Adams Papers

To John Adams from Mr. Blackberd, 14 June 1800

London Lombard street June 14th 1800

Your Excellency

Permit me to solicit your attention to some few questions, having no other means of information that I can rely on, & being desirous of drawing it from the fountain head. If you will have the goodness to order me an answer it will prevent a law suit and lay me under a lasting obligation.

1st. Q. If I purchase patents of Lands, situated in Franklyn County in the State of Georgia, granted to John Callier of ------ County in said state in Septr. 1796, & sold to me in London by a Mr. Smith acting by J. Callier’s power of Atty for the sale of said Lands, Am I legally possessed of the same according to the laws of America & can I live upon, & have full possession & have them registerd <in > as mine without being naturalized according to the Act of Congress, approv’d Jany 29. 1795—If I am the 2nd Q. is Can I convey the said Lands to another Englishman with full right of possession &c, without having it first register’d in the said County or State in my own name as lawful possessor, Or must I take possession in person—

3rd Q. Is there a limitted time in which all Lands must be occupied, or it becomes forfeited? and what is that time.

If in thus addressing Your Excellency I have trespassed the bounds of Etiquet I can only plead my own ignorance & solicit your Indulgence.

That your Excellency may long live happy in yourself, a / blessing to America, & an Ornament to Mankind is the sincere / wish of Your Excellency’s most humble & obedt. Servant

Blackberd

P. S Whatever expence may attend your obliging answer shall be thankfully paid in London to the person communicating the same

MHi: Adams Papers.

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