Discusses business related to Samuel Shaw and Messrs. [Nicholas] Hoffman and [Son] and Shaw's upcoming China trip on the Jay. Notes the Hoffman's will be informing Parkman of their situation concerning Shaw. They are willing to advance Parkman, on honor, [dollar sign] 2000. If the Jay arrives they will replace him the other [dollar sign] 2000 that way if the Jay is lost Parkman only has to wait for the insurance to be recovered. In the worst case scenario, and the Jay is lost Messrs. Hoffman and Son will lay out [dollar sign] 6000. Continues discussing payments made by Parkman and other financial matters related to the China trip. Docketed by Knox.

May be missing its beginning page(s). Discusses a proposal apparently geared to help Shaw and [Thomas] Randall avoid debt if the Jay does not arrive according to plan. Mentions that he will likely not be able to write again before Shaw's departure, so he wishes Shaw a good voyage and safe trip home.

Explains the differences of settling premium accounts in England from those of the United States. Discusses issues relating to the insurance of Samuel Shaw. Stamped Boston.

Transmits Mr. Peck's conditions under which he will agree to build a ship. Notes that he [Parkman] and Knox are to consider if twill be for Mr [Samuel] Shaws Intrest to employ Mr Peck.

Discusses a financial matter involving Samuel Shaw, Samuel Ogden, Nicholas Hoffman, and Eli Hayden. Notes, It is supposed our friend has agreed for a pretty high price for the ship.

Knox's reply to Shaw's letter dated 12 February 1790, GLC02437.04512. Discusses a problem with debt and securities involving Mr. Holker and Daniel Parker, captain of the ship Shaw took to Guangzhou, China. Involves a sum of money the owners of the ship, the Empress of China, owe to Shaw. Also mentions insurance issues involving another ship, the Jay, which Shaw sailed on to China. Knox writes, I know and feel for your embarrassments - But remember they are all vulnerable - look to them with composure and keep up your spirits.

Encloses two letters from [Samuel] Shaw (not present) which just arrived from Canton, China. Indicates one of the letters is for Parkman, and the other for Mr. Peck. Discusses a business transaction: ...Mr Eli Hayden the supercargo of the above vessell has contracted with Major Shaw to build a ship according to Mr Pecks directions & that he has remitted a certain proportion of the funds for this purpose on respondenture on the above Vessell consigned to the said Eli Hayden. Shaw enclosed Hayden's bonds for Samuel Ogden, assuming he lived in New York. Expects Ogden, (now located at Delaware Works in Morrisville, Pennsylvania near Trenton, New Jersey), or his power of attorney to arrive in New York to resolve the issue. Sends his compliments to Mrs. Shaw.