Letter
John Gardner to Benjamin Franklin, May 4, 1784
John Gardner writes to Benjamin Franklin explaining a discrepancy in the reported weight of tobacco aboard his ship Amity, which arrived from Charleston with a rice cargo. Gardner details how a misunderstanding about weight conversions and an additional 23 pounds of tobacco found by customs, partly taken from his crew, led to an erroneous report. He seeks to clarify the situation to protect his honor and interests.