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which I cannot say, I have never been able to form an Exact Opinion, the Country being of great Extent, that the Crops have always exceeded, or fallen short of my Expictation, I am

Sir,

Your most Humble Servant

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Messieurs Hon & Kelsick

Gentlemen Rappa. July 14 1737

I received the favor of your Letter by Captain Tubman who met me in Town on the 14th of June. Your Petition was considered by the Governor and Council the Day following and tho' [though] it was a tender case, yet as the Duty of two Shillings a hhd had been Appropriated by Act of Assembly towards the support of the Government, and no Power had been given to make any Composition in case of Loss, it was thought you could have no Relief. There could not have Happened a greater Misfortune to those Merchants, who lost their Tobacco by the Fire which burnt down the Custom house & several Warehouse in 1715, & yet their Bonds were good agains them, till a Particular Act of Parliament had impowered the Treasury to give Relief to the sufferers, so in the case you mention the Commissioner of the Customs could not have justifyed their Proceedings with an Act of Parliament. I received the [illegible] Linen by your James River Ship, & the Acco. [Account] Current, In which I find I am [about?] Fourteen Pounds in our Debt. I hope I shall send you Five or six hhds tob. by Capt. Richard Bowman and if I receive what is due to me I will endeavor to send you the same Quantity in your James River Ship. I shall be very desirous to continue [my?]