Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 2
Apprehending that the Members of the general Congress from this Province might have occassion for a Clerk, I1 applied to Mr. Samuel Adams to serve them in that Capacity: and Mr. Quincy in my behalf also spoke to Mr. Jno: Adams: In Addition to these Gentlemen I would request the Influence of Mr. Paine also in my favour to that Office, provided it should be judged expedient by the Committee to appoint a Clerk, which as yet seems to remain doubtful with the above Gentlemen. I mean not however to stand in the way of any other person, who has applied, that the Committee thinks would better serve them in that Capacity. I am Sir Yr. Obt. hule. Servt.,
Perez Morton (1751–1837) was a 1771 graduate from Harvard. He did not get the post he desired but later became a distinguished lawyer and office holder in Massachusetts. He was appointed attorney general by Gov. Elbridge Gerry in 1811 and held the post for 20 years (Sibley's Harvard Graduates, 17:555–561).