Your friend Franklin, I was shocked to hear, died of a broken
heart, in consequence of disappointment in busineƒs. The Mer-
-chant to whom I introduced him, met a similar fate, and died
at least 2000£ worse than nothing. As I partly hold myself
responsible for the amount of the Goods Franklin sent hither,
I shall be a considerable sufferer in this unfortunate transaction.
I intend to ship 5 to 6 w^t of fine coffee to old M^r F in the
ship William, to sail in the next month. —
      I have been stationary here near 18 years, during
which time I have acquired some little property: two small
coffee plantations and 70 or 80 slaves. The public botanic
garden is now about to be given up; a large party in our
Aƒsembly have ever been decidedly against the Institution,
and they have at length prevailed — Indeed, it has been hitherto
kept alive merely by the weight and influence of my per-
-sonal friends. Had the times continued favourably, I should
have visited my native country this summer, - but you know the
despot of Europe has intirely shut colonial produce out of
the Continent, and our coffee lays in the warehouse unsale-
-able, unasked for. — Many planters must be inevitably ruined
unleƒs a speedy change of politicks take place . —
      I have by no means given up the idea of placing my son
in the navy under your patronage; he is now between 14 and 15
years of age, has hitherto been kept at school. M^r Brown, an
intimate friend of mine, under whose care the boy is, gives him
an excellent character; and M^r B is a gentleman of great work
and abilities, and I can rely on the correctneƒs of his statement. —