14-9 Strand London
Sept. 24. 1809
My Dear Friend,
The Proclamation of the President of the U. States again
inhibiting Intercourse with this Country, has arrived and excites the most
lively apprehension in the minds of the merchants connected with the
U States—great fears are expressed that War will be the consiquence
of the refusal of this Government to ratify Mr Erskines agreement)-—
for myself, I am not without a confidant hope, that Mr. Jackson will
satisfactorily adjust all differences and place the relations of the two
Countries on the most friendly footing—
Owing to the high price of Cloths—the uncertain continuance of
Intercourse and the general unwillingness expressed by the
merchants and manufacturers to ship Goods to the U States on Credit—
at least, on such reasonable terms of Credit as to promise a fair
profit on their sale in America—I had therefore detirmined to
postpone any purchases, until confidence and a good understanding
should be restored between the two Countries—Nothing could have
proven more fortunate—since it would have been impossible for me
to have shiped the Goods before the arrival of the Presidents
Proclamation which prohibits their entry into the U. States and I should
have found myself under the greatest embarrassment, had I made
the purchases and been under acceptences for the payment of the
amount in 12. or 15 months—while the Goods remained in
England—locked up in the ware houses of Liverpool and London—
For this season your orders must go unexecuted and how far it
may be in my power to execute them by the Spring Vessells (should
intercourse be restored) will principally depend on the restoration
of confidence—I have the prospect—nay almost the promise of the
support of a most respectable House-—who I have every reason to
believe will grant me the aid of their credit and recommendation—if
so—I shall meet with no difficulty in obtaining every credit that I
may desire—
Your letter of the 20th May—came to hand yesterday and is highly
satisfactory as it shows your continued confidence in the success
of the Lead Business with Mr Bond—I hope the revival of the
Non-Intercourse Act will occasion no disappointment—I have Mr Bonds
Letter of the 3d July—in which he mentions that Mess Bellows
and Cochran have accepted your Drafts for 5877 Dolls and that he
expected lead in 8 or 4 months to meet them—I persuade myself
that his expectation in this, as in every other instance where he may
place a confidence in your Engagements will be fully realised.
For some weeks all intercourse with France has been impossible—
but as the Grand Expedition has now returned from the Scheldt—
I am in hopes that some opportunity of getting to Holland will offer
in a few days—if so, I shall certainly embrace it—but I shall write
you again before I go.—
This Letter I send to the care of Mr Bond under the Expectation
that you will be at Boston and that he will hand it to you....
S M Hunt
Moses Austin Esq