[Written on Envelope: Copy of Letter sent to R. S. Cairns Anent farm]
Copy of letter to R. S. Cairns. Scotsb. De. 15/91
Dr Bro. Recd. letter. etc. etc.
As to old affairs on P.E.I let me say that my advice has not been followed at all. during the last couple of years at home. in connexion with your affairs. The offer made you in August came I think as a result of my visit home last summer. As to selling your farm I would like to buy it for J. A. Proudfoot. Christopher says he has enough of land already & if he buys it he would have to go in debt. So I don’t know exactly how it will come out. I don’t know what answer to make you I think your valuation is too high considering the depressed state of the country. $2200 would be over $34 per acre. Allowing $1000 to build a new house on Mary-Jane’s old place near Alberton it would only cost the man who bought it $3800 or about $ 15 per acre & it was advertised in the paper 3 yrs. If I buy it I will want the deed in my name and I will be responsible for the payment. I don’t like to make you any offer lower than the price you set on it, as it might seem to you that I was trying to beat you down in your price. If you cant get your price I can lend you $1000 or $1500 on your place any time you want it, right away if you like.
See what offers you can get elsewhere and let me know before you sell. etc etc etc
J. A. Cairns