Boston June 6th 1767. Sir,

Inclosed you have a Writ Drawn by Mr. Auchmuty against Collo. Richmond high Sherrif of Bristoll County,1 which he & we beg the favor of you to deliver your self to a Coroner to be served in him & return thereof made. Shall Esteem it as a very particular favor (as it is of great consequence to us) to see that he does it properly, and as we have formerly told you that we would be glad to have you continue for us thro the whole of this , so we again repeat it, and will take it kind that you will Endeavour to procure what credence you may think proper, which you can better do, as you are on the Spott, & are knowing to the whole proceeding. Please to lett us heere from you in answer to this. The Continuence of your Freindship will greatly oblige Sir Your most obt. Servtt.

BENJA: & ED: DAVIS

RC ; addressed: "To Robert Treat Paine Esqr. at Taunton"; endorsed. The ellipses indicate a hole in the paper.

1.

Sylvester Richmond was appointed sheriff of Bristol County in 1761 (Whitmore, Mass. Civil List, p. 102). This particular case is not identified although the same month, on June 25, RTP as justice of the peace signed two writs in favor of Richmond against David Briggs of Freetown and David Luther of Swansea (RTP Papers).

Taunton June 16th. 1767 Sr.,

Least you should think I meant to add fuel, to the Fire, I neglected, (untill this time,) Clearing up one point, Hinted in your Letter, which I Easily Can do.

Viz: you say Docr. McKinstrey is Justified in showing you the Letter I wrote to Him. Why? because He has undoubtedly as good a right to show the letter after He had Recd. it, as you had before you sent it; which you say is Evident for that it is not in your Hand writing; & Sr. I can assure you that the Letter sent was my own handwriting, & Done in a secret manner; & a Mr. Crocker who had the Letter I beleive was as Ignorant of the Contents when he Deliver'd it, as you was. & Sr. as I beleive your409Letter, or the words of it, were from an Honest Heart so I Recd. it In a Friendly manner, However sent. I am Yr. Vy. Hm. St.,

APOLLOS LEONARD

RC ; addressed: "To Robert Treat Paine Esqr. Taunton"; endorsed.