A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Robert Treat Paine Papers

Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 2

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From Robert Auchmuty and Henry Laughton
Auchmuty, Robert Laughton, Henry RTP
Jany. 18: 1765 Sr.,

Inclosed you have a Copy of a Note. Pray on the receipt thereof instantly make out a process on the absconding act agst. Thomas Cobb of Attleborough as trustee to Mr. Nathl. Wheelwright.1Dispatch in these cases often prove of Service. Mr. Johonnot2 is like to be a very great Sufferer & is my friend therefor if you can Serve him either in Attaching in Cobbs hands or in any other persons you will very much oblige Yr. hume. Servant

ROBT. AUCHMUTY

I take the liberty to add to the above that if any thing can be savd. it will be serving a number orphans who are greatly concern'd. Have but a moments time can only add that the Town is in the utmost Confusion. This note is but little more than half the Debt. Your most humbl. Servt.

HENRY LAUGHTON

RC ; endorsed. Attached to note: "Boston 23 Januay. 1764. I Promise to pay Mr. Francis Johonnot or his Order Two Thousand pounds Lawful Money on Demand for Value Received with Interest Untill paid £2000. Signed by Nathl. Wheelwright."

1.

Nathaniel Wheelwright (1721–1766), a prominent Boston merchant, was in severe financial trouble at this time. In January 1765 he disposed of all his heavily-mortgaged Boston properties to his brother-in-law Charles Ward Apthorp. In February his creditors petitioned the General Court to protect Wheelwright from any civil suits for six months until he could reorder his affairs, but that bill was not passed. Over the next few months, several law suits were commenced against Wheelwright's estate of which Cobb was apparently appointed a trustee. Wheelwright himself left town, and the Boston Gazette (June 9, 1766) noted his death at Guadeloupe, calling him "late a considerable merchant at Boston" (Thwing Index; Journals of the House of Representatives, 41:216, 220, 223).

 2.

Francis Johonnot (1709–1775), a Boston merchant and distiller, later a member of the Sons of Liberty (NEHGR 7[1853]:143).
From James Otis, Sr.
Otis, James Sr. RTP
Boston Febr. 9th 1765 Sir,

For Some Certain Reasons I Shall Take it as a favor If you Would Send me your Judgmt. In writing what an Hundred acres of Captn. Cobbs Land In Taunton and one Hundred acres of his Land In Attleborough with the buildings Thereon are Bona fide Worth according to the Common Estimate of Apprizement there of and I Want to Know wheither you320Think Captn. Nathan Hodges Capt George Morey or Thos Morey Esqr. of Some of them are not Sutable men to apprise the Same. I am Sir your Humble Sert.

JAMES OTIS

PS I want to Know wt. pr. Cent Lands Sett of By Execution In your neighbourhood Bring In.

JO

RC ; addressed: "For Esqr. Robert Treet Paine In Taunton These"; endorsed. Numerical tallies and a long undeciphered note in RTP's shorthand appear on the address leaf.