Havana ... 1849.
Mr. A. B.,
Sir: Under the protection of our common friend ... I take the liberty to send, on my own account and risk and to your consignment, one hundred and fifty boxes white sugar, and twenty-two bags containing coffee of superior quality, which I have this day shipped on board the American ship Anastasia, A. Smith, captain, as per the inclosed invoice and bill of lading.
The ship is new, and her captain a very intelligent and experienced seaman, and he is to sail on the 9th instant precisely.
This information will be sufficient for the insurance of said articles, which I beg you to have made immediately, together with the addition of 25 per cent. for imaginary profits.
Should this first essay prove as successful as I wish, I will apply to you in all the business I may have in your place, and induce my friends to do the same.
Wishing you the greatest prosperity, I beg leave to offer you my services, and am
Very respectfully,
Sir,
Your most ob’t servant,
E. F.
Sr. Don A. B.