xii REPORT OF THE

pany. We have not since heard anything from this Com-
pany until the writing of this report.

On the 19th of December the following letter was received
at this Department from Mr. Pratt, enclosing letter received
by him from President Gowen :

BALTIMORE, Decr. 17th, 1878.
HON. Tnos. J. KEATING, Comptroller,

Dear Sir:—I wrote Mr. Gowen to send the certificate he
agreed to give and the check, and have recd, the enclosed
reply.

I have written him I don't think his lease has any bear-
ing on the suit he named, or his contract with the State.
You will take such action as you see proper.
Yours respectfully,

(Signed,) ENOCH PRATT.
Letter of President Gowen to Mr. Pratt:

PHILADELPHIA AND READING RAILROAD COMPANY,

General Office 227 South Fourth Street.
Philadelphia, December 14th, 1878.

ENOCH PRATT, ESQ., Baltimore, Md.,

My Dear Mr. Pratt:—My absence has prevented an
earlier reply to your favor of the 5th of Decr. A suit has
been commenced by one of the holders of a loan of the Sus-
quehanna and Tide Water Canal Co. which we have guar-
anteed, but which it was of course incumbent upon the Tide
Water Canal Co. to extend or get out of the way.

I think, in view of the danger that may result to us as
lessees by reason of this action, we ought to withhold the
money due to the State of Maryland until the danger from
the suit to which I refer is over.

Very respectfully,
(Signed,) F. B. GOWEN, Prest.

I agree with Mr. Pratt and respectfully suggest, that the
Board of Public Works and the Attorney General take cog-
nizance of this matter. Interest is also in arrears upon the