No. 1.
LETTER FROM MR. WILLIAM PALMER.
_To the Directors of the East India Company._[24]
Gentlemen:
As the Act allowing a Drawback of the whole of the customs paid on tea,
if exported to America, is now passed, in which there is a clause
empowering the Lords of the Treasury to grant licences to the India
Company, to export tea, duty free, to foreign States, or America, having
at the time of granting such licences upwards of ten millions of pounds
in their warehouses, and as the present stock of tea is not only near
seventeen million, but the quantity expected to arrive this season does
also considerably exceed the ordinary demand of twelve months, and the
expediency of exporting tea to foreign States having been considered, I
presume to lay before this Court the following extracts, &c., from
letters relative to the consumption in America, and calculation of
advantages attending the exportation of tea by licence, and as an
assurance the same are formed upon some experience of this trade (having
not only been concerned in a great part of the tea which has been
shipped to America since the allowance of the drawback, in 1767; but
being now about to repurchase at your ensuing sale no small quantity of
Bohea tea for the same account,) I am desirous, at my own hazard, to
include in such purchase, an assortment of all other kinds, viz.:
Congou, Souchong and Hyson, but more particularly the several species of
Singlo, namely, Hyson, Skin, Twankay and First Sort, from a conviction
that, by degrees, the consumption of these species, also and
particularly Singlo tea, might be introduced into America, at least so
far for the benefit of the Company, as in part to relieve them from the
disagreeable necessity, they will, without some such vend, be subject
to, of forcing that species of tea to market, before it is greatly
damaged by age, provided you are of opinion the same may possibly tend
to the advantage of the Company; or, should it be the opinion of this
Court, an immediate consignment should take place, I am ready to give
such assistance towards carrying the same into execution as may be
thought most conducive to the interest of the Company, together with
such security as the nature of the trust may require. In the prosecution
of these consignments, I would propose to obtain a more exact
computation of the actual consumption; what quantity might probably find
a sale there, and the most probable means of success in such sales,
whether by waiting for a demand in the ordinary way, or by public sales
there; conducted upon the outlines of those made in England, by fixing a
future day of payment, and by a restriction in selling any future
quantity for a limited time, but particularly (under my mode) in what
manner, and within what time assurances can be given by remittances
being made on account of such sales.
I am, gentlemen, your humble servant,
WM. PALMER.
London, 19th May, 1773.
EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS, &C., TO PROVE THE STATE OF THE TEA TRADE IN
AMERICA.
_Extract from a Letter from Boston, dated 29th April, 1771, in Answer to
a Consignment made in February, 1771, at 3s. 1d., with the whole
drawback of £23 18s. 7-1/2d. pr cent.:_
"Were it not for the Holland tea, the vent of English would have
answered your expectation here, but the profit is immense upon the
Holland tea, which some say cost but 18d., and the 3d. duty here is
saved. Many hundred chests have been imported. What is shipped may go
off in time, without loss, for there must be buyers of English tea; the
transportation of the Dutch by water being attended with much trouble
and risk."
_Extract from a Letter from Boston, dated 11th July, 1771:_
"So much tea has been imported from Holland, that the importers from
England have been obliged to sell for little or no profit. The Dutch
traders, it is said, had their first teas at 18d. pr lb., the last at
2s.; either is much cheaper than from England, and they save the 3d.
duty here. The Company must keep theirs nearer the prices in Holland.
The consumption is prodigious."
_Extract from a Letter from Boston, 2d Sepr., 1771:_
"The consumption of Bohea tea thro' the Continent increases every year.
It is difficult for us to say how great it is at present. We imagine
there may be consumed in this Province, which is perhaps a seventh part
of the Continent, 3000 chests in a year. We are sure nothing can
discourage the running of it but the reducing the price as low, or
lower, than it was two or three years past in England"
_Extract from a Letter from Boston, (Messrs. Hutchinson,) dated 10th
Sepr., 1771:_
"From a more particular estimate of the consumption we are of opinion,
the two towns of Boston and Charlestown consume a chest, or about 340
pounds of tea, one day with another. These two towns are not more than
one-eighth, perhaps not more than one-tenth, part of the Province.
Suppose they consume but 300 chests in a year, and allow they are but
one-eighth, it will make 2400 chests a year for the whole Province. This
Province is not one-eighth part of the Colonies, and in the other
governments, especially New York, they consume tea in much greater
proportion than in this Province. In this proportion, the consumption
may be estimated at 19,200 chests per annum, or upwards of six millions
of pounds. Yet at New York or Pensylvania they import no teas from
England, and at Rhode Island very little. Here we find the Dutch traders
continually gaining ground upon us. If teas do not sail with you before
the spring shippings, we fear the Dutch will carry away all the trade of
the Colonies in this article."
_Extract of a Letter from Boston, dated 11th Sepr., 1772:_
"We have delayed answering your last enquiries relative to the tea
concern, in hopes of being able to form a better judgment, but to no
great purpose; the great importation from Holland, principally through
New York and Philadelphia, keeps down the price here, and consequently
the sale of teas from England. We have set ours so low we shall have no
profit from this years adventure, yet there are 50 chests still on hand.
You ask our opinion whether the difference between the English and Dutch
teas, if it did not exceed the 3d. duty and 9 pr cent., would be
sufficient encouragement to the illicit trader? If the difference was
not greater we think some of the smugglers would be discouraged, but the
greater part would not. Nothing will be effectual short of reducing the
price in England equal to the price in Holland. If no other burthen than
the 3d. duty in the Colonies, to save that alone would not be
sufficient profit, and the New Yorkers, &c., would soon break thro'
their solemn engagements not to import from England."
_Extract from a Letter from Boston, dated 25th Feb., 1773, in Answer to
a calculation sent of the supposed price at which the illicit trader can
now import tea into America from Holland:_
"In your calculation of the profits on Dutch teas, 12 pr cent. is too
much to deduct for the risque of illicit trade. We are confident not one
chest in five hundred has been seized in this Province for two or three
years past, and the custom house officers seem unwilling to run any risk
to make a seisure. At New York, we are told it is carted about at noon
day. There is some expence in landing, which we believe the importers
would give five pr cent. to be freed from."
_Copy of a Letter from Rotterdam, dated 12th June, 1772:_
"I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 5th instant,
desiring information of the present state and prices of tea at this
market, and also what the freight and charges are thereon to North
America, to all which I cheerfully give you every elucidation in my
power, and with the greatest pleasure, as neither you nor your friends
have any thought of engaging in said trade, which, with every other
branch of smuggling, must be held in abhorrence by all good men. The
present prices of tea are--
<pre>
_d._ _d._
Dutch Bohea's, in whole chests, 20 @ 22
" " half " 22 24
" " quarter " 24 25
Swedish, whole " 21 22
Danish, " " 21 22-1/2
Congo, 28 45
Souchon, 36 65
Peco, 32 55
Imperial, 49 50
Green, 48 50
Tonkay, 52 53
Heysan Skin, 60 62
Heysan, 90 95</pre>
The tare on whole chests is 84 lbs., if they weigh less than 400 lbs.,
and if they weigh 400 lbs. or upwards, then 90 lbs.; for the half
chests, under 200 lbs., tare 54 lbs.; if 200 lbs., or upwards, then 60
lbs.; for the quarter chests, under 100 lbs., tare, 23 lbs.; if 100
lbs., or upwards, then 30 lbs. The advantages on the tares are
calculated at 7 or 8 pr cent. on the whole chests, at 12 @ 13 pr cent.
on the half chests, and at 15 @ 16 per cent. on the quarter chests. The
quantity of teas on hand is not considerable, so that we do not
apprehend a decline; on the contrary, if any orders of the least
importance were to appear, the prices would go higher. There are now
about 400 chests shipping for America, from Amsterdam, from which port
the teas that go to North America from this country are always shipped,
and not from this city; they are sent to Rhode Island, and not to
Boston. Of Green teas there are hardly any left, neither fine Souchong
nor Congos, but ordinary, in abundance. The freight of a whole chest of
Bohea to St. Eustatius, one of the Dutch West India Islands, comes to
about 7-1/4s. pr chest. It is reckoned by the foot square, at 6s. the
foot to North America. It is generally £4 pr chest, New York currency,
but the captain is not answerable in any case of seizure.
Agreeable to your desire, I send you a pro forma invoice of 6 chests
Dutch Boheas, so as they come to stand on board if they were shipped
here; but as the shipping is at Amsterdam, the charges may be somewhat
higher. In regard to what they estimate, the risk that in America for
running in the teas I cannot inform you, this you may be better able to
learn from some of your New England houses, as our underwriters will not
sign against the risk of seizures; but I fancy the risk is not very
great, as the trade is carried on for so large parcels.
<PRE>
Pro forma invoice of 6 chests of Dutch Bohea tea:
lbs.
320 Tare of 4 chests, under 400
------
360 at 84 lb. each, 336} 2270
370 }
390 do. of 2 chests above } 516
410 400 @ 90 lb. each 180} ---- 1754 @ 24s. £2104 16
420 off 1 pr cent., 21 2
--------
£2083 14
CHARGES.
