Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 2
I1 congratulate You & my Countrymen upon the repeal of the Stamp Act the news of which I am told is forwarded this Week from P
Mr. Billington3 is with me urging forbearance 'till Next Fall offering with Sufficient Suretys, to Secure me the payment of the money & Interest365at that Time & in Such manner as shall be recoverable before a single Justice.
I want the money but have no mind to hurt the Man & therfore consent that upon his paying You the whole Cost heithertoo Arisen, You may exchange The Bond in Your hands for Sufficient Security upon the beforemention'd Plann.
And so drop the Suit commenced. In the mean time I am Yr. Respectfully in haste,
N.B.
Peter Thacher (176–1785), minister of the East Parish of Attleboro and descendant of a long line of clerics (Sibley's Harvard Graduates, 10:245–249).
News of the repeal of the Stamp Act reached Boston on May 19. The day was celebrated with fire works and general rejoicing (Rowe, Letters and Diary, 95). RTP was at Plymouth for a session of the superior court. He recorded in his diary on the 19th: 'This day spent in rejoicing for the repeal of the Stamp Acts, a Procession at Plymo. of all orders everyone carrying a Badge of their business & a standard before them with this Inscription, Stamp Act repeald Liberty restored, all Trades flourishing, GOD save the King & Bless the Parliament, in the Evening a fine Ball."
Ichabod Billington of Plymouth.