Tue 13 Jul 1802
Printed minutes of a General Assembly that agreed to pay some interest to mortgagees and bond-creditors and to dispose of vessels to any persons willing to enter into the carrying trade.
Returns of the carrying trade and net proceeds of tolls have fallen short.
Reasons for lack of trade: imperfect navigation of the Thames.
High tolls from private lock-owners.
Drought.
Irregularity of coal from Monmouthshire Canal.
Increase in men’s wages.
High price of provisions and tackle during suspension of trade with the Baltic.
Stagnation of trade both foreign and domestic continuing after negotiation for peace.
Disadvantage of conducting business between London and the ports on the Severn.
Disposing of some of their boats and trows.
Trade will increase with the return of peace.
The sum of £117,125 to be paid by John Stevenson Salt treasurer No. 80, Lombard Street to each mortgagee and Bond creditor on the 16th August next.
