Robert Carter writes to London merchant William Dawkins, March 6, 1724, reporting on the activities of Captain Adam Graves in the colony. Graves has over 200 hogsheads of tobacco on board and his men are out with his sloops seeking more, but he has decided to sail on schedule whether or not the ship is full. Carter understands from a letter from Thomas Evans that the Carter and Captain Richardson's ship are bound for the colony but Carter is doubtful about their being able to get a full cargo; he will have only 40 hogsheads.

     This is designed by the Burwell Adam Graves is now
here, tells me he had written to You a few days ago, I need say the less, February
hath been a terrible month for Water business nothing but Snow
Rain & hard Norwester's all the time, he hath now he says 200 & odd
hhds. on board, his sloops all out & has been a good while hath Sent
Expresses for his Men to come away forthwith whether loaded or
not, Tobacco crowds upon him abundance more than he can carry, he
resolves to go at his Appointed time whether he's full or no, Me thinks
in such a Case as his if any Accident befall him that he cannot
reach his Port before the Act takes place the Justice of the House of Commons
will readily go into a private Act for his relief,

     I have a Letter from Mr. Evans of the 22d. of November tells me the Carter and
Richardson were both coming to our River what will become of them
Especially the former I can't foresee, at all Adventures I Should be
glad to compound for her load at £6 per Tun, My Quota that I can
pretend to have for her will not Exceed forty hhds.

     this a hasty line only from --