Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 4
When I saw you yesterday I found Mr. Pitts had spoken to you on the Kenebeck Company’s Affair.1 I introduced it to you, that we might have had some confabulation upon it: but your business not then permitting, it must be deferred to a time that will be agreable to you. Mr. Pitts was desired to let you know, that as the Kenebeck Company are sensible you are much pressed with public business, and that it is impossible for any Gentleman alike circumstanced, to give to their affair the attention which the nature of it requires, they have desired Mr. Lincoln to undertake the 153 management of it; and authorized him, if an assistant should be needful, to get Such an one as he thinks proper.
You will permit me to say, that I am very Sorry the Company cannot have the advantage of your abilities in the manner they could have wished: If you will please to favour Mr. Pitts the Company’s Treasurer, with your account, it will be paid in a Short time. In the name of the Kenebeck Committee, I am with much esteem
The proprietors neglected their property from the Revolution until 1796, during which time squatters had settled on the land. For details, see “A Brief Sketch of the Kennebec Claim” in J. W. Hanson, History of Gardiner, Pittston and West Gardiner, 1602–1852 (1853), 29–54; and Gordon E. Kershaw, Kennebeck Purchase (1971).