255 Thomas Hollis to Benjamin Colman

    London June 21, 1722

    Mr. Benjamin Colman

    Deare Sir

    Referring to my packet for you by Capt. Osborne, the occasion of these lines, is at request of my Kinsman John Williams, whose son J. Williams sailes passenger with same ship, and is the bearer hereof, a very hopeful Youth. I doubt not your Civilitys to him a stranger for our sake while at Boston. Mr. William Willard of London Marchant who died 4 or 5 years agoe was indebted in trade a good sum of money to Mr. J. Williams, of which £173 Starling has been due above four years. Mr. Joseph Lowe of London and Mr. Josiah Willard6 of Boston are Executors, and whereas Mr. Lowe says he has not effects to pay he has given his letter to Mr. Josiah Willard by this bearer, importing that Mr. Jeffries is indebted to the Testator, and that if he recover the moneis, he should pay it to the bearer who has letter of Attorney to receive all the sum or part of the sum, which is desired may be remitted in peices of eight or Bills of Exchang with good men at current price.

    Understanding you are related by marriage to Mr. Jeffries,7 what I intreat of you Sir is, if you please to speake to your relation on this affaire, that some how in Justice or in kindnes, there may be some returns made by the bearer. I may speake it to you though not without concern, that my Kinsman has been a very industrios man, but of late has mett with so many great losses in trade, and a numeros family to be brought up, that it would be estemed a very favorable Providence to his family if this debt or part of it could be recovered to them. I leave the affaire for you to do as you shal find proper and subscribe my self

    Sir

    Your very Loving Friend

    Thomas Hollis

    PS

    Mr. Neale was here just now and says he has sent you a pacquet by Capt. Osborne.

    [Endorsed:] Received Sep. 13 1722, No. 13.

    Hollis Letters and Papers, p. 31.