48 | To Jeffery Amherst

    Boston May 5. 1761

    Sr.

    I am obliged to trouble you again on the affair of Simon Butler: I have received this day a letter from the father, that He carried a Man to Fort Edward, who was judged unfit; he thereupon went to Albany got another man, presented him & he was judged unfit: Upon which He gave over all thoughts of redeeming him, finding that there was no end of this method, especially if Cap Cruikshanks should not be disposed to part with him253

    I must therefore recollect my first proposal; which was to give 10 guineas for his release, or if that was not enough (I meant for the expence he had been to the Corps, for I did not imagine any profit from him would be expected) as much more as should be required. Cap Cruikshanks changed these terms into those of producing a man that he approved of. The Father brings one man; he is not liked: he brings another; he is not liked. Can any end be prescribed to this method of proceeding? He has allready expended as much money, as would, I suppose, in my method have redeemed his Son: but in the present He may expend ten times as much & not redeem him after all.

    The chief motive for my engaging in this business was to releive a family distressed by the unwaringness of the Son: I could have added some circumstances concerning his inlistment, that would have given some kind of title to a discharge upon the terms of reimbursement. But as I have not been able to succeed, I am sorry, that this Man has over rated my importance so much to his cost. I must however, at all events return my thanks to you for the trouble you have given yourself on this subject. I am, with great regard, Sr

    Your most obedient humble Servant

    Fra. Bernard

    His Excelly Genl Amherst

    ALS, RC WO 34/26, f 98.

    Amherst’s solution was for Butler’s father to take a substitute recruit to Capt. Moncrieff, who was to advise on his suitability pending an examination by the army surgeon. Amherst to FB, New York, 17 May 1761, WO 34/27, p. 219.