Copy of a letter : London, to John Bernard, 1771 February 9.

Telling his son John that he has received a letter from Mr. Taylor informing him that he has paid Mr. Pemberton (probably Benjamin Pemberton, appointed naval officer of the Boston customhouse in 1734) "one half of the Profits of the Naval Office instead of one third according to a written Agreement under his own hand; and he adds you was of Opinion that he could not stop the Money. I know not how to think this is so: for surely you would not give an Opinion upon a Case you did not understand and you could not give such Opinion if you had understood this Case"; giving the details of the case; arguing that Taylor is deliberately disregarding an existing contract, paying Pemberton more than he is due, and shortchanging Pemberton's partner (which was originally Bernard's oldest son, Francis, who had died in 1770); writing that "this is nothing but Pretence to take a Cruel Advantage of the Affliction brought by the hand of God upon my Son, an Attempt which I want Words to express my Resentment of; and therefore I will say no more than that I will not upon any Account submit to it"; instructing John to demand that Mr. Taylor rectify the situation and pay him what he is owed; instructing him also to demand that Pemberton give him an account of what he has received from other deputies; advising him, if Pemberton refuses, to go to the governor; giving him the names of lawyers he should contact, if the case cannot be settled out of court; concluding "be well advised of what you do & act with Spirit."