Boston 25 July 1752
Sr.,
This being the First Opportunity, I have had of writing to you, since your Departure may serve to inform you, that I have recd. your Several favours, and should long before this have sent you a Vessell, but the Letters you sent Did not come to hand, so soon as you expected they would, and when I received the last Letter relating to Sending a Vessell I immediately Acquainted Mr. Fisher with it, who had already agreed for a Sloop, which was expect'd every day from the Eastward, but after tarrying some considerable Time we heard that the owner of the Sloop, was taken ill of the Smallpox, and we had no prospect of having the Vessel, so we had another to Look out for, and met with Some Difficulty in geting one, but have now sent one which have hired by the month after the Rate of One Hundred and fifty Pounds, so that I should be glad you would make the Quickest Dispatch you can in geting her away. Yesterday Capt. Williams Arrived here from Bath, by whom I heard you was gone up the River after Tar wch. I hope will be ready by that time the Sloop Arrives. I should have sent you severall Hhd. Rum by this opportunity, but was Disappointed, by those persons from whom I was to Receive them, tho they Promised they would not upon any Acct. Disapoint me, and when I found how it was likely to be I went to Severall Distillers, but could not purchase any tho' I offered the money. However Capt. Williams sails, which will be in about a fortnight I'll send two or three Hhds. to you by him, which I hope will Safe Arive with you. I perceive you have heard of the Death of Mr. Darrall which is a very Great Loss to us, as he would have given a greater Dispatch to the Vessell sailing tho' I have done all that lay in my Power. I have given Cap. Simpson orders to wait on you immediately upon his Arrivall and follow your orders in every particular. Wishing you health & a safe Return I Remain your Friend & hum. Sevt.
SAMUEL DOWNE
P.S. There's some Freight on board Consign'd to Cap. Coutanch.