Heading: (China Trade)
Author: Archer, Joseph
Title: Letter from Joseph Archer in Canton to William Wetmore in London, regarding trade, credit and related matters
Place Published: Canton, China
Publisher:
Date Published: May 24, 1837
Description:

5 pages, on two 4-page conjugate sheets, docketed on the last page. 25x20 cm (9¾x8").

Letter from merchant Joseph Archer in Canton, China, to his partner William Wetmore in London ("My dear W"), discussing various consignments and shipments, letters of credit, trade conditions in China, and other matters. One issue is a letter from Wildes "in which they inform us that they had protested two of the bills... in consequence as they say of our not complying with the conditions of the letter of credit to forward the shipping documents with the bills there is no such conditions on the credit, and even had there been they are bound to pay the bills at maturity, as they will then be in possession of the property..." Further discussion involves the price of silk and other goods, and trade conditions in general, "If the shipment of goods to this quarter are equal to one half of the quantity of former years, I would advise you not to send a price, the system of doing business here must be changed, if it results in cash sales, goods must be sold at very low prices. Mr. C[ryder] writes that goods are in the decline and that plenty of consignments can be purchased in the Spring..." Accompanying the letter is a partially printed waybill filled out in ink, for goods shipped from Canton to London by Wetmore & Co., via the ship Jno. Fleming. by which conveyance the letter was to go also.

A few minor discolored spots, near fine.