Rare ALS signed “J. S. Copley,” one page both sides, 7.5 x 9.25, mailing panel postmarked January 2, 1800. Copley writes to Messrs. Williams and Brooks. In part: “Gentlemen, I am at a loss to conjecture what answer I am to be given to what I had the honour of stating to you in my last, except a denial of the matter of facts. In the middle of August, long before Mr. Morley had any claim upon me, I gave him my note, upon his…that it should be twice renewed. The proposition came in all its parts from him; and I…to it chiefly with a view to his accommodation. It was a fair agreement there was on both sides an equivalent. I have performed my part; I call upon Mr. Morley to cut with honour and perform his. It will save both him and myself much trouble.
I offered to give a third note, in pursuance of the agreement or, as this is the only transaction I have ever had with Mr. Morley, I proposed if he was dissident of my punctuality to give him security upon real property—as to his terms, give me leave to say, that I have lived long in the world and have never yet found it necessary to support my own credit by any application to my friends. It is a measure to which I shall resort only in the last instance, much for the purpose of defending myself against a claim founded upon a departure from a positive agreement which was expressed in the most unequivocal terms and besides being supported by the fullest evidence was confirmed and acknowledged by Mr. Morley in presence of my son and the whole of my family. I must again request that in the further prosecution of this affair you will give me such reasonable notice as may enable me to communicate with my solicitor and make the necessary provisions to secure me from personal insult.” The second integral page bears an address panel written in another hand. In very good condition, with intersecting folds (several extra vertical folds), one through a single letter of signature, scattered wrinkling, mild toning and soiling, ink “X” through first few lines of text, and a few tape repairs to integral second page. The writing is dark and clear throughout, and much of the black wax seal remains. RR Auction COA.
