Wilmington, 16th April, 1785.
Dear Sir:
I yesterday received the enclosed from Mr. Burgwin. I suppose you will receive a letter from himself, but if you should not, this will serve, (exclusive of the particular subject on which he requests me to write) to let you know how far you can rely upon his future exertions in support of the house.
Mr. B. seems to appeal to me upon this occasion. So far as respects the fulfilling articles of co-partnership, in so plain a case as yours, any man may determine at a glance; but when it comes to the particular situation of the different contending parties, every one will judge according to his own conceptions. If the support of your House depends upon the remittances you are now to make, they must indeed be very ample to answer the purpose; but if you could remit the whole of what you owe, though it would certainly raise your credit very high, it might still be questionable whether you could expect a further supply, unless there was some person of fortune or credit on the spot, to be responsible for the payment.
The different articles which you mention for a gown are very high. Princess stuff highest of all. Yet I believe I must take it,
for it is much stronger than the silks, and is not very heavy. I now inclose the list of books.Mrs. Rogers moved out of town sometime ago, from inability to pay house rent, and is now in the house at the sound. She wished rather to go into your brother's or Mrs. Quince's; but the piazzas of the latter are falling to pieces, and no less than £25 rent was asked. Your brother's was in the care of old Harker, who had been promised a residence there for his life. I will however endeavour to get Mrs. Rogers into one of them in time for you. I do not suppose you can remove yourself very soon.
I have been lately so much engaged in preparing business for New Bern court, that I have had no leisure to promote Mr. Osborn's subscription; but I do not fear being able to procure a considerable number; though probably I shall not have so many as I would wish till New Bern and Wilmington courts. J. Huske is now clerk of the latter.
Poor General Lillington is to be interred this afternoon. He very lately lost his youngest daughter, and his surviving son has been dangerously ill. The loss of his two favorite children in so short a time, and his own age and infirmities, must have sat very heavy on him. I do not know of what complaint he died; for I had not heard of his illness.
Cutler was married a few days ago to Becky Jones, and Michl. Sampson (a mad nephew of Jenny's, and between ourselves I believe a very worthless fellow) is to have the next sister, I believe next week.
D. Bain is every day drunk, more or less, and eternally squabbling with his wife; who though she is never actively offensive, is passively so as much as ever. T. M. leads a worse life with them than a dog, and is determined to get into a place of his own, and to disengage himself as soon as possible.
I have almost filled up my new wharf; and if you should want one shall regret that I have given a lease of it; but as I intend to make others, I can only use more expedition in providing timber. You will therefore let me know.
Can you procure me Price's observations on the New American States? I am much pleased with the extracts in the papers.
I just now heard that Lillington died of a sore throat.
My love to Kitty and the children. I expect to see her by return of the packet. You may tell her I have ten dozen of cyder for her which I shall not touch till she comes.
Mr. B. is not come to town; but I understand that Mr. J. went up yesterday. If you are to have any letters I suppose they will come by him. The packet is to sail to-morrow.
If you dissolve the partnership, you should assign your reason. The failure of M. and the refusal of B. to go to England agreeable to articles, in order to furnish the house with goods, &c., or to perform any part of the agreement incumbent upon him. It is necessary that this should appear publicly; for even if any person should think he is right in his present situation; no one can possibly think you wrong.