{"title":"Commerce, Business \u0026 Trade","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"1838-phila-to-havana-shipping-document-involving-controversial-nicholas-trist","title":"1838 Phila. To Havana Shipping Document Involving Controversial Nicholas Trist","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis document is a partly-printed U.S. commercial shipping document, specifically an \"Oath of the Master and Mate,\" \"Consul's Certificate,\" and \"Merchants' Certificate\" from the Port of Havana, Cuba, dated January 16, 1838. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDocument Details\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePurpose: These forms were used to certify the origin and contents of a cargo, likely to comply with trade laws and pay appropriate duties. The \"Oath of the Master and Mate\" attests that the goods originated in the United States and were not illegally traded.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLocation \u0026amp; Date: The document was completed and signed in Havana on January 16, 1838.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKey Individuals Mentioned:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNicholas P. Trist: Signed the Consul's Certificate as the United States Consul in Havana from 1833 to 1841. Trist was a controversial figure who faced accusations of involvement in fraudulent document schemes related to the illegal slave trade during his tenure.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBusto Sugar (likely \"Busto y Sugar\"): Signed as the merchant who provided the initial certificate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePossene Smith (likely Jose R. Sobio\/Smith): Signed the Master's oath. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHistorical Context\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDocuments like this were part of the complex trade landscape of the era, which included significant controversy over the use of the U.S. flag to circumvent international treaties banning the slave trade. The British Commission in Havana actively investigated Trist's consulate regarding these practices, claiming the false documents allowed illegal sales of Africans into bondage. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Princeton Audubon Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51576677794074,"sku":"EB-326946997285","price":500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/57_722d292c-8445-43fc-bfdc-813038d5b09e.jpg?v=1768405996"},{"product_id":"ship-passport-signed-by-james-monroe-and-john-quincy-adams","title":"Ship Passport Signed By James Monroe And John Quincy Adams","description":"\u003cp\u003e19th-century United States ship passport \/ sea letter issued under President James Monroe for the vessel Alliance of Newport.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKey details visible on the document:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDate: December 1821\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned by: James Monroe as President and John Quincy Adams as Secretary of State\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eIssued in: Newport, Rhode Island\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eVessel: Alliance of Newport\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCaptain\/master: “James C. Swain”\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEmbossed federal seal intact\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrinted maritime vignette with ship and lighthouse imagery\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese documents were official federal papers carried by American merchant vessels to establish nationality and trading rights abroad. They were commonly issued on vellum or rag paper and folded for shipboard use.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eEarly U.S. federal maritime document\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStrong decorative engraving\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEmbossed seal survives clearly\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAssociation with John Quincy Adams\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood handwritten annotations on reverse\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eComplete and authentic appearance\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCondition issues affecting value:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHeavy fold wear\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eToning and staining\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeveral circular punch cancellations\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCreasing and edge wear\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLikely trimmed lower edge in scallop form as issued\/folded\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52263590691098,"sku":"EB-327153091886","price":3650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/57_2e980afd-906e-4971-b85b-97a306538b4c.jpg?v=1779367222"},{"product_id":"1807-u-s-customs-import-certificate-port-of-duxbury-massachusetts-antigua-rum-shipment-thomas-jefferson-era","title":"1807 U.S. Customs Import Certificate – Port of Duxbury, Massachusetts – Antigua Rum Shipment – Thomas Jefferson Era","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"2716\" data-end=\"3037\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOriginal United States Customs import certificate issued at the \u003cstrong data-start=\"2780\" data-end=\"2814\"\u003ePort of Duxbury, Massachusetts\u003c\/strong\u003e, dated \u003cstrong data-start=\"2822\" data-end=\"2838\"\u003eMay 13, 1807\u003c\/strong\u003e, documenting the lawful importation of \u003cstrong data-start=\"2878\" data-end=\"2915\"\u003eone puncheon (110 gallons) of rum\u003c\/strong\u003e from \u003cstrong data-start=\"2921\" data-end=\"2932\"\u003eAntigua\u003c\/strong\u003e aboard the American brig \u003cstrong data-start=\"2958\" data-end=\"2966\"\u003eLark\u003c\/strong\u003e, commanded by \u003cstrong data-start=\"2981\" data-end=\"2998\"\u003eMorris Morton\u003c\/strong\u003e, and imported by \u003cstrong data-start=\"3016\" data-end=\"3036\"\u003eClapp \u0026amp; Fletcher\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3039\" data-end=\"3394\"\u003eThis official printed government form, completed in manuscript, certifies the arrival of Caribbean rum into the District of Massachusetts and bears the signatures of the \u003cstrong data-start=\"3209\" data-end=\"3233\"\u003eCollector (Robinson)\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"3238\" data-end=\"3261\"\u003eInspector Joel Hill\u003c\/strong\u003e. The left margin contains contemporary warehouse and cargo notations identifying the shipment as a 110-gallon, three-proof puncheon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3396\" data-end=\"3778\"\u003eIssued during the administration of \u003cstrong data-start=\"3432\" data-end=\"3462\"\u003ePresident Thomas Jefferson\u003c\/strong\u003e, the document predates the Embargo Act of 1807, when New England's maritime economy relied heavily on trade with the British West Indies. Such certificates accompanied imported merchandise to verify customs compliance and payment of duties and were generally discarded after use, making surviving examples uncommon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3780\" data-end=\"3981\"\u003eAn attractive early American maritime and customs document with strong appeal to collectors of Federal-period commerce, New England history, Caribbean trade, and early United States government records.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3983\" data-end=\"4307\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3983\" data-end=\"3992\"\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e May 13, 1807\u003cbr data-start=\"4005\" data-end=\"4008\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4008\" data-end=\"4021\"\u003eLocation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Port of Duxbury, District of Massachusetts\u003cbr data-start=\"4064\" data-end=\"4067\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4067\" data-end=\"4077\"\u003eCargo:\u003c\/strong\u003e One puncheon (110 gallons) of Antigua rum\u003cbr data-start=\"4119\" data-end=\"4122\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4122\" data-end=\"4136\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good, with expected folds, light toning, minor edge wear, and complete, legible manuscript entries. A desirable Federal-era customs document from the early Republic.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52581502746906,"sku":null,"price":275.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_1758.jpg?v=1784982610"},{"product_id":"1870-rear-admiral-william-radford-autograph-letter-signed-uss-franklin-flagship-stationery-civil-war-admiral-european-squadron","title":"1870 Rear Admiral William Radford Autograph Letter Signed – USS Franklin Flagship Stationery – Civil War Admiral – European Squadron","description":"\u003cp\u003e1870 Rear Admiral William Radford Autograph Letter Signed – USS Franklin Flagship Stationery – Civil War Admiral – European Squadron\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"373\" data-end=\"654\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"373\" data-end=\"382\"\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e March 5, 1870\u003cbr data-start=\"396\" data-end=\"399\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"399\" data-end=\"409\"\u003ePlace:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aboard the Flagship \u003cstrong data-start=\"430\" data-end=\"448\"\u003eUSS \u003cem data-start=\"436\" data-end=\"446\"\u003eFranklin\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, off \u003cstrong data-start=\"454\" data-end=\"470\"\u003eGenoa, Italy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"470\" data-end=\"473\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"473\" data-end=\"487\"\u003eRecipient:\u003c\/strong\u003e Commander \u003cstrong data-start=\"498\" data-end=\"520\"\u003eJohn Grimes Walker\u003c\/strong\u003e, commanding \u003cstrong data-start=\"533\" data-end=\"549\"\u003eUSS \u003cem data-start=\"539\" data-end=\"547\"\u003eSabine\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e (later an admiral and President of the Isthmian Canal Commission). \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"656\" data-end=\"760\"\u003eThe letter is written on printed \u003cstrong data-start=\"689\" data-end=\"737\"\u003e\"Flag Ship Franklin, U.S. European Squadron\"\u003c\/strong\u003e stationery and signed:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"762\" data-end=\"840\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"762\" data-end=\"778\"\u003e\"W. Radford\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"778\" data-end=\"781\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"781\" data-end=\"802\"\u003eRear Admiral U.S.N.