Letters re: Sanford v. Preble lawsuit

2016.381.2144

Letters re: Sanford v. Preble lawsuit

Letters. Collection. Folder of 13 letters relating to Samuel Sanford v. William Preble lawsuit, with mention of a claim by Fernald [and possibly Spurling] 1900-1904. These materials indicate Preble was in so much debt he could have lost his entire property. (See other materials related to suit at end of this description.)1. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr., Counselor at Law (Offices at Ellsworth and Bar Harbor), from Ellsworth, Me. Feb 2, 1900 to Capt. B. H. Spurling, Boothbay Harbor, Maine, 2 ½ typewritten pages marked "Dictated" at the top, with handwritten corrections within. Two suits now pending by [Samuel] Sanford against Mr. Preble [William P. Preble], the second suit causing more delay. Lawyer has taken testimonies and wants to take more testimony; auditor can't make his report until completed. Doubts if there will be a trial in April. Things are complicated by W. H. Preble's death [W.P's son] who knew the details of the case. Lawyer says Sanford did furnish a lot of supplies and labor, even if a bit exaggerated, and thinks there will be a balance due Sanford, even with Preble's charges for Sanford's board and his bill to Sanford (which Peters thinks is over-charged). Suggests stave off both suits until October term and make a decent settlement. "Of course we are for the defendant and the longer we put them off, the more we tire them out, and the better prospect we have of getting a favorable settlement." (This letter was scanned 12/21/16.) [Note: The envelope clipped to this letter is addressed to Mrs. B.H. Spurling, Boothbay Harbor dated June 1901] 2. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr., Counselor at Law from Ellsworth, Me, April 3rd, 1900 to Capt. Benj. H. Spurling, Boothbay Harbor, Maine. 3 ½ typewritten pages marked "Dictated" at the top. Responding to Spurling's letters of Feb. 25 and March 30th. Sanford suits will be delayed until October. "The old gentleman cannot be disturbed as long as we hold off Sanford, and prevent his getting any judgment…" Preble's place is "attached for large sums of money." Spurling and William P. Preble, Jr. [Preble's son] will assist with Preble's matters. Peters talks about Spurling's mention of papers that Mr. Preble gave to William H. Preble, but knows nothing of them. "His property will have to go first for the payment of his debts, and I do not imagine that there will be anything left after the payment of the debts." Mentions Mrs. Fernald's claim on page 3; she stands to get the same percentage as the others. Wonders how long Spurling will be away on his fishing business and if he knows of a good trade in a sloop boat, "a good large boat of the knockabaout style." [Envelope clipped to this letter is addressed to William P. Preble Esq, Cranberry Isles Maine and postmarked June 1901]3. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr. Counselor at Law from Ellsworth, Me, April 25, 1900, to William P. Preble Esq, Cranberry Isles, Me, Two typewritten half-pages, bluish ink, marked "dictated" at the top. Peters writes of his correspondence with Capt. Spurling who is evidently your good friend. They did not have a chance to get down to see Preble before Spurling left for Bristol. He hopes Preble will not "borrow any trouble about the matter" (worry), and Peters is sorry to hear of the "recent grief that has befallen your son's family." With envelope postmarked April 25, 1900.4. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr. Counselor at Law etc from Ellsworth, Me, Sept. 20th, 1900, to William P. Preble, Esq., Cranberry Isles, Maine, Two typewritten half-pages, marked "dictated" at the top. This letter is blurred purplish ink. Peters responds to Preble's "favor" of Sept. 18th and explains he hasn't seen him because he didn't want to disturb him with matters of the case. Auditor is still taking testimony - took the deposition of William P. Richardson last week at Bar Harbor. Richardson's testimony somewhat damaging to Preble. Preble seems to have charged Richardson a lot less than Sanford for shore privileges in connection with the outer weir. Peters has asked Capt. Spurling to come up to Ellsworth and go over the testimony. 5. