Robert Carter writes to London merchant Micajah Perry, March 6, 1724, reporting that he is shipping 30 hogsheads of tobacco on board the Burwell and that he assumes that the merchant will accept a freight rate of £8 per ton. He understands that the Carter and also Captain Richardson are on their way to the colony, but fears they will find it impossible to get good cargoes. In closing, he notes that Captain Adam Graves will not be able to fully load before he must sail.

     This is design'd by the Burwell Capt. Cant [if it]
reaches him Else I Suppose it will come by Wills who will be at his [ ... ] [ . . . ]
The Burwell hath 30 hhds. of my Crop Tobo. in her Consignd to You b[ ... ] [ut]
I have no Bill of Lading, I Expect You will be Contented with Eight po[unds]
per Tun, You know how generous we were when it was our turn, & it may
be again if You squeeze us now, Your ships make a short Voyage & Must get money --

     I have a Lettr from Londo. of the 22d. of Novr. tells me the
Carter & Richardson were coming to our river what they will do I profess
I dont know, Would the former take £6 per Tun I'm affraid there is no Such
thing as a load to be found for him, Febr. hath been a terrible month
for Water Work, I doubt [not] twill be Impossible for Adam Graves to get his
Tobo. on board in time, he hath a great deal to Spare if he could Stay but
go he must whether full or no, this is a Short hasty line I am,