Nathaniel Oak, Chelsea, Vt., to Capt. Alden Partridge, 6 September 1816: a request for a loan of $500 (letter, address side and show-through, four PDF pages)

Word-for-word transcription (spellings kept; uncertain letters in brackets).

Square brackets identify uncertain or editorial text. Line breaks are regularized; spelling and wording are otherwise retained where legible.

PDF page 1 — address side and annotations

Capt. Alden Partridge

West Point — N.Y.

Annotations include “[Mr.?] Oak 1816,” “Nathaniel Oak,” a red “182,” and other faint docket/date words and numbers that remain uncertain. A circular red seal or mark appears below the address.

PDF page 2 — letter (read after rotating 180 degrees) (read after rotating 180 degrees)

Chelsea Septm 6. 1816

Dear Sir,

I am in real want of five hundred dollars in money, and from the conversation which I had with Lieut. Wright, I am induced to apply to you for the loan of that sum for which I will make you ample security. I don't know of any one in this part of the Country who can accommodate me, if you can consistently do it I will make you any reasonable compensation. I must have the money soon or sacrifice property to three or four times that amount. I wish you to send it to your Father or Brother at Norwich and I will negotiate the business with them. —

I earnestly importune you to assist me if any way consistent. If you condescend to do it please to write me as soon as possible. York money will answer with a discount which I had rather make than sacrifice my whole property.

Respectfully yours

Nathl Oak

Capt. Alden Partridge

PDF pages 3–4 — other side of sheet

No separate front-facing text is legible. Faint mirrored writing appears to be show-through from the letter, with folds and minor pencil marks. It is not transcribed as a second text.