Rivington, James (1724-1802) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00178 Author/Creator: Rivington, James (1724-1802) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 August 1774 Pagination: 3p. : address : docket ; 30.9 cm. x 19.4 cm. Order a Copy
Asks him to sell his excess tea, and gives details for the transaction. Indicates that a much larger quantity of the tea he sent is already on its way to Boston. Tells him to work with James Seagrove to sell the additional tea. Thanks him for selling his newspaper, Rivington's New-York Gazetteer. Vouches for the honor and integrity of the "Gallant Royals of Wales," British troops on their way to Boston. Congratulates Knox on his recent marriage to Lucy Flucker. The third page is a note to Dr. Goldthwais, in which Rivington authorizes the release of his money to Knox, and in turn, asks Knox to deliver the money to Seagrove. In a letter from 28 July 1774, Rivington explains how he acquired a shipment of illegal Hyson tea and his plans to have Knox sell it in Boston (see GLC02437.00171). The troops he refers to are the Royal Welch Fusiliers, who were also discussed in that earlier letter. Rivington was a bookseller, printer, and journalist who came to America in 1760.
[draft]
"Since, from your account, I find myself unlucky in the adventure of so much Tea, I must intreat the favor of your to sell it, as soon as possible, at as good an advance, upon Eighteen shillings New York Currency, as you may; and the Cash I must beg you to invest in a bill of Exchange, of unexceptionable Credit, and remit the same to me …I doubt not that you will get this sold, as soon as possible, as I now give you information on that a much larger quantity of the same Kind of Tea is already sent off for Boston, by way of Rhode Island … [2] My Friends the Gallant Royals of Wales are as respectable a Corps of Gentlemen as are to be found in the Uniform of any Crown[e]d head upon earth. You may depend upon their Honor and Integrity, there is not one of them has left here the least unfavorable impression behind them, & their departure is more regretted than that of any officer who ever garrisoned our City. Pray present my very humble respects to Col Barnard to Majr Blunt & my kind Love to every Captain and other Gentleman of that Corps. My best compliments wait on your most beauteous bride, accept of my fervent wishes, again repeated, for a Long series of the truest felicity …"
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