Robert Carter writes to London merchant, Thomas Evans, May 27, 1721, to report he has received goods Evans had sent on Richardson's ship. He complains about the sales of tobacco that he had shipped to Evans in 1719 and in 1720, noting that many gentlemen in the colony have received at least 11 pence for their tobacco. He hopes Parliament will take action to restore the "Credit of the Nation" [following the South Sea Company scandals] and trade. He is not sure how much tobacco he will ship to Evans this year but expects it will be as much as last year. He concludes by noting a small bill of exchange on Evans to Joseph Belfield.
I received Yor. goods by Richardson,
and the accot. of Sales of the
31 hogsheads Tobo. tht. went in 1719, You mention also the Sale of four hogsheads of
last year
at 11d [You]
seem to Doubt You shall not be able to hold It at that rate many
Gent of my Accquaintance have full Accounts of sales for their last Tobo
none that I hear of under 11d for Stript many have a half penny more
I must conclude I have livd to very little purpose if I cannot
gett as much for my Tobo. as other men, I hope before the parliament
rises they will settle the Credit of the Nation and find ways to make
Trade flourish again, What my Quota to You this year will be I dont
yett know, to be sure not less than Twas the last in hopes You will
continue to do my business as well as other men.
I drew a bill on You in March to Joseph Belfield for £4"7 which is all at present from -- --