Custom and Passport, £20 4s
Sleding, 1 7
1/2 weigh money, 13 0
Brokerage, 10 8
Shipping, 3 0
Commission, 2 per cent. on £2131 13s. 42 12
--------
90 11
--------
£2174 5[25]</pre>
_Estimate of the advantages attending the Tea trade to North America, if
carried on from England:_
Observe 1st. In the following calculation, no more than half the
consumption of the Continent, as estimated by Messrs. Hutchinson, in
their letter of the 10th Sepr., 1771, is assumed as the whole, as from
the mode in which they were under the necessity of making their
estimate, it was liable to error, and 19,200 chests is more than has
been hitherto annually imported from China by all foreign companies.
2ndly. That this calculation is formed upon Bohea tea only, the species
of tea already consumed there; yet it is probable by degrees other
species might be introduced, the vend of which may be more profitable to
the Company. 9600 chests of Bohea tea, each containing 340 lbs., makes
3,264,000 lbs., if sold at 2s. 6d. Boston currency, (which is 4d. lower
than it appears to have been even at the time it was purchased in
Holland, at 15 stivers, or under 18d. pr lb., amounts to
<PRE>£408,000
Deduct 25 pr cent. for exchange, 102,000
Sterling, £306,000
Deduct 6 pr cent. for commission and charges, 18,360
Annual net proceeds before the American } £287,640
duty is deducted, }
_Application of those Net proceeds to the following purposes:_
To the revenue for the duty on 3,264,000, @ 3d. £40,800
To the ship owners, for freight from England to
America, if according to the present rate of
15 pr chest, 7,200
To the ship owners for freight from China to
England, according to Sir Richard Hotham's
plan, of £21 pr ton, of 10 hundred weight, or
for every 3 chests of tea, 67,200
To the purchase at Canton, if at 15 tale pr pecul
would amount thus: say 3,264,000 lb., divided
by 133-1/3 for each pecul, makes peculs 24,480
@ 15 each, is tales 367,200, which, at 6s. 8d. pr
tale, is sterling, 122,400
Commission on the purchase in China, 6,120
Charges of all sorts, rated at 10s. pr chest, 4,600
------
248,320
To the Company for Net profit after all deductions}
whatsoever upon the most reduced } 39,320
estimate, upwards of 30 pr cent. on the purchase, }
or
------
£287,640</pre>
No. 2.
LETTER FROM MR. GILBERT BARKLY.
Gentlemen:
I take the liberty to enclose for your consideration a
memorial, regarding the establishment of a branch from the
East India house in one of the principal cities in North
America. Should the design meet with your approbation, as I
am well acquainted with the teas most saleable in that
country, shall be extremely happy in giving you every
information in my power, I have the honor to be with due
esteem, gentlemen,
Your most obedt. & very humble servant,
GILB'T BARKLY.
Lombard Street,
26th May, 1773.
TO THE HON'BLE THE COURT OF DIRECTORS OF THE EAST INDIA
COMPANY.
MEMORIAL.
_The Memorial of Gilbert Barkly, merchant, in Philadelphia,
in North America, who resided there upwards of sixteen
years, and who is well acquainted with the consumption of
that country, particularly in the article of Teas, &c._
Humbly proposes. In order to put a final stop to that
destructive trade of smuggling:
That the Company should open a chamber in one of the
principal, & central cities, of North America, under the
direction of managers, and that an assortment of teas from
England should be lodged in warehouses, and sales to
commence quarterly upon the same terms & conditions as those
in London.
By this means the merchants and grocers from the Southern
and Northern Provinces will attend the sales and purchase
according to their abilities. The goods thus brought from
home to them, and sold cheaper than they can be smuggled
from foreigners, the buyers will be bound by interest, and
think no more of running that risk, to which may be added
that they have them when paid for, immediately, for whereas,
when commissioned from abroad, they generally wait six
months before the receipt of them.
This country is now become an object of the highest
consequence, peopled by about three millions of inhabitants,
one third of whom, at a moderate computation, drink tea
twice a day, which third part, reckoning to each person one
fourth part of an ounce pr day, makes the yearly consumption
of 5,703,125 lbs. This quantity, at the medium price of 2s.
6d. pr lb., amounts to £712,890 2s. 6d.
The common people in all countries are the greatest body,
few of those in North Briton or Ireland drink tea, this is
not the case in America, all the planters are the real
proprietors of the lands they possess; by this means they
can afford to come at this piece of luxury, which has been
greatly introduced among them by the example of the Dutch
and German settlers.
The great object to be considered is to bring the goods to
market in such a manner as to afford them as cheap as they
can be bought of foreigners. Should this be the case the
success of the design is beyond a doubt.
The duty of 3d. pr lb. some time ago laid on teas payable in
America, gave the colonists great umbrage, and occasioned
their smuggling that article into the country from Holland,
France, Sweden, Lisbon, &c., St. Eustatia, in the West
Indies, &c., which, from the extent of the coast,
(experience has taught) cannot be prevented by custom
officers, or the king's cruizers, and as the wisdom of
Parliament reckons it impolitical to take off this duty, the
colonists will persevere in purchasing that article in the
usual manner if the above method is not adopted, and the
goods brought into their country and sold as cheap as they
can have them abroad.
The freight, &c., of teas to America would not much exceed
what they might cost to Holland, or any other foreign
company, particularly as the ships may load back with masts,
and other goods that might nigh pay the whole expence, and
should the Company think of exporting their overstock of
teas to Holland, or any other foreign country, it is not to
be expected that the merchants abroad would buy them but
with a view of profit. This, with freight, commission, duty,
&c., would far exceed the expence of sales and freight to
America.
If this scheme should be approved of, the sooner it is
executed the better, as the smugglers in America will soon
be laying in their fall and winter stock of teas, unless
they are prevented by this design, and as Spanish dollars
are the current coin in that country, the Company can be
furnished with any quantity they may require towards their
payment, should they require it.
The managers may be paid by a commission on the sales, and
at the same time bound to obey such orders and directions
as they may receive from time to time from the Hon'ble the
Court of Directors, and as your memorialist is universally
acquainted with the trade, and has respectable connections
in that country, he humbly offers himself as a proper person
to be one of the managers, and if required, will find
security for the trust reposed in him. Your memorialist also
presumes to mention John Inglis, Esq., of the city of
Philadelphia, as another proper person, being universally
esteemed in America, and well known in the city of London,
as a man of probity, fortune and respect.
No. 3.
LETTER FROM MR. BROOK WATSON, TO DANIEL WIER, ESQ.
Dear Sir:
The annual consumption of teas in Nova Scotia is about 20
chests Bohea, and 3 or 4 of good Common Green. Should the
Company determine on sending any to that Province, I pray
your interest in procuring the commission to Watson's &
Rashleigh's agent there, John Butler, a man of long standing
in the Province and in the Council, and by far the fittest
person to be employed, for whom W. & R. will be answerable.
At Boston I have two friends equally deserving. You would do
the Company service, and me an acceptable kindness, by
recommending them, Benjamin Faneuil, Jun., & Joshua Winslow.
The consumption at Boston is large, say at least 400 chests
Bohea & 50 of Green pr annum. The freight to both these
places I should be glad to have if you could procure it
without inconvenience to yourself.
Yours faithfully,
BROOK WATSON.[26]
4 June, 1773.
No. 4.
A PROPOSAL FOR SENDING TEA TO PHILADELPHIA.
_Received from the Hon'ble Mr. Walpole._[27]
As Philadelphia is the capital of one of the most populous
and commercial Provinces in North America, and is situated
in the center of the middle British Colonies, it is
proposed:
That the East India Company should, by the middle of June at
farthest, send to Philadelphia at least five hundred chests
of black teas, one hundred half chests of green teas, and
seventy five half chests of Congou and Souchon teas.
That they should consign these teas to a house of character
and fortune in Philadelphia, and direct the proceeds thereof
to be remitted hither in bills of exchange or specie.
That previous, however, to the teas being shipped, factors
should be appointed in Philadelphia, and the directors of
the East India Company should _immediately_ advise them of
their intended consignation, and direct them to engage
_proper_ warehouses for the reception thereof.
That the factors should be authorized to sell the teas at
public auction, (giving notice of the times of the sale in
all the North American newspapers, at least one month before
hand,) and in such small lots as will be convenient for the
country storekeepers to supply themselves with such sales.
That the factors should grant the purchasers the same
allowance of tare, tret, discount, &c., as are customary at
the company's sales in this city.
That in case the factor should be of opinion, the sales of
the tea would be encreased both in quantity and price, by
having occasional auctions in Boston and New York, in the
manner proposed at Philadelphia; that they should be at
liberty to send from time to time to Boston & New York as
many chests as they may think necessary for the consumption
& _commerce_ of those places, but that the factors, or one
of them, should always attend the sales in Boston and New
York.
That the East India Company should be at the charge &
expence of the warehouse rent in America, the cartage, and
the freight of the teas from Philadelphia to Boston & New
York, and that the factors should be allowed for receiving
and selling the teas, collecting the payment thereof and
remitting the same, a commission of 2-1/2 pr cent. on the
amount of the sales.
N.B.--It is submitted whether it would not be proper for the
directors of the East India Company to send two persons to
Philadelphia, who have been accustomed to pack and repack
teas at the India House, to the end that they may be
employed for that purpose, and in dividing whole chests of
black teas into half chests, for the greater accommodation
of the country shopkeepers.
