To Thomas Jefferson from Duncan Rose, 22 March 1780
From Duncan Rose
Williamsburg, 22 Mch. 1780. During the severe winter weather when there was a pressing demand for spirits and when an invasion was hourly expected, Rose made a contract with De Francy for rum, salt, and rice, all of which were badly needed for the army, and a portion of the supplies thus procured have been used for the troops. The Board of Trade refuses to take notice of the transaction without instructions from the executive. Countersigned: “In Council Mar. 25. 1780. It is recommended to the board of trade to carry into execution the preceding contract. Th: Jefferson.”
RC (Vi); 3 p. Printed in ii, 114.
,On 25 Mch. the Board of Trade ordered the contract between Rose and DeFrancy to be executed in accordance with the following terms of exchange (Board of Trade Journal):
“100.℔ Tobo. for every Bushel salt.
150 ℔ Do. for every hundred weight
of rice
100.℔ do. 2½ Galls. french rum
100 ℔. do. for 1½ Gals. Jamaica rum.”