Fine 1814 EL DEMERARA - BELFAST Hugh Mccalmont. DEAL SHIP LETTER Runaway Sl*ve

Sent to Hope and Experiment plantation owner Hugh Mccalmont one of the biggest slave and estate owners in Demerara and Berbice. From Laurence Fitzgerald his attorney. Details of a runaway sl*ve called Bellus who has been captured. Sales of other sl*ves in Berbice. Thoughts on Governor Murray. Sent 5 days before official transfer of Berbice from Dutch to British control

Hugh McCalmont Esq.

Demerara, 8th August 1814

Dear Sir,

I returned from Berbice a few days ago and have the pleasure to inform you everything on No. 11 looks well; they are now done trimming, & I have the appearance of making a good crop… Mr Ross had shipped the cotton in the Hannah for expenses of carriage; it’s drawn to this port, would be at least 4 p. bales.

Vessels being now scarce they would send it at handsome rates — the second crop will turn out fifty bales, which now leaves thirty down in hand; we will not be able to get them ready before the first week in October, as there is a great deal of grass at present on the estate, occasioned by the frequent rains, which it is absolutely necessary to get cleared off.

The Brig Essequebo is daily expected — hope to have my cotton for her — no sale for plantations, they are rotten in the market. Mr MacIntosh is going on very well — he seems to be a steady young man.

The runaway Negro Bellus, I have sold for nine hundred guilders; it is not certain His Excellency John Murray will allow him to be registered in this Colony. He is an old man, & for many reasons we think it is advisable not to send him back to the gang. I hope you will approve of it.

There has been no sale lately to fix a price while I was in Berbice; Mr Tappin sold ten at vendue, rather indifferent people, averaged about 2100; & none of the lots on labour are unsold, as you see by a note at foot.

Remain, Dear Sir,

Your very obedient Servant,

Laurence Fitzgerald

No. 8 & 9 — Telford at £6.10 also due

10, 11, 39 & 40 — purchased by Cook 1801

41 & 42 — purchased by Mr Thompson in 1808 for 2000

Remaining No. 41 & 42 — purchased of Trotter in 1812 for 2000

Those two lots, 41 & 42, are credited to you in A/C