Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 4
Mr. Caldwell has shewn me a number of Papers respecting his Claim upon Latta’s Estate:1 It plainly appears from these that Caldwell never had a sufficient Allowance from Latta for the House &c; nor did either of them ever expect it would be deem’d an absolute Conveyance. Viewing Matters in this Light I am very solicitous that Caldwell as an honest, a poor, and innocent man should be righted if posible. He tells me the affair is committed by the House, and is confident that one Word from you in his Favor would remove all Difficulties in his Way; and was anxious I should write you a Line upon it. This I do without hesitation, and would esteem it a particular Favor could you interpose in his Behalf; but, at the 151 same time, am very sensible, that Justice and Humanity will regulate your Conduct in this as in all other Instances.
On May 11, the General Court resolved that Robert Caldwell could redeem the “small house, store, and potash works, with appurtenances” that were mortgaged to William Latta, an absentee, for the sum of £150. (Acts and Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts [1780–1781] [Boston, 1890], Chapter 160 [Apr. 1780], 452–453).