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Fort Sully D.T. Dec 20th 1883 A B Cruckshank Atty & Comm 55 Liberty St [?] Dear Sir Yrs of 15th just received. I wish you to settle the estate of Mrs Maria Paulding just as soon as possible. You tell me that you have mortgage representing $3000. If I recollect rightly the will distributes $1700 as special legacy - $500 to me & $200 each to six nephews & nieces. There should be no debt whatever. After those legacies are paid the residue of the estate belongs to my wife Mrs Julia P. Dodge & should be paid to her. It appears however that she has immediate & most pressing need of $1000, & on Oct 14 she sent me for signature a deed & mortgage (which I enclose you) asking me to sign - for her benefit.