William Rogers, Philadelphia, to John Williams, New York, 17 July 1802.

Phila July 17. 1802.

Dear Sir,

         I wrote you yesterday morning by Post on the subject of Mr & Mrs Chamberlaine’s passage to Calcutta – At noon good Capt Wickes called on me again, having seen Mr Ralston, Capt Davy &c – They have agreed to take them on the following terms, viz., as the Cabin will be occupied by the Officers of the Ship for sleeping – the owners will cause a private room to correspond with the Cabin by a door from the steerage to be fitted up for Mr & Mrs Chamberlaine as a lodging room & place of retirement; solely for their use – they are to eat in the Cabin with the Officers of the Ship & to have free ingress & egress out of it, whenever they choose, the only exception being that of Lodging – the passage money must be paid before they sail, 400 Dolls each, and their names to be immediately forwarded to Mr Ralston, that is, provided they go with Capt Davy, in order that they may be entered on the Role de Equipage. – You had better after this address Mr Ralston altogether on the Subject, as I shall probably be out of Town, and Mr Ralston having affectionately. Consented to it – Direct your Letter thus,

                                 Robert Ralston, Esqr

                                             Mecht

                                                        Philada

I am credibly informed that Capt Davy is a moral & agreeable young Man – Our neighbour, Dr Davidson is generally esteemed so – however should any thing occur on the passage of an unpleasant nature, there will be Mr & Mrs Chamberlaine’s own Room.

         Don’t you think, if they conclude upon going with Capt Davy, that they had better come on as soon as convenient, at least as far as Burlington – by stopping there, they will learn the State of Phila Dr & Mrs Staughton will be glad to see them, & should the fever prevent their visiting Phila – I can recommend them to some of our Religious friends at Marcus Hook or Wilmington –

         I have taken Rooms in Dr Staughton’s newly purchased house in Burlington, where I propose moving my family in the course of a week or 10 Days; wherever in the Course of Providence I may meet with Mr & Mrs C – I will render them every assistance in my power –

         The Ship is to sail the very beginning of next month. –

         Capt Wickes informs me that the passage from London to Calcutta is 100 Guineas, so that something very considerable will be saved in going from Phila.

                     Very affectionately your’s,

                                 Wm Rogers.

Address: Rev. Mr | John Williams, | No 16. Fayette Street, | New York. | Single | Sheet.

Postmark: Philadelphia 17 July

Text: John Williams Letters, RG no. 1207, America Baptist Historical Archives, Atlanta.