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 yours by Captain Russel & Wilson, the latter
had 15 weeks passage by Stress of weather he was forced to heave over
board three or four hundred foot of my Stones, I wish I could Say the
Sales of my Tobacco pleased me. You tell me You had Sold half mine by Russel last
Year none above 9 pence a poor price for my stemmed , Mr. Dawkins Sold all
my Tobacco at 11 pence if I understand him right, all my stemmed at Liverpool
went at 10 and 10 1/2. Thus You see what little Encouragement. I have at
Your market, 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 Tobacco found to Load them all, You will hear the story of the
pirates Threatning our Harbours, It's a pitiful case no more care
Should be taken of so vast a fleet of Ships as comes to our Bay. I
Conclude at present Sir --