Letters January 1773, 1773-1777

Manuscript letterbook containing copies of Davy family correspondence, primarily letters from and to the Reverend Charles Davy's youngest son Frederick during his journey to India and China. Frederick's letters describe is long voyage to India, including a stop in "disagreeable dirty" Madeira; his first impressions of life in Madras and Calcutta, with particular attention to European society, relations between Europeans and Indians, and the scenic beauty of India; and his first attempts to "make his fortune" and obtain employment in India. His later letters are concerned with his position as the purser and "supercargo" of a trading vessel owned by Charles Crofts and his first voyage to Cochin China by way of Goa

Other topics include Frederick's purchase of a personal slave "without any scruple of conscience;" the unsociability of Dutch settlements; and news of "the American war" and the Americans' "many friends in this country."

Reverend Davy's letters to Frederick contain family and personal news; lists of items sent by the family to Frederick; discussion of Frederick's mercantile plans and prospects; and moral and religious advice. The volume also contains copies of letters from other family members and several letters from Charles Croft to Charles Davy, sending news of his son