25

Kingston Jam:a April 18. 1837
According to promise I sent by
the Thames - Capt Barclay that sailed a few
days ago a wreath of shell work to your address
under the care of our friends [Pitcairn?] & Amos
which I think a neat ornament as well
as a specimen of good taste and ingenuity
Cheswick people have been serious sufferers
from Measles - the complaint was exceeding
mild at first but it afterwards assumed a
more formidable character particularly when
the parent was supposed convalescent - many
[took?] cold - then died and several are
feeling the effects of it - I think it is now
mostly over but it has thrown back our work
very much as hired Labour was not to be
procured to supply the deficiency - We have
now 75 [lbs thous?] sugar and 46 Puncheons Rum
made but there is a vast deficiency in the
return from what was expected and this
complaint is general through the Island - The
weather is very dry but the flock are in very
good working order promising to hold out
without loss - our people continue to behave
in a very creditable way but I confess I
have my doubts about them [sending?] in masses
to make Sugar after 1840.
I remain Dear Sir
Yours truly,
J Towson

Thomas Mayhew Esq