S^r: I have received yours of y^e 26. of May by M^r. Gibs, & M^r. Goffe, with y^e barrell of otter skins, according to y^e contents; for which I got a bill of store, and so tooke them up, and sould them togeather at 78^li. 12^s. sterling; and since, M^r. Allerton hath received y^e money, as will apear by the accounte. It is true (as you write) that your ingagments are great, not only the purchass, but you are yet necessitated to take up y^e stock you work upon; and y^t not at 6. or 8. p^r cent. as it is here let out, but at 30. 40. yea, & some at 50. p^r cent. which, were not your gaines great, and Gods blessing on your honest indeaours more then ordinarie, it could not be y^t you should longe subsiste in y^e maintaining of, & upholding of your worldly affaires. And this your honest & discreete agente, M^r. Allerton, hath seriously considered, & deeply laid to mind, how to ease you of it. He tould me you were contented to accepte of me & some few others, to joyne with you in y^e purchass, as partners; for which I kindly thanke you and all y^e rest, and doe willingly accepte of it. And though absente, shall willingly be at shuch charge as you & y^e rest shall thinke meete; and this year am contented to forbear my former 50^li. and 2. years increase for y^e venture, both which now makes it 80^li. without any bargaine or condition for y^e profite, you (I mean y^e generalitie) stand to y^e adventure, outward, and homeward. I have perswaded M^r. Andrews and M^r. Beachamp to doe y^e like, so as you are eased of y^e high rate, you were at y^e other 2. yeares; I say we leave it freely to your selves to alow us what you please, and as God shall blesse. What course I rune, M^r. Beachamp desireth to doe y^e same; and though he have been or seemed somwhat harsh heretofore, yet now you shall find he is new moulded. I allso see by your letter, you desire I should be your agente or factore hear. I have ever found you so faithfull, honest, and upright men, as I have even resolved with my selfe (God assisting me) to doe you all y^e good lyeth in my power; and therfore if you please to make choyse of so weak a man, both for abillities and body, to performe your bussines, I promise (y^e Lord enabling me) to doe y^e best I can according to those abillities he hath given me; and wherin I faile, blame your selves, y^t you made no better choyce. Now, because I am sickly, and we are all mortall, I have advised M^r. Allerton to joyne M^r. Beachamp with me in your deputation, which I conceive to be very necessary & good for you; your charge shall be no more, for it is not your salarie maks me undertake your [156[CG]] bussines. Thus contending you & yours, and all Gods people, unto y^e guidance and protection of y^e Allmightie, I ever rest, Your faithfull loving freind, JAMES SHERLEY.[CH] London, Nov. 17. 1628.