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"802\" data-end=\"805\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"805\" data-end=\"840\"\u003eCommanding U.S. European Squadron\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1c7c49r\" data-start=\"842\" data-end=\"853\"\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"855\" data-end=\"908\"\u003eThe letter concerns naval logistics and provisioning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"910\" data-end=\"956\"\u003eRadford acknowledges Walker's requisition for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"958\" data-end=\"1025\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"rngng6\" data-start=\"958\" data-end=\"981\"\u003e600 pounds of candles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"aj9lcu\" data-start=\"982\" data-end=\"1001\"\u003e200 pair of socks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"qoc506\" data-start=\"1002\" data-end=\"1025\"\u003e300 pounds of tobacco\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1027\" data-end=\"1172\"\u003eHe informs Walker that the requested articles \u003cstrong data-start=\"1073\" data-end=\"1115\"\u003ecannot be supplied from the store ship\u003c\/strong\u003e, noting that the vessel carries only provisions such as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1174\" data-end=\"1215\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1j3ez2k\" data-start=\"1174\" data-end=\"1180\"\u003ebeef\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1j3mpri\" data-start=\"1181\" data-end=\"1187\"\u003epork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"182xr1v\" data-start=\"1188\" data-end=\"1196\"\u003eapples\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ox2wkj\" data-start=\"1197\" data-end=\"1206\"\u003epickles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ck0lmw\" data-start=\"1207\" data-end=\"1215\"\u003ebutter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1217\" data-end=\"1240\"\u003efor the squadron's use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1242\" data-end=\"1383\"\u003eAlthough brief, it is an excellent example of the day-to-day administration required to keep the post-Civil War U.S. Navy operating overseas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1353kst\" data-start=\"1385\" data-end=\"1409\"\u003eHistorical Importance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1411\" data-end=\"1450\"\u003eSeveral features increase desirability:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1452\" data-end=\"1793\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"mb2c5d\" data-start=\"1452\" data-end=\"1512\"\u003eSigned by one of the Navy's best-known Civil War admirals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"n1btij\" data-start=\"1513\" data-end=\"1583\"\u003eWritten during his command of the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1549\" data-end=\"1582\"\u003eEuropean Squadron (1869–1870)\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ber6o5\" data-start=\"1584\" data-end=\"1619\"\u003eOriginal \u003cstrong data-start=\"1595\" data-end=\"1618\"\u003eflagship stationery\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1tpkt33\" data-start=\"1620\" data-end=\"1699\"\u003eAddressed to \u003cstrong data-start=\"1635\" data-end=\"1661\"\u003eCommander J. G. Walker\u003c\/strong\u003e, himself an important future admiral.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1yf0us\" data-start=\"1700\" data-end=\"1793\"\u003eDocuments routine supply operations of the overseas U.S. fleet shortly after the Civil War.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1795\" data-end=\"1927\"\u003eNaval historians appreciate correspondence documenting logistics, as relatively little survives compared to combat-related material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"hrykuu\" data-start=\"1929\" data-end=\"1941\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1943\" data-end=\"1959\"\u003eFrom the images:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1961\" data-end=\"2142\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"fz8iha\" data-start=\"1961\" data-end=\"1983\"\u003eVery good condition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ifkjdd\" data-start=\"1984\" data-end=\"2003\"\u003eStrong signature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"11b7z8h\" data-start=\"2004\" data-end=\"2037\"\u003eAttractive flagship letterhead.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1l10ylf\" data-start=\"2038\" data-end=\"2063\"\u003eExpected mailing folds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"no358e\" data-start=\"2064\" data-end=\"2098\"\u003eMinor handling and light toning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1r5em0d\" data-start=\"2099\" data-end=\"2142\"\u003eOriginal integral address panel on verso.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52581689491738,"sku":null,"price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_1764.jpg?v=1784996760"},{"product_id":"1799-amsterdam-to-boston-bill-of-lading-ship-hamilton-seven-pipes-of-geneva-gin-original-wax-seal-silk-early-american-maritime-commerce","title":"1799 Amsterdam to Boston Bill of Lading – Ship Hamilton – Seven Pipes of Geneva Gin – Original Wax Seal \u0026 Silk – Early American Maritime Commerce","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"19\" data-end=\"320\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"19\" data-end=\"55\"\u003eOriginal Maritime Bill of Lading\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"55\" data-end=\"58\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"58\" data-end=\"67\"\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"68\" data-end=\"84\"\u003e14 July 1799\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"87\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"87\" data-end=\"107\"\u003ePort of Loading:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"108\" data-end=\"134\"\u003eAmsterdam, Netherlands\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"134\" data-end=\"137\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"137\" data-end=\"153\"\u003eDestination:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"154\" data-end=\"179\"\u003eBoston, Massachusetts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"179\" data-end=\"182\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"182\" data-end=\"191\"\u003eShip:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"192\" data-end=\"202\"\u003eHamilton\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"202\" data-end=\"205\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"205\" data-end=\"216\"\u003eMaster:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"217\" data-end=\"234\"\u003eThomas Howard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"234\" data-end=\"237\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"237\" data-end=\"255\"\u003eDocument Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Printed English-language Bill of Lading completed in manuscript.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"322\" data-end=\"723\"\u003eThis is an attractive late eighteenth-century merchant shipping document recording the overseas shipment of goods from Amsterdam to Boston during the closing years of the Early American Republic. Bills of lading served as the legal contract between the shipper, carrier, and consignee and are among the most important surviving records of early Atlantic commerce. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"6wihsu\" data-start=\"725\" data-end=\"734\"\u003eCargo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"736\" data-end=\"788\"\u003eThe handwritten entries record a shipment including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"790\" data-end=\"965\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"8bgb4a\" data-start=\"790\" data-end=\"823\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"792\" data-end=\"823\"\u003eSeven pipes of Geneva (gin)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1p4k0sg\" data-start=\"824\" data-end=\"847\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"826\" data-end=\"847\"\u003eFive bags of mace\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"6ptm3f\" data-start=\"848\" data-end=\"873\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"850\" data-end=\"873\"\u003eTwo bags of tapioca\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1kk3vpi\" data-start=\"874\" data-end=\"888\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"876\" data-end=\"888\"\u003eOne bale\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1jl1hhb\" data-start=\"889\" data-end=\"906\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"891\" data-end=\"906\"\u003eNew netting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"b7030n\" data-start=\"907\" data-end=\"965\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"909\" data-end=\"965\"\u003eTwo boxes of Madeira staves (or similar merchandise)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"967\" data-end=\"1065\"\u003e(The exact wording of the final commodity is somewhat difficult to decipher from the photographs.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"du6jx6\" data-start=\"1067\" data-end=\"1082\"\u003eDestination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1084\" data-end=\"1199\"\u003eConsigned for delivery at the port of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1122\" data-end=\"1132\"\u003eBoston\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of the principal commercial ports of the early United States.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1xwhjnn\" data-start=\"1201\" data-end=\"1225\"\u003eOutstanding Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1227\" data-end=\"1546\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"vme7kh\" data-start=\"1227\" data-end=\"1251\"\u003eDated \u003cstrong data-start=\"1235\" data-end=\"1251\"\u003e14 July 1799\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"bi2rgs\" data-start=\"1252\" data-end=\"1294\"\u003eAttractive engraved bill of lading form.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"dtu05f\" data-start=\"1295\" data-end=\"1366\"\u003eOriginal \u003cstrong data-start=\"1306\" data-end=\"1333\"\u003ered wax merchant's seal\u003c\/strong\u003e with surviving pink silk ribbon.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1bgookb\" data-start=\"1367\" data-end=\"1416\"\u003eSigned by the ship's master, \u003cstrong data-start=\"1398\" data-end=\"1415\"\u003eThomas Howard\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1tyj3gc\" data-start=\"1417\" data-end=\"1456\"\u003ePeriod manuscript entries throughout.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"3qvsem\" data-start=\"1457\" data-end=\"1546\"\u003eFine example of Dutch-American maritime commerce shortly after the American Revolution.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1548\" data-end=\"1551\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"hlyorq\" data-start=\"1553\" data-end=\"1579\"\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1581\" data-end=\"2024\"\u003eThis document reflects the vibrant trade between the Dutch Republic and the young United States. Amsterdam remained one of Europe's leading commercial centers, exporting luxury foods, spirits, spices, textiles, and manufactured goods to American ports. Bills of lading like this accompanied cargo across the Atlantic and functioned simultaneously as a receipt, contract of carriage, and document of title. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2026\" data-end=\"2177\"\u003eThe shipment of \u003cstrong data-start=\"2042\" data-end=\"2056\"\u003eGeneva gin\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-start=\"2058\" data-end=\"2066\"\u003emace\u003c\/strong\u003e, and other imported commodities illustrates the diverse merchandise entering Boston during the Federal period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2179\" data-end=\"2182\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"hrykuu\" data-start=\"2184\" data-end=\"2196\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2198\" data-end=\"2208\"\u003eVery Good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2210\" data-end=\"2441\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1fetwmh\" data-start=\"2210\" data-end=\"2232\"\u003eOriginal laid paper.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1sgpkoq\" data-start=\"2233\" data-end=\"2285\"\u003eRed wax seal intact with original silk attachment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"f6ayxr\" data-start=\"2286\" data-end=\"2314\"\u003eStrong manuscript entries.