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1837 4th 6 mo Although their seems to be some easement, as respect the circulation of money, yet a heavy gloom hangs over the Nation every kind of business seems to be in a state of fluctuation; their is so little confidence among the people, that very little business can be done that requires credit. And the Banks generally having ceased to make specie payments, it leads the public to a suspicion that they never will redeem their paper. As this act in the Banks is in direct violation of the law, it is presumed by some that they may by the same rule still farther. As respects in on this island we are obliged to submit to all the difficulties that attends the Government at large, but to take a view of our situation, it is appaling [APPALLING]. The wharves are almost bare of the articlues usually brought at this season of the year, and when they are brought the sale is remarkably dull, and some of thosee who bring supplies say they shall come no more unless specie payments is made, which is impossible.
Flour is 11$, Cor 1$, Wood 7.50, Hay 20$ much of those articles are wanted, but a great proportion of the people are not able for want of the means, many of the labouring poor are idle (not for want of work} but for want of being employed. There is but little or no market for oil & candles abroad, and no purchasers of oil here. If a Ship arrives, the oil is stored. The last sold for 75 cts.

5th 9 mo The present seems to be an uncommon time of excitement among us on various accounts. A man is here by the name of Scott delivering lectures on Slavery, his rmarkable flow of words, draws together a great concourse of hearers, who are pleased with his manner of communication, but many who have heard him, have withdrawn themselves from him from an opinion that the ground he takes "immediate emancipation" is not prudent & ought not to be adopted.