Gideon White Family Papers

Nathaniel Whitworth to his brother Charles, on Charles' embarking on business in Nova Scotia.

''Finding you dispos'd to settle in business in the Province of Nova Scotia, I would from what little knowledge I have of that Country recommend Port Rosway alias Shelburne as your place of residence, where you will establish a House under the firm of Messrs. Charles & Nathl. Whitworth, to commence the business thereof I have advanc'd two thousand Pounds Sterling, with the addition of two thousand Pounds more upon Credit from the House of our correspondence Messrs. Champion & Dickson merchants in London, the whole amount of which I have order'd to be Ship'd to your address in Halifax or Port Rosway if a conveyance offers, as early as possible after receiving my Orders;
    Your own knowledge and experience in the business we are entering into, renders it totally unnecessary for me to give any directions respecting any one branch thereof, the principal obstacle that at present occurs is that of accomodating yourself a store, but I would feign hope should you be a loss, that my very particular friend John Miller Esq. Depty, Collr. at Shelburne will have it in his power to furnish you with a place suitable, but should you have no other alternative I am convinc'd our mutual friend Capt. Gideon White will with pleasure oblige you in any requisition on that head.
    The next thing that I have to recommend to your most particular attention is that of being punctual in your correspondence and regular in your remittance...I shall inform you on my Arrival in England of the usual Credit given to Merchants in America, which will be a guide to you in your remittances; but at any time, should you have a quantity of Specie by you, by all means procure Bills (which you will always do at a discount) and forward them p. first conveyance, and not wait the expiration of the time we are credited; I would always avoid if possible in our importations exceeding the amount of the Credit we have ask'd for, should we be fortunate, I would rather lessen than increase it, and by degrees hope we shall be establish'd entirely on our own Bottoms; never fail writing our friends for Insurance whenever you send for Goods.
    As all transactions whatever in the line of business are on our Joint concern, you'll please give me Credit for one half the sum advanc'd viz. two thousand Pounds and of all other Monies you may collect on my Account.''
    ''I would not recommend you to be too hasty in entering into the fishery, rather wait the result of other People which will enable you to determine whether it will be an Object; should you have any concerns in that line before my Arrival, I think the American Market will be the most eligible as you may Judge from the fluctuating Prices here, and at the Windward Islands.
    In point of building I think you should not be in two great a hurry, unless Miller has made a purchase of a Water Lot, in that case, I think you had better immediately set about it, but you will be better able to Judge when you arrive on the Spot, I think its more than probable youll be able to purchase a Store already compleated, as many people have reduc'd themselves to the last shilling in building, and have not at present wherewithal to support themselves.'' Encloses invoice of rum he has sent; he is to remit the Messrs. Lane, Son and Fraser in London. g. Brinley, G. Townsend and T. a. Coffin are in Halifax and will be of service. If he cannot collect any cash from debts owing he may call on Dr. Prince or either of the Debloises. Postscript.

Reference: Gideon White Nova Scotia Archives MG 1 volume 948 number 264.

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