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[399] acre, or none at all. General Whittlesey was of the opinion that in a few years' time enough of such a property could be sold to pay Mr. Smith's price, and still leave us a reasonable portion as a reserve for our use. I, too, felt sure of it. Suddenly, I said: “Mr. Smith, what terms will you give us on the whole tract”

He answered: “One third down and the balance in one and two years.”

“All right,” I answered, “we will take the land provided you give us a clear title.”

His wife turned pale at the suddenness of the bargain, and there was evident excitement in all the company present. After we had left the house, General Whittlesey, who was a good business man, remarked with a smile: “Well, general, if the trustees do not sustain us in this purchase, we can handle it without them.”

We were sustained by our board, though the question of money troubled them. Time was gained by finding that there were several incumbrances which required negotiation and settlement. At last, Mr. Smith deducted on this account two thousand dollars ($2,000) and the settled price became one hundred and fortyseven thousand five hundred dollars ($147,500). General Whittlesey and Mr. R. M. Hall were constituted our land agents with power to advertise and convey. The trustees authorized them to make surveys and maps, and instructed them to sell all the lots over and above the University Reservation.

Later, in his report to our board, which unkind criticism had drawn out, Whittlesey made several interesting statements; for instance he wrote: “When appointed the agent of the board the task was set ”

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Eliphalet Whittlesey (4)
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