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"x2bbc2\" data-start=\"2315\" data-end=\"2338\"\u003eLight overall toning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"13zwg0l\" data-start=\"2339\" data-end=\"2358\"\u003eNormal fold wear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"s6zq16\" data-start=\"2359\" data-end=\"2395\"\u003eMinor edge losses and corner wear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1om7h4w\" data-start=\"2396\" data-end=\"2441\"\u003eReverse shows expected embossing from seal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2443\" data-end=\"2526\"\u003eThe survival of both the wax seal and silk tie is a particularly desirable feature.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52597783757082,"sku":null,"price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_1859.jpg?v=1785238166"},{"product_id":"1800-newburyport-massachusetts-bill-of-lading-ship-columbus-captain-caleb-tappan-bremen-germany-embossed-u-s-customs-seal","title":"1800 Newburyport Massachusetts Bill of Lading – Ship Columbus – Captain Caleb Tappan – Bremen, Germany – Embossed U.S. Customs Seal","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"19\" data-end=\"330\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"19\" data-end=\"64\"\u003eAmerican Bill of Lading – Ship \u003cem data-start=\"52\" data-end=\"62\"\u003eColumbus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"64\" data-end=\"67\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"67\" data-end=\"76\"\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"77\" data-end=\"94\"\u003eJuly 10, 1800\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"94\" data-end=\"97\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"97\" data-end=\"117\"\u003ePort of Loading:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"118\" data-end=\"148\"\u003eNewburyport, Massachusetts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"148\" data-end=\"151\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"151\" data-end=\"167\"\u003eDestination:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"168\" data-end=\"187\"\u003eBremen, Germany\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"187\" data-end=\"190\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"190\" data-end=\"201\"\u003eMaster:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"202\" data-end=\"226\"\u003eCaptain Caleb Tappan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"226\" data-end=\"229\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"229\" data-end=\"243\"\u003eConsignor:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"244\" data-end=\"261\"\u003eWilliam Chase\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"261\" data-end=\"264\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"264\" data-end=\"282\"\u003eDocument Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Printed Bill of Lading completed in manuscript.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"332\" data-end=\"565\"\u003eThis is an attractive and scarce Federal-period American bill of lading documenting a transatlantic shipment from the important New England port of \u003cstrong data-start=\"480\" data-end=\"495\"\u003eNewburyport\u003c\/strong\u003e to \u003cstrong data-start=\"499\" data-end=\"509\"\u003eBremen\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of northern Europe's principal commercial centers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"567\" data-end=\"589\"\u003eThe cargo consists of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"591\" data-end=\"647\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"16gcplh\" data-start=\"591\" data-end=\"620\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"593\" data-end=\"620\"\u003eFour hogsheads of sugar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"10h0vwm\" data-start=\"621\" data-end=\"647\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"623\" data-end=\"647\"\u003eTwo barrels of sugar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"649\" data-end=\"679\"\u003eThe freight rate is stated as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"681\" data-end=\"715\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"683\" data-end=\"715\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"683\" data-end=\"715\"\u003eFive Pounds Sterling per Ton\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"717\" data-end=\"739\"\u003eThe document is dated:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"741\" data-end=\"773\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"743\" data-end=\"773\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"743\" data-end=\"773\"\u003eNewburyport, July 10, 1800\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"775\" data-end=\"850\"\u003eand is signed by \u003cstrong data-start=\"792\" data-end=\"816\"\u003eCaptain Caleb Tappan\u003c\/strong\u003e, master of the ship \u003cstrong data-start=\"837\" data-end=\"849\"\u003eColumbus\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"852\" data-end=\"855\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"7gs9od\" data-start=\"857\" data-end=\"876\"\u003eNotable Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"878\" data-end=\"1189\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"5mnors\" data-start=\"878\" data-end=\"915\"\u003eEarly American commercial document.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1wccbr1\" data-start=\"916\" data-end=\"943\"\u003eNewburyport export trade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"7a7duc\" data-start=\"944\" data-end=\"975\"\u003eDestination: Bremen, Germany.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"14567q\" data-start=\"976\" data-end=\"1027\"\u003eOriginal embossed \u003cstrong data-start=\"996\" data-end=\"1021\"\u003eMassachusetts Customs\u003c\/strong\u003e seal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"17qt4lh\" data-start=\"1028\" data-end=\"1064\"\u003eAttractive engraved ship vignette.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1k6k1m5\" data-start=\"1065\" data-end=\"1115\"\u003eLarge manuscript entries in brown iron-gall ink.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1fetwmh\" data-start=\"1116\" data-end=\"1138\"\u003eOriginal laid paper.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1hzr8rl\" data-start=\"1139\" data-end=\"1189\"\u003eReverse shows the embossing of the customs seal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1191\" data-end=\"1320\"\u003eThe embossed seal reading \u003cstrong data-start=\"1217\" data-end=\"1250\"\u003e\"United States Massachusetts\"\u003c\/strong\u003e is particularly desirable and confirms its official customs function.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1322\" data-end=\"1325\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1353kst\" data-start=\"1327\" data-end=\"1351\"\u003eHistorical Importance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1353\" data-end=\"1703\"\u003eThis bill of lading dates from the height of Newburyport's \"Golden Age\" as one of America's busiest seaports. During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, Newburyport merchants maintained an active trade with northern Europe, exporting sugar, rum, fish, timber, and other commodities while importing manufactured goods and luxury items.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1705\" data-end=\"1995\"\u003eThe shipment of refined sugar illustrates the triangular Atlantic trade that continued following American independence. Documents naming both the ship and its master are especially desirable because many vessels and captains can be researched through customs records and shipping registers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1997\" data-end=\"2000\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"hrykuu\" data-start=\"2002\" data-end=\"2014\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2016\" data-end=\"2029\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2016\" data-end=\"2029\"\u003eVery Good\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2031\" data-end=\"2233\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1eyw9nx\" data-start=\"2031\" data-end=\"2051\"\u003eStrong manuscript.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1148ttv\" data-start=\"2052\" data-end=\"2078\"\u003eCrisp engraved vignette.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1yf0p7y\" data-start=\"2079\" data-end=\"2117\"\u003eEmbossed customs seal remains sharp.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1wmwu3x\" data-start=\"2118\" data-end=\"2135\"\u003eOriginal folds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"14kfxeb\" data-start=\"2136\" data-end=\"2154\"\u003eMinor edge wear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"387hvr\" data-start=\"2155\" data-end=\"2201\"\u003eSmall edge losses at left and right margins.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"5mm9r1\" data-start=\"2202\" data-end=\"2233\"\u003eOverall excellent eye appeal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52597796405530,"sku":null,"price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_1866.jpg?v=1785240094"},{"product_id":"1789-french-naval-letter-from-new-york-concerning-the-frigate-la-belle-poule-virginia-shipwreck-comte-de-grasse-yorktown","title":"1789 French Naval Letter from New York Concerning the Frigate La Belle Poule – Virginia Shipwreck – Comte de Grasse – Yorktown","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"19\" data-end=\"282\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"19\" data-end=\"118\"\u003eFrench Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) Regarding the Wreck of the French Warship \u003cem data-start=\"100\" data-end=\"116\"\u003eLa Belle Poule\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"118\" data-end=\"121\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"121\" data-end=\"130\"\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"131\" data-end=\"158\"\u003eNew York, June 12, 1789\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"158\" data-end=\"161\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"161\" data-end=\"179\"\u003ePlace Written:\u003c\/strong\u003e New York City\u003cbr data-start=\"193\" data-end=\"196\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"196\" data-end=\"209\"\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/strong\u003e French\u003cbr data-start=\"216\" data-end=\"219\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"219\" data-end=\"230\"\u003eLength:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 1½ pages (plus integral address leaf)\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"284\" data-end=\"506\"\u003eThis is an important French-language manuscript written in New York shortly after the American Revolution concerning the French naval frigate \u003cstrong data-start=\"426\" data-end=\"444\"\u003eLa Belle Poule\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of the most celebrated vessels of the French Royal Navy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"508\" data-end=\"752\"\u003eThe letter is addressed simply to \u003cstrong data-start=\"542\" data-end=\"556\"\u003e\"Monsieur\"\u003c\/strong\u003e and appeals to a senior French official for assistance in recovering cargo from the frigate \u003cem data-start=\"649\" data-end=\"669\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"650\" data-end=\"668\"\u003eLa Belle Poule\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, which had run aground on the coast of \u003cstrong data-start=\"709\" data-end=\"721\"\u003eVirginia\u003c\/strong\u003e during the previous September.