1To John Adams from Stephen Sayre, 10 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
...of my proceedings is plain; I have not a choise. I must take freight in our Ships, from hence to France or Spain. I am now, in treaty with a Merchant who offers Seventy gilders per Last for Hemp. If however you are of opinion that by your writing to Mr. Franklin, he would prevail on the Court of France to load the two Ships (being 900 Tons each, English built) directly for their Islands or...
2To John Adams from Stephen Sayre, 1 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
...’d five years in Deptford Yard. They are under Russian Noblemen—will have every quality of neutrallity—will be ready to take in goods in June next—perhaps in May. They will probably proceed from hence to France with Hemp &c.—from thence to the French or Dutch Islands &c. &c. Now if you have instructions that may warrant the
3To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Sayre, 7 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
America must have more Ships—at any rate, they must have Hemp, Cordage Sail Cloth, et cetera, from the nothern parts of Europe. To expect a Supply thro’ France hereafter is inconsistent with present Circumstances—she may find difficulty in obtaining sufficient for her own wants: and should there......with Ships, Cordage, Hemp, &c &c, either thro’ the Island of St Thomas or from their ports...