At 11:57 AM 1/16/97 -0500, you wrote:

>>
>>I have been asked to restore the lettering on a US Civil War document
>>from 1865. I think this is crazy because it seems like it will invalidate
>>it. Is this not authentic any longer if I trace over it? The owner says
>>she has looked into it and it isn't worth anything other than sentimental
>>value so she says she will do it herself if I don't do it.
>>
Return it to her. At best she is asking you to cast aside your professional
integrity; at worst you might be getting baited into a lawsuit of yourself
or your institution. Even off work you can be seen as representing your
institution if you are working in a professional capacity.

It ain't worth it!
----------------------
Byron Johnson, Director
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
P.O. Box 2570, Waco, Texas 76702-2570
E-Mail: [log in to unmask]
------------------------------
"...Unless a people are educated and enlightened it is idle
to expect the continuance of civil liberty or the capacity
for self-government."
Texas Declaration of Independence,  March 2, 1836.