posted 03-14-2008 10:59 AM            

Pittsburgh May 20th 1819

Dear brother

I arrived in this place on Tuesday after a pleasant but fatigueing journey, -- and yesterday I had the pleasure of recieving your favor of 12th inst- which as far as related to my friends, gave me much pleasure, but concerning business it was not very flattering, -- unluckily for us there has been a person through this place but three or four days ago, with jewellery from New York, who has gone on to Louisville to meet more goods by the way of New Orleans -- and one of Dosey's men is now here who arrived just before me, the first who have been here for six months, I believe otherwise sales would have been good, -- if instead of waiting for Bodrano's work, I had taken that amount, of fine Gilt Jewellery of GV & Co, and been here a week sooner I think I could have sold at least for $1000.-- in this place at good prices, provided I gave the same credit that others do -- if it was not nessesary for me to go on to the Southward, to sell my rich jewellery, I would have you send a large assortment of Gilt Jewellery and some watch materials, and I would return to this place, but perhaps it will be better for one of us to come out in the fall -- we shall then know what will suit the market. -- goods are generally sold at 6 months credit. -- and I believe I shall sometimes give a short credit with a good endorsement. --

I was fortunate enough to sell a few goods in Harrisburg which enabled me to defray my expences to this place -- after seeing the stores here, I am more confident that Henry will be able to keep John Burtwell profitably employed, chiefly in jobing, with but little extra expense. --

Mr. Whiting has been absent from here sometime, down the River, -- he is expected here to-day but more than probable he will not be up in time for me to see him, I requested George to write to me concerning Mr. Willinks acct. but he has not. -- I saw him, and his wife, in the street to day, but I have no instructions to call on him