To George Washington from Capel and Osgood Hanbury, 10 December 1767
From Capel and Osgood Hanbury
London Decemr 10th 1767
Esteem’d Friend
We Wrote thee the 20 Octobr last ⅌ Capt. Johnson to which refer since then we have not reced any of thy favours—The Estates 8 Hhds Tobo ⅌ the Hanbury are not yet dispos’d of as the buyers do not come up to the price we think them worth, however hope that after Xmass the Market will be brisker1—As the Bearer Capt. Esten will in all probability be an early Ship in the Country we flatter ourselves in case our Friends give him dispatch he will Arrive here to a good Market wch is an event we much wish for as it will enable us to render such Accot sales as we make no doubt will give satisfaction—Thy kind assistance to him wth some of thy own Tobacco & Friendly influence in procuring a larger share of the Estates Consignmts to us by him will be always thankfully remembred We intend to send a small Ship in the Spring to James River wch if thee can assist in the dispatch of we shall esteem a further favor conferd on us who are wth great regard & Esteem Thy Assurd Friends2
C. & O. Hanbury
LS, ViHi: Custis Papers. The letter was sent “⅌ the Hanbury James Esten,” which entered the York River on 18 April 1768.
1. For the eight hogsheads of tobacco belonging to John Parke Custis, see GW to Hanbury, 25 July 1767.
2. The text of the letter, this date, from Hanbury to John Parke Custis, endorsed by GW, is not identical to the one addressed to GW: “We wrote thee 4th August 1767 ⅌ Captain Anderson & have not since receivd any of thy favours—We are endeavouring to make the most of thy 8 Hhds ⅌ Esten whom we now send out & hope on his return to be favourd with a larger share of thy Consignmnts as he will be an early Ship in the Country we flatter ourselves that wth thy Assistance & the rest of our friends he will be enabled to come back soon & we have great reason to hope to a good Market thee may depend however that whatever thee art pleasd to favour us with we shall exert our utmost endeavours to dispose of to thy satisfaction. We intend a small Ship in the Spring to James River by which if it suits thee shall be glad to receive some of thy Tobacco. Thy Accot Currt & the rest of our friends shall be sent out ere long—” (ViHi: Custis Papers).