Page 399 (seq. 399)

Boston 23 May 1772

{Gentlemen}

Agreable to my promise in my last of which the
foregoing is a copy, I now inclose you all the accounts
relative to the goods which were sav'd from the wreck
of the Lydia, Joseph Hood late Master. With respect
to the goods I can say that the greatest attention has been
paid in every instance to the interest of the underwriter
& I have done my utmost endeavor to make the most
of every thing, for their benefit & hope my conduct will
meet their approbation.

The greatest part of this cargo consisting of
hemp (a bulky article which requir'd the closest attention
to preserve) is the chief reason that the charges run
so high. The hemp being thorougly wet & consequently
liable to perish immediately made it necessary to
employ a great number of hands to dry & cure it
by which means it sold for the Sterling cost & made
a saving to the insurers which amply repaid the
expences attending it.

The expences of teams & labour in clearing the
wreck were rather increas'd by her situation: being
ashore where the tide cover'd her at half flood with
a large hole in her bottom and in continual danger
of another storm which would have inevitably des-
troyed the remainder of her cargo. Carts and
labourers were therefore employ'd night & day at
a severe season of the year & at a great distance
from any habitation which occasion'd a considerable
addition to the expence.

Upon the whole {Gentlemen} tho' the expences may
seem high yet as they were unavoidably necessary
for the security of the goods, and the interest of the
insurers. I hope and trust they will be perfectly
satisfied.

I have inclos'd you a list of the freight due
upon the goods ship'd in the Lydia which I think in
strict justice ought to be paid out of the sale of the
goods. I have not however deducted it, but submit
it to you {Gentlemen} to settle it with the underwriters & if
they allow it you will please to give me credit for
the same. I take it to be an establish'd maxim
in trade that goods are always liable for the
freight. If the mnerchants in London are of a
different opinion I must give it up.

I leave