Series 5 > British Linen Company, 1745-1775

140
THE BRITISH LINEN COMPANY
to proceed wind and water serving in ten or twelve days from Leith by reason
the West India (I should have said Jamaica) fleet is to leave London in less than
three weeks. For the supplying of which market it is that it can prove to our
interest to send the ship without convoy at the charge of 1 per cent more and
possibly the paying of some more freight. If therefore Captain Patullo can be
engaged on any reasonable terms to proceed from Leith after taking in at
Dundee in 10 or 12 days I shall be well pleased to pay freight as you do and if
demanded and you think it reasonable some consideration for coming to Leith.
But as I hope to put 30 bales on board, I presume that of paying additional
freight will not be thought of or asked. No time must be lost agreeing with
Patullo or on his proceeding as above said as to which please write me in course.
The underwriters on the cargo of the Good Infant have agreed to abate of their
premium if not sent as first designed to Cromarty at this season of the year,
provided the master likewise setdes with the Company. I must therefore beg
of you joindy with Mr Halliburton to whom I also write this night to try at
what discount Mr Jordan the master will agree to be freed from going to
Cromarty firth now with his cargo and be allowed to proceed direcdy on what
other voyage may cast up. The unloading of flax in Cromarty firth at this season
of the year in open boats is attended with more risk than either shipmaster,
underwriters or owners of the cargo should run. I can delay sending flax there
till next April provided I am to be allowed the charges of sending it there then
which will be at least from 12 to 15/- per ton. But if Mr Jordan insists on
unloading and landing his flax there I no doubt will hold him to it seeing the
insurers and he are both bound. But in truth I think it for the interest of neither
party.
Of this however you and Mr Haliburton will write me after convening him.
Until that matter is settled I can give no orders about selling any flax excepting
what was formerly in your custody. I really don’t know the terms of your
declaration anent prizes but whatever Mr William Sandeman does, I think you
may safely do the same. Mr Tod went this morning for Perth and will be at
Dundee with you soon. You must be positive with Patullo about the time of
proceeding or it will not do for us and therefore take him bound in writing,
that is by letter or charter party. Let all of your own and these goods from James
Smith be sent by him.
To David Flint, Board of Trustees, Edinburgh
26 November 1760
You will be pleased herewith to receive an abstract of the yams bought and
brought up from the North Highlands since the 1st of November 1759 to the
1st instant amounting to no more than 60,506 spindles linen yams. The
decrease in the quantity is owing to the low price of grain; and not to any want