Being unacquainted with the rules of proceeding in the land office of the U.S. I am unable to say whether they will admit a patent to be made out for yourself, rather than the heir at law. I suspect it must be for the latter; leaving you to make good your claim in opposition to him in a court of law, but this is conjecture only. Perhaps if not inconvenient for you to come by, you might in conversation give me a more accurate view of the case. Accept my best wishes