Archive Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
MS050 B02 F26.04 |
Title |
Joshua Martin to John Langdon |
Scope & Content |
Two page letter from Joshua Martin in St. Pierre, Martinico (Martinique) to John Langdon in New York. Joshua Martin (1770- ) was a shipmaster in Portsmouth. Has arrived in Martinique after a rough passage in which they had to keep one pump going for the last twenty-eight days because the vessel had become very leaky. As soon as they reached smooth water, the leaking stopped, so it must be all in the "upper." Markets low there. has not had an offer for boards above 78 livres a thousand, which is too low, but if he can get no more he will be forced to sell. The mast is loose and it would be too risky to leave with it in such condition. They have to pay port charges of 1% on the sales. A gentleman from Santa Eustatia, who hails from Newbury MA, told him that boards are selling for seven dollars a thousand there and the best of cod fish for one dollar a quintal. This is reliable information. Mr. Harris's brig failed from hence about a week after he had sold his cargo for sixty-six livres and some for seventy-two. Fortunately, he adds, there is no fish on board which he is sincerely glad of. He feels disappointed and chagrined at the prospect that lies before him. Dated December 15, 1789. |
Collection |
John Langdon Papers |
Object Name |
Letter |
Date |
December 15, 1789 |
People |
Langdon, John, 1741-1819 Martin, Joshua, b. 1770 |
Subjects |
Merchants Cargo Martinique Eustatia, BVI Codfish |