4

Petersburg 13 1773

Gentlemen

We are favor'd with yours of 9th current &
observe the contents ___ There happens to be no Inspector at
B. Brook to day & [that?] it prudent to dispatch the bearer &
shall send the weights by anoth. waggon he says will be in soon
in mean time shall take care of it ___ We are glad you have
cautioned your customers about prizing their Tobo. dry it is most
vexing to see Tobo refused that comes so far & it will never do
for them this year. I doubt to carry any to this [branch?] the
price will be so low I refused some at 11/- I am just
now returned from Williamsburg and a sad meeting it was, the
[page torn] of money was never more severely felt, about 500 [?]
[page torn] Petersburg Tobo sold at 14/. payd in 2 months this is low
I would fain wish it will yet be better, but we
[page torn] you to be cautious, you may assure [yr?] Customers
[page torn] the above is really true & which Imagine will
[page torn] them to have the price to be settled by what you
[page torn] get, at any rate don't exceed 15/ [C?]
[Inclose?] what you say of Mr. Shaw's loss, I assured him
when he mentioned it to me that you were [inocent?] & I
[thot?] he was convinced ___ I have heard since that he has
mentd the same thing to some other people if he intends to [discuss?]
the matter at all it had better be [?] before the day of payment
suppose you write to Mr. Shaw that you have heard by some
of your acquaintances that he has mentd so & so & to present
any disputes at the day of payment. (as very much deppends with
you upon the punctuall payment of the money) you'll be glad to
know what evidence he may want of your inocence in this
matter ___ Mr. Shaw we think is an honest man & [doubt?]