partners being absent) his firm would undertake the hearings for 5% & disbursements say from 7 1/2 to 10%. I think you, W Beman, & ourselves, can handle it & make money at either of these figures, & if money is required for immediate use we will undertake to furnish it for the joint [a/S.?]

My idea is to have the claimants including ourselves (B & D) & E.D.M for a/c of Estate, put all their claims in, giving you their powers of Atty. Mr. Beaman or L & H. whoever