[ Rev. Thomas Blanshard, Book-Steward, Methodist Book-Room, London. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Tho Blanshard') to Rev. George Johnstone in Jamaica, giving details and itemised account of 'Sums of Money due to the Book Room from Jamaica'.

2pp., 4to. Bifolium. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper, with slight loss to text from breaking open of seal, and some repair with archival tape, and a square of paper neatly cut away from second leaf. Addressed, with postmark, on reverse of second leaf, to 'Revd G Johnstone | Methodist Chapel | Kingstone | Jamaica'. Letter on one page and 'Mr G Johnstone Dr in account with T Blanshard'. Writing to his 'Dear Bro[th]er', he hopes that Johnstone will be able to settle the annexed account 'at your ensuing District Meeting'. He hopes that he has 'done something' to clear the remainder of 'the Stock so <?> accumulated and then abandond [sic] by Mr Wiggins'. He hopes 'the good Work continues still to flourish in the different Stations in your Island', and states that he has been 'visited with the grievous afflction of Widowhood'. The letter ends with a reference to 'your old Friend Bror Strangeways'.The account covers dates between 1814 and 1820, regarding debits (one 'Preacher's fund' and nine 'To Books') amounting to £356 19s 8d, with a balance of £73 7s 10d owing (after payments 'By Cash' and By J Wood'). At the foot of the page another hand (presumably Johnstone's) has made financial calculations, involving various shipments, with the names given of two ships and their captains. For more on Johnstone see the letters of Dr Thomas Coke (2013), edited by J. A. Vickers, in which a footnote states that Johnstone 'was ordained by Coke at Hull to go to Antigua in support of John Baxter. He died in Jamaica in 1821, having succumbed to a fever after overworking himself.'