Bath-Town March 9.1752 Sr.,1

When I was at Newbern the last Year, I took a Note of Abra: Sheppard junr. of Contenecte2 for some Goods I sold him to the Value of £12.9.11 Proc. Before I went out of the Country I went to his House, he gave me the inclos'd Note of Hand of John Lanes in favr. of him Endors'd to me for 55 Galls. of WE India Rum, wch. is worth 5/4 a Gall. here. I left it in the Country but Nothing was done. I now Make bold to send it to you (thinking that you know the Man) Asking it as a Favr. that you would be pleas'd to transact the Matter for me, for my Business will not suffer me to be at Newbern. If he should not be at Court be pleas'd to send the Papers back again that so I may take some other Method with him.

Sr. if you'll transact this Matter for me you'll add one more obligation to many all ready recd. by yr. much obliged humble Servt.,

ROBERT-TREAT PAINE

LbC ; addressed: "To Jos. Balch Esqr. Mercht. at Newbern"; no LbC of enclosure.

1.

Joseph Balch, merchant and justice of the peace of Craven County, North Carolina, was a large landholder in the county and served as a commissioner on navigation for Port Beaufort (Colonial Records of North Carolina, 4:759. 805, 23:375).

2.

Now Contentnea Creek, a branch of the Neuse River.