Joseph Smith Letter 7 December 1850
Bureau of Yards & Docks
7 December 1850
Commodore,
I have received your letter of the 2nd inst, with plats of the Hospital grounds &c., legal opinions of the Messrs Murdaugh & Son and other papers relating to the title of the U States to the property in question, which in the opinion of the Messrs Murdaugh, in which the Bureau fully concurs, is clear and inconvertible, the heirs of the late Miles King not being entitled to any portion of the Hospital Lands in possession of the U. States.
You will, if not already done, have the property clearly marked off as directed in letter of the 19th July last. Be pleased to state what the probable cost would be to enclose this property with a rough board or other fence.
The plats prepared by the surveyor differing so much from each other, that it is doubtful which, if either, is correct, and it's deemed unnecessary to have them copied for your office. A list of the plates and all the papers transmitted with your letter of the 2nd inst is herewith sent to be placed on file - the papers embraced in the list will be retained in this office.
The surveyor's bill seems to be so exorbitant, as shown by the Messrs Murdaugh, that it cannot be allowed; you will pay their bill for such some as you may deem just and proper under all the circumstance of the case.
Respectfully,
yr ob st,
Jos Smith
Chief of Bureau
Comm. J. D. Sloat
Norfolk
Fort Norfolk Documents
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1820,
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Source of Information
National Archives, Record Group 71 Records of the Bureau of Yards and Docks
Records of the Office of the Chief of Bureau, 1820 - 1946.
Letters Sent 1842 - 95
Vol. 06 of 104, PI-10, E. 1
Page 106