J.K.W. Bracken to J. Ross Clark p 2

p 2J.R.C. # IIis "going to try & make such an arrangement with Mr. Ashton" Ofcourse I could say nothingto him one way or another. But when the recent announcement was in the papers he cameover to me to see about these matters. I ofcousetold him that I knew nothing ofcourse hadnothing to do with it for the present at least.Altho he has a tough name he is not a bad man if working for us- and quite a hard worker when able. He worked years ago for theStewarts managing their cattle and knows every foot of the countryIf watched he might be of great service to us surely would be a dangerous proposition indipendent. The only way we could buy his few cows is by shoving him out of the country or taking himin our employ. From present information I would advise the latter-and then farm labor is going to be very hard forus to get here- As yet I have been unable to get any cow-boy & have had to do what riding was possible with one of the farm handswho know very little more of the range than