Clinch, Henry A.. "Letter to Charles Baldwin from Henry A. Clinch, New Orleans, Louisiana." (1858) Rice University: https://hdl.handle.net/1911/76413.

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New Orleans Feb. 19th 1853

Dr C. Baldwin
Va.

Dear Sir

Since your leaving 
I have examined more carefully the 
proceedings in the case of the Succession 
of F. H. Petrie, on file in the probate 
court of this city.  I feel satisfied that 
we can succeed in setting aside the 
sale of the lands in this state upon 
two or three informalities contained 
 therein, one strong point being that the 
land was sold on a 12 months bond under 
an order of court that it should be 
sold for cash. Where the interests of 
minors are concerned our Law construes 
the orders of courts strictly & any such 
sale as the one in question is I think, 
clearly informal & void. I omitted 
to mention to you the necessity of Mrs Dunlap 
& yourself proving heirship in order to 
commute an attack upon the proceedings 
in this case. The proof required will be 

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that Mrs. Dunlap is sister to the deceased 
& consequently sues in her right as heir 
at law -- & that you are the natural guardian 
of your minor children, whose right to 
appear is derived through their Mother 
(Harriet Petrie) deceased, also sister of 
the deceased Petrie. These facts we will 
have to prove by a commission from the 
court here. I therefore desire that you 
will forward me immediately the names 
of two or three persons in your neighborhood 
who can swear to the fact that Mrs Dunlap 
& your former wife were sisters of F. H. 
Petrie.  Together with the names of a 
competent Judge, Justice of the Peace, or 
Commissioner for La. in your county & in that 
of Mr Dunlap & whom the commissions 
may be directed to take the testimony of 
such witnesses as you may name.  
I wrote to Madison Parish to discover in 
whose name the land now stands & all 
about it -- have not yet received a reply, 
but at soon as it comes to hand I will 
forward to you.  I only am awaiting the 
neccessary intelligence before commencing 
suit, & the receipt of my very moderate 
retaining fee, which I am confident Mr 
Dunlap will see the propriety of forwarding 

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Your early attention to the contents 
of this will my dear sir very much 
oblige

Your Obt. Servt.
Henry S. Clinch

P.S.
Direct to Box M. 206 N. Orleans

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[[reddish cancellation mark "NEW ORLEANS FEB 22"]]

Dr. C. Baldwin
Union
Monroe Co.
Va.

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