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"754\" data-end=\"787\"\u003eThe writer specifically mentions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"789\" data-end=\"1117\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1x4iw2f\" data-start=\"789\" data-end=\"821\"\u003ethe frigate \u003cstrong data-start=\"803\" data-end=\"821\"\u003eLa Belle Poule\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"r7rl69\" data-start=\"822\" data-end=\"847\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"824\" data-end=\"847\"\u003ethe Comte de Grasse\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"5n3bl3\" data-start=\"848\" data-end=\"888\"\u003ethe wreck on the coast of \u003cstrong data-start=\"876\" data-end=\"888\"\u003eVirginia\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1tu45qg\" data-start=\"889\" data-end=\"941\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"891\" data-end=\"941\"\u003eYork River \/ Yorktown area (Court House Creek)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"14fu47r\" data-start=\"942\" data-end=\"981\"\u003erecovered cargo being held in storage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"10orl6i\" data-start=\"982\" data-end=\"1022\"\u003eexpenses being demanded before release\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"eda5xf\" data-start=\"1023\" data-end=\"1117\"\u003ea request that French authorities order the custodian to release the property without charge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1119\" data-end=\"1122\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"18huw03\" data-start=\"1124\" data-end=\"1148\"\u003eTranslation (Summary)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1150\" data-end=\"1177\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1150\" data-end=\"1177\"\u003eNew York, June 12, 1789\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"1179\" data-end=\"2155\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1181\" data-end=\"1185\"\u003eSir,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1190\" data-end=\"1394\"\u003eI have the honor of reminding Your Excellency that the vessel \u003cem data-start=\"1252\" data-end=\"1268\"\u003eLa Belle Poule\u003c\/em\u003e, belonging to the squadron of the Count de Grasse, was wrecked during the month of September last upon the coast of Virginia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1399\" data-end=\"1557\"\u003eThe rum and various other articles of the cargo were saved, but an individual has taken possession of them under the pretext of preserving them for the State.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1562\" data-end=\"1717\"\u003eThe rum is presently stored at Court House Creek, where the custodian insists upon payment of storage charges and other expenses before returning it to me.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1722\" data-end=\"1873\"\u003eThis appears unjust to me, since the cargo was never unlawfully taken and had been transported aboard one of our vessels where it had long been useful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1878\" data-end=\"2080\"\u003eI hope that Your Excellency will be pleased to issue an order directing the custodian to surrender the property, if it is still there, without expense to the vessel that I intend to send to retrieve it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2085\" data-end=\"2112\"\u003eI have the honor to remain,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2117\" data-end=\"2155\"\u003eYour very humble and obedient servant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2157\" data-end=\"2160\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1353kst\" data-start=\"2162\" data-end=\"2186\"\u003eHistorical Importance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2188\" data-end=\"2262\"\u003eThis is a fascinating post-Revolutionary French naval document connecting:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2264\" data-end=\"2488\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"11hgrgf\" data-start=\"2264\" data-end=\"2309\"\u003eFrench naval operations in American waters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1w7s7i\" data-start=\"2310\" data-end=\"2353\"\u003eThe aftermath of the American Revolution.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1c2ege4\" data-start=\"2354\" data-end=\"2383\"\u003eVirginia maritime commerce.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"b4tfh2\" data-start=\"2384\" data-end=\"2413\"\u003eSalvage of shipwreck cargo.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"3rg3q1\" data-start=\"2414\" data-end=\"2488\"\u003eDiplomatic correspondence between French officials in the United States.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2490\" data-end=\"2657\"\u003eThe mention of \u003cstrong data-start=\"2505\" data-end=\"2526\"\u003eCourt House Creek\u003c\/strong\u003e is particularly significant, as it lies in the Yorktown area, where French naval activity remained important after the Revolution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2659\" data-end=\"2839\"\u003eAlthough \u003cstrong data-start=\"2668\" data-end=\"2717\"\u003eAdmiral François Joseph Paul, Comte de Grasse\u003c\/strong\u003e had returned to France years earlier, his squadron and its vessels continued to be referenced in official correspondence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2841\" data-end=\"2952\"\u003eLetters concerning the disposition of cargo from French naval wrecks in American waters are rarely encountered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2954\" data-end=\"2957\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"hrykuu\" data-start=\"2959\" data-end=\"2971\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2973\" data-end=\"2983\"\u003eVery Good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2985\" data-end=\"3162\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1et7c5\" data-start=\"2985\" data-end=\"3030\"\u003eComplete letter with integral address leaf.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ec9nfp\" data-start=\"3031\" data-end=\"3067\"\u003eStrong, elegant French manuscript.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"8ds6dj\" data-start=\"3068\" data-end=\"3092\"\u003eTypical mailing folds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"14kfxeb\" data-start=\"3093\" data-end=\"3111\"\u003eMinor edge wear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1p27eyy\" data-start=\"3112\" data-end=\"3137\"\u003eLight scattered toning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ef9jyq\" data-start=\"3138\" data-end=\"3162\"\u003eExcellent readability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52597957722394,"sku":null,"price":900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_1873.jpg?v=1785245109"},{"product_id":"1784-the-scots-magazine-complete-march-issue-east-india-company-packet-nancy-shipwreck-ann-cargill-american-revolutionary-war-era","title":"1784 THE SCOTS MAGAZINE – Complete March Issue – East India Company Packet Nancy Shipwreck – Ann Cargill – American Revolutionary War Era","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"19\" data-end=\"253\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"19\" data-end=\"72\"\u003eThe Scots Magazine – March 1784 Issue (Volume 46)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"72\" data-end=\"75\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"75\" data-end=\"89\"\u003ePublished:\u003c\/strong\u003e Edinburgh, Scotland, 1784\u003cbr data-start=\"115\" data-end=\"118\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"118\" data-end=\"129\"\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original monthly magazine, disbound as issued, 168 pages for the issue (pp. 113–168). \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"255\" data-end=\"653\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"255\" data-end=\"275\"\u003eThe Scots Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e, founded in 1739, is the world's oldest magazine still in publication and served as one of the principal news journals of the British Empire during the eighteenth century. It reported parliamentary debates, foreign affairs, commerce, military operations, East India Company news, American affairs, literature, science, and Scottish events. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1yduojf\" data-start=\"655\" data-end=\"689\"\u003eNotable Contents in this Issue\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"691\" data-end=\"785\"\u003eThis March 1784 issue contains several articles of exceptional historical interest, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"787\" data-end=\"1493\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ptoggy\" data-start=\"787\" data-end=\"1048\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"789\" data-end=\"838\"\u003eLoss of the East India Company packet \u003cem data-start=\"829\" data-end=\"836\"\u003eNancy\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e off the Isles of Scilly, with an extensive account of the wreck, rescue attempts, and loss of actress \u003cstrong data-start=\"941\" data-end=\"956\"\u003eAnn Cargill\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of the best-known theatrical figures of her day. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"12g0n4l\" data-start=\"1049\" data-end=\"1084\"\u003eParliamentary debates in Britain.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"xssws2\" data-start=\"1085\" data-end=\"1173\"\u003eReports on the conclusion of the American Revolutionary War and international affairs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"upfw92\" data-start=\"1174\" data-end=\"1200\"\u003eEast India Company news.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"cpj3xh\" data-start=\"1201\" data-end=\"1273\"\u003eHistorical affairs from England, Scotland, Europe, Spain, and America.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"owwue2\" data-start=\"1274\" data-end=\"1310\"\u003eDescription of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1291\" data-end=\"1309\"\u003eCarlton Palace\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"b8xpn\" data-start=\"1311\" data-end=\"1351\"\u003eScottish Highland political addresses.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"foh8zv\" data-start=\"1352\" data-end=\"1441\"\u003eCommercial reports, grain prices, stock prices, appointments, and mortality statistics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ohz5mv\" data-start=\"1442\" data-end=\"1493\"\u003eLiterary reviews, poetry, and scientific notices.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1495\" data-end=\"1700\"\u003eThe \u003cem data-start=\"1499\" data-end=\"1506\"\u003eNancy\u003c\/em\u003e shipwreck article is especially desirable, as it documents one of the best-known maritime disasters involving the East India Company during the closing months of the American Revolutionary era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1702\" data-end=\"1705\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"hrykuu\" data-start=\"1707\" data-end=\"1719\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1721\" data-end=\"1731\"\u003eVery Good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1733\" data-end=\"1951\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1uvzpux\" data-start=\"1733\" data-end=\"1761\"\u003eComplete March 1784 issue.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"m4j996\" data-start=\"1762\" data-end=\"1794\"\u003eDisbound from a larger volume.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"15wpj85\" data-start=\"1795\" data-end=\"1826\"\u003eOriginal stab sewing remains.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"iaki8r\" data-start=\"1827\" data-end=\"1854\"\u003eClean, bright laid paper.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1k5woil\" data-start=\"1855\" data-end=\"1889\"\u003eModerate edge wear from removal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"gfq5a0\" data-start=\"1890\" data-end=\"1922\"\u003eStrong impressions throughout.