1739/40 Philadelphia–Newport Merchant’s Letter — Salt, Molasses, Flour & Indigo Philadelphia, February 5, 1739/40 [1740]
An informative colonial manuscript documenting commercial dealings between Philadelphia and Newport, Rhode Island, more than thirty-five years before American independence.
Addressed to Hazard & Easton and other named correspondents, the letter discusses salt shipped aboard the sloop Hummingbird, apparently commanded by John Painter, its sale on consignment, and molasses received in return. The writer reviews the resulting account balance and requests information about eighteen barrels of flour previously shipped. He asks that the accounts be settled and the remaining balance remitted in merchandise, including “Right Good Indigo.”
A contemporary notation identifies the document as “A Coppy of a Letter Sent to Newport in Rhode Island,” establishing it as a retained merchant’s copy. The closing bears initials appearing to read “J.P.”; the writer’s identity remains unconfirmed.
An appealing record of early coastal commerce, illustrating the shipment, sale, and exchange of staple commodities among colonial ports.
Condition: Age toning, intersecting folds, scattered spotting, small holes and splits at folds, and minor edge wear and losses. Most writing remains legible.
An informative colonial manuscript documenting commercial dealings between Philadelphia and Newport, Rhode Island, more than thirty-five years before American independence.
Addressed to Hazard & Easton and other named correspondents, the letter discusses salt shipped aboard the sloop Hummingbird, apparently commanded by John Painter, its sale on consignment, and molasses received in return. The writer reviews the resulting account balance and requests information about eighteen barrels of flour previously shipped. He asks that the accounts be settled and the remaining balance remitted in merchandise, including “Right Good Indigo.”
A contemporary notation identifies the document as “A Coppy of a Letter Sent to Newport in Rhode Island,” establishing it as a retained merchant’s copy. The closing bears initials appearing to read “J.P.”; the writer’s identity remains unconfirmed.
An appealing record of early coastal commerce, illustrating the shipment, sale, and exchange of staple commodities among colonial ports.
Condition: Age toning, intersecting folds, scattered spotting, small holes and splits at folds, and minor edge wear and losses. Most writing remains legible.
![1739/40 Philadelphia–Newport Merchant’s Letter — Salt, Molasses, Flour & Indigo Philadelphia, February 5, 1739/40 [1740]](http://www.thearchiveauthority.com/cdn/shop/files/IMG_3492.jpg?v=1791322661&width=300)