Messrs. Estevan LOCATELLI and PEDRO EVERARDO CAMPER

Hamburgh, the 31st of May, 1797

Gentlemen,

Pursuant to the promise which I made last summer, I had adopted all the necessary measures for dispatching two ships to your consignment, at the period pointed out by you formerly, and had got everything in readiness for that purpose, when, to my misfortune, some differences subsisting between the United States and the French Republic were carried the length, that all ships, under American colors, was, in all parts, detained by French privateers, whose proceedings, in addition to the conduct of the English, who interrupt, at pleasure, the American trade, for which reason|2. Seite, 100| the premium of insurance on American ships got up to double and treble its former amount, and in regard to long voyages, it was impossible and is so yet, to obtain an insurance for the out and home voyage, at any price whatever. Twenty-five per cent have been paid on American vessels from Bengal to this port, which exorbitant premium no branch of trade is able to bear.1 Under which circumstances, I trust you will excuse my not profiting, at present, of your kind offer of service, and my not engaging in any the like expedition, until the return of peace, as every thing remains, as yet, in a most uncertain and unsettled state.1Zur Entwicklung des Handels zwischen den USA und den Hansestädten in den 1790er Jahren: Schulte Beerbühl, Spekulation und Finanzkrisen, S. 277–281. 

I feel happy, however, in informing you, that the war is drawing to a conclusion; and as soon after the conclusion of a general peace as time permits, I am firmly resolved to pursue my first intention, for which purpose I have already prepared, in several places, both ships and credit.22Den Empfängern des Briefes war bekannt, wie sie später gegenüber Ermittlern der East India Company zugaben, dass William A. Thompson sich auch für die verdeckte Abwicklung von Handelsgeschäften zur Verfügung stellte, bevorzugt auf dänischen Schiffen wie beispielsweise der „Helsingoer“ der Firma Duntzfeldt & Co. in Kopenhagen. Thompson hatte sie darüber informiert, dass die Firma Duntzfeldt & Co. auch nach Manila liefere. Vgl. East India Company, Illicit Trade, April 1799, S. 99f. Außerdem: East India Company, Illicit Trade, June 1799; Woodfall, Debate at the General Quarterly Court. 

I remain, Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
William A. Thompson.