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1xo0l11\" data-start=\"1923\" data-end=\"1951\"\u003eExcellent display quality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2641\" data-end=\"2809\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOriginal March 1784 issue of \u003cstrong data-start=\"2670\" data-end=\"2692\"\u003eThe Scots Magazine\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of the most important eighteenth-century British periodicals and the oldest magazine in continuous publication.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2811\" data-end=\"3365\"\u003eThis complete issue contains an outstanding collection of reports documenting political, military, commercial, and international affairs during the closing months of the American Revolutionary War period. Of particular importance is the lengthy contemporary account of the tragic loss of the East India Company packet \u003cem data-start=\"3129\" data-end=\"3140\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3130\" data-end=\"3139\"\u003eNancy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e near the Isles of Scilly, including details of the rescue attempts, the deaths of passengers and crew, and the loss of celebrated actress \u003cstrong data-start=\"3279\" data-end=\"3294\"\u003eAnn Cargill\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of the eighteenth century's most famous theatrical personalities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3367\" data-end=\"3671\"\u003eAdditional contents include parliamentary proceedings, East India Company affairs, reports from England, Scotland, Europe, Spain, and America, Scottish political addresses, literary reviews, scientific observations, commercial intelligence, grain and stock prices, appointments, and mortality statistics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3673\" data-end=\"4031\"\u003ePrinted in Edinburgh in 1784, this original issue remains in very good condition, retaining its original text block with disbound stitching, clean laid paper, and crisp typography. An excellent acquisition for collectors of eighteenth-century magazines, maritime history, East India Company material, Revolutionary War-era publications, and Scottish history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4033\" data-end=\"4205\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4033\" data-end=\"4205\" data-is-last-node=\"\"\u003eA desirable and increasingly scarce complete issue documenting one of the era's most famous maritime disasters alongside contemporary reporting on world events in 1784.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52597968044314,"sku":null,"price":325.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_1876.jpg?v=1785245678"},{"product_id":"1791-new-london-connecticut-merchant-expense-account-early-american-shipping-iron-trade-original-federal-period-manuscript","title":"1791 New London, Connecticut Merchant Expense Account – Early American Shipping \u0026 Iron Trade – Original Federal Period Manuscript","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"2954\" data-end=\"3166\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOriginal Federal-period merchant expense account documenting commercial expenditures incurred by \u003cstrong data-start=\"3051\" data-end=\"3069\"\u003eSimon Williams\u003c\/strong\u003e at \u003cstrong data-start=\"3073\" data-end=\"3100\"\u003eNew London, Connecticut\u003c\/strong\u003e, beginning \u003cstrong data-start=\"3112\" data-end=\"3130\"\u003e20 August 1791\u003c\/strong\u003e and settled on \u003cstrong data-start=\"3146\" data-end=\"3165\"\u003e6 December 1791\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3168\" data-end=\"3582\"\u003eThe manuscript records an extensive series of expenses associated with the handling and transportation of commercial cargo through one of New England's busiest seaports. Entries include customs and registration fees, duties, cartage, wharfage, porterage, duck canvas, water hogsheads, salt, boards, nails, fresh provisions, labor charges, wagon hire, and the movement of approximately \u003cstrong data-start=\"3553\" data-end=\"3581\"\u003e3,050 pounds of old iron\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3584\" data-end=\"3850\"\u003eThe account also records wages paid to several workmen—including \u003cstrong data-start=\"3649\" data-end=\"3697\"\u003eJohn Mark, Simon Deming, and Richard Redding\u003c\/strong\u003e—together with the merchant's own wages, providing an unusually detailed picture of the labor and costs involved in post-Revolutionary American commerce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3852\" data-end=\"4042\"\u003eThe reverse bears a contemporary docket identifying the document as a \u003cstrong data-start=\"3922\" data-end=\"3969\"\u003e\"Bill of Expense on the Iron paid in 1791,\"\u003c\/strong\u003e confirming its connection to an iron shipment or commercial transaction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4044\" data-end=\"4421\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eWritten on laid paper in clear period script, this manuscript is a fine surviving example of early American mercantile bookkeeping and maritime commerce during the first decade of the United States. It will appeal to collectors of colonial and Federal-era Americana, maritime history, merchant records, Connecticut history, and original eighteenth-century business manuscripts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"346\" data-end=\"368\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eThe account is headed:\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"370\" data-end=\"451\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"372\" data-end=\"451\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"372\" data-end=\"451\"\u003e\"Acct. of Simon Williams for Expenses Paid at New London, Augt. 20th 1791.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"453\" data-end=\"689\"\u003eThe manuscript itemizes a wide variety of commercial expenses associated with shipping, cargo handling, customs, labor, and travel. It appears to document the costs of receiving or unloading a cargo vessel and transporting goods inland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"691\" data-end=\"694\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1c7c49r\" data-start=\"696\" data-end=\"707\"\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"709\" data-end=\"754\"\u003eAmong the recorded expenses are payments for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"756\" data-end=\"1084\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"j3vxvj\" data-start=\"756\" data-end=\"783\"\u003eRegister and customs fees\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"lbjakx\" data-start=\"784\" data-end=\"814\"\u003eEntering goods at New London\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1uoerjm\" data-start=\"815\" data-end=\"823\"\u003eDuties\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"7j1jnw\" data-start=\"824\" data-end=\"833\"\u003eCarting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"vkxvq9\" data-start=\"834\" data-end=\"844\"\u003eWharfage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"l2yyat\" data-start=\"845\" data-end=\"856\"\u003ePorterage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"gp6xdk\" data-start=\"857\" data-end=\"872\"\u003eDuck (canvas)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1xzrb2t\" data-start=\"873\" data-end=\"890\"\u003eWater hogsheads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1j4djmq\" data-start=\"891\" data-end=\"897\"\u003eSalt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"rub4ej\" data-start=\"898\" data-end=\"917\"\u003eBoards and lumber\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"16va0k1\" data-start=\"918\" data-end=\"925\"\u003eNails\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"odz3i\" data-start=\"926\" data-end=\"947\"\u003eFresh beef and milk\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"s0f8rf\" data-start=\"948\" data-end=\"999\"\u003eIron (approximately \u003cstrong data-start=\"970\" data-end=\"998\"\u003e3,050 pounds of old iron\u003c\/strong\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"16r4fju\" data-start=\"1000\" data-end=\"1007\"\u003eLabor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"bl58c6\" data-start=\"1008\" data-end=\"1019\"\u003eTeamsters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"frpeku\" data-start=\"1020\" data-end=\"1032\"\u003eWagon hire\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"13pgga7\" data-start=\"1033\" data-end=\"1056\"\u003eWages paid to workmen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"m3x58k\" data-start=\"1057\" data-end=\"1084\"\u003eMiscellaneous commissions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1086\" data-end=\"1159\"\u003eNear the conclusion are wage calculations for several workers, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1161\" data-end=\"1232\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"wh65we\" data-start=\"1161\" data-end=\"1172\"\u003eJohn Mark\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"fmpevm\" data-start=\"1173\" data-end=\"1187\"\u003eSimon Deming\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"bn3x7c\" data-start=\"1188\" data-end=\"1205\"\u003eRichard Redding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"tskbi\" data-start=\"1206\" data-end=\"1232\"\u003eThe merchant's own wages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1234\" data-end=\"1274\"\u003eThe account closes with a certification:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"1276\" data-end=\"1326\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1278\" data-end=\"1326\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1278\" data-end=\"1326\"\u003e\"December 6, 1791 — Settled the above bill.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1328\" data-end=\"1352\"\u003eThe reverse is docketed:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"1354\" data-end=\"1403\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1356\" data-end=\"1403\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1356\" data-end=\"1403\"\u003e\"Bill of Expense on the Iron paid in 1791.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1405\" data-end=\"1408\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1353kst\" data-start=\"1410\" data-end=\"1434\"\u003eHistorical Importance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1436\" data-end=\"1861\"\u003eThis manuscript is an excellent example of an early American commercial accounting document created only eight years after the end of the Revolutionary War. Rather than recording ordinary household purchases, it documents the actual expenses of moving heavy commercial cargo through the important port of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1741\" data-end=\"1768\"\u003eNew London, Connecticut\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of New England's principal maritime trading centers during the late eighteenth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1863\" data-end=\"2246\"\u003eThe reference to over \u003cstrong data-start=\"1885\" data-end=\"1913\"\u003e3,000 pounds of old iron\u003c\/strong\u003e, customs charges, wharfage, labor, wagoning, and workers' wages provides a rare glimpse into the logistics and costs of American coastal commerce during the Federal period. Similar merchant account papers are preserved in institutional collections documenting early American shipping and trade. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2248\" data-end=\"2251\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"hrykuu\" data-start=\"2253\" data-end=\"2265\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2267\" data-end=\"2456\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1hq4249\" data-start=\"2267\" data-end=\"2299\"\u003eSingle large laid-paper folio.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"oks97s\" data-start=\"2300\" data-end=\"2323\"\u003eStrong iron-gall ink.