This acknowledges by us the Rect. of your favor of the 10th of Augt. by the Virginian Capt. J. Aselby, in which was enclosed my acct, Current, Nt. Proceeds 8-11-2 for two Hhds. Tobo. for which sum, with the Intt. thereon (at 60 days) amounting to 4s/4 I have drawn a Bill in favor of Mr. Chs. Duncan amounting to 8-15-6, which I doubt not will be duely Honour'd. I must confess the low price I have got for my Tobo. does not afford me great encouragement to try the Port of Bristol as a Market for that Commody. especially when I consider that part of the same crop, & what was deem'd Rather inferior in Quality Netted me Seven Pounds twelve & Sixpence from Liverpool, my intention was to encrease my Commission to Yr. Port, But I think no man can be expected to run upon his ruin with his Eyes open. You will therefore excuse my not complying with yr. request to assist Capt. Aselby in his Loading. I shd. have vested the small Proceeds in Goods. But the present political disputes between these Colonies & the Mother Country which threaten us with a deprivation of our Liberties and every thing that is dear to us, forbids such a step and induces us to exert every nerve to immitate the spider and spin from our own Bowels, altho the Webb shd. be our Winding Sheet. This is the determined resolution of every American as far as I can hear from Nova Scotia to Georgia, nor wd. any consideration induce a Virginian at this time to ship one Hhd. of Tobo. were it not to pay there debts as nearly as possible before the Arrival of the 10th day of Septr. Next at which time the non importation takes place, & will be I believe Religiously adhered to, unless our grievances are fully redressed before that time. What will be the Consequence shd. the Corrupt Aristocracy which at present rules the British Councils persevere in their arbitrary Measures with respect to America God only knows this Part of the Continent tho Ardently desirous of a constitutional reconciliation are to a man, determined that that day which deprives them of their liberties, shall also deprive them of their existence.

I shd. not have troubled you so long an Epistil had I not thought it a duty I owed my Country to apprise every person in England with whom I was in the slightest manner connected of the Sentiments of the People of this Country which perhaps may be well known before this reaches you, from many Publick Acts. you will therefore Sr. I hope excuse this intrusion. & believe me to be [&c.]