WmSburg [Va.] 25 July 1778—
Sir
With the Schooner Betsey under your Command you will proceed without loss of Time over to the Eastern Shore of Virginia and wait on Southy Simpson Esqr.1 and he can in probability inform you in whose care the State's Goods were Lodged that came in the Rambler Captn Buffington—2 if not, you must make diligent enquiry after them, which being found you'll take, such steps as are necessary to get them on board your Vessel, as I suppose they are not sufficient to Load you, it will be incumbent on you to endeavour to procure an Additional Freight to make your Load complete—However do not spend any unecessary Time in this pursuit, as the States Goods are much wanting here, I must recommend to you to use all possible care & Industry and return to Queens Creek & come up to Blassinghams Landing—3 Forward my Letters, I am [&c.]
Thomas Smith
LB, Vi, Thomas Smith Letter Book, 1777–1778, p. 98. Addressed before opening: “Captain Francis Kirby.”
1. Simpson was the assistant State Agent on Virginia's Eastern Shore.
2. Merchant schooner Rambler, Jonathan Buffington, master.
3. Queens Creek, a tributary of the York River, was close to Williamsburg.