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"fabqtr\" data-start=\"2324\" data-end=\"2335\"\u003eComplete.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"151iybt\" data-start=\"2336\" data-end=\"2368\"\u003eTypical fold wear from filing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"3l9hv\" data-start=\"2369\" data-end=\"2404\"\u003eMinor edge wear and light toning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"19v78uh\" data-start=\"2405\" data-end=\"2425\"\u003eDocketed on verso.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"5uh0ip\" data-start=\"2426\" data-end=\"2456\"\u003eVery good overall condition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52599557652762,"sku":null,"price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_1889.jpg?v=1785252828"},{"product_id":"1770-colonial-shipping-cargo-manifest-sloop-hills-merchant-account-delivered-to-myles-williams-pre-revolutionary-america","title":"1770 Colonial Shipping Cargo Manifest – Sloop Hills – Merchant Account Delivered to Myles Williams – Pre-Revolutionary America","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"d3f6a3b1-42ce-4ccc-b83e-ce6dd2ac05e5\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-5\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2793\" data-end=\"3111\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOriginal colonial American manuscript cargo account dated \u003cstrong data-start=\"2851\" data-end=\"2870\"\u003eJanuary 9, 1770\u003c\/strong\u003e, recording merchandise delivered from the \u003cstrong data-start=\"2913\" data-end=\"2928\"\u003eSloop Hills\u003c\/strong\u003e to merchant \u003cstrong data-start=\"2941\" data-end=\"2959\"\u003eMyles Williams\u003c\/strong\u003e. Prepared only six years before the Declaration of Independence, the document provides a fascinating snapshot of everyday commerce in colonial America.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3113\" data-end=\"3570\"\u003eThe inventory lists an assortment of goods unloaded from the vessel, including \u003cstrong data-start=\"3192\" data-end=\"3336\"\u003ebeef, pork, flour, tar, butter, 1,300 staves, 1,826 bricks, bushels of oats, sugar, tallow, wheat, casks, chairs, nuts, and other provisions\u003c\/strong\u003e, with contemporary quantity calculations recorded alongside the entries. Such documents served as working merchant records documenting the receipt and distribution of cargo moving through the coastal trade that linked colonial ports.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3572\" data-end=\"4028\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eWritten on laid paper and docketed on the reverse, this manuscript is a fine survival of eighteenth-century commercial history. Unlike formal legal documents, working cargo inventories were often discarded after accounts were settled, making original examples increasingly scarce. An excellent addition for collectors of colonial Americana, maritime history, merchant records, early commerce, shipping manuscripts, and pre-Revolutionary American documents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"161\" data-end=\"324\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"326\" data-end=\"344\"\u003eThe heading reads:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"346\" data-end=\"446\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"348\" data-end=\"446\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"348\" data-end=\"446\"\u003e\"1770. The account of the Sloop Hills Cargo Delivered to Myles Williams January the 9th 1770.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"448\" data-end=\"546\"\u003eIt is a merchant's cargo memorandum listing provisions and merchandise discharged from the vessel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"548\" data-end=\"551\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1c7c49r\" data-start=\"553\" data-end=\"564\"\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"566\" data-end=\"595\"\u003eAmong the cargo recorded are:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"597\" data-end=\"1018\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1j426ek\" data-start=\"597\" data-end=\"603\"\u003eBeef\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1j49qdq\" data-start=\"604\" data-end=\"610\"\u003ePork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"947pum\" data-start=\"611\" data-end=\"628\"\u003eBarrels of pork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"h352sa\" data-start=\"629\" data-end=\"647\"\u003eBarrels of flour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"nybhun\" data-start=\"648\" data-end=\"664\"\u003eBarrels of tar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1w1riaw\" data-start=\"665\" data-end=\"673\"\u003eButter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1cwceut\" data-start=\"674\" data-end=\"737\"\u003eMoon (likely \"meal\" or another provision—partially illegible)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"qfqhz4\" data-start=\"738\" data-end=\"756\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"740\" data-end=\"756\"\u003e1,300 staves\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"6pj40r\" data-start=\"757\" data-end=\"781\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"759\" data-end=\"781\"\u003e72 bushels of oats\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"xipxcb\" data-start=\"782\" data-end=\"800\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"784\" data-end=\"800\"\u003e1,826 bricks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1dh6ikd\" data-start=\"801\" data-end=\"823\"\u003eOnion tops and wheat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"14qift7\" data-start=\"824\" data-end=\"879\"\u003eApproximately \u003cstrong data-start=\"840\" data-end=\"852\"\u003e760 pegs\u003c\/strong\u003e (or similar hardware item)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"bvxfqf\" data-start=\"880\" data-end=\"908\"\u003eAdditional bushels of oats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1lsqr2c\" data-start=\"909\" data-end=\"924\"\u003eBags of sugar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"5rn1lx\" data-start=\"925\" data-end=\"933\"\u003eTallow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"183erzo\" data-start=\"934\" data-end=\"948\"\u003eWinter wheat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"94f090\" data-start=\"949\" data-end=\"966\"\u003eBarrels of nuts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"169akrl\" data-start=\"967\" data-end=\"980\"\u003eHogshead(s)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"16xbffl\" data-start=\"981\" data-end=\"988\"\u003eCasks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ux6362\" data-start=\"989\" data-end=\"997\"\u003eChairs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"gqbh5l\" data-start=\"998\" data-end=\"1018\"\u003eChop (animal feed)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1020\" data-end=\"1092\"\u003eA contemporary tally appears in the center, totaling quantities of meat:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1094\" data-end=\"1107\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1j49qdq\" data-start=\"1094\" data-end=\"1100\"\u003ePork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1j426ek\" data-start=\"1101\" data-end=\"1107\"\u003eBeef\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1109\" data-end=\"1201\"\u003eThe reverse carries a contemporary docket identifying the document as relating to the cargo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1203\" data-end=\"1206\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"hlyorq\" data-start=\"1208\" data-end=\"1234\"\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1236\" data-end=\"1316\"\u003eThis is an excellent example of a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1270\" data-end=\"1315\"\u003ecolonial American coastal shipping record\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1318\" data-end=\"1524\"\u003eDocuments of this type were created by merchants upon receipt of cargo arriving from coastal vessels. They illustrate the complex trade networks that connected colonial ports before the American Revolution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1526\" data-end=\"1560\"\u003eThe cargo represents a mixture of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1562\" data-end=\"1661\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"4l82az\" data-start=\"1562\" data-end=\"1574\"\u003eFoodstuffs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"q552me\" data-start=\"1575\" data-end=\"1595\"\u003eBuilding materials\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"uapzyh\" data-start=\"1596\" data-end=\"1619\"\u003eAgricultural products\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"18ys86u\" data-start=\"1620\" data-end=\"1640\"\u003eHousehold supplies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"exg66g\" data-start=\"1641\" data-end=\"1661\"\u003eMerchant inventory\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"2145\"\u003eThe inclusion of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1680\" data-end=\"1750\"\u003estaves, bricks, sugar, tallow, flour, oats, and livestock products\u003c\/strong\u003e illustrates the diverse commodities exchanged through colonial maritime commerce. Such working business documents were generally discarded after accounts were settled, making surviving examples relatively uncommon today. Similar shipping and cargo account books are preserved in maritime archives such as Mystic Seaport and the New-York Historical Society. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2147\" data-end=\"2150\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"hrykuu\" data-start=\"2152\" data-end=\"2164\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2166\" data-end=\"2296\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1lis3mv\" data-start=\"2166\" data-end=\"2187\"\u003eOriginal laid paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"y1msxd\" data-start=\"2188\" data-end=\"2202\"\u003eSingle folio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1pqblpb\" data-start=\"2203\" data-end=\"2222\"\u003eStrong legibility\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1hqlecj\" data-start=\"2223\" data-end=\"2239\"\u003eOriginal folds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"mr4zfh\" data-start=\"2240\" data-end=\"2257\"\u003eMinor edge wear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"2m0vju\" data-start=\"2258\" data-end=\"2274\"\u003eReverse docket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1dznt7k\" data-start=\"2275\" data-end=\"2296\"\u003eVery good condition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52599563616538,"sku":null,"price":575.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_1894.jpg?v=1785253721"},{"product_id":"1807-boston-bill-of-exchange-drawn-on-baring-brothers-london-early-u-s-banking-commerce-embossed-revenue-stamp","title":"1807 Boston Bill of Exchange Drawn on Baring Brothers, London – Early U.S. Banking \u0026 Commerce – Embossed Revenue Stamp","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"2449\" data-end=\"2860\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOriginal partly printed \u003cstrong data-start=\"2473\" data-end=\"2493\"\u003eBill of Exchange\u003c\/strong\u003e issued in \u003cstrong data-start=\"2504\" data-end=\"2534\"\u003eBoston on October 13, 1807\u003c\/strong\u003e, directing payment of \u003cstrong data-start=\"2557\" data-end=\"2574\"\u003e£107 Sterling\u003c\/strong\u003e at thirty days sight to \u003cstrong data-start=\"2599\" data-end=\"2617\"\u003eJeremiah Smith\u003c\/strong\u003e. The instrument is drawn on the renowned London merchant banking house \u003cstrong data-start=\"2689\" data-end=\"2714\"\u003eBaring Brothers \u0026amp; Co.\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of the most influential financial institutions of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and a principal financier of Anglo-American trade.