Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

A friend & relation M^r John Ball has requested
me to import for his use such a Carriage as you built for M^r . William
Alston, capable of carrying with ease nine persons, to be highly var-
nished with Harnesses for four Horses brass Furniture, the Carriage
in all respects to be equal to M^r . Alston's, with any improve-
ments which you have lately [projected], the Springs to be
easy, your Brother informs me you [warrant] them. If Mr.
Alston's Harnesses were plated, you will of course make a proper
abatement, for the difference of value between Plated & Brass.

M^r . Ball will not require his Carriage before the
month of October therefore you will have time enough to provide
Wood & every other part of the very best. he has said nothing to me
of the colour nor whether he would have a Cypher, you will be
pleased to have it of the most fashionable colour & a cypher of
J. B. on the panel of each Door, if I can obtain the Arms of the family
in time, these shall be transmitted.

I apprehend Mr. Ball's motive for displaying the importation of a carriage
until October is that he may pay for it with the greatest convenience to
himself, but I know he would be glad to have it in July, if you can
complete the work & ship the carriage & harnesses that Month I will
be answerable for the Payment immediately either to your Brother or
by a remittance to yourself as you shall direct.

I hope my own little vehicle is by this day embarked — it is very
much wanted.

Henry Laurens of South Carolina
President of Congress from 1777
to 1778

H Laurens
June 26^th 91

Sent to me by Jacob Snider J^r Esq^r
in 1837.
J. H. Austen Jun^r Philadelphia

M^r . Alexander Penman
Coachmaker

By Brig^t Philadelphia
Capt. Foster