| Title | 12 May 1819
John Longsdon at Charleston per Meteor, Glover, Liverpool to James Longsdon. William sailed for New York on 2 May and would have sailed directly for England but has some unfortunate business in New York where a house indebted to some of their friends in England is in difficulties and William is gone to effect a settlement if possible, and arrange some other business. Writer may go also to Philadelphia where 2 or 3 connections yield them a profitable intercourse as far as their transaction go with them. Expect William in England by end of June or early July.
James will learn by William and writer's letter to Father that partnership between TG and themselves would not take place. No objection in principle but business so altered in last 6 months in Charleston that they dare not even attempt to carry it on largely in English manufacturers. Very great portion of buyers are either bankrupt or have compounded with creditors - they dare not sell on credit except for occasional small lots. Expects branch of trade buying Cotton and Rice here for account of friends in England will continue, but TG of little here to them in this and he seems satisfied to quit Charleston. William will acquaint James with all particulars. In meantime as wanted to remit £20 to AC Broomhead for ½ yrs interest on £800 writer drew him a note on James payable on demand. Will most likely send it over to Cliff & James will oblige writer by discharging it and William will settle with him. Note dated 7 of this month.
Affairs here less flourishing than writer expected because of extensive ruin amongst every class of commercial men of which James must undoubtedly hear. Fortunately they bought but little cotton on joint account with Mr M, D L & Co and they know the worst of that business.
Anxious to hear how coarse wool maintains itself in England. If price keeps up, will assist them considerably in selling off goods in hand and keeping back large shipments - but constantly afraid of hearing of a fall. They have remitted Mr M money to make his account straight (after paying James the £350) some time ago. James will hear everything else from William. If James has the grey horse at liberty would pick up some decent useful horse for him it will be very desirable and will promote his comfort and convenience very much and save him something in expense. Charleston packet in which he sailed to New York was met halfway by vessel which arrived here. So probably not so quick passage to New York as they hoped. Please give annexed letter to Mother.
Write to writer and tell him all about James' farm - crops, grazing, moor making, house building enclosing and all other little jobs James has in hand - whether writer shall find a sister-in-law in the new house when he comes home again.
Letters in future should come direct for John and William Longsdon, Charleston, S Carolina, unless James sends them to Thomas Luckson & Co in which case old direction will do - quoting circular of 1 May. |