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr. Counselor at Law etc from Ellsworth, Me, Jan. 24th, 1901, to Capt. B.H. Spurling, Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Two typewritten pages, marked "Dictated" at the top. This letter is purplish ink. Peters responds to Spurling's Jan 7th letter. He says he got the case continued to April with considerable difficulty. The report of the auditor was filed "and I send you copies of his report in each case" (note: copies are not with this letter 12/12/16 they may be with previous catalogue entries), and he asks that Spurling return them to him. Still hoping to procure further delay. Peters says "If the old gentleman holds on until March it would be my idea to have you go to Cranberry Isle and meet Sanford and Mr. Preble, and see if you could not arrange a settlement by setting off to Sanford some land, which he should take title to by deed, to take effect ater mr. Preble's death, that is reserving a life interest to Mr. Preble." "I presume the principal thing now is to make it comfortable and easy for Mr. Preble as long as he lives, and also to save something for your sister who has served so faithfully." 6. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr, Counsellor at Law etc from Ellsowrth, Me, April 15th, 1901, to William P. Preble Esq, Cranberry Isles, Maine. One handwritten page, both sides, marked "Dictated" at the top. Peters responds to Preble's "favor" of the 13th and regrets very much Preble did not follow his instruction to rest easy. He will send copies of the "deeds we passed with Sanford" after they are recorded. Thinks they made a favorable deal with Sanford, the suits are out of court and no litigation pending. Seems Preble may have been confused about some of the details including a shore access right of way. To have contested the report could have entailed considerable expense; Peters speaks of other options they could have taken that wouldn't have been so favorable, reminds him that he'd desired Peters to make the best settlement he could. He'll send details and figures in his next letter.7. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr, Counsellor at Law etc from Ellsowrth, Me, April 22nd, 1901, to Mrs Benj. H. Spurling, Boothbay Harbor, Maine. One and a half typewritten pages, purple ink, marked "Dictated" at the top. Peters responds to Mrs. Spurling's letter of the 18th, saying "Your father was likely to lose the whole of his property, but I effected a settlement, so that he saves a large portion of it." Says he tried to telephone your town (Boothbay) to get her husband to go to the Island but he was away to sea. Mrs. Richardson was not called to testify because "your late bother and your father did not think it wise at the time." He would have been glad to have her testimony. She's "a woman of a very sharp tongue" and "so I rather though at the time that they hardly dared to call her." [Note: Is this Carrie M. Richardson they speak of here?] 8. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr, Counsellor at Law etc from Ellsowrth, Me, June 8, 1901, to William P. Preble Esq, Cranberry Isles, Maine. One typewritten page purple ink, marked "Dictated" at the top. Enclosing the statement in full and detail of settlement with Mr. Sanford, the value placed upon each lot, and a copy of your deed to Sanford and the original [and a copy] of Sanford's deed to you. [Nothing with this letter 12/12/16.] States Preble will be "undisputed n your premises, and free of litigation in your old age." He also states the matter of why Mrs. Richardson was not called as a witness is mentioned in the statement.9. Letter from John A. Peters, Jr, Counsellor at Law etc from Ellsowrth, Me, June 8, 1901, to Mrs. B. H. Spurling, Boothbay Harbor, Maine. One typewritten page marked "Dictated" at the top. Peters sends her the statement of the recent transactions in the suits between your father and Mr. Sanford with a summary of the settlement and other details relating to the closing up of the suits."10. Letter from Wm. P. Preble (by C.M.R) [Carrie M. Richardson] Cranberry Isles, Nov. 15, 1901, to Hon. J. A. Peters, Jr., Ellsworth, Maine. Two handwritten pages, two-sided. Preble is telling Peters about his affairs. On the 29 [next letters illeg], and the day after he found himself locked out from his own buildings when he went to the shore. Preble is very upset: "Must I submit to this, and is there no redress?" Preble also writes that Wm. P. Richardson has purchased of S.C. Sandford [sic] a piece of woodland run off by G. R. Fuller (sp?), on the [southern or northern] part of my home lot which now remains to be proven." Please let