Boston Novr: 23d. 1781 Sir,

You have herewith inclosed the Resolution of the General Court respecting Mr: John Temple with the Papers accompanying it agreeable to the Advice of Council, which I now lay before you, & am persuaded that you will make such enquiry into his Conduct & pursue such a Course of procedure as is by Law prescribed.1

I have the Honor to be with Sentiments of Esteem, Sir, Your very humble. Servt., John Hancock

RC ; internal address: “Honble. Robert Treat Paine Esqr.”

1.

The resolution, dated Nov. 2, 1781, read: “Whether Mr. John Temple, by his conduct, has forfeited his title to the rights and privileges of a subject of this Commonwealth.” No evidence being provided, the General Court resolved that papers be returned to them, “presuming that the Governor with the advice of Council, will take every legal and constitutional measure, touching the subject mater of this message, that the nature of the case requires” (Acts and Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts [1780-1781] [Boston, 1890], Chapter 332 [Sept. 1781], 805–806).

Taunton November 24th. 1781 Dear Sir,

I recd. yours1 by Murphy, & have as you mentioned Secured your Potatoes in my Cellar. I have also Spoke the Tisdales respecting the note & they say the money shall be ready by the time you are here at Court. The assissors advertisemts. are not yet posted up & suppose you’l be here time enough to address them upon the subject of Taxes. The Negro Girl I have not seen or heard from since —.2

Sir, I must first, apollogize for Troubling you with so many requests but hope it may fall in my way Some time to Serve you as much, then request you to peruse the 2 writs against Eddey & see if I do not mistake in mentioning Coll. Church’s name in the writ as I have done & also in not mentioning it in the “To Damage” I Cannot Satisfy my self by my books, & If wrong pray make the alterations. I am also at a Loss to know whether Eddy is of Stoughton or Stoughtonham. Eddy acts as Agent or purchaser to Dauby the Frenchman.

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Be kind enough Sr. to give the Inclosed to an officer, & Tell him to Enquire, which Town is right & Act accordingly by putting in “ham” if necessary.

I hope these will find you & Lady & family in good health—mine are so—Mrs. Padelford3 Joins in Complts. to you & Lady. If you have any Commands here please send them to your Freind Humbe. Servt.

Seth Padelford

RC ; internal address: “Robt. T. Paine Esqr.”; endorsed.

1.

Not located.

2.

This probably refers to the ongoing search for domestic servants in the Paine household. RTP regularly noted the comings and goings of the male servants but seldom mentioned the female servants, who were under the supervision of Mrs. Paine.

3.

Mrs. Padelford was born Rebecca Dennis (1756–1822) and married Seth Padelford in 1777. She was the mother of fourteen children, seven of whom died in infancy (Collections and Proceedings of the Maine Historical Society, 2d ser., 1[1890]:209).