Joseph M Lawrie letter to Thomas Rotch, New Albion 11th mo 25th 1816

               
 A-242-2
               New Albion   11th mo 25th  1816
  
  Respected friend  Thomas Rotch,
     On the benefit of thy last Letter of the 4th last I propose shortly to answer it, but however the time hath passed on, untill  the present - when now it has become Necessary --
     I do not know what our friend Richard Imlay, hath done in your Quarter in respect to securing or improving Maria's property, more than as he states it which may and may not be Correct, however if thou will please to take the trouble to inform me the present state and conditions of the Lotts in Kendal with the Separate Value or Nearly so - Also all Other of thier lands known to thee in that Quarter, with the Supposed present - Value.  I will take it kind.
    As it hath become actually Needfull for me to make
  myself acquainted with the Value of Maria's property
  as she is disposed from time to time to put Richard in
  possession of it from Motives of tenderness and
  affection doubtless, for his relief - I do not know what  way Richard disposes of it but he has got so Entangled or hampered that apparently he appears not be know what way to turn himself- with his & his Wife, Entreaties
  I have had frequently to endorse his paper to keep him footloose. they both haveing declared that I shall be
  made whole from Sales of her property, to secure which we are about to enter into a written article, therefore it becomes necessary(again repeating it, that I should be made fully acquainted with the Value of her property - Notwithstanding I do not apprehend there is Immediate danger of their becomeing Bankrupt, but the prospect is exceeding dull unless something unforeseen should be favorable to their relief-
   If thou will be so kind as to take the trouble of it I should feel under obligations to thee if thou will Act by a power of Attorney to Convey such property as thyself & Richard shall agree upon, or as thou in thy own Judgment may most approve of - as Richard proposes to pay you a visit shortly if thou thinks proper to Consult them on the business so be it.
                    I remain with Respect - thy Friend
                                 Joseph M. Lowrie