[Baltimore 28 April, 1775]
[Extract]
. . . was our troubles settled I would not make the least doubt of our getting business Enough. but troubles sams to Come Heavyer for the troops & people in N. England have had an Engagement in which we think the troops are worsted the best acct we have yet here I now Inclose you but have not mentiond it to any person on yr side but yr self.2 how matters will now end God knows. but as trade is likely to be stopped I would advise you to remain where you are untill I write otherwise Unless you wd chuse to Come out here to take up arms which we are all doing but should the affairs be settled soon it must be to our advantage Hereafter your remaining where you are as I have no doubt of yr living at as chape a rate as possible & you may be assured I will do the same . . . the Schooner is now here3 & I hope to have her Loaded in Eight days with Boat boards Staves & 100 bbls flour for Dublin. I have wrote to G[eorge] D[arley] to Insure the Hull in England as Cash is Scarce with me I shall Insure the Cargo Here. I suppose the Hull is worth 250£ Sterl & I would advise her to be sold with you if it Could be done to advantage. . . . when I get the Schooner Away I am afraid I shall be obligd to draw on G.D. for 100£ Sterl but shall not do it if I can help it. . . . in the present Distracted situation of affairs to the N.ward & the little prospect of their being settled I wonder how I got myself to write so much as I have done but be matters as they will I am always yr assured Friend
Geo Woolsey
1. Woolsey and Salmon Letter Book, LC.
2. The battle of Lexington and Concord.
3. The schooner Industry, William Woolsey, master, entered from Antigua on April 18, with a cargo of twenty hogsheads and one tierce of rum, two tierces and three barrels of sugar, 2000 pounds of brown sugar and 1850 gallons of rum. Port of Entry Books, 1745-75, MdHS.