To Mr. de L–, Advocate

10/8/1818

Dear Sir,

The last time I had the pleasure of seeing you, I complained about the extreme slowness with which you and the other lawyers were completing the affairs of the late Mr. Berbiguier’s estate. You assured me that they would be completed by the beginning of October of this year, and that I would be able to return to my hometown. However, here we are on the 9th of the month, and I have heard nothing that indicates a completion. 

I have addressed several letters to Mr. J–, inquiring if he had collected all the funds due on the estate of the late Mr. Berbiguier, in his capacity as executor. I asked him to call a meeting to put an end to this affair. 

This lawyer responded to my first two letters, but only to invite me to his house to give him verbally the information I had requested. I have long been accustomed to being paraded around like this, and did not feel it was necessary to respond to this invitation. I contented myself with writing to him with the complaints I have just explained to you, and to put to writing what he no doubt had good reasons to want to explain to me only verbally.

If I regret anything about my uncle’s inheritance, an inheritance which I should have received, it is that I find myself unable to make anyone happy, which I would have done so in fulfilling my uncle’s intentions. But God has ordained otherwise, and I submit to his decrees.

I hope, sir, that you will neglect nothing on your part to bring about the end of our liquidation. I beg you to be good enough to send Mr. J– the papers you are responsible for, if you have not already done so, and summon the co-heirs as soon as possible to a meeting, which will be the final one. Agree on the place, day, and hour, and please take the trouble to address my requests. 

With respect,

M.B.