Archibald de Govan letter to John Norton, 1771 March 27

Title

Archibald de Govan letter to John Norton, 1771 March 27

Date

Description

Archibald de Govan letter to John Norton, merchant of London, England concerning the shipment of tobacco and goods. Govan specifically requests the shipment of shoes made by John Didsbury. Govan sent an invoice for 6 hogsheads of tobacco with this letter.

Identifier

MS1936.3.419
Folder 37

Source

John Norton and Sons Papers, MS 1936.3

Publisher

Special Collections, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Original Format

Ink on paper

Text

Page 1

Messrs. John Norton & Son York Town 27th March 1771

Gentlemen

I wrote you the 27th July last by the Brilliant
and therein said, that I had sent you 2 hhds Tobo. by said ship, but unluckily
the Ship could not take them in and they were landed at Cumberland.

They are now shipp'd on board the Juno, Capt: John McCunn, who
goes address'd to your house, of which I doubt but you have already
been advis'd by your Mr. J.H.N. here. I am affraid it will be no
advantage to me the Tobos. being left out by Capt: Robinson, however I doubt
not but you will do your utmost for me in the sale of them, as well as a
considerable part of the rest of the Cargo, in which I am interested. If this
consignment succeeds it will probably produce some considerable Consigh=
ments to you yearly from us.

This Ship has been just purchas'd for a new Concern, for whom I last
October open'd a store at Ayletts warehouse on Mattapony. The chief
of the partners reside in Glasgow, to whom I have wrote, that I wou'd rather
the Ship shou'd come out again directly from London, provided she can gett
a tollerable freight of Goods out and a charter for all or a considerable part of
her load in Tobo. back again from Virginia, than they shou'd order her round
to Glasgow. Your Mr. JHN. tells me he thinks this may be done, by
your

Page 2

your intrest, and that he has wrote you concerning it. I have reason to
think that my Partners in Glasgow will agree to my proposal, and if so I
hope you will be so good, as interest yourselves in procuring freight for Capt:
McCunn. I have wrote them to lodge their orders timeously for him.

The 6 hhds Tobo. mark'd MAS goes on Accot. of the Compy. who owns the Ship.
I had it put aboard from Litlepages last munday in my way down here, in the room
of the same quantity of the IS which was refus'd by the Captain on Account
of it's being damag'd, and in order to dispatch the ship, who has been detain'd by
freshes in the River above a fortnight.

If you have not sent the Goods I wrote for by Capt Robinson, be pleas'd to
send instead of them 30 doz of Porter in casks of about 6 doz each. 1 doz pair of
Didsberrys shoes one half plain the other half dress, of the midling size. 2 good
razors in a case. 2 setts neat fashionable Shoe & knee buckles. 2 neat plain [illegible]
[illegible] Stock=buckles. 1 riding & 1 chair whip. These Goods you'l please send by
Capt: M.Cunn if he comes out here directly from London, if not by the first
good opportunity, and let them be insur'd in case of War.

Inclos'd is Bills of Ladeing for 170 hhds IS, 6 hhds MAS with Invoice thereof,
and for 2 hhds AG. The inclos'd letter for Messrs. MDouall Stirling & Co.
of Glasgow, you'l please transmitt them by first post, also the Accot. Sales
of the 6 hhds Tobo. shipt on their Accot. when dispos'd of

Page 3

Should Capt: M.Cunn want any money for the use of the Ship
while at London, you will please to let him have it.

On second thoughts I wou'd choose to have the few Goods I have now wrote
for sent, even if you have sent those I wrote for by the Brilliant, as I
shall probably send you some Tobo. this summer by Capt: Robinson.

I most Respectfully am
Gentlemen,
Your most Obedt. Servt.
Archb. de Govan

Virga. March 1771.
Arch. Govan
Rd. 20th. May 1771.
P Capt. Mc.Cunn
Goods Entd. pa 356
Ansd. the 29th May
P Virginia Ex'd
wrote again P Juno ye July

Citation

Govan, Archibald de, “Archibald de Govan letter to John Norton, 1771 March 27,” John Norton & Sons Papers, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, accessed March 28, 2024, https://rocklibnorton.omeka.net/items/show/419.