Thomas Boylston Adams to James Sullivan, October 23, 1804

Quincy 23 d: October 1804.

Gentlemen

Having waited some time in expectation of an answer to the last
proposal, which I had the honor to submit to your consideration relative to the
settlement of the dispute between the proprietors of the Middlesex Canal Company &
the owners of the Teel farm at Medford, I am induced once more to call the attention of
the Gentlemen of the Committee to this subject. 1 The Season is already so far advanced that the
removal of the house will not easily be effected this Autumn, unless the Committee
should be persuaded to give orders for an immediate commencement of the work, & my
instructions are such as will preclude me from giving any attention to the subject of
compensation for damages, until the house is placed as remote from injury or
inconvenience as it was before the Canal was cut before it.

The proposition of the Committee made some time since, to give the
owners of the Teel farm an equal quantity of land in exchange for that which was taken
by the Corporation—has not grown into much favor by being maturely considered. It is
hoped the Committee will think of some indemnity more likely to meet acceptance.

It would be esteemed a favor, if the Committee would give a prompt
attention to this business, and for my own convenience I will beg leave to suggest that
a speedy answer would be very acceptable, as I have now an opportunity of conferring
with all the proprietors; as the agent of whom / I have the honor to be, very
respectfully / Gentlemen, / Your very hb̃le Serv t

T. B. Adams.