SD40. Robert Moulton to Charles Moulton
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 304 (in part).
[Jamaica]
Decr 6th 1804
Dear Charles–
To fortify You at all points—being well aware of Comparissons that are frequently drawn on Your side the water—the forgoing [1] will shew, at one view—the two Yrs Contingencies of O. & C. in the Gross, .. they appear at £10,039.4.11¼ though it is fair to notice a proportion of Mr Plummers arrears shd be added .. though a considerable share attaches to the Year 1802. It is however a satisfactory observation—that both Estates are rather Commencing in 1802—but brought into the accts of 1803—of such Magnitude have been conducted under £6000 bu per Annum; Further last Yr a most commodious Hot House is built on Oxfd requiring an Immensity of lumber and other materials—which is included .. some usefull buildings are likewise made at Cambr the Great House repaird & Painted—20 Mules & 16 Steers even added—amount to £1000—of that sum—Coppers & |Cyphants| new hung at Cambr from the foundation (a heavy Job[)], but done with our new People—but several expensive materials were requir’d– The wear and distruction of Carts is Immense from distance to the Wharfs as well as the nature of the roads,—though my Boats bring over every thing to ye Rock—thereby easing the Cattle of many miles in the Year– It is likewise necessary to notice—the Enormous supply of lumber those Properties require with Staves & |bands| say for 800 Hhds & 350 Punchs will require 50,000m, of the best– The last Year was particularly Calamitous from a long drought—feeding Negroes was consequently unavoidable and to a large extent wary when—the want of our Supplies from home this Year to a late Period was another cause of |arising| expense having no fish—for some months—& even hoops nails—the number of White People is another unavoidable expense– These are the material points that may be fairly resorted to– The fences on both Estates have been much neglected—a most material point.
Yrs R Moulton
I notice Mr [illegible name] Golden & Silver Grove Estates—Island Cmbge have averaged from £7500. to £8000 p. Annum.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. Statements of account appear in the manuscript before and after this letter.
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