Gentlemen

We are jointly with Mr William Russell and Mr Daniel Bowly of Baltimore Town Owners of the Brig Nancy, Capt Lund; Sometime in the month of May last we chartered this Brig to Messrs Wallace Davidson & Johnson to load with Tobacco in Potowmack for London. She is now loaded and ready to clear out on her intended Voyage; but she having lain longer by a considerable time than was expected in collecting her cargo, and the season having been remarkably dry ー the worms have injured her bottom to such a degree as to render her unfit to proceed to Sea: and before she can do so, her Cargo must be relanded and her Bottom sheathed. Work of this kind cannot be done where she lays. We must have her up to Baltimore. Under these circumstances, the work being tedious, we are apprehensive the Vessel cannot be finishd previous to the loth of September. It is our wish to make Rules formed for the benefit of the Community, our line of Conduct, nor would we, we assure you Gentlemen, under any specious pretences, endeavour to infringe them. Our situation is a very peculiar one. We beg you will take it into consideration, and allow us, if not in our power to do it before, to reload the above Cargo after the 10th of September. The Vessel & Cargo shall be cleared out before. To obviate every suspicion that may arise of intentions to counteract the general Resolves, we desire to be sworn as to the fitness, and condition of the Vessel to take in her Cargo at the time of her going from Baltimore to Potowmack.

We know the arduous business in which you are now engaged Gentlemen must take up much of your attentions; ー We are sorry to be an interruption to it, but hope our situation will be a sufficient apology, as well as further excuse us, in desiring your speedy directions in this business. The Condition of the Vessel being such as to render some immediate steps necessary to be taken with her.

We are with respect,²

Gentlemen [&c.]