1862 May 8, Clifton, to Henry Cope

              Clifton May 8th 1862

Dear Cousin., 
 
 It has occurred to me since writing my last letter that it might be best to inform thee how my father acquired the title to the lands Ive inherit from him. They were purchase by him, by Uncle John Tomas of the State of Penna. The Legislatures Land office being about that time / 1772 in Philadelphia. The Legislature at that early period - had made a rule that the public lands should be sold in tracts not exceeding 480 acres each- and that no individual should be permitted to purchase more- but finding this plan did not answer- they concluded to allow purchaser to buy more largely. On condition that they would find a number of nominal purchasers of 400 acre tracts- each receiving a deed poll for every tract- and then transferring them to the purchaser. Accordingly Father and Uncle John found a number of their friends & acquaintances to do this - and in this way bought of the state about 2500 acres of land under different Warranter homes. Uncle J Thomas becoming embarrassed and owing a debt to the firm of Adams and Loughey - his interest was free wh to sale- and bought by my father - who became sole owner of these lands. this transaction- is mentioned in the [land] deed now in my possession- which I am persuaded gives a clear title to the land. The deed polls for these traits