James H. Hamilton to Albert Campbell 12 August 1933. Page 79-81
Page 79 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 Page 80 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 Page 81 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 McCroryClose