Robert Carter writes to Weymouth merchant, Edward Tucker, May 27, 1721, to report that he has received letters Tucker sent with captains Russel and Wilson. The latter had a stormy passage and had to throw overboard 300-400 "foot of my stones." He complains about the poor prices Tucker has sold his tobacco for and notes that William Dawkins in London found a better market. He is sending 30 hogsheads on board Russel, reports the large numbers of ships in the colony, many of which will not be able to find cargoes, and complains about the pirates and the lack of protection provided against them.

     I have received Yors. by Capt. Russel & Wilson, the latter
had 15 weekes passage by Stress of weather he was forc'd to heave over
board three or four hundred foot of my Stones, I wish I could Say the
Sales of my Tobo. pleas'd me. ^{You tell me} You had Sold half mine by Russel last
Year none above 9d a poor price for my Stemd, Mr. Dawkins Sold all
my Tobo. at 11d if I understand him right, all my Stemd at Leverpool
went at 10 and 10 1/2. Thus You see wt. little Encouragement. I have at
Yor. Markett, however I shall have 30 hogsheads in Russel who loads
apace, I have drawn on You lately for £17" to one Henry Thomp=
=son, We have a prodigious Swarm of Ships in this Year, I cant think
there will be Tobo. found to Load them all, You will hear the Storey of the
Pyrates Threatning our Harbours, It's a pitty full case no more care
Should be taken of so vast a fleet of Ships as comes to our Bay. I
Conclude at present Sir --