July 1760 Sr.,

I flatter my self you'll accept of the inclos'd, as tis the effects of my ebullient Genius. I send it in time that you may wear it to Commencment,1 for then perhaps may be the very Crisis. You see I have your interest at heart, and you may depend on it Sir if their should be any Services in which my Service may be any ways serviceable to you I shall not only alway serve you, but shall endeavour to serve you. But my design was not to make a long193scrawl, for the shorter my scrawl is, the more time will it save, and the saving of time has very much my attention. Yours, in hast,

LAVINIA

P.S. I should be glad to see that Peice you told me of, as you did not promise me, I can't demand, but if you knew how much any of your productions gratified me, I am satisfied my request would have your concuring consent. If you see fit to favor me, give it to Sister B—n and I'll convey it safe to you again.

RC ; addressed: "For Mr. Paine"; docketed in RTP's hand: "from & to Lavinia on a Bag." RTP's answer dated July 1760 is in shorthand and has not been deciphered.

1.

Commencement was on July 16.

Charlestown Sepr. 16:1760 Mr. Paine Sir,

I1 have been at your house Several times to see you in ordr. to Settle the Note hand you have against Phineas Jones Deceas'd but I cod. not find you and as my business calls me out of Town this Morning must beg you will write us & sent the accot. of the Note & Interest & We will pay you Imeadiately per Returne of sd. Vessell as we are settling all them affairs. Inclos'd you have your Deceas'd fathers Rect. for an Ordr. on him in favr. Mr. Jones by John Maylem wch. Note we dont understand. Please to let us Know what it means as it appears to us it was to Discharge part of what Mr Jones ow'd your Deseas'd father. However by looking into the Affair you will be able to Informe us which hope you will do soon as we want to Discharge it, & its time you was pd. I am Sir Your huml. Servt.

RICHARD CODMAN

RC ; addressed: "To Mr. Robert Treat Paine att Boston"; endorsed. RTP calculated on the address the sum owed as £125.7.8.

1.

Richard Codman (1729–1793) of Charlestown, Mass., removed to Falmouth, now Portland, Maine. A merchant, he also became a prominent citizen there serving as deacon of the First Church for 12 years and as a selectman for 2 years (Willis, History of Portland, 795–796; Cora Codman Wolcott, The Codmans of Charlestown and Boston, 1637–1929 [Brookline, Mass., 1930], 6–7, 63–64).