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2862\" data-end=\"3371\"\u003eCompleted entirely in period manuscript, the bill is signed by \u003cstrong data-start=\"2925\" data-end=\"2940\"\u003eJoseph Head\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"2945\" data-end=\"2959\"\u003eLydia Head\u003c\/strong\u003e and bears its original embossed \u003cstrong data-start=\"2992\" data-end=\"3031\"\u003e25-cent United States revenue stamp\u003c\/strong\u003e, together with period endorsements and banking notations on the reverse documenting its circulation. Issued only weeks before President Thomas Jefferson's Embargo Act transformed American overseas commerce, the document represents the sophisticated financial network that connected merchants in Boston and London during the Early Republic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3373\" data-end=\"3631\"\u003eAn outstanding original artifact of American banking, international trade, and Federal-period commerce. Ideal for collectors of early U.S. financial history, merchant manuscripts, Boston history, maritime commerce, Anglo-American trade, and banking ephemera.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"325\" data-end=\"379\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eThe printed form is completed in manuscript and reads:\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"381\" data-end=\"616\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ckld7d\" data-start=\"381\" data-end=\"408\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"383\" data-end=\"408\"\u003eBoston, Oct. 13, 1807\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1blfboy\" data-start=\"409\" data-end=\"440\"\u003eAmount: \u003cstrong data-start=\"419\" data-end=\"440\"\u003e£107.1.4 Sterling\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"oj1fdn\" data-start=\"441\" data-end=\"475\"\u003ePayable \u003cstrong data-start=\"451\" data-end=\"475\"\u003eat thirty days sight\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1wmaida\" data-start=\"476\" data-end=\"511\"\u003ePayable to \u003cstrong data-start=\"489\" data-end=\"511\"\u003eMr. Jeremiah Smith\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"17jhcye\" data-start=\"512\" data-end=\"564\"\u003eDrawn on \u003cstrong data-start=\"523\" data-end=\"564\"\u003eMessrs. Baring Brothers \u0026amp; Co., London\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"7nr2fd\" data-start=\"565\" data-end=\"616\"\u003eSigned by:\n\u003cul data-start=\"580\" data-end=\"616\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"t744h7\" data-start=\"580\" data-end=\"597\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"582\" data-end=\"597\"\u003eJoseph Head\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1xffs1l\" data-start=\"600\" data-end=\"616\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"602\" data-end=\"616\"\u003eLydia Head\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"618\" data-end=\"735\"\u003eThe document bears an embossed \u003cstrong data-start=\"649\" data-end=\"679\"\u003e25-cent U.S. revenue stamp\u003c\/strong\u003e, required under the federal stamp duties then in force.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"737\" data-end=\"835\"\u003eThe reverse carries period endorsements and banking notations documenting negotiation of the bill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"837\" data-end=\"840\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1353kst\" data-start=\"842\" data-end=\"866\"\u003eHistorical Importance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"868\" data-end=\"931\"\u003eThis is a fine example of early American international finance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"933\" data-end=\"1119\"\u003eRather than shipping coin across the Atlantic, merchants settled accounts through \u003cstrong data-start=\"1015\" data-end=\"1036\"\u003ebills of exchange\u003c\/strong\u003e, which functioned much like negotiable checks drawn on established banking houses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1121\" data-end=\"1167\"\u003eSeveral features make this document desirable:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1169\" data-end=\"1446\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"197e1n7\" data-start=\"1169\" data-end=\"1191\"\u003eEarly Federal period\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"jmh0mo\" data-start=\"1192\" data-end=\"1220\"\u003eBoston commercial document\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"y98aef\" data-start=\"1221\" data-end=\"1307\"\u003eDrawn on \u003cstrong data-start=\"1232\" data-end=\"1257\"\u003eBaring Brothers \u0026amp; Co.\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of the world's most important merchant banks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ji2x\" data-start=\"1308\" data-end=\"1349\"\u003eOriginal embossed federal revenue stamp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"akijpz\" data-start=\"1350\" data-end=\"1411\"\u003eShortly before Jefferson's \u003cstrong data-start=\"1379\" data-end=\"1411\"\u003eEmbargo Act of December 1807\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"klz5zp\" data-start=\"1412\" data-end=\"1446\"\u003eOriginal endorsements on reverse\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"169ktyo\" data-start=\"1448\" data-end=\"1467\"\u003eBaring Brothers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1469\" data-end=\"1636\"\u003eBaring Brothers was Britain's leading merchant bank during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries and handled enormous volumes of American trade financing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1638\" data-end=\"1741\"\u003eBills drawn upon Baring Brothers are collected as important artifacts of early Anglo-American commerce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1743\" data-end=\"1746\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"hrykuu\" data-start=\"1748\" data-end=\"1760\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1762\" data-end=\"1948\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1fgr7hz\" data-start=\"1762\" data-end=\"1785\"\u003eOriginal printed form\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"gjyvl\" data-start=\"1786\" data-end=\"1813\"\u003eStrong manuscript entries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"rqgv3o\" data-start=\"1814\" data-end=\"1847\"\u003eOriginal embossed revenue stamp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1x7t1fx\" data-start=\"1848\" data-end=\"1870\"\u003eReverse endorsements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1c8p1n1\" data-start=\"1871\" data-end=\"1908\"\u003eLight staining from former mounting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"mr4zfh\" data-start=\"1909\" data-end=\"1926\"\u003eMinor edge wear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1dznt7k\" data-start=\"1927\" data-end=\"1948\"\u003eVery good condition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52599578034458,"sku":null,"price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_1896.jpg?v=1785254433"},{"product_id":"1799-u-s-customs-certificate-canton-china-trade-hyson-tea-boston-embossed-federal-seal","title":"1799 U.S. Customs Certificate — Canton China Trade \u0026 Hyson Tea — Boston — Embossed Federal Seal","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Original 1799 United States Customs Certificate documenting the importation of Hyson tea from Canton — District of Massachusetts, Port of Boston and Charlestown\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn exceptionally interesting original document from the \u003cstrong\u003eearly Federal period of the United States\u003c\/strong\u003e, dated \u003cstrong\u003eAugust 19, 1799\u003c\/strong\u003e, documenting the importation of \u003cstrong\u003eone box containing sixteen pounds of Hyson tea from Canton, China\u003c\/strong\u003e aboard an American vessel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIssued by the \u003cstrong\u003eDistrict of Massachusetts, Port of Boston and Charlestown\u003c\/strong\u003e, this certificate is numbered \u003cstrong\u003e5063\u003c\/strong\u003e and records the official examination and certification of the imported merchandise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe document bears a striking \u003cstrong\u003eembossed early United States eagle seal\u003c\/strong\u003e, surrounded by an elaborate engraved border. The manuscript endorsements and signatures of the customs officials provide additional evidence of its official use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe document illustrates the developing American federal customs system at a fascinating moment in the nation's history, only a decade after the establishment of the Federal government. The 1799 revenue laws were an important expansion of the federal government's regulation of imported merchandise and customs collections. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf particular interest is the reference to \u003cstrong\u003eCanton and Hyson tea\u003c\/strong\u003e. Chinese tea was a significant commodity in the developing American trade with Asia, and Hyson was among the varieties specifically advertised and sold in the United States during this period. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDocument Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e August 19, 1799\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLocation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Boston, Massachusetts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistrict:\u003c\/strong\u003e District of Massachusetts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePort:\u003c\/strong\u003e Boston and Charlestown\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDocument No.:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5063\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommodity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hyson Tea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 16 pounds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Canton, China\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVessel:\u003c\/strong\u003e American vessel, as stated in the document\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCustoms official:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thomas Melvill\/Melville, Inspector\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEmbossed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early United States federal eagle seal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early Federal Republic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very Good. Original folds, age toning, minor staining and edge wear, with the manuscript text, signatures and embossed federal seal remaining exceptionally legible.