Middleboro, February 24, 1766
Dear Brother, after Love to you and your Family and all Friends, I would inform you that I am come to a fix determination to sell my Negro man Cuff who is a fine, likely young fellow about 19 or 20 years of age. He can do all sorts of farming, works well and can make a good shoe or pump without any assistance. He has no faults, human frailty excepted. He would like to whale or fish. If you can think of any person likely to buy, pray let them know. If you saw Mr. Sever I should be glad if you would ask him. Don’t say anything to White nor to anybody but them likely to purchase. Not that I mean not to pay White what I owe him after the proper differences are made, which I doe; speak to Holmes to who you are my bondsman for and you may promise him the money as soon as I can possibly get it by sale of the Negro. I shall let it be known here and elsewhere and doubt not but I shall get the money for him soon. I would not have you let Brother Thomas know my intention for fear he should neglect preparing himself to buy my land which I will sell to somebody immediately and will pay off my demand forthwith. I should be obliged to you for your assistance. Tell Brother Thomas not to neglect the affairs between him and me but speak to James Drew and Mr. Sever. I believe the Negro will fetch 5 or 600 pounds in cash which is what I must have or my obligation taken upon. I remain your loving brother till death.

To Mr. Ephraim Spooner                                     Ebenezer Spooner

PS  If you know of a likely boy
that would go to prentice, please
to recommend me to him.