“Know all men, by these presents, that I, Gilbert Imlay, citizen of the United States of America, at present residing in London, do nominate, constitute, and appoint Mary Imlay, my best friend and wife, to take the sole management and direction of all my affairs and business which I had placed in the hands of Mr Elias Bachman, negotiant, Gottenburg, or in those of Messrs Myburg & Co., Copenhagen, desiring that she will manage and direct such concerns in such manner as she may deem most wise and prudent. For which this letter shall be a sufficient power, enabling her to receive all the money or sums of money that may be recovered from Peter Ellyson or his connections, whenever the issue of the tryal now carrying on, instigated by Mr Elias Bachman, as my agent, for the violation of the trust which I had reposed in his integrity.
“Considering the aggravated distresses, the
accumulated losses and damages sustained in consequence of the said
Ellisson’s disobedience of my injunctions, I
desire the said Mary Imlay will clearly
ascertain the amount of such damages, taking first the
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“Respecting the cargo of goods in the hands of Messrs Myburg and Co., Mrs Imlay has only to consult the most experienced persons engaged in the disposition of such articles, and then placing them at their disposal, act as she may deem right and proper. . . .
“Thus, confiding in the talent, zeal, and earnestness of my dearly beloved friend and companion, I submit the management of these affairs entirely and implicitly to her discretion.
“Remaining most sincerely and affectionately hers truly,
“Witness, J. Samoriel.”
