1790, folded letter dated "St. Martin August 1st 1790" and adressed to "Mr. Thomas Waite, Berwick", forwarded by british merchant vessel "Rebecca" to Captain Bradley in Lancaster where it "Came to hand 15th September 1790" (manuscript on obverse) and was handed over to the Post Office and then, receiving two strikes of the black straight-line "LANCASTER", forwarded to Berwick and charged "1/6" on delivery. A fascinating and very early document in good condition.
Note: The letter is John Sanderson Waites response to his brother Thomas´s request to return home on a visit. He insists, that "despite the quick dispatch you perceive the Lancaster Vessels makes Backward and forward from Europe to the West Indies"..."Sorry am I that I cannot attend your kind invitation". Business wasn´t well and "the mode you have proposed might answer exceding well for young adventurers, but as I am advancing apace to Age - you must make some allowance". Ending in a hurry "as the Brig Rebecca is now on the point of sailing" he assures "perhaps early next year I shall through Gods assistance strain every point in my power to see you all".
