Carroll, Charles, 1737-1832 to William Gibbons

Written by Carroll in retirement to Gibbons as Carroll's property agent. Carroll was formerly a Continental Congressman, Maryland State Senator, U.S. Senator, and signer of the Declaration of Independence. References the sale of 1455 barrels of flour to a nearby factory. Hopes Mr. Dean, perhaps a friend or servant, has recovered from a fall from his horse. Is sending by Ben crates with two gross empty bottles and a supply of wool. Declares wool is scarce and high priced now. Says he should keep a flock of at least 1000 sheep spread about amongst his properties. Adds the wool of these 1000 fattened sheep could bring in 2.5 per head, for a total of 2500 (apparently pounds of wool). Comments that is "a quantity sufficient, I suppose, for cloathing my negroes, and save the expense of buying wool, which I believe if the flock of sheep be not raised & kept up yearly to the number just mentioned, will amount to at least $600 p[er] year; that saving had better be applied to buying sheep occasionally than buying wool constantly." References other letters he received. Gives directions on the delivering of the tobacco crop to market. Wants to know of the sales of the tobacco of Nicholas Harding and the Gaithers so he can ascertain how best to secure payments due to him from them. Document has mat burn around the edges where it was previously framed.