Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 2
Chas. W. Apthorp & Co.1 has a Bill Sale from Ratcliff Hellon of a Ship now in the Stocks in Swansey wch. I2 pray you woud Take Possession off to Defend agt. the Demands of any Person whatever, & Get the369Said Vessell Valued, that I may give his acct. Credit for the Valuation. Your Hble. St.
Charles Ward Apthorp (1729–1797), a Boston native, in 1755 went to New York, where he became a lawyer, was active in business and served on the governor's council (1763–1783). As a loyalist, his estates in Massachusetts and Maine were confiscated after the Revolution, although he was allowed to retain his New York lands (Leonard Foster Apthorp, Brief Records of the Lives of Certain Members of the Apthorp Family [1931]. Manuscript at Mass. Hist. Soc.).
William Molineux (1716–1774), a Boston merchant who was a member of the radical group who furthered the cause of liberty. Opposed to the arrival of the British troops in 1768, he later served on the committee appointed by the Boston town meeting on March 2, 1772, to request the withdrawal of the troops from Boston (John Richard Alden, "A Letter from William Molineux," New England Quarterly 17[1944]107–108). He was not a regular member of the bar.
I1 saw Mr. Mullinex this morning he prays that youd take Emediate Possession of the Ship & Leave her in the Care of Mr. Robinson or some master to have an over sight to her as its a matter Concerns him that from Sr. your H. Ser.,
A warrant, dated July 10, 1766, was issued by Thomas Hutchinson, as chief justice, to attach the effects of Ratcliffe Hellon, late of Taunton, merchant, "since an absconding or concealed debtor." RTP, John Adam, and George Williams, all of Taunton and creditors of Hellon were appointed trustees of his estate. The three trustees took their oath on Aug. 1. The original warrant is in the RTP Papers.
I recd. yours1 this day. Wood has been with me & we have att last settled the matter. I should have Informd. you of it before now, but that he promised to do it himself. You will therefore proceed no farther in this matter. We have nothing remarkable in this small & unfrequented370poor fishing Town. I suppose an Inhabitant of the Large & opulent Town of Taunton (which is to be the Capital of a New Goverment in the next Periodical revolution of Minesterial Whims) wont Expect any Intelligence from hence. I am Sr: in great Haste with the greatest respect to your Lady & Family. Your Most Humbe. Servt.
P:S: You will take proper Care of our Parish Business.
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