Account with William Bell, 1776 (Abstract)
§ Account with William Bell
1776. Lists costs for clothing, for equestrian provisions, for money “paid to Dr Wiggins,” for expenses for travel to Princeton, and “for Harry’s expences in Philada. & Journey home”1 totaling £66 10s. 4½d. and a credit of “149 Continl. Dollars,” or £44 14s., leaving a balance due of £21 16s. 4d.
Ms (Vi: Orange County Judgments, Madison v. Shepherd, November 1797). 1 p. Headed “Mr. William Bell to James Madison junr. Dr.” and dated “1776.” Below the balance due, someone, probably James Madison Sr., wrote, “Cr. By mistake in H. Bell’s Clothes,” and subtracted £1 10s. At the foot of the page, JM wrote, “The Money advanced as above for Mr. W. Bell, was the money of James Madison Senr—and ought to be repaid to him.”
1. This was most probably William Bell’s son, Henry Bell. The Bell family also owned slaves named Harry, however (Vi: Orange County, Will Book, 3:25–31, Will of William Bell).