Letter to James Patton, Esq., Alexandria, Va., from Nichs. Slubey & Co, November 21, 1791

Submitted for use in the USGenWeb Archives by:
Debra Miller <fortlong@shentel.net>

This collection of  letters, bills etc. were sent to James Patton, Esq., Merchant in the
old seaport of Alexandria, Va.  The letters will encompass the latter
1700s - early 1800s.  James Patton was b. ca. 1755 in Newton, Lima-Verry,
County Derry, Ireland and he died in Alexandria, Va, date unknown at this
time.  He married Mollie Kincaid, place and date unknown.  His parents were
James Patton, Sr. (b. ca. 1734, Ireland, d. Jan. 16, 1821, Pennsylvania) and
Mary Newell (b. ca. 1736 Ireland, d. June 7, 1806, Alexandria, Va.).

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                                                          Baltimore, Nov 21st 1791

Messrs. Buchan, Patton & Co.

Gentlemen

     Your favour of the 18th instant was duly Received & are now before us -- confideing
in your Report of the Brig Patomac, You may take her up for us for Barcelona at 16d Shg.
per bushel Ten Guineas in Lieu of all primage and marks.  Thirty Runing Lay Days for
dischargeing after   Ready to deliver   to be paid only for what she delivers that is the
Freight of it -- the Vessel to be fitted at our Expence as to Sealing Corn Rooms & except
Dunnage which is usually considered the Captains Perquisite & to be found by him or we
will find it on having the benefit of the Staves without paying Freight for them.  the Wheat
to be Fanned & delivered on Board free of Expence to the Ship except as is customary, a
person to turn the Fan.  The Vessel must go addressed to the House at Barcelona that
the Cargo does.  If not discharged in the Time here specified we will give three guineas 
as per Day Demurrage - these are what at present strikes us as the leading principles for
a Charter.  If a farther discussion should be necessary it shall have our immediate 
attention on being advised by you, at the same time if more favorable Terms can be made
we Rely on you for them  as to the Time for takeing in as the Wheat is in Store it is
unnecessary to say anything on it & ought to be considered in the Time for her discharge
we expect an immediate answer as we are informed two vessels for us are in the Bay
which if so we shall want Charters for -

                                  We are
                                     Your Obedt. Servts.

                                          Nichs. Slubey & Co.

(on back of letter)
addressed to Messrs. Buchan, Patton & Co.
                    Merchants
                      Alexandria
(notation - Nicholas Sluby 21 Nov 1791)

dunnage:  loose wood used to pack a ships cargo
Dermurrage:  the detention of a ship by the freighter beyond the time allowed for
  loading, unloading or sailing
staves:  any of the narrow strips of wood or narrow iron plates placed edge to 
  edge to form the sides, covering or lining of a vessel such as a barrel