Webber, James (fl. 1784-1797) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03628 Author/Creator: Webber, James (fl. 1784-1797) Place Written: London, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 31 July 1787 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 23.3 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Expresses his happiness on hearing about Mr. [Samuel] Ogden "bringing Broome & Platt matters to a speedy issue... " Writes that "[i]t gives me very great pleasure in hearing that Mr. W. Knox is so well in health and spirits, and that he is satisfied in being out of Trade; as I am very sure his present situation is far preferable to an uncertain profit in the awkward state Mercantile affairs are at this period, as goods, are selling (many sorts) at New York, Boston and other parts of America for ready Money full as [Con], as Merchants can be serv'd, who take the full Credit of 12 or 14 months, consequently whoever Trades with a [for all] Capital, and on Credit, is laboring to a very great disadvantage. I much hope things will in time take a favorable turn, but America must act prudently, or it will never be truly independent, being harras'd from time to time by her English Creditors, which is yet compleatest bondage a people can experience." Also discusses how Europe is unsettled and the Dutch are fighting amongst themselves.
[draft]
London July 31 1787
My Dear Sir,
I am much oblig'd by your communications of the 7th Ulto, and from the [illegible], which I am favor'd with of Mr Ogden's being a gentleman of integrity, and abilities, doubt not of his exertions in bringing Broome & Platts matters to a speedy issue, and furnishing us with remittances for the Balance; I am quite satisfied with every thing that has been done throughout that business, and fill my mind under strong impressions of gratitude for the very active and successful steps taken on our behalf. Messrs. Broome & Platt I am inform'd has settled with many of their Creditors at 5/ to 20/ in ye Pound, as they could, and it is suppos'd at Boston, that they are able to pay every shilling they owe. By this post I shall forward orders for two Bills value £800 on B & P to Mr Pritchard, and as he may need an attorney at Newhaven, be so kind as to recommend him one. Am happy to find Goodeve has paid nearly half the Principal, and would beg you'll press him close for the Ballnc, as I have no great opinion of his honesty, and am confident he will take every advantage in his power. It gives us very great pleasure in hearing that Mr. W Knox is so well in health and spirit, and that [2] he is satisfied in being out of Trade, as I am very sure his present situation is far preferable to an uncertain profit in the awkward state Mercantile affairs are at this period, as goods are selling (many sorts) at New York Boston and other parts of America for ready money full as Con, as Merchants can be serv'd, who take the full Credit of 12 or 14 Months, consequently whoever Trades with a small capital, and on Credit, is laboring to a very great disadvantage. I much hope things will in time take a favorable turn, but America must act prudently, or it will never be truly independent, being harras'd from time to time by her English Creditors, which is ye compleatest bondage a people can experience -
I had the pleasure of seeing Mrs Urguhart last week, was quite well, we were to have drank Tea with her, but ye weather prevented us, I paid £6.6 at ye request of yr Lady for silk which will be inclos'd for Mrs. Knox with the Newspapers &c in a Case for Mrs Knox, that goes by The London Packet Capt Woolsey, for New York, and sails in a very few Days.
Europe seems to be in a very unsettled situation The Dutch quarreling among themselves, and it is feared [3] that it will [text loss] [illegible], but it is a happiness in one sense for [text loss] France, that Financies of each Country is in such a derang'd state, or both perhaps might be very forward to promote a War; the fear of which has sunk our Stocks from 5 to 7 [illegible], however it is the general opinion that matters will be amicably settled thro' the intervention of England, France & Prussia, who seem willing to put an end to the distractions that now subsist among them - By a letter rec'd from Mr Pritchard, I am inform'd of your very great kindness toward him by which I am sensibly oblig'd, and have desir'd him to trouble you for your Counsel and advice have to ask in any matter of importance, and conform himself thereto. It will give me great pleasure in rendering you any service, in this Country, and at all times to assure you how much I am,
Dear Sir,
Your mo Obedt Servt,
Jas Webber
Mrs Webber [text loss] respectful compliments to yr self Mrs Knox [text loss] Knox
[address leaf]
General Knox
New York
& Paquet
[docket]
from Mr James
Webber 31 July 1787
Recd the 23 September
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