Queen's Road 19th Sept 1881
Dear Dr Leitel,
Statements of a most injurious nature, reflecting upon the honour and private character of a gentleman, a resident of long standing in this Colony, have been made under the alleged authority of your name.
The gentleman in question has been for many years past the professional adviser of my firm and I write at once to ask if your name is used with your authority - if not then I am sure you will be glad to place me in a position to give an immediate and emphatic contradiction to the rumours which to me appear incredible.
I should add that one of my informants, himself a member of Council, gave me to understand that ...
E. J. Eitel D. D.
You...