23 August 1810

Sir

       Since my last another vessel has been wrecked on Barbuda, she is the Brig Adventure of Tortola, last from Lancaster, bound to St Croix; only partly laden; with dry Goods, Candles, Oil, Porter, Earthenware, & Bricks; the whole of which except the Bricks have been saved; altho in a place where no Boat could get alongside, the vessel bulged almost immediately consequently it has all been wet, but with the consent of the Captain I have had the whole dried; yesterday one of the vessels bought over part of it, I shall return tomorrow and send over the remainder, the Owners belonging to St Croix a Mr Robert Hyndman of this place who is a very reputable merchant has as a correspondent of the Owners Messrs.’ Ashton & Smyth, powered(?) on the Captain to put the business entirely into his hands, which with the consent of Mr Martin I have agreed to on his giving a Bond to pay the Salvage as soon as the Cargo is disposed of. I am sorry to say that the last week has been extremely Hot & Dry, which has been most against our Cotton & the Old Ground in consequence of it, & our attention being taken off to the wreck I have then obliged to abandon, the other ground is doing well, on Monday last it had a good rain for nearly an Hour & half but not a drop fell half a mile from it, the Yams being in the same piece had of course its share. I am

                                             Sir

                                             your most obedt. Humble servant

                                               (signed) John James

Antigua August 23^rd 1810

Reference: Gloucestershire Records Office, Microfilm no.351, Section no.6, D1610 C24
Accessed through Simon Fraser University library