Autograph Letter Signed, Oswego, November 1st, 1820, to George Tibbitts, Albany

folio, two pages, plus stamp less address leaf, formerly folded, else in very good, clean, and legible condition.

Letter discussing the status of trade on the Oswego Canal and the level of exports of salt and other commodities bound for Buffalo, Lake Erie, Ontario and Montreal.

"Geo. Tibbitts Esq.

Sir –

Yours of 3rd ult directed to Mr. Morgan was handed me by him as his health did not permit him to reply – by referring to mine of the 4th I found I had anticipated yr enquiries so far as to render an answer unnecessary.

I avail myself of the oppty presented by our member Mr. Dunning to remark that I have had some conversation with the different forwarders with a view to the business of another year & tho the prices are not finally noted I am of opinion they will be for a bbl flour from Lewiston, Geneva or Oswego to Cape Vincent – 20 cts Storage at do – 5 thence to Montl – 70, 95 cts or 9.50 pr ton this will probably be the regular price, tho it will doubtless be carried down occasionally –

I subjoin a Statement of the Salt trade for the last three years includg the present, filling out this year with my estimates, which at this season can be made with considerable accuracy – as a month of the navigable season only remains, at the close of which if you desire I will give you the exact time, of Salt wd be shipped –

Arrived at Oswego 1818 – 36,000 bbls Salt of which passd thro Niagara portgs 26000 price at B Rock $ 4.50 remaining for Ontario market 10,000

Arrived as above – 1819 – 47,000

Passed to L Erie – 29,000 price $ 3.75 to $ 4

For Ontario – 18,000 at Black Rock

Arrived the present season - 42,179

To Nov 1st

Estimated to arrive in addition – 5000

47,179

Shipped to L Erie – 23,884

Still to be shipped say 1,500 – 25,384 price $ 2.50 to 2.75

For Ontario - 21,790 as above

Giving an increase for the Ontario market since last year of 3790 bbls and a decrease in the same time for the Erie markets of 3611 bbls-

A view of the trade for the last three years shows an increased demand for the Ontario & St Lawrence markets of more than 100 perct and an actual falling off for the Lake Erie & Ohio markets during the same time and that too notwithstanding the very great reduction in the price of manufacture & transport and notwithstanding the shores of Erie have populated much more rapidly during this time than those of Ontario … Alvin Bronson"