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Offered here is an original handwritten stampless folded letter dated February 13, 1816, written from Boston by Peter Oxenbridge Thacher (1776–1843), a prominent lawyer, legislator, and later Judge of the Municipal Court of Boston. The letter is addressed to Richard G. Randolph, Esq., a counselor-at-law in Newport, Rhode Island.
The content concerns the collection of a debt owed from Mr. Clapstein to Mr. Daley, with Thacher urging Randolph to remit balances after deducting postage and customary charges. This letter illustrates the mechanics of early 19th-century legal and debt-collection practice in New England, as well as Thacher’s role as an intermediary in legal financial disputes.
Biographical Notes:
Peter O. Thacher (1776–1843): A respected Boston attorney, legislator, and later Judge of the Boston Municipal Court (1823–1843). A member of a distinguished New England family, Thacher was widely known for his legal opinions and civic leadership.
Richard G. Randolph, Esq.: A Newport-based attorney active during the early 1800s, involved in debt and contract cases. He represented Rhode Island clients and served as legal correspondent for Boston and Providence lawyers.
Details:
Date: February 13, 1816
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Sender: Peter O. Thacher
Recipient: Richard G. Randolph, Newport, Rhode Island
Format: Stampless folded letter with address panel
Content: Legal/financial correspondence regarding debt collection
Condition: Folded letter with expected toning and staining from age, including a water stain and small edge wear. Handwriting remains strong and legible.
Significance:
This is an authentic piece of early American legal history, linking two practicing attorneys in New England during the post-Revolutionary period. Letters of Peter O. Thacher are collectible both for his judicial importance and for their insight into early 19th-century debt and legal practices.
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Transcription (excerpt):
> \"I fear that my frequent letters to you on the subject of the debt due from Mr. Clapstein to Mr. Daley may weary you. But Mr. Daley, being now distressed, makes constant application to me on the subject… Your last letter of 31 Aug. 1815 gave me assurance that the debt was safe, although it might possibly happen that you should be obliged to institute a suit against the surety.\"
Signed clearly at bottom: Peter O. Thacher.
