Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 4
In the supplement to the Boston Gazette of 10 March current,1 you have exhibited divers complaints against several Persons for high crimes &c whereupon you claim their Estates in the County of York as forfeited to the sole use of the Common-Wealth of Massachusetts. Among which I observe one against Willm. Brattle Esqr. of Cambridge &c for an Estate lying partly 257 in Biddeford and partly in Arundell, bounded in part on Saco River. Now Sir as I have an undoubted claim to one half, at least, of that tract; which has never been divided between the heirs of Colo. Fitch,2 as one of whom he held, or pretended to hold it; the propriety of which claim is perhaps still liable to dispute: and as I take for granted that you have no desire to involve the innocent with the guilty, I thou’t the above information might not be amiss, in order to prevent it. I am Sir, with Friendship & Respect
As noted in Timothy Frost to RTP, Jan. 12, 1783 (above).
Col. Thomas Fitch (1668/9–1736) had six children including Mary (1706–1775), the wife of Andrew Oliver, and Martha (1704–1763), who married first James Allen and second William Brattle.
My dear, I recd. yours1 last week, & hope this will reach you before you Leave Worcester.2 I am Sorry that the Soreness of your ancle continews I fear you Try to be young & So dont take proper care of it. I have recd. a Small Box of Goods from Mr. Allen I Suppose but no Letter nor invoice they came with Mr. Sherburn the Box is fild with Gauze & Ribbins & Gloves I have put them with the rest till you return which I hope will be Soon. What need you go to Northampton Court—peace was declar:d to day I wish you was at home if their should be any publick rejoycings I hope youll be at home to Bair a part.
Robert & Tommy has had the mump but are Better Harry is coming down with it King3 has been unwell the three days but is Geting Better the rest of our family are well. In haste your affectionate,
Not located.
RTP was in Worcester for a session of the Supreme Judicial Court. Among the cases which were heard at this sitting was Commonwealth v. Nathaniel Jennison, for an assault against Quok Walker. Although this 258 case would have greater ramifications later because it effectively voided slavery within Massachusetts, it made little impact at the time and warranted only one scanty page within RTP’s notes on testimony. For further references to this case and the broader subject of slavery and emancipation in Massachusetts, see RTP to Robert Luscombe, Aug. 21, 1779, n.1 (above).
RTP noted in his diary on Oct. 4, 1782: “King came to live with me”; June 7, 1783: “King went away & Frances Clever came to live with me”; July 23, 1783: “Yesterday Frank Clever went away & King came to live with me.” There were no further diary references to King.