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Gounton 12th May 1785 Dear Sir Yours of the 7th came duly to hand it is with the greatest concern that I learn the death of our worthy friend & acquaintance Mr Johnston which misfortune I am sensible must involve you in many difficulties I was at Halifax last month when I expected to have had the pleasure of seeing you my sister & family in my last of the 12th March I wrote you the reasons why I could not do myself the pleasure of visiting the back country agreeable to promises I observe the desire you express of my going up as soon possible and believe me nothing would contribute more to my happiness-- but my business is of such a nature that it prevents my indulging myself in a single desire that is not confined to the lands of this town- the [?] of Wm Gilmour [?] will dissolve in August next insuring of which circumstance I informed you I had a tight to expect in my last upon all parties expressing the approbation for a dissolution -- Mr Blackthorn proposed to me to join in a concern with Mr Gilmore and
and himself and after consulting Mr Allen which was a respect I thought due to him he advised me to embrace the proposal) Pleased my word to Messr Gilmore & Black that I would be [?] concerned Mr Black was generous enough to propose throwing in all the property he can command and draw only an equal share with Mr Gilmore + myself - the business to be transacted in Benton by Black + myself in Halifax by Gilmore As soon as the dissolution of the present [?] takes place I shall set out for Halifax in order to close the books of the two stores - when you may be assured I will do myself the pleasure of visiting you------ my respects tomy sister & family-- I am sir Sincerely yours B.S. Amis
Mr Burnham
I will be much obliged to you if you --- meet with an opportunity to send my horse down if he is on good order and well broke T.A.
[?] Richard [?] [?] Little River
Messr Johnston Bennehan Glasgow 13th May 1785 Gentlemen We are favored with yours of the 1st March enlosing a scheme of goods to be shopped on your acct which we shall immediately set about executing have no doubt four getting them forwarded by the first ships that sail for James River with fall cargoes which will probably be about the end of July - they shall be consigned to our D B as desired-- We have hitherto made it attractive not to ship any goods on Commission unless Money or Tobacco is logged with us beforehand to the full amount of the goods ordered this rule we propose strictly to adhere to as it might otherwise be attended with inconvenience to our other business many articles being now payable at 6 Mos some shorted as we always wishd to purchase them on as good terms as are goingYou have acted wisely in not shipping any tobacco at this time as no Market and Europe comes anything near the extravagant press going going on in Virginia At present we have no sale either here or in England