Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794 to Henry Knox and Samuel Ogden

Written from Canton, present-day Guangzhou, China. Writes a lengthy letter updating his friends Knox and Ogden on the status of his business in China. Says he is pleased to finally be able to write, but is sad to report on the illness and death of their mutual friend Mr. [Isaac] Sears, who had been in China with him. Describes the cool reception he received from the Europeans when he arrived in China, because of the threat of competition the Americans posed. Discusses their business prospects, including the high prices and poor sales for tea and other goods. Includes a detailed explanation of his dealings with Captain [John] Green and his partner, [Thomas] Truxton. Though Shaw and his partner [Thomas] Randall do not have anything against Truxton, "[a]s to Green- I do not know a term in any language sufficient to express my detestation of him." Recounts several offenses of Green's. Explains that according to Chinese law, any fighting that resulted in the death of one party would incur execution on the surviving party; this has resulted in Green badmouthing everyone without fear of reprisal. Shaw has included a narrative detailing his interactions with Green; he is distributing it to European businessmen in China in hopes of clearing his name. See GLC02437.03310 for the narrative and an explanation of the dispute between Shaw and Green.