Montgomery, John (fl. 1778-1779) to Mr. Newton, Gordon, and Johnston
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.022.03 Author/Creator: Montgomery, John (fl. 1778-1779) Place Written: Lisbon, Portugal Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 January 1779 Pagination: 3 p. + addr. + docket 31 x 21 cm Order a Copy
Co-signed by R. Sealy and Daniel Parminter. First page contains a copy of his last letter. The copied letter is dated 24 November 1778 and deals with a shipment of wine, brandy, barley, cork, and sundries to India. Informs them that they have taken on partners and will now be known as Montgomery, Sealey, and Co. Reports that he can only give disappointing political news. British Admiral John Byron's fleet has suffered damage and the Somerset has been lost near Cape Cod. The French Admiral d'Estaing has escaped and has probably gone to the West Indies. Requests them to send one pipe of the best dry wine marked TG for Timothy Goodall for his private use. Postscript mentions that a dealer who sold them a piece of cambric did not realize some had been cut off, so he will credit their account. 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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