Philada Septr 6th 1775
Sir
Since my worthy friend Winn left me he has meet with the accident of having his mast struck with Lightning which (as he writes me a few days ago from Reedy Island) would oblige him to put into New York if he could get there otherwise he would return into our river for a new Stick2
He informed me fully of the Circumstances of my affairs and notwithstanding the Credit of 3, 6 & 9 months that he had left Orders with you to accomodate me in remittance as you should have it in power from money of his as he had not the least doubt of Receiving from the Gentlemen who gave bond when due. It would be no particular service to me to receive money early than due than from the Circumstances of time and the approaching inhospital Season, from these Considerations you will oblige me by as early and large a Remittance in Spanish milled Dollars by the first very good Conveyance if such offers before the Season is too far advanced, otherwise to remit in that way as the money becomes due. If possible give me also notice of your Remittances. Your zeal and friendship in serving me I shall acknowledge & am Sir [&c.]
Daniel Roberdeau
P.S. Being of the Committee of Safety for this province I can assure you with certainty that all Exports from hence will stop the 10th Instant except in Exchange of produce for Gunpowder Salt petre & Sulphur of the former 4 times as much of the latter & Brass Cannon & Muskets
Mr. John Thomas
Attorney to Isaac Lascelles Winn Esqr
Montego Bay, Jamaica
1. PRO, Colonial Office, 5/122, 66f. Roberdeau was a Philadelphia merchant engaged in the West Indies trade. His was one of the letters found on board the brig Sea Nymph, Joseph Bradford, master, taken by H.M.S. Mercury, September 20, 1775.
2. Henry Lascelles Wynne, master and owner of the sloop Hannah, with a cargo of rum and sugar, en route to London, put into Philadelphia for a meeting with Roberdeau. He was forced to continue to New York for his "new Stick" and, sailing from there, was intercepted by H.M.S. Scarborough, but was allowed to proceed. Graves's Conduct, Prize List, II, 36-38, BM.
