Isaac, Sr Smith to John Adams, May 14, 1776

Salem May 14th. 1776

Mr. Adams

I received last post a letter from Mr. Morris with referance to the fish I wrote to you about, sometime Ago—since which, and not hearing from you sooner I have concluded to ship itt on my Own Account. 1

Upon Over hauling some of itt, by itts lying so long has hurt itt very much, some part of which is Only fit for the West India Market. I know of some which has been sold lately for the European Market not better, but I should not choose to ship itt Altogether As itt is, and therefore could not with propriety ship itt As fish of the first quality On any body’s else Account.

I am sensible your time is taken up in more important Affairs than Mercantile Ones, and should not have troubled you [now?] 2 had not Mr. Morris desired to know through you.

We have nothing New from Europe. A schooner from the West Indies with about 1,000 wt. 3 powder on the publick Account—& are Sr. Your Most hume. servt.,

Isaac Smith