BIOGRAPHICAL 145 



covered half a sheet of note paper. 1 When 

 the captain had crossed the bar and was 

 on the open sea, he was his own master, 

 and, except that he must try to reach the 

 port he sailed for, free to sail wherever and 

 buy and sell whatever he wished. It was not 

 enough that he could navigate his craft 

 skilfully; he must be a close buyer and a 

 shrewd seller, and that he was both all the 

 world allows. If it seemed best to him he 



i INSTRUCTIONS 



The Ship Wells under your command being ready for 

 Sea you will embrace the first opportunity and proceed 

 for St Sebastians in Spain upon your arrival apply to Mess 

 B. & Sons and request them to sell the Cargo now on 

 board the Wells for my act for the most it will fetch and 

 if any merchandise can be obtained there that will answer 

 in this Country then have the proceeds of the present 

 Cargo invested in such Articles which ship in board the 

 Wells for my acct with which proceed directly for this 

 Port in case you cannot find any merchandise at St 

 Sebastians that will answer to bring to the U States then 

 have the Proceeds remitted when you can do it most to 

 my Interest, and proceed to the Cap de Verds for a Cargo 

 of Salt and from thence to this Port, 



Yrs WM. GRAY. 



