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Mr. Robert Cary

Shirley Aug 18th 1737

Sir,

Having fifty hhds of Tobacco aboard the Harrison Capt. Thomas Bolling who is like to have a pretty late passage. I think it the way to have them insured, and I desire you to make Insurance according at such a rate as you may think it may well bear. Twelve of these hhds are my Cousins Robert Carters, an Infant, & go to Mr. Athawes, the rest are my own, & go to yourself In the beginning of (?) year there was great Expectation of a Plentyfull Crop both of corn and Tob. but there is now a wretched Prospect. You will no doubt hear this by every latter ship. The drouth which still continues, is so extraordinary that the like has not been known since the year 1714, & some say it is greater than that was. It seems beyond all doubt that great number will not make break to [eat?]. And tho the tob. has not suffered so much as the Corn, yet it is most certain, that come what weather will now, the latter tob.which makes a very large part of what was planted this year, can never come to anything. There will certainly be far less Tob. to be exported next year than ever I have known since I came to Virginia. Upon this and what you will hear from others, you will be able to determine whether or not it will be worth [crossed out] while to keep any of my tob. unsold till next year. The Drouth, in General here, and Maryland also partakes with us, I believe equally. I leave the matter to your Judgment, Intirely, & am

Sir

Your most humble Servant