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are the endeavours towards it that every year increases their number. And here give us leave to remind you of one method of selling tobacco which perhaps has been so seldom heard of will be so little approv'd as none but your self will practice: we mean that of publick [public] [outerge?]: the mischiefs of which are so apparent that it never could be intend'd for the poor planters advantage so it has justly contributed to lessen your consignments from hence. Such a proceeding as this must by all be deem'd a confirmation of the reports sayed in the beginning of the year of your failure which the arrival of Capt. Turner and Barnes had in a great measure confront'd.

In point of good nature we can't but be affected with the misfortunes of a person who always show'd so much friendship to him we represent, but since we ought to be as early as others in the case of our interest, and our concern should it be continued in your hands will not be sufficient to support you under the inconveniences that will attend these reports. We have thought proper to send an order to Mr. Alderman Perry to demand the balance that should appear to be due upon your last accot. current the accot. of sales trasmitted and bills of exchange remitted together with the produce of the 23 hhds of tobo. [tobacco] sent you in the 1730, and the 30 in 1731 deducting the draft that has been made up on your this year to Colonel Henry Fitzhugh, if paid, and the goods last sent, which we have found all state in an accot. in our fathers books, a copy of which you have inclosed. To make the matter as easy as we can, we are content'd that the debt due to you from Colo. Pages estate (should be discounted) which we take to be three hundred & fifty pounds, by your last account currt. but we hope is considerable lessen'd by the produce of the 25 hhd. of tobo. you have in your hands still unaccounted for.