Richard Champion to Willing, Morris & Co., January 17, 1775

I have your favors 3 Oct & 25 Novr since I had the pleasure of writing you the 28 Decr

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Wheat is now fixed at 7/ pr Bushel & if any alteration it will be for the better. Flour 17/ d 19/ ー Indian Corn 3/9. Messrs Hewes & Co wrote me that they expected a Cargo very soon from you, & I gave them our prices. I suppose I shall have her here, as the best American wheat sells there from 50/ to 51/ ー & our prices are equal to 56/. Mr Elliot writes me that the Hopewell is at last arrived in London witht touching at Falmouth, the Cargo in bad order tho' better than expected.

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I find by the Lists that the Friendship Young is arrived at Maryland  I shall therefore be expecting to hear her Destination.

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The duty being taken of Indian Corn will be an Advantage to you in the sale of the Hopewell's Cargo. I am glad that this first Service of Mr [Edmund] Burke to his friends here, should be of the first Advantage to your House

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I hope the Bills you mention to draw on account of the Friendship if She comes here will not be at a short Sight, but you will take Care to make them agreable in that particular. I shall pay due Honour to them. Your Exchange is fallen amazingly.

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I mentioned the prices of Wheat, but did not that the demand is briske, & a prospect of advance towards the Spring. We have had little or no frost, & remarkable mild weather. In general these Winters do not produce good Corn harvests in the succeeding Seasons.

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The Ministry keep their resolves very secret about American affairs. London has petitioned, so has this place. Several Gentlemen were very active in promoting a petition here, though not without a good deal of opposition from the other party (for even party Spirit reigns tho' in a matter of Trade of such consequence.) Mr Burke's friends in particular have forwarded this Business, indeed that Gentleman the more he is known the more he must be admired. I send you by this Conveyance a Speech of his on the American Bills last Spring, a most masterly one indeed it must be so or it could not be Mr Burke's  The Ministry have acted a weak & a wicked part in their political System towards America which will be remembered long & heavily felt by both Countries. In any thing that occurs I shall write you for I truly am Gentlemen [&c.]