| Custodial History | D239/M/E/21337 (and many others) were withdrawn by the depositor and sold as part of a philatelic sale in 1988. It was returned to the collection in June 2026 having been purchased by Derbyshire Record Office from a member of the public. |
| Transcript or Index | Belize, 21 March 1832
Below New Orleans
Dear Sir,
I wrote to you from Kingston in very bad health and sailed from thence on the 25th Feb. We made the passage in six days, were towed up to New Orleans in four days, where remaining until yesterday. I am now on board the packet ship Cicada for New York, and from thence return to Jamaica, as I have benefitted much by the change and am quite strong, but the cough has not quite left me. The medical men say the voyage back will cure me.
I have not heard from Jamaica since I left; have also given orders that should any letters arrive in New York or Kingston, any letters that may come, the merchants have had letters of introduction and promised to forward them after me.
The climate here is variable; at one time last week as hot as Jamaica, and next day freezing. The winter has been prolonged beyond the usual period, and great inundations have taken place at the lower places. The inhabitants of Orleans are dreading the banks would give way. The town is lower than the river, and the levees or banks are made of ballast and oyster shells.
I will write you again, please God, from New York before I leave for Jamaica. The vessel that takes this is going off.
I remain, respectfully, dear Sir, your faithful and obedient servant,
P. Mahon |