And affiant says that the amount realized from the assets of the Backus Oil Company, including purchase price, has been about one hundred and thirty-three thousand dollars ($133,000), and a part of its assets have not yet been converted into money as affiant is informed." Mr.Marr, who was, it will be remembered, the widow's representative, refers to the negotiations leading up to the purchase and says: "But affiant says that nothing that was said by Mr.Jennings or anybody else during their progress could be construed into a threat, nor did anything that was said or done by said Jennings hasten or push forward said trade." He also says: "Affiant says that the negotiations extended over a period of from two to three weeks ...

and during their pendency that Mrs.Backus frequently urged affiant to bring the same to a conclusion as she was anxious to dispose of said business and relieve herself from further care and responsibility therewith.

And when the said offer of purchase by said Jennings upon the terms aforesaid was conveyed to her by affiant, she expressed herself as entirely satisfied therewith." Mr.Maloney made an affidavit that he was superintendent of the Backus Oil Company from the time of its organization, and also a stockholder in the company, and had been associated in business with Mr.Backus for many years previous to his death; that he took part in the negotiations for the sale, representing Mrs.Backus in the matter.
After speaking of the negotiations, he says: "Finally, after consultation, the proposition was made by her to dispose of the works, good-will, and successorship for $71,000.

A few days after the proposal was made to her to pay the sum of $60,000 for works and good-will, and to take the oil on hand at its market price, which proposition she accepted, and the sale was concluded.
"During these negotiations Mrs.Backus was anxious to sell, and was entirely satisfied with the sale after it was concluded.

I know of the fact that about a year and a half previous she had offered to sell out the stock of the Backus Oil Company at from 30 to 33 per cent.