Martha Goosley letter to John Norton, 1770 August 8

Title

Martha Goosley letter to John Norton, 1770 August 8

Description

Martha Goosley letter to John Norton, merchant of London, England. Goosley writes about her tobacco shipment and her son's involvement in the slave trade which she hopes is ended. Goosley also writes that Norton's son, John Hatley Norton, has been ill and that she is sending two Christmas turkeys while Mrs. Ambler is sending ham. Commenting on the political situation, Goosley writes that support of the Association is high and the gentlemen all wear homespun.

Identifier

MS1936.3.352
Folder 32 (Oversize)

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

York Virginia Augt 8 1770

Dear Sir

You will recieve this by the Brillt hope
the Goldenfleece will not be long behind they have
200 Hggs on Board & without some great Disappointment
She will be loaded in a fortnight   the Planters are
in high Spirits at the Present Propsect for Crops
and if this fine weather continues one Month longer
the Shippers will come cap in hand next year
To the Capts   fine Times those will be   it has
been very near the case this year   My son was very
happy in geting rid of his troublesom cargo all
together he was so lucky as to have them Peaceable
but hope he will never engage with such another freight
he has now got a pretty general aquaintance and Doubt
not with your kind assistance he will be able to
load a larger Ship if you chuse to Send one
and sooner in this River than James

your Son has had an intermiting fever that has
Confined him a week or ten Days but hope
he will be able to travel again in a few Days
change of air and rest from business will be of
Service to him he has had a great Deal of fatigue
and the Summer has been very hot and very
Sickly have Sent you two Christmas Turkeys
Mrs. Mary Ambler will Send ham to eat
with them by My Son Shall invite My Self
to Dinner with you but would not have you wait
for Me longer than two o Clock   associations
run high here   is there no Probability of Making
your great ones act right or will they Put us

Page 2

under the necessity of wearing homespun
altogether I assure the Gentlemen wear nothing
else all Summer & we have Made great improve
ments however I cant help wishing Sincerely
that all our Differences were happily Made up
Pray Make My compliments to your Sons &
Mr Reynolds & believe Me Sincerely

your affect & obligd &c
Martha Goosley

Shall write My
good friend Mrs. Norton

if any New Pamplets
or any thing els entertaining
comes out will be oblige
to you for them as I Still
retain My Passion for reading
and My eyes continue good

Address leaf recto

To
Mr. John Norton
Mercht.
London

P The Brilliant
CaptQ.D.C.

Address leaf verso

Virg. 8 AugstM. Goosley
Rd. 24 Sepr. p Briliiant
Exd.
Ansd 9 March
p Goosley

desires Pamphlets
&c. to be sent her

Citation

Goosley, Martha, -approximately 1779, “Martha Goosley letter to John Norton, 1770 August 8,” John Norton & Sons Papers, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, accessed March 29, 2024, https://rocklibnorton.omeka.net/items/show/352.