No. 5.
MR. PALMER'S COMPLIMENTS TO MR. WHELER, ENCLOSES THE
OUTLINES OF A PLAN UPON WHICH THE EXPORTATION OF TEA ON
BEHALF OF THE COMPANY TO AMERICA TAKE PLACE. MR. P. WILL
ATTEND THE COMMITTEE WHENEVER HE IS DESIRED.
PLAN.
Admitting that an exportation of tea to America by licence
takes place immediately, in order to prevent the colonists
from becoming purchasers at the sales of foreign companies,
usually made from September to November, and consequently at
least discourage those companies from encreasing their China
trade, and also to obtain some information, though
imperfect, before the investments for the China ships of the
ensuing season are ordered. It is proposed that chests of
Bohea tea, chests of each specie of Singlo tea, together
with a smaller assortment of Hyson, Souchong, & Congou tea
be consigned to such a number of merchants conjointly as may
be thought sufficient, (for whom their correspondents in
England shall give satisfactory security,) together with
such persons as shall be thought proper for that purpose to
be sent from thence. That upon the arrival of such tea in
Boston public notice shall be given thereof through the
Continent, and also that it is the intention of the East
India Company, if the sales of this cargo should be found to
answer, to repeat such consignments, in order to supply that
Continent with teas at least equal in price to what they
must pay for the same if obtained in a way of illicit trade.
That in order to conduct these sales in the most
advantageous manner, the parties to whom the cargoes shall
be entrusted shall act as one body; that the concurrence of
the majority shall be necessary for any act therein; that
each party shall be answerable for himself only, but that no
credit shall be given to bills received for paying without
the assent of at least three of the persons so appointed;
that it shall be the object of the person who may be
appointed to go with the cargo to obtain all possible
information respecting the actual consumption, mode of sale,
species of tea that may be introduced, & opportunity of
remittances at Boston, where it is proposed the first
consignment shall be made, as it is the only considerable
mart, where tea from England is at present received without
opposition, and having so done he shall visit such other
places on the Continent as may be thought proper, but
particularly New York and Philadelphia, in order to obtain
the same information at those several places, and learn,
from being on the spot, how far the New Yorkers, &c., will
hold their solemn engagements, when they find the advantages
they will probably reap by receiving tea from England. They
having obtained all such necessary information, he shall
return to England & report the same, from which time it is
presumed there will be full employ for such agent without
any additional expence to the Company in preparing such
assortments of tea as may from time to time be required for
this market, and can be best spared from the necessary
demand of Great Britain & Ireland, and also in negotiating
the remittances that may from time to time be received on
account of this concern.
That such an appointment is absolutely necessary must appear
to every one at all acquainted with the nature of the tea
trade, not only properly to regulate these investments, but
also from time to time to preserve proper assortments of tea
for the consumption of Great Britain & Ireland, and indeed
in this particular alone could the directors for some years
past have had such information, from any person in whose
abilities & integrity they could have placed a proper
confidence, and who, from the nature of such trusts, must be
placed above the temptation to any sinister practices the
Company, from the resources of the tea trade alone, would
probably never have been involved in their present
difficulties.
LETTER FROM MESSRS. GREENWOOD & HIGGINSON.
Gentlemen:
We are informed that you have come to a resolution to ship
tea to America, we therefore beg leave to recommend our
friends, Mr. Andrew Lord, and Messrs. Willm. & George
Ancrum,[28] of Charles Town, in South Carolina, merchants,
for the consignments of such part as you may ship to that
place. Both houses are of the first repute, and have been
long established there, and also to tender to you our ship
the London, Alexander Curling, Master, to carry the same
out, who shall be ready to sail whenever you please to
account.
We are, your most humble servants,
GREENWOOD & HIGGINSON.
London, 4 May, 1773.
To the Hon'ble the Court of Directors
of the United Company of Merchants
of England, trading to the East Indies.
LETTER FROM MR. FRED'K PIGOU, JUN^R.
Gentlemen:
Being informed you intend to export teas to several
different settlements in America, to be sold there under
the direction of agents to be appointed. I beg leave to
acquaint the Court that I have a house established in New
York, under the firm of Pigou & Booth, and I humbly solicit
the favor of that house having a share of the consignments.
Philadelphia being also a port to which the Company will
most likely send teas, I beg leave to recommend Messrs.
James & Drinker, of that city, to be one of your agents
there.
Should I be so happy to succeed in my request, I am certain
the greatest attention will be paid by those gentlemen to
the Company's orders, and that the Company's interest will
be made their study in the sales and remittances. I also beg
leave to observe that if ships should be wanted for this
service, I have vessels now ready for the ports of
Philadelphia and New York.
I am, gentlemen,
Your most obed't & very humble serv't,
FRED'K PIGOU, Jun^r.
Mark Lane, 1st June, 1773.
To the Hon'ble the Court of Directors
of the United East India Company.
LETTER FROM MR. JONATHAN CLARKE.
London, 1st July, 1773.
Gentlemen:
I intended to have made a purchase of teas at your present
sale to have exported to America, but the candid intimation
given by you of an intention to export them to the Colonies
on account of the Company, renders it disadvantageous for a
single house to engage in that article.
I now beg leave, gentlemen, to make a tender to you of the
services of a house in which I am a partner, Richard Clarke
and Sons,[29] of Boston, New England, to conduct the sale of
such teas as you may send to that part of America, in
conjunction with any other houses you may think proper to
entrust with this concern; altho' I have not the honor of
being personally known to many of you, I flatter myself our
house is known to the principal merchants who deal to our
Province, and are known to have always fulfilled our
engagements with punctuality & honor, and trust I shall
procure you ample security for our conducting this business,
agreeable to the direction, we may from time to time receive
from you.
In soliciting this favor, I beg leave to avail myself
further of the circumstance of our having for a long time
been concerned in the tea trade, and to greater extent than
any house in our Province, with one exception. Of the
disappointment I have met with in my intended adventure, by
which we are deprived of a very valuable branch of our
business, and on my being on the spot to take such
instructions from you as may be requisite in disposing of
what you may send. And give me leave to add my assurances
that the interest of the East India Company will always be
attended to by the house of Richard Clarke & Sons, if you
think fit to repose this confidence in them.
I am, very respectfully, gentlemen,
Your most obed't & humble servant,
JONATHAN CLARKE.
To the Hon'ble Directors of the
East India Company.
Mr. Clarke also enclosed two letters in his favor; one from Messrs.
Henry & Thos. Bromfield, the other from Mr. Peter Contencin, merchants.
June 5th, 1773.
Sir:
The bearer, Mr. Barkly, is the person whom I took the
liberty of recommending to you as a person able and
qualified to give you information touching the quantity of
tea that is now consumed in America, and to serve the
Company in that part of the World in case the Directors
shall judge it proper to make any establishment there for
selling tea on the Company's account, & I am, sir,
Your most obedient and most humble servant,
GREY COOPER.[30]
Received from Henry Crabb Boulton, Esq.
Hon'ble Sirs:
Being informed of your resolution to export a quantity of
tea to different parts of America, we take the liberty of
recommending our friends, Messrs. Willing, Morris & Co., to
be your agents at Philadelphia, for whom we are ready to be
answerable.
We are, very respectfully,
Your honors most obedient, humble servants,
ROBERTS, BAYNES & ROBERTS.
8 June, 1773.
To the Hon'ble the Committee of Warehouses.
London, 9th June, 1773.
Gentlemen:
I have understood that you propose fixing agents in the
different colonies in America, to dispose of certain
quantities of tea; if so, I am a native and merchant of
Virginia, and think it will be in my power to execute your
commands in that quarter, on terms equal, if not superior,
to any one in it.
There are some things respecting this business that come
within my knowledge; which are too prolix for a letter, but
if the Court chuses to notice my petition, I shall be happy
and ready to give any intelligence in my power.
I am, gentlemen,
Your very obed't & hum'ble serv't,
BENJ. HARRISON, Jun^r.
At Webbs, Arundel Street, Strand.
To the Hon'ble Court, &c.
Gentlemen:
Being informed that you have it in contemplation to export
tea to the different Provinces in North America, for sale on
the Company's account, I beg leave to recommend my brother,
Mr. Jonathan Browne, merchant, in Philadelphia, as an agent
for any business you may have to transact at that place, and
I flatter myself his activity & knowledge of the trade of
that country, acquired by a residence of upwards of fifteen
years, will render him deserving of your notice.
Any security for his conduct I am ready to give, and to any
amount you shall think necessary for the discharge of the
trust you may be pleased to repose in him.
I am, very respectfully, gent.,
Your most obed't & humble serv't,
GEORGE BROWNE.
London, Tower Hill, 11th June, 1773.
To the Committee of Warehouses.
Gentlemen:
As many difficulties seem at present to attend the
exportation of tea to America in large quantities, on
account of the Company, if the expedient is approved by this
Court, of sending about 200 chests of Bohea tea, and a small
assortment of other species to Boston, by way of experiment,
and you should think proper to entrust such cargo to the
care of Messrs. Hutchinson, merchants, there, I am ready, as
a security, to advance upon the same the sum such tea shall
amount to, at the prime cost in China & freight from hence,
before the shipping thereof, provided I am permitted to
charge interest upon such advance, until remittances for the
same are received from America.
