Ralph Randolph Gurley to John H. Cocke
| Dear Sir, | Office of Col. Soc. Washington Sep. 2nd 1826. |
Your letter of the 18th ult, was received during my absence; but I believe has received a partial answer, from the acting president of our Board. Indeed, I am unable, myself, to make satisfactory reply to all your enquiries. The Kusciusko fund, is in the hands of Benjamin Lear esqr of this City (now unfortunately on a visit to the north) who has long, been supposed, by me to be the sole & legal Trustee for its management & application.
He has recently, been elected, one of the managers of a very promising Society, in New Jersey, “For the Education of African Youth” & has consented, on certain conditions, to connect this fund with the school, which this Society is about to establish. The whole success of the plans of this Society, depend, if I am not mistaken, upon the arrangements made with Mr Lear, & it is evident, that This Gentleman, has at least, regarded himself, as invested with full powers to dispose of it, in any way warranted by the spirit of the will. A Copy of your letter has been transmitted to Mr Lear at Portsmouth NH. & his return is soon expected.
P.S.
If adequate funds can be obtained our Society propose to send one or two expeditions to Liberia. the present Autumn—May we not hope for some aid from The Auxiliaries in your section of the Country?
I am informed at the State Departmnt that no evidence exists there, of any other testimentary1 disposition of the property of Gen. Kusiusko. May there not be some further account, of a later date, say 1822 or 1823 in the records of the Court?