Robert Carter writes to London merchant John Falconar, December 16, 1727, to defend the quality of the tobacco that he produces, noting that it is "an easy matter for a merchant to give a despicable character of a mans goods when he renders him but a low sale." He also complains that Falconar has not sent his goods but has held them to be sent in one of the merchant's own ships. Carter writes that he understands why Falconar cannot undertake training of one of Carter's sons, and even though they have different religious faiths, he will continue to patronize the merchant as long as his tobacco is sold well, his good are purchased, and he is treated fairly.

     I have had several letters from you by this
last fleet with your Account of sales of seven hogsheads of the 20 went by
Hopkins I was glad to hear of the safe arrival of Burckeridge
and the good thoughts you entertain us with of the later markets
being better than the former and it is also very pleasing you like
my Tobacco to which you are so merry to add this sting that it is no
common sight to see such Tobacco under my mark you must allow
me to tell you this is a very recent story I have been noted for ma
king as good Tobacco as any man in Virginia indeed sometimes it
has happened some of my remote Overseers have played the rogue
and have not done their duty in the neat handling of their tobacco but there
is no reason now and then an indifferent hogshead should taint the repu=
tation of my whole concern but it is an easy matter for a merchant
to give a despicable character of a mans goods when he renders
him but a low sale some bad Tobacco may be found in every consi=
derable mans crops in Virginia and after all is said we cannot
make all our Tobacco Large & but some will be smaller & meaner than
others some in spite of our teeths no man of my circumstances
in the country takes more Care in handling his Tobacco than I do
I have as good Land and as good Materials as any man and you
will readily allow I am old enough to know the trade I am sorry
that I am to wait for my goods until a ship of your that was

     I must Ask your pardon for the long pro
posal I made to you about my son I was much out of my thoughts
in that matter as we poor mortals usually are in our short & narrow con
jectures of future things your reasons are so cogent & convincing
that I have laid aside all further considerations of that affair &
shall only tell you that what has passed between us upon that
Subject shall work no Alteration in my sentiments in relation
to you & although you & I go different ways to pay our worship to the
author of our beings that I daresay I shall never change my old
road to get into yours in my way to Eternity yet I am not so uncha
ritable to think but that honesty is to be found in your persua
tion as well as my own & this you may believe from my en-
tering into Correspondency with you here I shall leave this subject
as entirely as if it never had had a place in my mind Do but sell
my Tobacco well buy me goods well & use me with a frank generosity
And I do not Care how plain a Style you treat me

     You tell me of seven more hogsheads of my Tobacco sold at
9 and that then you could not reach the same price for the rest Tob but
were in hopes to do it in a short time I cannot tell under what planet I am
fallen of late a neighbour of mine who I cannot allow to be a better plan=
ter or to make better Tobacco than I do tells me all his Tobacco that went in
Cobb sold for 9d 1/2