Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

MS43.04: Francis Nicholson Papers
Nicholson letter to Lt. John Riggs, 7 August 1702

I heartily thank You for writing to me so often and sending me so full acc^t. of your
affairs from time to time with y^e several printed & written papers, which I
have made publick here & sent several of ym for Engld. and I hope you doe by all safe opportunity
give an acct of ym to Engld. particularly to y^e right honble Mr Secretary Blaithwait.
Twas a very great satisfaction to me to hear of his Excy my Lord Cornburys approval in yo^r
pts, and y^t yo^r affairs are now in so very good a posture: and I hope in God y^t they will be
so well setled y^t for y^e future you may live in peace & quietness.

Your 2 letters of ^June y^e 7th & ^july 9th I did not receive till I had taken leave of yo^r Commodore
and sent all my letters and packets off for Engd. but by y^e first safe opportunity I shall write to Mr
Blaithwait about yo^r having one of y^e Companys: for you may depend upon my doing of
You all y^e sincere kindness I can. But you must behave to get y^e recommendation of his Excy yo^r
Governor: and let me advise you (if you can possibly) to go for Engld. for you know very well
there is nothing like a Man's doing his own business.

This is designed (God willing) by my very good Friend y^e honble Sr Tho: Laurence
Baronet of her Majesty's [illegible]y of Maryd. and you may with freedom communicate to him yo^r
affairs, as likewise those relating to y^e Colony. If before my humble Secretary old friend
& acquaintance Mayor Wern and to y^e rest of y^e affairs of my Acquaintance. And I
shall be very glad to hear [if] you have all got yo^r Arrears, and yt you are in so flor-
ishing & thriving Condition. yt you have so much ready Reserve [rubbing] doe not
know what to doe with it, except it to be to purchase great Estates.