Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. IV

Now I humbly request the Favour of you to permit me to take this Plantation under my Care, and to sow one of the clear Fields untill it is claimed by, & wanted for the Use of the proper Owners--lI ask this Favour because the Land is convenient to me (being only seven miles from Lancaster,) and as Iliveinatown, where I-have no Land of my own near, & where Grain of every kind is sold at a most extravagant Price--I am likewise encouraged to make this Application as I am well assured that my Care of the Plantation, in preventing future waste & keeping off Intruders, will fully compensate for any Benefits I may reap from a little Crop; And I promise to resign it in good Repair whenever demanded by you or the Indians--If you should think proper then to favour my humble Boon, be pleased to appoint me a kind of Agent or Overseer to. take Care of this Place by a Certificate, or in any other manner which you shall deem better--I trust you will pardon, Worthy Sir, this Sollicitation--The Admission with which you have honoured me to your Favour & Friendship, leaves no Room to doubt but you will kindly indulge me the Freedom of this Address, & always allow me the satisfaction of declaring myself

Your most obedient, obliged and Affectionate humble servant Tuo Barton.

The Hon>'e Sir William Johnson, Baronet.

P.S. As it might give some Offence to the Proprietary Agents that this Application was not made to them, I would beg to receive the Favour I ask, as if from yourself, who thought it necessary that this Plantation should be put under the Care and Protection of some Person who lived near it--May I hope for an Answer as soonas your Avocations will allow you to hear me.--Vive diu salvus & sospes!