William Lee to George Mason (July 13, 1775)

London 13 July 1775

Dear Sir!

I have just recd. yr. favor of May 20 & am greatly obliged by yr. consignmt. per the Adventure. In consequence of orders from my Br. RH Lee I have insured for you £ 1000 in the Adventure but on Rect: of yr. £ 145 more was added mak: on the whole £ 1145 wch: in case of loss will cover abt. £ 1100 nett. Unless yr. Tobo: is of a very good quality I cannot flatter you with the prospect of gaining as much by its safe arrival for notwithstanding the very alarmg: prospect of public affairs, the price of Tobo. is just as it was some months ago nor do I think it will rise till after Xtmas and then it will depend a good deal on the quantity that is actually made this year, for the buyers will never believe you are in earnest about not shipg:, if you make it, untill they experience yr. resolution by their want of the commodity; However you maybe assured of my exerting myself to return you a pleasing Acct: of Sales. We every day expect to hear of the Spaniards besieging Gibraltar. Shd. this be the case a Genl.

European War will take place in 12 Mos. I am &c.

[WILLIAM LEE]