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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC01450.022.04 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of letters related to wine trade in Portugal |
| Title | John Montgomery to Newton, Gordon, and Johnston discussing their business accounts dealing with wine and brandy shipments to and from Portugal, and Revolutionary War news |
| Date | 7 March 1779 |
| Author | Montgomery, John (fl. 1778-1779) |
| Recipient | Newton, Gordon, and Johnston |
| Document Type | Correspondence; Business and financial document; Military document |
| Content Description | Signed as Montgomery, Sealy, and Co. Discusses their business accounts dealing with wine and brandy shipments to and from Portugal in the first part of the letter. States that they will only send letters by packet boat as other ships are not safe. Describes what has occurred in the Revolutionary War recently. Informs that the British under Admiral Samuel Barrington and General James Grant have captured the island of St. Lucia (12-28 December 1778), which French Admiral Valerie d'Estaing failed to counteract. The French troops suffered heavy losses. States that there is great dissention in the Continental Congress and problems are arising between France and the colonies. Reports that the colonies' money is losing value and that they may not be able to hold out too much longer. Mentions that British Admiral Augustus Keppel has been acquitted of charges against him. Details a list of goods and costs at the end of the letter. Newton, Gordon, and Johnston were merchants from Madeira. |
| Subjects | Battle Alcohol Finance Commerce Merchants and Trade Global History and Civics Revolutionary War Military History Maritime Navy France Caribbean Continental Congress Congress Politics Economics Coins and Currency Military Law |
| People | Montgomery, John (fl. 1778-1779) |
| Place written | Lisbon, Portugal |
| Theme | The American Revolution; Merchants & Commerce; Foreign Affairs; Naval & Maritime |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | These are letters relative to the wine trade that was in progress and it will be noted that some of the famous officers of the day were ordering sizeable quantities of spirits at this time. Water in the colonies was very poor, so that these products were important to the every day survival. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |