Joseph M. Lawrie letter to Thomas Rotch, Trenton 10th mo 15th 1815

               
  A-242-1
       Trenton 10th mo 15th 1815
  Respected Friend, Thomas Rotch,
    I rec'd they Letter of information concerning Richard Imlay on the (10th instant) dated 23rd of last mo, since the reception thereof I have been Much perplexed, in Mind on Richard's conduct, and Maria's Account, I hardly know which foot to Set foremost or in what way to answer thy Letter - Maria, is out on a religious Visit therefore to Consult her is out of the                                                           converse
Question, there seem'd to be no Alternative but to ^with
Richard on the Occation, whom I saw Same day I received Letter for the first time since he was in your Country, which perhaps is not to be wondered at when we take into                                        his
  consideration the embarrassed State of ^ Affairs, and total Neglect of Attending Friends meetings - I feel the More excusable on taking this freedom with Richard because I believe plain dealing will be Absolutely Necessary before a great while-
     Thus much between us; because I believe we both wish him well - I have heretofore understood from Maria that thou town lots was in such train after Richard's Visit there last Spring that no difficulty was to be apprehended, and I am much disappointed, to find from thy Statement, of his noncomplyance of Contracts with his Workmen-
     As if appears Necessary that some plan should be-
adapted to save some of the Lotts, I don't know any way more Elligiable if thou will take the trouble of it than
to dispose of some to save some for Maria's sake-
      I nrespect to the deed of Trust from thee to me which hath not been recorded, neither is it Worth While as the deed must have thy real seal instead of a Scrawl with a pen to Convey Land in this State - This is the Advice of an Emminent Lawyer in Trenton - therefore I return it to thee which put it in thy power to place that property of Maria's in such situation as thou may think best to her advantage