I am, gent.,
Your humble serv't,
WM. PALMER.
Devonshire Square, 24th June, 1773.
To the Hon'ble Court of Directors, &c., &c.
Sir:
The Committee of Warehouses of the East India Company desire
you will meet them at this house, on Thursday next, at
twelve o'clock at noon, relative to the exportation of tea
to America.
I am, sir,
Your most humble serv't,
WM. SETTLE.
East India House, 25th June, 1773.
To BROOK WATSON,
JONATHAN CLARKE,
FREDE'K PIGOU, Junr.
GILBERT BARKLY,
GEORGE BROWNE,
ROBERTS, BAYNES & ROBERTS,
WM. KELLY,
GREENWOOD & HIGGINSON,
BENJAMIN HARRISON,
SAMUEL WHARTON,
GEO. HAYLEY & JOHN BLACKBURN, ESQRS.
Gentlemen:
The enclosed newspapers contain the sentiments of the
Americans with regard to the quantity of teas consumed in
that country, and the fatal consequences attending buying it
from foreigners, by leading them to purchase other articles
of East India goods at the same markets which otherwise
would not be an object, and which, of course, would be
commissioned from the mother-country.
The memorial, which I had the honor to deliver, lately
points out an undoubted method for gaining this trade.
The Company being the exporters, pays the American duty of
3d. pr lb., of which they will be amply repaid by the
advance on their sales, and as mankind in general are bound
by interest, and as the duty of about a shill'g pr lb. is
now taken off tea when exported, the Company can afford
their teas cheaper than the Americans can smuggle them from
foreigners, which puts the success of the design beyond a
doubt.
It may be suggested that the Americans have not money to pay
for those goods. The Province of Pennsylvania alone ships
yearly to the West Indies, Spain, Portugal & France, &c.,
above 300,000 barrels of flour, large quantities of wheat,
Indian corn, iron, pork, beef, lumber, and above 15,000
hhds. of flax seed to Ireland, and the other Provinces are
equally industrious. The principal returns are in silver and
gold, with bills of exchange, an incredible part of which
will center with the Company should the same be executed
agreeable to the plan proposed, and smuggling will be
effectually abolished without any additional number of
officers and cruizers.
Warehouse rent, &c., in America, will come as cheap as it is
in England; and by the mode proposed for disposing of the
teas, the grocers and merchants will be quickly served
without any risk of loss by bad debts. I beg your
forgiveness for the freedom I have taken. I have the honor
to be, with due respect, gentlemen,
Your most obed't & humble servant,
GILBERT BARKLY.
Lombard Street, 29 June, 1773.
To the chairman & deputy chairman of
the East India Comp'y.
(_See Mr. Barkly's letter in the miscellany bundle for the
Pennsylvania packet of 17th May, 1773._)
Sir:
Upon my coming to town, I found a letter from the clerk of
the Committee of Warehouses, desiring my attendance at the
East India House, relative to the exportation of teas to
America.
I should have waited on the Committee of Warehouses at the
time desired, if I had been in town, and I will attend them
if they wish to see me any day next week, which may be
convenient to them. I am, sir,
Your most obedi^t. humb. serv't,
SAMUEL WHARTON.
Argyle Street, June 30th, 1773
Crabb Boulton, Esqr.
SOME THOUGHTS UPON THE EAST INDIA COMPANY'S SENDING OUT TEAS TO AMERICA.
_Submitted to the consideration of Henry Crabb Boulton, Esq., Chairman
of the East India Company._
The usual exports to America, consisting of callicoes, muslins, and
other produce of India, (tea excepted,) have been seldom less than
£600,000 pr an., as such the consequence of that trade, and the interest
of the merchants concerned therein, ought to be well considered before
this measure of sending out teas to America should be adopted, lest it
might defeat the one and prejudice the other.
The merchants are much alarmed at this step of the Company, fearing it
will prevent, in a great degree, the remittances from their
correspondents by so much or near it as the sales of the teas amount to;
for it is beyond a doubt, that the people in America, if they admit the
teas, (which I much doubt,) will be tempted to purchase them with the
very money arising from the sales of muslins, callicoes, Persians, &c.,
bought of the Company instead of sending it to the merchants in England,
and thereby tend to encrease the distress which is already too severely
felt, for want of remittances. And I should not be surprized at the
merchants forming a resolution similar to that of the dealers, viz., not
to purchase anything from a Company who are interfering so essentially
with their trade, and striking at the root of their interests. I am of
opinion, if a proper application was made to the ministry, aided by a
petition from the American merchants, it might produce a relaxation of
that disagreeable and fatal duty of 3d. pr lb., and in case of success
I could almost promise that in the course of six months there would be
exported not less than one million of pounds of tea, and further, that
the usual annual export would be upon an average four millions of pounds
of teas. This mode would relieve the Company from its present load, and
place the correspondence and connection in its usual and natural
channel. But admitting that the ministry would not comply with such a
request, is it not too hasty a resolution before answers are come from
America if they will receive the teas through the channel of the
merchants, and particularly when they see the drawback is encreased from
14 to 24 pr cent. ad valorem, and thereby they are enabled to introduce
that article cheaper from hence than from Holland.
It is well known to every gentleman conversant in trade, that on account
of some disagreeable Acts of Parliament passed here, the people of
America formed a resolution, which was too generally adhered to, not to
import any goods from hence. This resolution continued for two years.
However, the merchants of New York, (who are men of understanding and
liberal principles,) foreseeing the fatal consequences that attend
England & the Provinces by a continuance of dis-union with the
mother-country, summoned a meeting of the principal inhabitants of the
town, and then came to a compromise with the people, that in case they
would agree to admit all other goods, they promised not to import any
teas from England, under very severe penalties, until the Act imposing a
duty of 3d. pr lb. was repealed, and the several captains of ships in
the trade were enjoined upon pain of forfeiting the good esteem of the
inhabitants to comply therewith. The like resolutions were agreed to in
Philadelphia & South Carolina.
There is another difficulty which occurs to me in this business, and
that is, there is not so much specie in the country as would pay for the
quantity said is intended to be exported. The Company should be very
cautious who they appointed to receive the produce of the sales, for
should the contractor for money have that power, who are the general
drawers of bills, it would enable them to make a monopoly of the ready
specie, and to make exchange advance 25 pr ct., to the loss of the
remitter.
Thus have I stated the principal objections to the measure, and in
compliance with my promise, I shall give you my opinion relative to its
introduction, & the proper modes of sale, admitting the Company
persevere in their resolutions of exporting the teas on their own
account.
A ship should be hired by the Company, capable of carrying the quantity
they intend to export, and at so much pr month. She should call in the
first place at Boston, and there land 300 chests, under the care of one
of the Company's own clerks; from thence to New York, and there land 300
chests, in the like manner as at Boston; from thence to Philadelphia,
and there land 300 chests, as before, and from thence to Carolina, and
there land 100 chests, under the care of the clerk of the Company, all
of which may be performed in the course of three months from her sailing
from hence, until her arrival at her last destined port, provided the
people in the different Provinces don't disturb the voyage upon the
arrival of the teas. Public notice should be given in the papers of each
Province at least one month preceding the sale, and the following
valuation prices affixed for the buyers to bid upon, subject to the
allowances, as limited in your own sales: Boston, @ 2s., lawful money,
pr lb.; New York, 2s. 9d., currency; Philadelphia, 2s. 3d., currency;
Charles Town, South Carolina, 10s. pr lb., currency. These prices are
for Boheas. The several clerks of the Company can with ease correspond
with each other, as there is a constant and regular communication by
post, so that if there should be an over quantity at one place, and a
deficiency at another, it may be supplied. The clerks should have
directions to pay the proceeds of the sales to some eminent merchant at
each Province, who should be a person well acquainted with the article,
and one who has great weight with the other merchants and people, both
as to esteem, rank and property; this merchant to remit the money by
good bills of exchange, which he must guarantee, and a security given
here for such a trust.
Great care should be had to regulate the sale by the consumption of each
Province, and not to be held at the same time, but to follow each other
by the distance of a fortnight, so that in case there should be more
buyers at one Province than the quantity will furnish, they may have an
opportunity of writing or going to the next sale at another Province.
I fear there may be an opposition made by some of the Provinces upon a
surmise that Government is aiding in this plan, and mean to establish
principle and right of taxation, for the purpose of a revenue, which at
present is very obnoxious, as such great care should be had not to
employ either paymaster, collector, or any other gentleman under the
immediate service of the Crown, to receive the money.
Garlick Hill, 1st July, 1773.
