From James Parker
ALS: American Philosophical Society
[New York, July 22, 1769. Repeats the substance of his letter
of June 28. Encloses a bill of exchange for £50 from Luke &
Prettyjohn, Barbados, drawn on Richard Gosling of London and endorsed
by Mrs. Moore of New York; bills are rising and now stand at 72½, and
he bought this one for 70. Has received Franklin’s letters by the
packet and by Dr. Rush. Captain Davis has arrived; he spoke Captain
Falconer in the Downs on May 30, and brings word that Mr. Foxcroft
has safely reached England. Mr. McGruder has sent him the book of Mr.
Scott, of Upper Marlboro, Md.; Scott owes a considerable balance, but
McGruder fears none of it can be got out of him. Mr. Hubbart writes
that nothing is yet done in Mr. Huske’s affair, and fears nothing
will come of it. The same with Mr. Walker of Hartford, who is still
in jail. Parker also despairs of the arrears of Mr. Chace of
Providence, who is almost bankrupt. But a former apprentice of
Parker’s, now living in Providence, is in debt, and the father has
asked Parker’s help so that his son can come home to New York. The
young man’s Providence creditors have agreed to take forty Spanish
dollars from what Chace owes the Post Office, and the father will
turn over that amount to Parker in New York. Doubts that anything
more can be extracted from Chace, but will do what he can. The summer
has been dry and warm. Struggles along though feeble in body; is
delighted to hear from Dr. Rush that Franklin is well. Hopes that by
now Mr. Robinson has returned home, and that Franklin and Foxcroft
will help him in some way that will not injure Parker; still wants to
resign from the customs house.]
625356 = 016-180a.html