Samuel Smith letter to John Hatley Norton, 1783 August 14

Samuel Smith letter to John Hatley Norton, 1783 August 14

Samuel Smith, Baltimore, Maryland, letter to John Hatley Norton, Winchester, Virginia, dated August 14, 1783. Smith writes that he sold Norton's tobacco before the peace to Watson & Tandy from whom he procured a receipt. He also writes that he can not take on Norton's brother but may be able to place him in another house especially  if he is fluent in French. In a postscript he writes that Mrs. Smith wishes Mrs. Norton to accept a gift of anchovies and capers.

MS1936.3.1571
Folder 153

Ink on paper

[Recto]

Balt^e. 14 Aug. 1783

D^r. Sir,

I am honor'd with yours of the 9 Aug. I deliver'd
your Tobacco (& took their Rec^t. for the [illegible] Value. before the Peace)
to Watson & Tandy. Your Letters I shall be forwarded in a few
Days. I do Intend to go extensively into Busines & find
myself particularly Oblig'd at the Confidence you wish to place in me. But
at present It is out of my power to promise your Brother Justice. I have a
Cousin of 16 years of age with me & a Distant Relation from Inland
both of whom are under my Instruction. My Business is not yet
sufficient to employ another. - too many in our Compting House serves
but to destroy each others Morals, & cannot receive Instruction or be
properly attended to. At present such Men with whom I would
entrust a youth have not yet began Business here - They will
soon when I will endeavor to provide a proper Place for him,
Can your Brother speak & write French fluently. If he
can it will be a great Recommendation. My most respectful
Compliments to M^rs. Norton & Beg you to Consider me -

your Obed Serv^t
Sam Smith

M^r. Smith requests M^r. Nortons
Acceptance of 2 Bottles Anchovies & two of Capers

[Verso]

M^r: John Norton
Winchester

Baltimore 14 Aug
1783.

Col^o. Sam^l. Smith
Answ^d.