Newbury-port AprilMar 12. 1785 Sir,

I have several times conversed with Mr. Calf, the bearer, respecting your demand. He seems to be strongly perswaded that the whole has been paid, as well as what Mr. Lowell has indorsed on the Execution, but has no evidence of it except some Charges in his ledger, which do not seem satisfactory. I have hitherto forborn to sue, & the time of service is not out for our next Court till next Tuesday week. The principal reason for forbearance has been & still is, my fears of his ability to pay. From the best enquiry I can make I am convinced he is unable, and should he be able to procure bail on the original process, which is doubtful, I think he must go to Gaol on the Execution, & probably swear out. He will I suppose frankly tell you of his Circumstances, & implore your Indulgence—were it my own debt, I should set it down to the side of Loss, and place my only hope of payment on a Charge of prosperous turn in his favour of which, at his Age however I think there is not any great probability. I am sorry I can give you but little hope concerning your note vs. Griffin, I have wrote to him & recd. his answer pleading his poverty & present inability & promising to pay when able as usual, but on enquiry I find his 331 Circumstances very low since he quitted this town & went to portsmouth, & I am afraid a lawsuit would be throwing good money after bad. However if you signify your pleasure by Mr. Calf, I will put one or both your demands in suit.

I am with esteem your very huml. Serv. Theop. Bradbury

RC ; internal address: “Hon Robt. T. Paine Esq.”

Taunton March 15. 1785. Dr. Sir,

Recd. yours with the Certificate1—wish it may be in my Power to do Something to pay in part for such obligations. Should have been to see you e’er this if the Situation of my family had not prevented.

I have got the money on your Small note vs. Danl. Linkon. Peleg Padelford2 has renewed his note to you, Foster has not as yet Setled. I Enquired of Ed Slead & others abt. Shearman & am Informed that if his Debts were paid he is worth nothing as they think so Shall wait your orders what to do. Should be glad to know what is become of the Excon. Pitts vs. Fuller & wife. Hope you & family are Still in health notwithstanding your great fatigue at the Supreme Court. Please present Mrs. Padelfords & my best respects to Mrs. Paine & accept our hearty wishes for your Happiness.

Am Your friend &c Seth Padelford

Please deler. the Inclosed Exn. to Sheriff Henderson

RC .

1.

Not located.

2.

Peleg Padelford (1729–1812) was an uncle of RTP’s colleague Seth Padelford. He called himself a yeoman of Taunton when he made his will (June 12, 1798) dividing his estate among his wife and eleven children (Bristol County Probate, 47:382–386).