Below is the transcript of a letter from Christopher Grant to his wife, written January 7 1804. The letter is one in a series of letters that are posted on this website. You can see an image of the original letter.
Gonais January 7th 1804
Dear Polly
This will serve to acquaint you that I am well and I hope you and your children are the same. I have loaded one vessel since I arrived here and have another here that will sail in 10 or 12 day as I expect a nother out in a few weeks. I shall tarry for his if my business should not turn out more to my advantage than at present. I shall come home in his my self. If more favorable I shall tarry some what longer here If you should meet an opportunity for Cape Francois you will write me inclosed to Hellen & Williams to be forward on to me at this place, if at ? ? to Mr Mead to be sent to me here. I am in hopes you have received the money and coffee that I sent you from Charleston. If I should tarry here any time I will make you a shipment the first opportunity. There is nome vessel here at Presenet to the northward of New York. There was one here from Boston, the capt belonging to Ipswich but he did not sell his cargo ? to ? I am fearfull you will think my absence more ? than you out but as I was determined when I left to either get ? to tarry with you or not ? those pursuiant to the length of my abilities. I have lost money since I left Charleston but is hopes to make it up in a short time your children may forget they have a father but I am in hope you will put them in mind of that.
I remain yours
Dear Polly
Christopher Grant