John Norton and Sons Papers: Addition 1(1788 September 2)

• MS 2011.17
• 5 items

Five letters, one from John Hatley Norton and four from both John Hatley Norton and George Flowerdewe Norton, to their contacts in England respecting debts and inheritance following the Revolutionary War. The financial distress and concern displayed through the correspondence reflects the effect the Revolutionary War had on relations between Virginia Planters and English merchants.

In two letters addressed to Mr. William Anderson, a tobacco merchant near Great Towers, England and a trusted overseas contact, the Norton brothers list their debtors and express particular distrust and suspicion for an agent named Mr. John Withers, whom they accuse of blatantly and deliberately mismanaging the accounts. The Nortons also express their hope that the new Constitution will repudiate American debts to the English.

The remaining three letters are addressed to Mr. John Turner, a cousin by marriage, one of which is additionally addressed to Turner’s business partner, Mr. Frere. The letters to Mr. Turner address a legacy left by the Norton brothers’ late aunt, Mrs. Susanna Turner, and respond to Mr. Turner’s request for 800 Pounds from the legacy. The Norton brothers express their present financial struggle, reminding Turner that in their times of prosperity, “you know we did business on an extensive plan & were punctual in our engagements.” They leave off with their hope that their credit will soon be restored.

See also John Norton and Sons Papers (MS 1936.3).