Gentlemen:
In compliance with your desire, we have reflected on the business &
expence which will attend the sale of and remitting for such teas as the
East India Company may ship to North America, and considering that none
but gentlemen of known property, integrity and of experience in trade
can, with propriety and safety to the Company, be employed therein, we
humbly conceive that five pr cent. commission, and one pr cent. for
truckage, warehouse rent, brokerage, and other incidental charges,
making in the whole six pr cent. on the gross sales, is as little as the
business can be transacted for. And we further beg leave to suggest that
no person ought to be employed who will not give security to the
Company, in London, for faithfully following such instructions, as they
may from time to time receive from them, for remitting to the Company
all monies which they may receive on account of teas sold, first
deducting the above six pr cent., together with such freight and duties
as they may have paid on account thereof, and interest thereon, till
reimbursed, such remittances to be made in bills of exchange, within two
months after receiving the money, which bills, to be drawn upon their
security in London, payable sixty days after sight, or in specie, at the
Company's risk and expence; if in bills of exchange, the security to be
obliged to accept and pay them. Should the Company determine to ship
teas on their own account and risk to North America, we presume to
recommend to their service, Benjamin Faneuil, Junr., Esqr., & Joshua
Winslow, Esqr.,[31] of Boston, _jointly_, to transact their business,
for whom we are ready to give security to the amount of ten thousand
pounds for their performance of the before mentioned conditions, and in
like manner a security of two thousand pounds for John Butler, Esqr., of
Halifax, in Nova Scotia, who we also beg leave to recommend to the
Company's service. We are, with great respect, gentlemen,
Your obe't, hum^e serv'ts,
WATSON & RASHLEIGH.
To the Hon'ble the Committee
of Warehouse, &c., &c., &c.
[Illustration: Signature, J. Winslow]
London, July 2, 1773.
Gentlemen:
If it should be agreeable to you to consign to the house of Richard
Clarke & Sons, of Boston, New England, this summer or fall, I would beg
leave to propose to you, that I will find security to the amount of two
or three hundred chests, that in eight months after the sale of them in
America, the accounts shall be forwarded you, and the money for the net
proceedings paid to your order within that time, you allowing our house
five pr cent. commission on the sales, and one pr cent. for storage &
other charges, the freight and American duty to be chargeable on the
teas besides, & we to be free from the risk of fire or any other
accident that may occur before the delivery of the tea.
I am, with the greatest respect, gentlemen,
Your most obed't, hum. ser't,
JONATHAN CLARKE.
To the Hon'ble Directors, &c., &c.
London, July 5, 1773.
Sirs:
The terms which I had the honor to converse with you upon, relative to
the sale of teas in America, I take leave to recapitulate as necessary,
to understand each other, viz.: You expect that the houses here who
recommend their friends abroad, and are in consequence appointed as
your factors to dispose of that article, should stipulate that it be
sold agreeable to such orders as you may think proper to give for that
purpose, and that the factors pay the cartage, warehouse rent,
brokerage, and other charges incidental to the sale, and remit the net
proceeds in two months from the last, prompt, in good bills of exchange
or bullion, for the whole of which service they are to retain a
commission of 6 pr cent. on the gross sales, the Company to be at the
risk and expence of shipping the tea out, to pay duty and entry abroad,
and to be also at the risk and expence of sending bullion home, which
terms I do agree to in behalf of those which I shall recommend, whose
names are at the foot. And as it seems prudent to guard against accident
by death, as well as that the Company be secured against the neglect &
misconduct of its servants in this business, I do hereby, for myself and
my house, here guarantee the safety of the houses named as above, for
the execution of this business, and also that such bills of exchange, as
they shall remit on the above account, shall be good.
The agents in this business hope to be indulged with giving their ships
in the trade the freight of the tea out, in preference to others.
I am, with the highest respect, sirs,
Your most obed't & most hum. serv't,
WILLIAM KELLY.
To the Hon'ble the Com^tee of Warehouses, &c., &c., &c.
_For New York:_
Messrs. Abraham Lott & Co.[32]
Messrs. Hugh & Alex^r Wallace.
Mr. Lott has been a merchant of reputation there about 18 years, and
Public Treasurer of the Province about 7 years. The latter is a house of
long standing and of great credit, and is well known to many gentlemen
here, particularly Messrs. Bourdieu & Chollet.
_For Boston:_
John Erving, Jun^r.[33]
Henry Lloyd.[34]
Both men of fortune and established characters as merchants.
_For Philadelphia:_
Messrs. Francis Tilghman.
Messrs. Reese Meredith & Son.
Both houses of great credit & established reputation.
P.S.--Mr. Kelly, on consideration, thinks that one month from the last
prompt, will be too short a time for limiting the remittances to be
made, and therefore has taken the liberty to put down two.
London, 6 July, 1773.
Sir:
Mr. Kelly will give the Committee my proposals for doing the Company's
business in Virginia, and if they require further knowledge of me,
Messrs. Harris & Co., and Mr. John Blackburn, will give them it. I am,
sir,
Your hum. serv't,
Benj. Harrison.
Mr. Wm. Settle, Clerk,
to the Committee of Warehouses.
Hon'ble Gentlemen:
Pursuant to your request, I beg leave to lay before you the proposal of
my friend, Henry White, Esqr., of New York, for the sale of what teas
you may think proper to commit to his charge, and in justice to my
friend, I think it my duty to declare that there is no gentleman more
capable of transacting this business, seeing from his long experience in
that branch, that his consequence as a merchant of fortune he will be
capable of advancing the interest of the Company in the sale thereof, as
well as silencing any prejudices that may arise from the mode of its
introduction, viz.:
That the money arising from the sale of such teas shall be paid into the
hands of your treasurer in three months immediately following the receit
thereof, first deducting 6 pr cent. in lieu of all charges consequent to
their landing, save the duty of 3d. pr lb. and freight, and I hereby
engage to join myself with one or two more gentlemen of fortune in a
bond for the faithful performance of the above covenant.
I am, with all due respect, hon'ble gentlemen,
Your most obedient, &c., &c., &c., &c.,
JOHN BLACKBURN.
Scots Yard,
Tuesday, 6 July, 1773.
N.B.--The firm of Mr. White's house is the Hon'ble Henry White, Esqr.,
at New York.
To the Hon'ble Directors, &c., &c., &c.
Sir:
Your letter of the 30th ultimo, addressed to the chairman of the East
India Comp^y, having been read in a Committee of Warehouses, they
desire you will please to meet them at this house tomorrow, at twelve of
the clock at noon, relative to the exportation of tea to America.
I am, sir,
Your most ob. serv't,
WM. SETTLE.
East India House,
7th July, 1773.
Samuel Wharton, Esqr.
TO THE WORSHIPFUL COMMITTEE OF WAREHOUSES FOR THE HON'BLE THE EAST INDIA
COMPANY.
_The Petition of Walter Mansell,[35] of the City of London, Merchant,
respectfully sheweth:_
That your petitioner, having received certain information of the Hon'ble
East India Company's intention to export large quantities of teas to His
Majesty's American Colonies, your petitioner therefore humbly begs leave
to acquaint this Committee, that he and his partner, Thos. Corbett, now
resident there have long carried on considerable business as merchants,
in Charles Town, South Carolina, where your petitioner has been resident
himself for near 20 y^rs and flatters himself that he is well acquainted
with the trade of that and the neighbouring Provinces. That your
petitioner has at a very considerable expence erected and built large
and commodious brick warehouses, for the reception of all kind of
merchandize, in Charles Town, and has a ship of his own, of the burthen
of two hundred tons, constantly employed in the Carolina trade only;
that your petitioner humbly hopes and doubts not, but that this Hon'ble
Com^tee will upon the strictest enquiry into his character and
circumstances, being possessed of houses and lands, in Charles Town, of
upwards of £500 sterling pr an., and from his American connections find
him not unworthy of their countenance and favor.
Your petitioner therefore humbly presumes to offer his services to this
Hon'ble Comm^tee to transact as their agent any business relative to the
exportation to and sale of their teas in South Carolina, or elsewhere in
the Colonies of America, as they shall think fitting to commit to his
care and management.
WALTER MANSELL.
* * * * *
Hon'ble Sirs:
We take the liberty of recommending Messrs. Willing, Morris & Co.,[36]
of Philadelphia, to be your agents there for any quantity of tea you
may please to consign them for sale, and which they will dispose of in
the best manner they can for the benefit of the Com^y on the following
terms:
The tea to be sold at two months prompt, to be paid for on delivery, and
the money to be paid at the exchange, which shall be current at that
time, into the Company's treasury within three months after it is
received from Philadelphia. Willing, Morris & Co. to be allowed 5 pr
cent. for commission, and 1 pr cent. for warehouse room and all other
charges, except freight & duty.
Messrs. Peter & John Berthon are ready to become joint securities with
us for Messrs. Willing, Morris & Co.
We are, very respectfully,
Your honors most obed^t humble servants,
ROBERTS, BAYNES & ROBERTS.
King's Arms Yard, July 8th, 1773.
To the Hon'ble the Com^tee &c., &c.
* * * * *
London, 8 July, 1773.
To the Hon'ble Committee of Warehouses.
Gentlemen:
We beg leave to recommend Messrs. James & Drinker, of Philadelphia, to
be one of your agents at the disposal of teas, which you may think
proper to send to Philadelphia, undertaking that they shall dispose of
such teas in no other manner than as you direct, on condition of your
allowing them 5 pr cent. for commission, for selling and making
remittance, and 1 pr cent. for truckage, warehouse rent or any charge
whatever; should any teas get damaged on board of ships, any expence
arising on them to be allowed by the Company. We do also engage, that in
two months after the prompt day, remittance in bills or specie, shall be
made to the Company, provided the teas are cleared, the specie to be at
the risk of the Company, they paying the charges attending it. We
further agree, that in case any bills are protested, we will pay the
Company the amount of them in two months after they become due. And we
are willing to enter into bond for the performance of the agreements,
provided the Directors think proper to allow the teas to be sent to any
other port, if the Pensilvanians refuse to admit the duty to be paid, or
to consume them in that country, in the latter case, our bond to be
void.
