ALS from David Terry, a New York legislator, to "Townsend Esq" lobbying in favor of theaters that acted as safe havens for juvenile delinquents

New York, 1842. Addressed from "New York House of Rep.ys. Feby 21st 1842". The writer appeals to Townsend to modify a bill supporting the "Society for the Reformation of Juvenile Delinquents". He says that theaters have long acted as safe havens for wayward youth, and wishes to continue as such, which the bill, he suggests, impairs. He gives several examples: "It is only a few days since a Boy - the son of an Albany City Marshall was sent us having been guilty of stealing some 7 or 9 dollar! And this for the purpose of enabling (sic) him to attend a theatrical exhibition - and a Girl of our City borrowed 10 Dollars in her Aunts name for the purpose of giving to the Theater ..." He concludes, "it does not seem necessary to kill that law Just Now." Townsend family members were prominent Revolutionary War patriots & iron workers (one manufactured the West Point Chain across the Hudson River), with homes in Oyster Bay Long Island (Raynham Hall) & Orange County, NY. 2pp on 4 leaves, contemporary folds, with postal stamp on outside sheet. Addressed to "Hon. Townsend (of the N.Y. City Delegation) Legislature. Albany New York". Sml. wax seal residue has lifted off blank side, causing a small closed tear.