him know what to do. He mentions Capt. B.H. Spurling but unclear what he means.11. Letter from Egenia Brumell(sp?) of 304 Harrison St., Syracuse, NY, to her brother Benjamin Spurling of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, dated Feb. 4th, 1903; three, two-sided, handwritten pages. Explains she's been unable to get the facts of the case[Sanford v. Preble presumably]. She wrote to his wife, Fannie. Fannie thought she was crazy. Author says she has endured insults the last time she visited the homestead. How gladly Matilda closed the door on her and father would not say goodbye. Says her dear stepfather who she always loved has since send his blessing and goodbye. Says Preble took Samuel Sanford and the family too much in his confidence. She prayed the Matilda and Dora[?] should die and Sam be deprived of all he thinks will be his. Implores brother to take her advice immediately. Explains the homestead lot belongs to the heirs of Samuel Spurling (now deceased). What father bought since belongs to his children alone. Gives advice and begs her brother to get father to sign to this effect, that undo influence was used and father didn't know what he was doing. He's injuring his children. Undo the wrong. "Sam [Sanford] has no right to it." Do it now [Preble is old and ailing]. Spurling heirs are entitled to that place, so many acres, land, house etc. God is on her side. She is willing to sell to her brother and take out mortgage from him to hold her claim in the property and secure herself. Wants to visit the island next summer. Mentions Frank is in Trinidad and heading north, "Oh that my sons were safe on shore." Carrie [Richardson?] is interested in missionary work at home and is president and treasurer of the "Society." They had a blizzard yesterday. Author will be 68 on 20th June and is still in good physical shape. She has hired a room from a very accommodating man and wife but is tired of the city. Talks about current difficult issues in the world, her predictions for future, and how she works for every penny. Mentions that her brother's eldest daughter is taking medicine for asthma. "I have known poverty and am disgusted with it, particularly when I would like to play lady bountiful."12. Letter from Thulma(?) M. Harding of Lamoine [ME] to her brother Captain B. H. Spurling of Boothbay Harbor, Me, dated Mar. 29th, 1903. Responds to her brother's letter, saying she's of the same mind as before. She can't see why she's called to help take cre of "Esq." [is this Preble?], and she 'does not know of the many benefits I have received from him." Surely my father left property enough to take care of his children. "I know I worked hard enough taking care of The Esq.'s children to pay for all I ever received." She doesn't feel the debt of gratitude. She has never received anything from her father. "Has not the Esq had the benefit of everything my father owned all his life?" Mentions Joseph (her husband?) got a bill for $100 for her wedding clothing. She agrees with her brother that he [Preble] has been wronged by those he chose in place of his own children. She almost lost her island home so she could go live in peace. She's glad Sarah can give up her part so willingly. When he is really ready to buy, she will name her price. She sends her love to Fanny and the family.13. Letter from T. E. Welles, Mayor, City of Pensacola, Fla, to Captain B. H. Spurling of Boothbay Harbor, Me, dated June 13th, 1904. One typewritten page, purple ink. Replies to the Captain's 'favor of the 8th' wondering at his silence. Sorry to hear he had lost two large schools of fish but glad he had a good trip after all. He had two letters from Sam Josephs who never writes much about his stock. He doesn't write unless he has a good trip of fish. Welles says we had just launched another new vessel, The Frances H., named for the wife of Mr. W. G. Robins, Treasurer of A Booth & Co., Chicago. Discusses other boat transactions. Said the vessels had stayed in for the primary election last Tuesday. He only has one more year as Mayor and may be able to get East after that. Closes with: Your friend. [Seems to be unrelated to the Preble lawsuit.]See also other catalogued items relating to these letters:Item Nos. 811-829, 832, depositions, court documents, family correspondence were gifts from a different donor.Item Nos. 1209-1214 are correspondence and documents re: suit, gift of this donor.

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