I wrote Mr. Walker from this the 12th current. I received an answer
the 18th, and wrote again the 23rd current, and upon receiving his
next I hope to be enabled to embark in the first ship for America,
to whatever port she is bound, which will probably be Charlestown,
South Carolina, as there is a ship lying-to for that port; and
notwithstanding the climate is very hot, and not so salutary to
British constitutions, especially at the time I will arrive, which
will be about the dog days. I will settle there if I think I can do
better than at Philadelphia or New York. Longevity to me is now no
object; but, at any rate, I will be at New York, and I hope to find
there letters, and, if possible, some clothes and tools, otherwise
I will be badly off indeed.
It grieves me to hear my creditors were so rigorous hasty, but well
pleased on hearing the deed and conveyance had the proper effect. I
hope all my creditors will be paid, and a reversion, which can be
no object to the Crown. Were an application made to the Solicitor,
and, if needful, a supplication in my name to his mother, and uncle
the Treasurer, perhaps it might be a means either of quieting or
getting easier through the threatened suit with the Crown; but this
is only my idea.
At any rate, if my clothes and tools must go to sale, a proper
assortment of tools, put into my best chest, might be put up in one
lot, and my wearing apparel and linens in another lot. They are
worth more to me than any one, and I think few in Edinburgh will
bid for them if known they are designed for me; but if any one bids
their value, in God’s name let them have them, otherwise I hope
they will be bought for me. I wish it were possible for me to know,
before I left this, if I might expect them at New York; if
otherwise, I will be under an absolute necessity of laying out what
little money may remain, after paying my passage and clearing my
board and lodging here, to my last shilling, and buying a few
necessaries, otherwise I will land almost naked; and, if possible,
to reach a few tools, both of which, I am informed, are 50 per
cent. dearer in America than here.
I received from Mr. Walker, in all, £12 16s., and he would pay
something for three days I slept in Mr. Rose’s, though I am at
present three guineas in debt to my landlord, and not a stiver in
my pocket for four days past. This is the dearest place I was ever
in.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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