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Henley, Samuel (fl. 1788-1795) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04093 Author/Creator: Henley, Samuel (fl. 1788-1795) Place Written: Charlestown, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 January 1789 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 36.4 x 22.8 cm.

Summary of Content: Written in Charlestown, possibly in Massachusetts. Writes to inform Knox that he purchased of Zachariah & Bethiah Fowle a house, barn and land in 1756. He bought them from Thomas Flucker, Knox's father-in-law, to whom the property had been mortgaged. Some time later, he happened to encounter Mr. Flucker and was told that everything regarding the mortgage was arranged to Henley's satisfaction. At the time of the purchase, he and Mr. Flucker were very close friends, and, being unused to buying property, Henley did not read the contract as closely as he should have. Twenty-five years later, Henley's ownership of the property was called into dispute by a Mr. Simson, who also claims to have a mortgage on the property which he arranged with Mr. Flucker. Wonders if Knox has Mr. Flucker's books and can look into the records on the subject. Also, Henley sold the property to Susanna Wollis, and, having heard about this issue, Susanna is beset with anxiety over the ownership of the lands. She has now engaged lawyers and plans to sue Henley. Asks Knox to investigate the manner and help out a "poor unfortunate, and distressed man."

People: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Henley, Samuel, fl. 1788-1795

Historical Era: The New Nation, 1783-1815

Subjects: Revolutionary War GeneralLandlord and TenantEstateChildren and FamilyMortgageContractBoundary or Property DisputeFinanceWomen of the Founding EraWomen's HistoryLaw

Sub Era: Creating a New Government

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