Sea-Land’s chairman released the text of a letter.

The harshly worded letter rejected Dallas financier Harold Simmons’ takeover offer as manipulative and said it shows that he does not intend to treat company shareholders fairly. “We have repeatedly told you in person, in writing and through your advisers that the Sea-Land board will consider in good faith any firm offer--from you or any other party--that provides fair and measurable value to all Sea-Land shareholders,” company Chairman Joseph F. Abely Jr. said in the letter. “Instead of taking the board up on its invitation, you have chosen to continue your manipulative attempt to take control of the company in the open market,” Abely wrote.