Robert Carter writes to London merchant William Dawkins, March 25, 1724, concerning a shipment of tobacco on board the Bailey, some of which he has committed to Micajah Perry and some to Thomas Evans. He devotes considerable space to his displeasure with the Bailey's captain, Adam Graves, and his slights to Carter who had done some particular favors to ensure the ship's large cargo. He reports that Captain Holliday has arrived bringing Carter's son Charles who is in good health, and adds, "I return you a great deal of thanks for your care and kindness both to him and his brother Since they have been with you." While neither had achieved scholatically quite what Carter has hoped, he believes they have good morals and will succeed in life. In his own hand he adds to the draft several paragraphs concerning bills of exchange and a promise to comment on his sons' expenses while in England.

     I have 29 hhds: on Board the Bayley for wch:
I have no Bill of Lading 16 of them under two Marks are to
come to you 11 of them all Stem'd and Luggs of my own Crop
Strait laid the three Numbred wth Lettrs: Luggs which I will not com
mend the other two Straitt laid and very good Tobbo: It was prized
at my own house and I saw it often 3 of my Number goes to
Mr. Perry the other 10 to Mr. Evans, The way I took to get so
much for your Ship was thus Capt.Graves being once in
a great deal of fear of getting his load I perswaded Keel
ing to Spare me 10 hhds of what I had promised 10 hhds more
was to be taken in by the Booths Sloop, but she got her load up
the River and left them. Capt Wills sent me word imediately
he would send for them let the damage be what it would
to him If I prest it suposing it would be no dis ^a kindness to
Capt. Graves I easiely Excused Wills, This Tobo: I sent on
Board in my own Craft two hhds. more being the last Stem'd
I had left I sent to his side but he was so crowded he turned
them ashore again, The report I had of his proceedings was
that he would clear out this Day but he which made m[ ... ] [e]

     I agreed with Capt Graves for bringing
his Tobbo: on board with my Sloop and hands to ^be paid at
the rate of 5 Shillings: Sterling per hhds for the 29 hhds
went from my house he owes me at least 3 Shillings
per hhds -- I have spared him Tarr and pitch at Severall

     I Expect there will be another contention
about the termes of his freight not long after his first
coming in there was a strong report brought down the
river that a Ship which brought in hither Convicts had
set up for stemed Tobbo: and offerd to take Seven pound
I then told him there was necessity for it to declare for 8
pound and he was then of the same Opinion. I told him
I would give no more the termes I gave to Keeling and to
Capt Hides Ship and so I Expect, Altho I hear lately he
hath Signed some of his bills of Lading how many I
cant say at 8£:10s:

     I am now to Acquaint you of the safe arriv
val of Holloday and my Son Charles being at home in good
health, and I return you a great deal of thanks for your care
and kindness both to him and his brother Since they have
been with you altho they are not under such Improve:^mnts
as I Expect, however they promise to be well morald
youths God sparing me Life am not in doubt they will
come to make a good figure in the world and be able to get
their bread

     I have had the oportunity to discourse one
that lives in the house with Skreen about your bill of Excha
he tells me Skreen absolutely denies the drawing of it
altho by comparing the hands the[y] seem to be as like as two Ps:
If I can serve you in this matter I will

     You are to pay Esqr: Heath ten pounds part
of Haynes debt I have lately got the money.

      Tis a Vast charge You have put me to for my Sons
Expences this last Year and yet their furniture is not Extraordinary
I shall Enter into the particular Examination of it when I have time
& give You my thoughts upon it

     I am to Advise You of a Bill I have drawn on You for four
pound ten Shills to Henry Thompson.

     Herein I send You a bill of Exche. of Jno. Hudnals on Yor.self
for £20.6"11 which desire Credit for --