Archibald Ritchie letter to John Norton & Son, 1776 April 7

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Virginia Rapp^a. River April 7^th. 1776

Gentlemen

In hopes that an end may be put to this unhappy
dispute sometime or other, in order to have a new Arrangement to my
Affairs of Old Standing, & Considering my being turn'd Fifty Years,
that proper Care be taken of my Business that I may have an
hand in case of Death; the Merit of M^r. Joseph Williamson
who I know well, & Affection for my So William Ritchie who is near
of Age, have induced me to let them become Partners in whatever
Archibald Ritchie & C^o., now as M^r. Williamson has
Occasion to go to Britain he will no doubt fix with proper
Correspondants at each Port for the Negotiation of whatever concersn
we may have Occassion to Transact, therefore to his direction I
submit the Proceeds of 11 hhds Tobacco Shipt you by Cap^t.
Bowie, when Sold; any Civilitys you show to M^r. Williamson
will be Esteem'd a favour Confer'd on

Gentlemen
Your most Ob^t. Serv^t
Archibald Ritchie

[Pages 2 and 3, Blank]

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Mess^rs. John Norton & Son
Merchants
London

Virg^a: 7 April 1776
Archib^d: Ritchie
Rec^d: 1^st. August Ex^d.