Paine, Samuel (1754-1807) to Amasa Davis & Co.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.158 Author/Creator: Paine, Samuel (1754-1807) Place Written: Charlestown, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 November 1779 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 23.5 x 17.7 cm. Order a Copy
Letter describes trading conditions in the South. Encloses account of sale of the cargo of the ship "Dove," which amounted to over 20,800 pounds (the account is not included here). Knows recipient will be disappointed with the small cargo being sent to Boston, but says the war has made shipping a precarious business. Complains of high prices after the failed attempt to take Savannah and the increased local demand after the harvest. Apologizes for not finding any light articles or valuable produce to ship and says prices will not drop until after Christmas. Recommends against shipping indigo without insurance and says he will send varnish, turpentine, and rosin. Says price for rice is high because the embargo on it was recently taken off and that an outbreak of smallpox has kept shipments from the interior from arriving at the port. Says recipient should consider sending another vessel for naval stores because that vessel could join French ships that will soon sail north. Recommends talking to a Captain Freeman if he needs more detail because he has not been able to attend to much business after receiving a wound in the attack on Savannah. Rare postmark for this period. Red wax seal is extent.
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