Documenting the American South Logo
Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from James Porterfield to Samuel Johnston
Porterfield, James
May 29, 1788
Volume 21, Page 475

JAMES PORTERFIELD TO GOV. JOHNSTON.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

(Circular.)


Fayetteville, May 29th, 1788.

Sir:

I herewith enclose you a Return of what Tobacco I have purchased, & what was in the hand of the former Commissioner. My purchase would have been much larger had it not been for the great scarcity of Tobacco which caused the price to rise to 10 & 12 per cent. in a few days. I was therefore, induced to be backward in purchasing, with the Idea that it would fall in which I have been disappointed. The Current price is now from 58 to 62. I shall therefore decline purchasing any more, unless your Excellency should think proper to order otherways, as there can scarcely be a doubt but what the next Crop will be 25 per Cent. less than the present.

I have the honor to be, &c., &c.,
JAS. PORTERFIELD.