The letter, with flourishing penmanship, provides information that the items ordered are being shipped on the sloop Vigilant
Note is headed New York 9 January 1851 & is addressed to C.H. Dabney Esq Blackstone Co. Providence RI.
Excerpts quoted blow - not totally clear on the cargo - bales?
"Enclosed you have Bill Lading 200 P.....shipped for Sloop Vigilant The sloop is still hove and the wind ahead. Yours Respectfully Kinney Easton & Co."
A notation at the bottom also provides insights on the state of commerce: "Sales today 2000 Bales, Market Steady"