(seq. 231)

225
Burthen, Samuel Robinson master, with a Long Quarter Deck that takes in
the main mast, suitable for the purpose every way equipt will Carry from 1100
to 1200 Quintalls, to take it on freight at 2/9 P Qtle being the best terms I could
make, & the only Vessell cleard out with Fish before the 1st of Novr. Instt. I could
meet with ready to take in or could be got to Sea by the last of month. I could
not prevail with the owner to take Wines for the freight, nor with any one to
freight on her, there being to Market here for medeira Wines, the Fish is
all ready & was to begin Loading last Saturday & will continue the weather
permitting without intermision till the whole Quantity of 1200 Quintalls be
Shipt, if she can carry so much which I doubt as there will not be time for
it to Settle, nothing but th ewant of suitable weather to Load Fish can prevent
the Vessell getting to Sea in all this month & if it proves favourable, she will
probably sail in 10 or 12 days, from this time, I shall take care to forward your
Letters to Messrs. Scott & Pringle in London P 2 Vessells going this week & shall
write them myself to advise of my drawing on them for the amount of the Fish
& to desire them to procure Insurance upon the value of the Cargo. The owner of the
Schooner has engag'd to send no Train Oil & relys on the assistance of your House
to procure a freight for the Vessell. I had the offer of a Vessell here at 2/3 freight,
if I could wait till the middle of Decr. but as I could not & the price of the same
sort of Fish being 6d Sterling higher P Quintal here then at Cape Ann
brings it to the same thing which hope will be as agreeable, I am your most huml. Servant
youl be duly advis'd of the Sail:g of the
Vessell

Messrs. Thomas Smith & Co: Boston Novr. 11th 1765
I recd: yours of 16th utto. & note the Contents, am glad
the Pot ash proves to the liking of your Mr. T:S:, the Oil is the purest sort made
use of for making Soap, Cost 50 P Ct. less then vicious Oil of the same Comple-
tion, am oblig'd for his genteel reminding me of not signing my Letter, can
only say it happened through hurry of Business, & is but the 2d omission of the
kind I have been taxed with & shall be carefull how I give him the same, cause
of offence again, the Letter did not reach me till after the 1st Instt. which puts it
out

P Post