Montgomery, John (fl. 1778-1779) to Mr. Newton, Gordon, and Johnston
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.022.01 Author/Creator: Montgomery, John (fl. 1778-1779) Place Written: Lisbon, Portugal Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 June 1778 Pagination: 2 p. + docket 31 x 21 cm Order a Copy
Mentions that they have accepted their drafts and will pay them in due course. States that they dined with Mr. Brown and his sisters who sailed for England on the 16th on the Duke of York Packet. Informs on the news brought from England by the packet boat. States that British Admiral John Byron and Sir Peter Parker have sailed in quest of French Admiral d'Estaing who passed the straights of Gilbrator on the 7th. Reports on the status of their fleet. Explains that a packet from Philadelphia brought news that the British have rejected the conciliatory plan of the commission (possibly Congress). British General Henry Clinton has gone to Philadelphia to take command of the Army and British General William Howe was called home. Comments that it is likely that a cargo ship will be coming to Lisbon in the next month and asks if they can send some freight weighing 600 or 800 quintals (possibly wine). Requests that they send receipt of it as soon as they get it. Newton, Gordon, and Johnston were merchants from Madeira.
Seller's notes: These are letters relative to the wine trade that was in progress and it will be noted that some of the famous officers of the day were ordering sizeable quantities of spirits at this time. Water in the colonies was very poor, so that these products were important to the every day survival.
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