Moses Robertson letter to John Norton & Sons, 1775 June 12

Moses Robertson letter to John Norton & Sons, 1775 June 12

Moses Robertson, ship's captain, letter to his employer, John Norton & Sons, merchants of London, England and Virginia, dated June 12, 1775. Robertson writes that his fears concerning exporting tobacco have been allayed by the arrival of Virginia Speaker of the House Peyton Randolph who has just returned from the Continental Congress. Robertson informs John Norton that John Hatley Norton has acquired tobacco for shipment and expresses his opinion that the fallout from the Yorktown Tea Party has subsided. Robertson further reports that the Governor, John Murray, Earl of Dunmore, has fled Williamsburg and taken refuge onboard the HMS Fowey a British warship.

MS1936.3.1282
Folder 122

Ink on paper

[Page 1]

Urbanna 12^th. June
1775-

Gentlemen,

This my first since my Arrival
is Intend^d by Cap^t. Dobbie, We Arrived in
this River the ^th. of last Month &
Proceed^d. up to Nobs Hole. Immediately
at our first Arrival, we were Apprehensive
that the Exports wou'd be stopt Every day
but the Speakers Arrival from the Congress
Relieved Our Anxiety & am Now in
hopes that they will be open till the Appoint^d
10^th. of September, I am Now on my way
up to the Ship from Willsb^g. Intend^g to sail
[crossed out, illegible] ^her Round to Yk River, M^r. J.N. Norton
has Charter^d Hogsheads to Hanson
M^r. Loyds Factor which all are Now Ready
at Pages & Crutchfields Warehouses, I have
likewise Agreed to take Hhds from
Councillor Carter On Libirty this is all
at 8 £ Sterl^g p^r Ton & to be bro^t. on board
at the Ships Expence, the other Part of the
Ships Cargo is Near all Engag^d. to your
Address, here is a very great Misunderstan^g
between the Governor & People he has left
Wmsb^g & Resides On Board the Fowey Ship of
War at York. the Virg^a. its said will be

[Page 2]

Loaded to your Address, the Tea Affair
Seems to have blown over & I make No Doubt
but Your Interest will be Established as Firm
as Ever when the Exports Reopen again the very
high Price of Tob^o. which is one
Great Reason we fall so short of Tob^o. on
Consignm^t I am Gentlemen Your
Hble Srv^t.
Moses Robertson

P.S.
Please to Insure two Hundred & Fifty
Pounds on My Wages Cloths & Priviledges
to be Recover^d. Clear in Case of Accident &
^to [crossed out, illegible] One Hundred Pounds
on Ten Hhds of Tob^o -

[Page 3, blank]

[Page 4]

Mess^rs. John Norton & Sons

Merch^ts in
London

Virg^a. 12^th June 1775
M. Robertson
Rec^d. 27 July Ex^d: