Halifax Decr. 3d. 1757 Sir,

By Capt. Jones I recd. the Two Letters1, in which you demand a very particular Answer, which I will do as well as time the Extra: Troubles we are now in on accot. of the Smallpox &c. will allow.

Leigh—dayly promises to pay me part but as yet has not paid me any;—Knox is yet absent;—the Hatt I send in Capt. Jones—Duglass History I have not seen.

I have so dull a prospect now that I Quit any thoughts of Purchasing the House. Have spoke to Mr. Kneeland2 (Mr. Salter being absent) and he tells me that his Brother gave a Deed of one half the House and lott to Mr. Holmes but its being Neglected to be put on Record, he believes there will not be any demand made.

As to payment of half that bond, I expect on accot. (as you will see in the letter inclosed) you will not demand it till Spring. As to the affair between me and Mr. Palmer, I have wrote him and Inclosd it unseald for your Purrusall, and then Pray seal it and send it him.

I have taken an Inventory of my Uncles Effects, and did Advertize the Sale the last of Octor. Soon after a Considerable part was sold—and then in a few days (very suden) Mr. Gleeson died (Mr. Leighs partner) and there not being money to pay for goods sold, they have since been obliged to Administer and so will sell his goods so that in abot. one Month I hope to have the affair Settled. The Smallpox has prevented my selling by hand—& I hope its best. I am to accot. to you for the Rent of the House till May next, so beg you would not order the sale till then if you can help it. This is all that relates to business & I think an Intilligiable Answer to your Two letters.

I should make a remark on the Sharpness of your letter, but I have not time nor spirit to warr in Paper.

There are many many Deaths & Changes here as Capt. Jones Can inform which should direct us to a more Serous Meditation on our own great and last Change. My family are well at present, my Boy (Baptized James Paine ) grows finely. I hope these will find you your Two Sisters Brother & his Family and all Friends well. I rest Your Friend & humble Servt.,

JAMES FREEMAN

RC ; addressed: "To Mr. Robert Treat Paine in Boston. To leave at Capt. Jones"; endorsed.

1.

RTP's letters of Aug. 30 and Oct. 4, 1757.

2.

John Kneeland, also formerly of Boston, was a partner with Malachi Salter in a general merchandise business at Halifax.