We are, &c., &c.,
PIGOU & BOOTH.
We beg leave to solicit the }
freight to Pensilvania. }
* * * * *
Gentlemen:
Having been informed that the Directors of the East India Company
propose shipping teas to some of the American Colonies, to be there sold
by agents on the Company's account, and as I apprehend South Carolina
may be fixed upon as one of them, I beg leave to propose Mr. Roger
Smith, of South Carolina, for whose solidity I am willing to become
responsible.
If the intended plan takes effect, and you do _give_ me the honor to
admit of my application, I shall be ready to attend you on the business
whenever you may be pleased to give me notice thereof. I have the honor
to be, gentlemen,
Your most obd^t h'ble serv^t
JOHN NUTT.
New Broad Street Buildings,
14^th July, 1773.
To the chairman and deputy chairman
of the Hon'ble East India Company.
* * * * *
Sirs:
We beg leave to tender you the services of Mr. Samuel Chollet, merchant,
in Charlestown, South Carolina, and Messrs. Hugh and Alexander
Wallace,[37] merchants, in New York, for the sale of such teas as you
may think proper to send there, being persons in every respect well
qualified to dispose of them to the best advantage.
We are willing to enter into such covenants as may be required for the
security of the consignments & the remittances of the sales, on the same
terms as are to be granted to other houses on the Continent of America,
provided we are allowed a proper consideration for such guarantee.
We have the honor to be, sirs,
Your most obed^t hble. serv^ts.
BOURDIEU & CHOLLET.
Lime Street, July 15, 1773.
* * * * *
London, 15th July, 1773.
Gentlemen:
Hearing that you are going to appoint agents in America for the sale of
your teas, permit us to propose our partner, Mr. Daniel Stephenson, of
Blandensburgh, Maryland, as one (should you adopt this measure,) and we
flatter ourselves, that from his long residence & connexions in Virginia
& Maryland, in business, that he will be thought an eligible person, &
for his responsibility, we are ready to give the security of our house,
should he be appointed on the same terms as the other gentlemen. We
apprehend his present situation is well calculated for this measure,
being at a proper distance between New York & James River, & near the
centre of the Maryland business.
We are, respectfully, gentm^n your most odb^t servants,
GALE, FEARON & CO.
To the Committee of Warehouses.
* * * * *
Sir:
Upon considering the exportation of teas by the Company, having no
direction or power from our correspondents at Boston or New York, to
make terms, we decline offering any recommendation in the present state
of the affair, at the same time think our thanks are due to you, for
your readiness in attending to any propositions we might make. We are,
respectfully,
Your most ob^t serv^ts
DAVISON & NEWMAN.
Fenchurch Street, July 15, 1773.
Edw^d Wheeler, Esq^r deputy chairman.
* * * * *
Sir:
The Committee of Warehouses of the East India Company desire you will
meet them at this house, on Thursday next, at twelve o'clock at noon,
relative to the exportation of tea to America. I am, sir,
Your most obd^t serv^t
WM. SETTLE.
East India House, 17th July, 1773.
TO BROOK WATSON,
JONATHAN CLARKE,
FREDE'K PIGOU, Junr.,
GILBERT BARKLEY,
GEORGE BROWNE,
ROBERTS, BAYNES & ROBERTS,
MR. BERTHON,
WILLIAM KELLY,
GREENWOOD & HIGGINSON,
SAMUEL WHARTON,
JNO. BLACKBURN,
BENJN. HARRISON,
WALTER MANSELL,
JOHN NUTT,
DAVISON & NEWMAN,
BORDIEU & CHOLLETT,
GALE, FEARON & CO.
Gentlemen:
In consequence of my conversation this day, with the gentlemen of the
Committee of Warehouses, relative to the rate of exchange from Boston, I
beg leave to confirm the offer I made, of abiding by the standard
exchange of £133 6s. 8d. currency for £100 sterling, upon an allowance
of 2-1/2 pr cent., with the proviso of the intended exportation being
made by way of experiment, that is not exceeding 500 chests to Boston,
before the success thereof is known.
I am, gentlemen,
Your h'ble serv't,
WM. PALMER.
Devonshire Square, 22 July, 1773.
To the Hon'ble the Court of Directors, &c.
* * * * *
Sirs:
It is so perfectly contrary to all mercantile usage, to fix a certain
rate of exchange for commission business, that we must beg leave to
decline making any further proposals for your intended consignments to
New York and Carolina, because the revolutions in all exchanges cannot
be foreseen. We have known the New York exchange at 168 & 190, at
present it is 177-1/2, the par between Philadelphia and New York is, as
160 at the former, to 170-2/3 at the latter.
If you should hereafter adopt the regular and usual mercantile form--of
receiving your remittances at the current exchange of the place at the
time of remitting, we shall be obliged to you for your consignments to
Messrs. Hugh and Alexander Wallace, of New York, and Samuel Chollett, of
Charlestown, South Carolina, for whom we will become security for the
usual commission of guarantee of 2-1/2 pr cent.
We are, sirs,
Your most obd^t h'ble serv^ts
BOURDIEU & CHOLLET.
Lime Street, July 23^rd 1773.
* * * * *
Sir:
The Committee of Warehouses of the East India Company desire you will
meet them at this house tomorrow morning, at eleven o'clock, relative to
the exportation of tea to America.
I am, sir,
Your most obd^t servant,
WM. SETTLE.
East India House, 29^th July, 1773.
TO WALTER MANSELL,
WILLIAM PALMER,
BROOK WATSON,
JONATHAN CLARKE,
JOHN BLACKBURN,
FREDERICK PIGOU, Junr.,
WILLIAM KELLY,
SAMUEL WHARTON,
GILBERT BARKLEY,
GEORGE BROWNE.
* * * * *
Sir:
I am directed by the Comm^tee to acquaint you that the Court of
Directors of the E.I.C. have agreed to ship for _Boston_ three hundred
chests of tea, and consign to your correspondents an equal proportion
thereof, of which please to inform them.
Shall be obliged to you to acquaint me the firm of your correspondents
at _Boston_. I am, sir,
Your most hum. serv^t
WM. SETTLE.
East India House, 4^th Aug^t 1773.
TO JONATHAN CLARKE, }
WM. PALMER, } Esq^rs. Boston.
BROOKE WATSON, }
JOHN BLACKBURN, }
WM. KELLY, } Esq^rs. New York.
FRED'K PIGOU, Jun^r. }
GEO. BROWNE, }
GILBERT BARKLY, }
FRED'K PIGOU, } Esq^rs. Philadelphia.
SAM'L WHARTON, }
* * * * *
Sir:
At foot you have the firm of our correspondents at Boston, which we gave
into the Com^tee of Warehouses for partaking of the India Com^y's Tea
consignments, and for whom we are ready to give security.
Benj^m Faneuil, Jun^r, } Esq^rs of Boston,
Joshua Winslow, late of Nova Scotia, } jointly.
Security--Brook Watson, Rob^t Rashleigh,
Watson & Rashleigh.
London, 4^th Aug^t 1773.
Mr. Wm. Settle.
Security offered for Mr. Gilbert Barkly,--Wm. Ross, Esq^r.--No. 24
Austin Fryars.
* * * * *
Securities offered for Walter Mansell,--Henry Laurens, Fludyer Street,
Carolina Merchants; William Barrett, Old Palace Yard.
* * * * *
Sir:
The firm of the house I have recommended to the Court of Directors for
New York, is Pigou & Booth, and at Philadelphia, Messrs. James &
Drinker, as agents for the disposal of teas. I am, sir,
Your most hum. ser^t
FRED'K PIGOU, Jun^r
Mark Lane, 4 Aug^t
Mr. Wm. Settle.
* * * * *
Sir:
I was favored with your letter of yesterday, _last_ night _after_ ten
o'clock, acquainting me that the Court of Directors of the E.I.C. had
agreed to ship for Philadelphia six hundred chests of tea, and consign
to my correspondents an equal proportion thereof, you will be pleased to
inform the Directors that I gave notice to my brothers, Thomas & Isaac
Wharton, (the persons whom I recommended,) by the last night's New York
mail, of the resolution of the Court of Directors to ship the above
quantity of teas to Philadelphia. I am, sir,
Your most hum. serv't,
SAM'L WHARTON.
Argyle Street, Aug^t 5, 1773.
Mr. Wm. Settle.
* * * * *
Mr. Browne's compliments to Mr. Settle, and begs leave to inform him
that the address of the house at Philadelphia, whom he recommends for an
agent for the sale of tea, is Jonathan Browne, merchant, at
Philadelphia.
Aug^st 5, 1773.
* * * * *
Sir:
Last evening I had the pleasure to receive yours of yesterday,
mentioning the resolution of the Court of Directors of the Hon'ble East
India Company relative to the exportation of tea to New York, and
desiring me to acquaint you with the firm of my correspondent there,
which is Abraham Lott & Co. I am, sir,
Yours, &c.,
WILLIAM KELLY.
