"Mad Riv. & Lak Erie R.R. (Towle 565-A-1 Rarity VII "Rare") Mar 2 (1853) blue circular datestamp at left plus matching "5" at right on stampless folded letter to Lafayette Ohio datelined "Kenton O. March 2, 1853" and reads, 

"Dear Sir, I have examined the Grand(?) Bank in company with the agent of the Rail Road Co. The portion of your land from which they wish to take the gravel is about two acres. I suppose the Bank may be worked to the average depth of 10 to 15 feet - is I think mostly very fine building sand, just the article the Rail company want for the top ??ping of the Road. They ought to pay you not less than from 150$$ to 200$$. I have given them no opinion as to the value, but told them I would acquaint you with the facts. I am very respectfully yours, John R. Gunn(?) 

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