James Murdaugh Letter 18 September 1852
Commodore Breese
Portsmouth September 18th 1852
Dear Sir,
Since I had an interview with you on yesterday respecting the claim of Mr. King to a partition of the Hospital grounds of the United States. I have deemed it proper to say, that it is very clear that he has no title to any partition of this land, and while Com. Sloth was in command at this station, I examined into the title of these lands, and the result of my examination is I presume on file in the Navy Department. You are aware that John Harper and James G Bryer have made an entry upon all of the Hospital lands, and the United States District Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia has filed a Caveat in the Circuit Court of Norfolk County, which will probably be tried at the next term of the court from my information respecting these lands. I would advise the Secretary of the Navy (through you) to do nothing in relation to this supposed claim of Mr. King, He has no more title to the land then Queen Victoria; and that he better write to William T Joyner the District Attorney, who is a gentleman of very fine legal attainments, and who is unremitting in the discharge of the duties of his office, he understand every thing concerning these lands, and he ought to do nothing it seems to me, but under his advice. If you deem it necessary you may enclose this letter to the Secretary of the Navy.
I am Dear Sir,
your obedient servant,
James Murdaugh
Commandant U. S. Navy Yard
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Source of Information
National Archives, Record Group 71 Bureau of Yards and Docks
Letters Recieved from Commandants of Navy Yards -- Norfolk
May 3 1852 - June 28 1853
Box No. 157, Entry 5