Tue 27 Jan 1818
From John R Denyer
To J M Child Esq
Bigelly House, Tenby
Not agree to give higher price for freight & not consent to pay demurrage unless Mr Sluman consents to pay same amount per day for every day he detains vessel employed to fetch coal from his sloop. I presume Mr Sluman to be sufficiently acquainted with the River Severn to know that it is a tidal River & that the tide is not influenced by any thing Human and consequently Vessels working thereon cannot navigate when their Owners please – if therefore his was to come to Lydney at the going off of a spring or in the neap (as they frequently do) she must necessarily remain until a vessel which would be then upon her voyage could discharge & return a Customs House Officer. If Sluman gives notice required, a letter takes at least six days to reach me, will make every arrangement to prevent any delay. But plenty of other vessels glad to do it in less than 2 months.
