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25 Bayfield Cr
Toronto, Ontario
12th August 1933
Dear Albert,
Thanks very much for your letter received some
weeks ago. Also the articles[?] in the telegram hym[?]
have anything. In the Witness[?] Send[?] it along
well. My wife and I have just got back from St. Louis
A trip of 1,700 miles. He met Cousin Charles Clarke
who certainly has spent a lot of time and money
investigating the Campbell affairs.
After our visit I have come to the conclusion that we
will be the heire of Hazlett Campbell’s estate . He is unable
to make a will as he has been an imbecile for about
thirty five years. He has Liberty Bonds amounting
to $1.750. 000. Besides a lot of property. The value
of which will not be known, until after his death
as it is so tied up with Hughs Estate.
It is all the complicated business our Uncle Robert
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left a document marking his estate a Trust
but no other disposition[?]. I am going to send you
a copy of this very soon.
Hugh was evidently also a peculiar person he
left a sum of $15.000. The income of which was
to be paid to two Jewish Boys. Until they were
twenty seven. These boys recently took action
against the Trust [?] of Hughs Estate to make
out they were adopted sons of Hughs. But with[?] the case
now the Guardians of Hazlett is taking action
as to breaking Hugh’s Will. As he thinks he had no
power to make a will as the document left by uncle
Robert was a trust (I don’t know whether you
are aware or not that Hugh left most of his
money to Yale University.) The trial comes up in Sept.
We saw Hazlett at the old home. He is as [?]
before helpless. Has[?] four[?] attendants the house is
situated in the Downtowns business section. Just
the same as if it was next door to Robinsons Cleavers
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It is full of oil paintings-statues and every conce-
ivable [?] of almost a hundred years of age.
It is really like a museum.
However out of this all, as I said before I have
come to the conclusion that we will inherit Hazlett
Campbell’s Estate. So much so that we went to a firm of
Lawyers who agreed such was a fact. And
Clarke & I engaged them on our own behalfs
to act for us. On a basis that the get 20% of what
is to come to us two. Let the rest of you to do as
you wish. These are a promised[?] reputable[?] firm
in St Louis. And this way of doing things is common
in the States. Though not in English Law. I understand
it may seem a lot 20%. But I hear Margaret Johnston
had engaged someone at 33% per cent. In any case we
have someone who will represent us legally and may save
the Estate $300 000 or more. The Lawyers names are
Moore & Fitch 1237. Boatmans Bank Bldg [Building?] St Louis
Hoping to hear what you have to say. Your [?] Cousin
James H. Hamilton
Transcribed by Brian McCrory