Abraham Shearman, Jr. to Charity Rotch, New Bedford, 3 mo 11, 1807

              New Bedford, 3 mo 11, 1807
  Dear friend, 
	Thy valuable communication of the 27th ult. was recd.
on the 5th:  it was truly acceptable, and hope I shall profit
by thy instructive remarks and admonitions.  I consider the
advantages resulting from a Correspondence with thee, as being
very much on my side, and hope thou wilt not again
think it necessary to apologize for any little delay that may
take place in answering any communications thou may receive from
me.              The more immediately object of my now
writing thee, is to inform thee that a letter was recd. In town
by last evening s mail, from our dear friend J.W. it was dated
at Celte (a small town about 60 miles from Marsailles, where he had disposed
of the cargo ) 1 mo 1, 1807.  we had preciously been informed of his
leaving Marsailles for Celte 6th of 12 mo. And had concluded that
he would be ready to leave France by the above date; but
instead of this pleasing anticipation being realized, we now
regret to learn, that in consequence of a new regulation,
adopted since his arrival in the country, and which of couse it
was not supposed wd affect the present case, the vessel wd by de=
tained at Celte, without being permitted to discharge the cargo,
till a Certificate of her not having touched at an English
port on her passage off, could be forwarded to Paris, and
the messenger return; 2 or 3 weeks wd probably elapse before this
wd be accomplished : so that we cannot calculate upon the
vessel s being in readiness to leave France previous to the
fore part of last month (if so soon.)   I extremely regret this
unpleasant & unexpected delay, particularly as adding to
the previous cares and anxieties of our dear J.  I hope,
however, he will be enabled to support thee repeated dis=
appointments he has experienced on this unprosperous voyage.