Crescent, 5^th Aug^t 1773.
Mr. Wm. Settle.
MR. PALMER'S OPINION IN WHAT MODE TO SHIP TEA TO AMERICA.
The Bohea tea to be taken out of what was refused by the buyers last
sale; but particular care to be taken that none under the degree of
middling, or good middling, nor any damaged chests are sent, to be
marked & invoiced, not according to the King's numbers, but the
Company's, to be reweighed, by thus marking them, each bed will be kept
separate, and there will not only be no pretence abroad for finding
fault, as from No. to No., will be exactly of the same quantity, having
been packed from the said heap or pile at Canton, and since examined in
England. But the taste of the Americans will also be better known, that
is, whether they prefer a fresh middling tea, provided it is not
absolutely faint, or a strong, rough tea. A certain quantity of each of
these kinds to be sent to each place, that either may not have the
advantage over the other, by having teas of a superior quality, their
respective qualities to be remarked in the invoices. A small assortment
of about a dozen or twenty small chests of Hyson, Souchong, Congou, and
each specie of Singlo tea, viz.: Twankey, Skin and First Sort, to be
sent to each place, with proper remarks thereon in the respective
invoices, each of these species to be taken out of some bed or break of
teas now laid down, or intended so to be, for next September sale,
regard being had to their respective qualities, and to be taken out of
such beds or breaks, which shall be sufficiently large, not only to
supply each Colony with its quantity, but also to leave a considerable
part thereof to be sold at the ensuing sale, by which means the Company
may hereafter compare the prices to the same parcel of tea sells for,
not only at each Colony, but also at their own sales, which can no
otherwise be done, as each of these species, going under the same
general denomination of Hyson, Souchong, Congo and Singlo, vary almost
100 pr cent. in the price they sell for, according to quality, & not 10
pr cent. in the purchase.
As it would be a great object with the Company to introduce, if
possible, the consumption of Singlo tea into America, that being a kind
of tea which spoils by age, much more than Bohea, and also that of which
they are much more considerably overloaded with, and further, such an
introduction would have this advantage also, that the foreign countries
could not soon rival us, not being themselves importers of any
considerable quantity of this specie of tea. It should be recommended to
the agents, to endeavour all they can, at such introduction, which it is
conceived may be brought about, at least in some degree, from the
experience of the consumption here in England, which will appear to have
constantly gained ground proportionally, as its price at the Company's
sales has approached nearer to Bohea tea, and in the present situation
of this branch of the Company's trade, it might easily be made appear,
it would be for their advantage, even to sell it in America, at the
quoted price of Bohea, by which means they might be relieved from the
disagreeable alternative of selling it here under prime cost, or keeping
a greater quantity unsold in their warehouses, until it is spoiled by
age.
London, Aug^t 5^th 1773.
St. Paul's Churchyard, N^o. 55.
Sir:
I am favored with yours of yesterday's date, and agreeable to your
request, I shall immediately communicate the information therein
contained, to Richard Clarke, Esqr., & Sons, Merchants, in Boston, New
England, which is the house with which I am connected, and who I flatter
myself will acquit themselves of the trust the Hon'ble the Court of
Directors have been pleased to repose in them.
I would also beg leave to solicit part of the freight of the tea for a
vessel which I shall possibly have ready in ten days, provided it will
agree with the time you propose to ship them.
I am, sir,
Your most hum. serv^t
JONATHAN CLARKE.
Mr. Wm. Settle, 17^th Aug^t
Wm., Cap^t Joseph Royal
Loring, will be ready in 5 days.
* * * * *
Sir:
The Committee of Warehouses desire you will inform them whether you have
a constant trader to Boston or South Carolina ready to sail, as the East
India Com^y intend to export teas to both those Colonies, and are
desirous of giving you the preference of the freight.
I am, sir,
Your most obedi^t ser^t
WM. SETTLE.
East India House, 5^th Aug^t 1773.
To George Hayley, Esq^r.
Thos. Lane, Esq^r.
Alex. Champion, Esq^r.
* * * * *
Sir:
The deputy chairman of the East India Com^y desires you would point out
to the Com^tee of Warehouses what sorts of tea and quantity of each are,
in your opinion, proper to be sent to Boston & South Carolina, to make
up to the former of those places, an export equal to 300 large chests of
Bohea tea, and the latter a quantity equal to 200 large chests Bohea.
Mr. Holbrook says if you can be with him this morning, you will expedite
his business very much, as the Com^tee have directed him to make ready
for shipping immediately.
I am, sir,
Your most hum. serv^t
WM. SETTLE.
East India House, 6^th Aug^t 1773.
Mr. Wm. Settle.
<PRE>
MR. PALMER'S ASSORTMENT OF TEAS FOR AMERICA.
So. New
Boston. Carolina. York. Philadelphia. Total.
Bohea, l. ch^ts. 268 182 568 568 1586
Congo, sm^l d^o. 20 10 20 20 70
Singlo, d^o. 80 50 80 80 290
Hyson, d^o. 20 10 20 20 70
Souchong, d^o. 10 5 10 10 35
WEIGHT OF TEA EXPORTED TO AMERICA.
lbs.
Bohea, 562,421
Singlo, 22,546
Hyson, 5,285
Souchong, 2,392
Congou, 6,015
------
Total lbs., 598,659
</PRE>
The Hayley, James Scott, is now ready to sail, & I mean to dispatch her
15^th Aug^t. The Dartmouth, James Hall,[38] will be here about 14 days
longer. These two are constant traders to Boston.
I have no connection with the Carolina trade, but I understand the
London, Curling, belonging to Greenwood & Higginson, is now ready for
sailing, and is a constant trader. Mr. Settle will please to inform the
Com^tee of the above & thereby oblige,
His humble servant,
GEORGE HAYLEY.
East India H^o 10 Aug^t 1773.
* * * * *
TO GREY COOPER, Esq^r., or JN^O. ROBINSON, Esq^r.
Sir:
By order of the Court of Directors of the United East India Comp^y, I
transmit you the enclosed petition, with their request that you will be
pleased to lay the same before the Right Hon'ble the Lords Commissioners
of the Treasury.
I am, very respectfully, sir,
Your most obed^t & hum. ser^t
PETER MITCHELL, Sec^y.
* * * * *
TO THE RIGHT HON'BLE THE LORDS COMMISSIONERS OF HIS MAJESTY'S TREASURY.
_The humble Petition of the United Company of Merchants of England
trading to the East Indies._
_Sheweth:_
That by an Act passed in the last session of Parliament, it is among
other things enacted, "That it shall and may be lawful for the
Commissioners of his Majesty's treasury, or any three or more of them,
or the High Treasurer for the time being, to grant a licence or licences
to the said United Company, to take out of their warehouses such
quantity or quantities of tea as the said Commissioners of the Treasury,
or any three or more of them, or the High Treasurer for the time being,
shall think fit, without the same having been exposed to sale in this
kingdom, and to export such tea to any of the British colonies or
plantations in America, or to foreign parts discharged from the payment
of any of the customs or duties whatsoever."
That the said United Com^ny have agreed to export to the British
colonies or plantations in America a quantity of teas, equal in weight
to 1700 large chests of Bohea tea, which quantity will not in the whole
exceed six hundred thousand pounds weight. And your petitioner having in
the affidavit hereunto annexed shewed unto your lords^ps that after the
taking out of their warehouses the said quantities of teas so intended
to be exported, that there will be left remaining in the warehouses of
the said United Company a quantity of tea not less than ten millions of
pounds weight, as by the said Act is directed.
Your petitioners therefore pray your lordships to grant them a licence
to take out of their warehouses the quantities of teas above mentioned,
not exceeding in the whole six hundred thousand pounds weight, without
the same having been exposed to sale in this kingdom, and to export such
tea discharged from the payment of any customs or duties whatsoever.
By order of the Court of Directors of the said Company.
P. MITCHELL, Sec^y.
East India Ho. 19^th April, 1773.
LICENCE TO EXPORT TEA.
After our hearty commendations. Whereas, the united company of merchants
of England trading to the East Indies, have, by the annexed petition,
humbly prayed us to grant them, in pursuance of an Act passed the last
session of Parliament, a licence to take out of their warehouses a
quantity of teas, equal in weight to one thousand seven hundred large
chests of Bohea tea, which quantity will not in the whole exceed six
hundred thousand pounds weight, without the same having been exposed to
sale in this kingdom, and to export such tea discharged from the payment
of any customs or duties whatsoever, to the British colonies or
plantations in America. And it appearing to us by the annexed affidavit,
that there will be left remaining in their warehouses a quantity of tea
not less than ten millions of pounds weight, as by the said Act is
provided and directed. Now we, having taken the said application and the
several matters and things therein set forth into our consideration, do
think fit to comply with the request of the said petitioners. And in
pursuance of the powers given unto us by the said Act, we do hereby
authorise, permit and grant licence to the said Company to take out of
their warehouses the said quantity of tea, not exceeding in the whole
six hundred thousand pounds weight, without the same having been exposed
to sale in this kingdom, and to export such teas discharged from the
payment of any customs or duties whatsoever, to any of the British
colonies or plantations in America. Nevertheless, you are therein to
take especial care, that all and every the rules, regulations &
restrictions and orders directed by the said recited Act, relating to
the exportation of such teas, or any ways concerning the same, be in
all and every respect fully obeyed and observed. And for so doing, this
shall be as well to you as to the said Company, and to all other
officers & persons whatsoever herein concerned, a sufficient warrant.
