Lynchburg, Va.
My Dear Sir: --

I have the pleasure of your esteemed favor of the 16th. You have been correctly informed. Since you were here, very much to my astonishment, I have been able to purchase Mr. Blackwell's interest in the Drug Store corner, but as yet no papers have been passed as Mr. Blackwell has been out of town almost all the time since. It is my intention, if I can close this trade, to erect a bank building on this property, but this, I will not be able to do until the coming year. I have written to the gentlemen who are most largely interested in the National Bank, and they all feel that your rent is excessive, though they have not declined taking it, nor will not until they meet here on Tuesday the 20th. As I understand it I have an option on the building until that date. Of course I would very much regret you losing an opportunity through me of renting the building. I understand that there are parties in town who will open a bank in your building provided I will not take it. I don't know what this rumor amounts to. If it does not suit my stockholders to take your front room, would you be willing to rent me the back room for a Savings Bank? We held our initial meeting in the Savings Bank matter to-day and adjourned until Monday, when we hope to procure it. I like your back room for this business, and if my stockholders do not see fit to occupy your front room for a National Bank, I would like to occupy your back room for a savings bank. Let me know if this will suit your pleasure.