Robert Carter writes to surveyor James Thomas, April 18, 1728, concerning work that he is to undertake in the western lands of the colony on Carter's behalf, and noting his displeasure with surveyor John Savage.

     Your letter of the 15th came to hand last night I find you
have given in your deposition so there will be no Call upon you to town
but your staying so long from your Surveying business puts me out of all
hopes of your doing the work you have before you several warrants that
were directed to you Savage hath made surveys upon and now people
are desirous of having their warrants directed to him he hath return'd me
some plats upon your warrants but I have sent them back again and let
the people know I will not grant deeds upon Surveys made without my Au=
thority but if you neglect the business at this rate I must employ such as will
go thro it I expected you down and then I could have talk'd freely with you about
my own business but now I must leave you to the instructions you have already
had as for your employing of Awbery and Ashley I am very well contented you
should do it and for the service that they do in my business and the pro=
vision that Awbery finds I will very readily pay for but I would have you
make an agreement with them both beforehand Awbery is ⁱⁿ my debt
for negros but he must not expect to pay me any of that mony that
way that belongs to gentlemen in England and he must be punctual
in comply^ing to the payment of it according to time and pray let him
know so from me Awbery has writ to my son Charles for a commission
from me to take up wild horses you may tell him I will send him one in

     Thos Owsley had a commission from me Several years ago at the
instance of Colo. Lee but I never saw a horse hair by it yet

     As for Ludwells being remov'd I had but little dependance
of him he told me many a fine story about Chenandoah in which I belei
ve he shot very much beyond the truth however I send you a copy of his relation
it may be of some service to you when you are out upon the
Chenandoah lands I should be desirous that the first surveys you make
for Colo Page and my children at Chenandoah be first made before
any upon the blew ridge or the bull run which last will be attended
I reackon with a great deal less difficulty altho the more you do this
trip the better you will pleas me I foresee you will not be able to fin=
ish half your warrants before the summer is too far advanced up=
on you I beleive Capt Barber and Mr Warner will both be out in the
woods at the same time you are if you agree to let them survey some of
your warrants I shall not be displeased but I will not allow Savage
to Survey any of them nor do I intend further to make use of him
Untill he gives me satisfaction in some erroneous practices he
hath been Guilty of I shall not say no more at present but am