Details
MATHER, COTTON, Puritan divine. Autograph manuscript signed in full, entitled "The Answer of the Administrator Upon the Estate of Nathan Howell, deceased and the citation served upon him," n.p., n.d. One page, folio, integral blank, edges untrimmed, tiny holes at two fold intersections, otherwise fine, with clerical docket.
PROBLEMS WITH OVER-ZEALOUS LAWYERS
Mather's formal response, as administrator, to a summons from the Court. He agreed to undertake the task, he explains, "conquered by the importunity of those unto whom it was impossible for him to deny any thing," and as " a Kindness to the widow and the orphan," since, "the payment of the Debt due to a great Number of the creditors, would be a justice very pleasing in Heaven." But, Mather states, "there were two Attorneys constituted," who, "without giving the Administrator the trouble of knowing the particular steps of their management went on vigorously and with a vast Fatigue, and much projection & contrivance," and paid some #4,000 "unto very many creditors." Unfortunately, one Attorney "began to be suspected of some disallowable proceedings"; so three "very worthy gentlemen," chosen by the family, have agreed to examine all the transactions, "that the Remaining Debts...may all be paid." Therefore, Mather "humbly prays that the action which is now prosecuted may be continued until the next court," when "every thing will be done unto ye just satisfaction..." With a full typed transcription.
PROBLEMS WITH OVER-ZEALOUS LAWYERS
Mather's formal response, as administrator, to a summons from the Court. He agreed to undertake the task, he explains, "conquered by the importunity of those unto whom it was impossible for him to deny any thing," and as " a Kindness to the widow and the orphan," since, "the payment of the Debt due to a great Number of the creditors, would be a justice very pleasing in Heaven." But, Mather states, "there were two Attorneys constituted," who, "without giving the Administrator the trouble of knowing the particular steps of their management went on vigorously and with a vast Fatigue, and much projection & contrivance," and paid some #4,000 "unto very many creditors." Unfortunately, one Attorney "began to be suspected of some disallowable proceedings"; so three "very worthy gentlemen," chosen by the family, have agreed to examine all the transactions, "that the Remaining Debts...may all be paid." Therefore, Mather "humbly prays that the action which is now prosecuted may be continued until the next court," when "every thing will be done unto ye just satisfaction..." With a full typed transcription.