[Illustration: LORD NORTH.]
Given under our hands and seals at the Treasury Chambers, Whitehall, the
20^th day of August, one thousand seven hundred and seventy three; in
the thirteenth year of the reign of our sovereign lord, George the
Third, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, and so forth.
NORTH.
C. TOWNSHEND.
C.J. FOX.
To our very loving friends the Commissioners, for managing His Majesty's
Revenues of Customs and Excise, now and for the time being, and to all
other officers and persons herein concerned.
* * * * *
_East India Company, Licence to Export Teas_
Hon'ble Sirs:
We have the ship Eleanor, James Bruce, about 250 tons, (a constant
trader,) which we intend for Boston, and should be much obliged for the
freight of the teas you intend exporting to that place.
We have no ship bound to South Carolina, but are much obliged for the
preference given us. We are, sirs,
Your most h'ble sert^s.
LANE, SON & FRASER.
Nicholas Lane, 6^th Aug^st 1773.
The Hon'ble the Court of Directors, &c., &c.
John Dorrien, Esq^r. recommends for Boston, the Beaver, Capt^n Coffin.
* * * * *
Sir:
I wrote you under date of the 5^th inst^t that you would be pleased to
inform the Committee of Warehouses, whether you had a constant trader
ready to sail for Boston or South Carolina, but should have said to
Boston only. I am therefore to desire the favor of an answer whether you
have a constant trader ready for that colony.
I am, &c., &c.,
WM. SETTLE.
East India H^o. Aug^t 10, 1773.
Alex. Champion, Esq^r.
Sir:
In answer to your esteemed of the 5^th and 10^th current, am obliged by
the favor intended, but at present have only one ship under my care
bound to Boston, who will depart in a very few days, but she is not a
constant trader. It is not, therefore, in my power to accept of the
offer.
I am, sir,
Your most hum. serv^t.
ALEXANDER CHAMPION.
Bishopgate Street, Aug^t 10, 1773.
Mr. Wm. Settle.
Hon'ble Sir:
Being informed you have some teas to ship to America, I have now a
vessel, British built, burthen about 160 tons, which should be glad to
lett to your honors for the above purpose.
I am, with due regard, hon'ble sirs,
Your most obed^t servt^t,
THOS. WALTERS.
Carolina Coffee House,
Birchen Lane, 17^th Aug^t 1773.
The Elizabeth, John Scott, for any part of America.
To the Hon'ble Directors of
the East India Company.
* * * * *
Mr. Abraham Dupies, in Gracechurch Street, will become obligated for
Richard Clarke & Sons, of Boston.
* * * * *
Gentlemen:
I have a vessel in this port, which will be ready to return to America
in a few days, therefore take the opportunity to acquaint you that I am
willing to take on board her 600 chests of tea, either for New York or
Philadelphia, at the a customary freight given from hence to those
places.
I am, gentl^n your most hum. servant,
JOSEPH CABOT.
Threadneedle Street, 24 Aug^t 1773.
To the Hon'ble Committee of Warehouses.
London, Aug^t 26, 1773.
Sir:
We pray you to inform the Com^tee of Warehouses for the Hon'ble the East
India Company that we have a ship, _river built_, called the Nancy,
commanded by Captain Colville, compleately fitted and ready to receive
the tea for New York, which we beg leave to recommend to the Committee.
We are, sir,
Your most obedient and humble servants,
JOHN BLACKBURN.
PIGOU & BOOTH.
WM. KELLY & CO.
Mr. Wm. Settle.
Sir:
Please to acquaint the Hon'ble Committee of Warehouses, that we have
taken up the Polly, Cap^t Ayres, for Philadelphia, to carry the
Company's tea to that port, which vessel lays at Princes Stairs,
Rotherhith, and was built at Ipswich, in the year 1765. She is now ready
to take in.
We are, sirs,
Your most h'ble serv^ts.
PIGOU & BOOTH,
For selves & GEORGE BROWNE,
SAMUEL WHARTON & GILBERT BARKLEY.
Mark Lane, 31st Aug^t 1773.
Mr. Wm. Settle.
* * * * *
Sir:
Your remarks to the bond offered you, relative to the 600 chests of tea,
which are to be exported to New York, have been laid before the
Committee of Warehouses, and they are of opinion that the said bond is
according to the agreement made with the several gentlemen for the
different Colonies, and the merchants who are concerned for the tea to
Boston, have executed their bonds agreeable thereto, and Messrs.
Wharton, Pigou & Barkley have agreed also to execute on Thursday
morning. Therefore, I am to desire you to inform me whether you will
please likewise to execute the said bond.
I am, sir,
Your most h'ble serv^t
WM. SETTLE.
East India House, 31^st Aug^t 1773.
To John Blackburn, Esq^r.
William Kelly, Esq^r.
* * * * *
Sir:
As the several gentlemen mentioned in your polite note of this day have
executed the bond, I shall with pleasure follow their example, and on
Thursday next I propose waiting on you for that purpose. I am sir,
Your most h'ble serv^t
JOHN BLACKBURN.
Scot's Yard, 31st Aug^t 1773.
Mr. Wm. Settle.
* * * * *
Sir:
Last evening I had the pleasure to receive your favor of yesterday,
relative to the bond which I am to sign for New York, and the objections
made to its draught by Mr. Blackburn, Pigou and myself, which at the
time appeared resonable to us, but as others have signed in the form
shewn to me, I don't mean to be particular, and therefore shall conform,
relying on the honor of the Com^tee in all future matters.
Tomorrow I am indispensably obliged to go out of town shall return on
Saturday next, wait on you, & execute the bond. I am, sir,
Your most obedi^t & most hum. serv^t
WM. KELLY.
Crescent, Sep. 1^st 1773.
Mr. Wm. Settle.
* * * * *
_Freight of 568 whole, & 130 half chests of Tea, shipped on the Polly,
Cap^t Sam^l Ayres, for Philadelphia:_
feet.
568 chests con^g for freight, 8748.6
130 quarter d^o. d^o 656.9
------
9405.3
------
9405.3 at 1s. 6d. pr foot, Philadelphia currency, is £705 7 10-1/2
tons.
Primage on 235-1/3 at 2s. sterl^g pr ton, is £23 10 3
_Freight of Tea on the London, to South Carolina:_
feet.
182 chests measure 2644.3 at 1s. pr foot £132 4 3
75 d^o. d^o. 345.9 d^o. 17 5 9
---- --------
257 149 10 0
Primage, 5 pr cent 7 10 0
--------
£157 0 0
_Freight of Tea shipped on the William, for Boston:_
feet.
58 chests measure 585.11, at 1s. 4d. pr foot, £39 1 3 L.M.
Primage, 1 9 6 sterl^g.
_Freight of 698 chests Tea on the Nancy, for New York:_
feet.
698 chests measure 9264.8, at 2s. 3d. pr foot, is
Currency, £1042 5 4
Sterling, £30 8 2 Primage, 5 pr ct. 52 2 3
--------
£1094 7 7
--------
_Freight of 114 chests Tea on the Eleanor, for Boston:_
feet.
114 chests measure 1383.4, at 1s. 4d. £92 4 5 L.M.
Primage, £3 9 0
_Freight of 112 chests Tea on the Beaver, for Boston:_
feet.
112 chests measure 1375, at 1s. 4d., is £91 13 10 L.M.
34-1/2 tons at 2s. pr ton primage, £3 17 0
Whitehall, Dec^r 17^th 1773.
Lord Dartmouth presents his compliments to Mr. Wheler, and requests the
favor to see him at his office, at Whitehall, on Monday morning next, at
eleven o'clock, on the subject of some advices Lord Dartmouth has lately
received from America, respecting the importation of tea from England.
LETTER TO SUNDRY AMERICAN MERCHANTS.
Sir:
The Com^tee of Warehouses of the E.I. Com^y desire you would please to inform them whether you have receiv^d any advices from _Boston_ relative to the said Com^ys exportation of tea to that colony, and if you have, to communicate the purport thereof to the Committee. I am, sir,
Your most obe. ser^t WM. SETTLE.
East India House, 20^th Dec^r 1773.
To Mr. Wm. Palmer,} Brook Watson, } _Boston._
Wm. Greenwood, } J^o. Nutt, } _South Carolina._
Jn^o. Blackburn, } Wm. Kelly, } _New York._
Fred^k Pigou, Jun^r. _New York & Philadelphia._
Geo. Browne, } Sam^l Wharton, } _Philadelphia._
LETTER TO SUNDRY AMERICAN MERCHANTS.[39]
Sir:
The Comm^tee of Warehouses desire the favor of an answer under your hand to my letter of yesterday, relative to the exportation of tea to _Boston_. I am, sir,
Your most obd^t servant,
WM. SETTLE.
East India House, 21^st Dec^r 1773.
Brook Watson, Esq^r. _Boston._ Wm. Greenwood, Esq^r. } John Nutt, Esq^r. } _South Carolina._ John Blackburn, Esq^r. _New York._ Geo. Browne, Esq^r. _Philadelphia._