From William Butler (unpublished)
Pittsburgh April 20th. 1786
May it please your Excellency

I had the honor to receive (through the Secretary) an extract from the Minutes of Council bearing date 4th. March 1786 directing me to leave in undisturbed possession a martha Boggs relict to James Boggs, which I have fully complyed with, altho I can with truth assure you that a fair purchise was made by me of Mr. Bogg’s privilege and a stipulated Sum paid him in cash for the same, as he himself conceived his indulgence could last no longer than Bridadear Genl. Irvines command at the port of Fort Pitt. The only inducment I had to purchise his privalige was the temporary use of a Continental Cabbon he then Occopied, which was on, or near the lot of ground granted me by the honorable the house of Assembly for the use of a ferry, not long after my purchise from Mr. Boggs he was Killd by the fall of a Tree, and his widow refused giving me the possession agreeable to our contract. The consiquenc of her continuenc was that she married a Mr. Robertson, who has without the Sancion of Law, or lisence advertised a publick ferrey on the very spot where I was Authorised by law to erect one, as I intend waiting on Council in the month of May shall dwell no longer on the Subject. But hopes that on a fair and perfect representation Council will Contribute to remove any Obsticle which misrepresentation may have led them to have drawen in the way of establishing my ferrey agreeable to Law. I have the honor to be Sir, with the highest respect your most Obedient, and very humble Servant

Wm. Butler

Endorsed: 1786 April 26th From William Butler Esqr. on the subject of his ferry and Claim of the late Mr. Boggs
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