1738-9.1 PETER COLLINSON. 123 



when I wanted to pay the mortgage interest. It was help in time 

 of need, and a demonstration of thy regard for my welfare, and 

 readiness to oblige me, which lays me under an obligation to watch 

 and improve all opportunities wherein I can gratify thee. 



I could get nothing of what thee mentioned thee sent by Captain 

 Bream, but a letter by the post, and the print of the Magnolia, 

 which James Logan thought had been sent for him. I went to 

 our proprietor, and to Captain Bream, to inquire for the box of 

 seeds thee mentioned, but they affirmed they knew nothing of such 

 a box. 



P. COLLINSON TO JOHN BARTRAM. 



London, January 26, 1738-9. 



Friend John : 



I am much obliged to thy good wife, for her kind letter in thy 

 absence ; and next I must tell thee, I was pleased with thine, to 

 hear of thy safe return from thy Virginia expedition ; but am very 

 angry with that sorry man Ashton, for not taking in thy cargo of 

 seeds. He was under obligations to me. I did not treat him so ; 

 but trusted him five pounds' worth of goods, but was three or four 

 years getting it ; nay, had it not been for Charles Read, de- 

 ceased, who got the money, I much question if he would have 

 had honesty or honour enough to have paid it, to this clay ; for 

 during the time he owed me the money, he came to England, and 

 promised to pay me. I thought him to be a man of honour ; but, 

 in short, he slunk away and never paid me, and after that, gave 

 Charles Read much trouble to get it, and paid no interest ; so I 

 was a loser, for I sold the goods for ready money, and because 

 cash fell short, took his note ; and thus he has served me for my 

 civility. I shall remember him. 



I am, at present, greatly hurried in business ; so must be very 

 short, and only tell that I have sent thee a box of seeds, under 

 cover to Thomas Penn, your proprietor, for I was willing to take 

 the advantage of the first ship, because the season slips away for 

 sowing. 



There is a small packet for Doctor Witt. Pray, somehow or 

 other, convey it to him. Some fine Melon seed for Thomas Penn; 

 some Burgundy Trefoil [Medicago sativa, L., or Lucerne], for J. 



