[Annapolis, 16 January 1778]
Capt. Belts proposals to the Honble Council of Maryland 14 £ Sterling ⅌ Month, to be paid from port to Port. Proceeds of 4 hhds. Tobo. avaraged on the net proceeds of the whole Cargo. 5/ Stg ⅌ Day for extraordinary expenses whist on the Ships Business in France1 2502 £ Sterling in lieu of primage and other advantages. 50 £ Sterling if discharged in France without another Vessel The use of the Cabbin is the priviledge of the Capt3 Whatever Goods J B may purchase in France to pay no Freight on— Reasonable Cabin Stores in Maryland & France
D, MdAA, Maryland State Papers (Executive Papers), S 1004, 663610-31. Docketed: James Belts/proposals to go in/the Ship Lydia—." Notation on this document suggests it may have been written on or about 16 Jan.
1. "10/" appears to have been written over "5/," then to have been crossed out, and "5/" to have been written again.
2. The number "100" appears adjacent in the left margin in a different hand.
3. This line is written in a different hand.