Sir, — I have
received yours per Captain Callahan, and the books in good order, also the
magazines to August inclusive. I am sorry it is not in my power to make you
remittance per this opportunity, but shall do it very soon. This whole
continent have entered into a general non-importation agreement until the late
acts of parliament respecting this government, &c, are repealed, which will
prevent my sending any orders for books until this most desirable end is
accomplished. I cannot but hope every person who is concerned in American trade
will most strenuously exert themselves, in their respective stations, for what
so nearly concerns themselves. I had the fairest prospect of entirely balancing
our account this fall; but the almost total stagnation of trade, in consequence
of the Boston Port Bill, has been the sole means of preventing it, and now the
non-consumption agreement will stop that small circulation of business left by
the Boston Port Bill. I mean the internal business of the province. It must be
the wish of every good man that these unhappy differences between Great Britain
and the Colonies be speedily and finally adjusted. The influence that the
unlucky and unhappy mood of politics of the times has upon trade is my only
excuse for writing concerning them. The magazines and new publications
concerning the American dispute are the only things which I desire you to send
at present.
SOURCE: Francis Samuel Drake, Life and
Correspondence of Henry Knox, p. 13-14
