New Bern, N.C.
Nov. 12: 1915.
Hon. Locke Craig -
Executive Mansion;
Raleigh, N.C.
My dear Governor;
As Dr. Mitchell's oldest grandson, permit me, for the descendants in this state, to thank you most heartily for your interest and action concerning the summit of Mt. Mitchell, where he is buried. I have been following the course of events since the passage of the Bill creating the Park. I wrote you once, suggesting my brother's name as of one eminently qualified to act on the comn., and he lives in Rowan, rather conveniently, E. M. Summerell, M.D. as I felt that a member of the family should appear in the proceedings some where, or in some capacity. But I concluded best not to send it.
Now as the long lost Deed has come to light; and as this lot at the Summit was not [devised?] by my Aunt Miss M. E. Mitchell, and as one of her heirs at law, I wish to assure you that, without consultation with my two sisters and my brother, the state will have no difficulty in acquiring Title to our share in that lot. I am ready, willing, and anxious to sign a deed of gift to the state for all my rights there. I do not think that there is a descendant of Dr. Mitchell who would be willing to make profit on his resting place.
There is in California another family of Grand-children, who may be heirs at law with us, as Miss Mitchell's nephews and nieces. They are Richd Ashe's children. Mrs. Josephine Wakefield, Statesville, N.C. was the Executrix of Miss Mitchell's will. She can give you such facts as you require. She is the daughter of my oldest sister, who lives with her, Mrs. Anna M. Coit.
My Brother, Dr. E. M. S., lives near Barker's Junctn. His address is China Grove, N.C., R.F.D. Mrs. J. R. Chamberlain, Raleigh is the other member of the family. All four in N.C.
I am greatly relieved that there will be no trafficking with my grandfather's bones. Again thanking you for your interest and assuring you of glad assistance to the effort of the state in securing title to the acre at the summit, I am
Yours faithfully,