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52702934368538,"sku":null,"price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2121.jpg?v=1786831130"},{"product_id":"philip-philip-livingston-son-of-declaration-signer-philip-livingston-1764-jamaica-letter-to-baynton-wharton","title":"Philip Philip Livingston — Son of Declaration Signer Philip Livingston — 1764 Jamaica Lette, Captain Kidd connection","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRare 1764 Original Manuscript from Kingston, Jamaica — Colonial Sugar Trade — Livingston Family of New York\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExceptional original **1764 manuscript letter written from Kingston, Jamaica, by Philip Philip Livingston (1741–1787), son of Declaration of Independence signer Philip Livingston (1716–1778), to the prominent Philadelphia merchants \u003cstrong\u003eBaynton \u0026amp; Wharton\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDated \u003cstrong\u003eJune 26, 1764\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a substantial subsequent communication dated \u003cstrong\u003eJuly 26, 1764\u003c\/strong\u003e, this remarkable document provides an intimate first-hand account of the commercial operations connecting Jamaica's sugar plantations with the Philadelphia mercantile trade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLivingston discusses an enclosed invoice and the shipment of \u003cstrong\u003eten hogsheads of sugar aboard the ship \u003cem\u003eAdventure\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, instructing his Philadelphia correspondents to sell the sugar to the best advantage and credit the proceeds to his account. He also discusses bills of exchange, outstanding accounts, remittances and other commercial transactions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe manuscript is particularly significant because Philip Philip Livingston was a \u003cstrong\u003eJamaican plantation owner and member of the Jamaican House of Assembly\u003c\/strong\u003e. He was the son of \u003cstrong\u003ePhilip Livingston, one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe identification is independently supported by the \u003cstrong\u003ePennsylvania Historical \u0026amp; Museum Commission's catalog of the Baynton, Wharton \u0026amp; Morgan papers\u003c\/strong\u003e, which specifically records \u003cstrong\u003e“Livingston, Ph: Ph:, Kingston, Jamaica, 1764”\u003c\/strong\u003e in this correspondence. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Baynton \u0026amp; Wharton firm was one of colonial Philadelphia's important mercantile houses, conducting trade throughout North America, the West Indies, and Europe. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is much more than an autograph letter. It documents the \u003cstrong\u003eAtlantic commercial network of the British colonies immediately before the American Revolution\u003c\/strong\u003e, linking a member of the prominent Livingston family, Jamaica's sugar economy, and a major Philadelphia trading house.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt also provides contemporary documentary evidence of \u003cstrong\u003eJamaican sugar production and export\u003c\/strong\u003e, with Livingston specifically discussing the shipment of ten hogsheads of sugar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCAPTAIN KIDD \/ LIVINGSTON FAMILY CONNECTION:\u003c\/strong\u003e The author, Philip Philip Livingston (1741–1787), belonged to the prominent Livingston family of New York. An earlier generation of the Livingston family, led by Robert Livingston (1654–1725), was directly involved in the financing and organization of Captain William Kidd's famous anti-piracy expedition and the outfitting of Kidd's vessel, the \u003cem\u003eAdventure Galley\u003c\/em\u003e, in the 1690s. While the present 1764 manuscript is not itself a Captain Kidd document, it represents a later generation of the same prominent Livingston family and carries an intriguing connection to one of the most famous maritime episodes of colonial America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Philip Philip Livingston (1741–1787)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e June 26, 1764, with July 26, 1764 continuation\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlace:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kingston, Jamaica\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecipient:\u003c\/strong\u003e Baynton \u0026amp; Wharton, Philadelphia\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSubject:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sugar shipment, bills of exchange, accounts and colonial commerce\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily association:\u003c\/strong\u003e Son of Declaration of Independence signer Philip Livingston\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedium:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original manuscript letter\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Historically significant original document with extensive old fold repairs\/tape, toning, staining, edge losses and other evidence of age and use. The manuscript remains highly legible and retains its original historical content and endorsements.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52702973526298,"sku":null,"price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2127.jpg?v=1786832913"},{"product_id":"original-1804-1805-early-american-merchant-s-account-joshua-riley-william-wright","title":"ORIGINAL 1804–1805 EARLY AMERICAN MERCHANT’S ACCOUNT — JOSHUA RILEY \u0026 WILLIAM WRIGHT","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn original early American manuscript merchant’s account dating from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNovember 1804 through December 1805\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, headed to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMajor Williams\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and recording transactions with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJ. Riley \u0026amp; A. Wright\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe account contains a fascinating series of contemporary commercial entries, including payments for labor and services, an entry relating to the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eship \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhoenix\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and the purchase or accounting of approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e118 gallons of rum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The rum is carefully calculated at approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e94 cents per gallon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, providing an unusually tangible glimpse into early American maritime commerce and commodity pricing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe account concludes with a settlement notation dated \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDecember 25, 1805\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and bears the signatures of the parties, including what appears to be \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJoshua Riley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWilliam Wright\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe manuscript is particularly attractive to collectors of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eearly American commerce, maritime history, merchant records, shipping, rum trade, and original handwritten documents of the Federal period\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The surviving folds, period ink, calculations, corrections, and signatures preserve the appearance of an authentic working merchant’s ledger\/account from the first decade of the United States.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe document measures approximately \u003cspan class=\"text-token-text-primary cursor-text rounded-sm\"\u003e[MEASUREMENTS]\u003c\/span\u003e and is in good original condition for an early nineteenth-century working commercial manuscript, with expected folds, toning, light staining, and handling wear.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA fascinating original record of American commercial life only 28 years after the Constitution and during the formative years of the early Republic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52707572908314,"sku":null,"price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2203.jpg?v=1786978772"},{"product_id":"1793-original-maritime-bill-of-sale-captain-elias-williams-schooner-industry","title":"1793 ORIGINAL MARITIME BILL OF SALE — CAPTAIN ELIAS WILLIAMS — SCHOONER INDUSTRY","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExceptional Early American Ship-Ownership Document Signed by Captain Elias Williams of Wethersfield, Connecticut\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn original \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNovember 30, 1793 maritime bill of sale\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e transferring a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eone-eighth ownership interest in the schooner \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndustry\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eElias Williams of Wethersfield, Connecticut\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSimeon Williams of Wethersfield\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, for the consideration of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e£16 10 shillings\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe document specifically conveys \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“one equal eighth part” of the schooner \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndustry\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, together with her tackle and associated equipment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, documenting the fractional ownership system commonly used to finance and operate American merchant vessels in the early Federal period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe manuscript is signed \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eElias Williams\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and is contemporaneously docketed on the reverse \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Schooner Industry — Bill of Sale.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe signer is consistent with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaptain Elias Williams (1718–1798) of Wethersfield, Connecticut\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, a member of the prominent Williams family. Archival records document Captain Elias Williams as a Wethersfield property owner, while a separate 1787 archival record specifically identifies an \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eoath of Elias Williams of Wethersfield concerning a schooner\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, providing independent evidence of his involvement in maritime affairs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis document offers an unusually direct glimpse into the financing and ownership of an American merchant vessel only a few years after the adoption of the U.S. Constitution.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDocument:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Original manuscript bill of sale\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e November 30, 1793\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeller:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Elias Williams, Wethersfield, Connecticut\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBuyer:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Simeon Williams, Wethersfield, Connecticut\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVessel:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Schooner \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndustry\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInterest:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e One-eighth share\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConsideration:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e £16 10 shillings\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSubject:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Vessel, tackle and associated equipment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Original with folds, toning, minor staining and expected age-related wear; contemporary docketing remains on the reverse.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn exceptional document for collectors of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEarly American maritime history, Connecticut history, ship ownership, merchant shipping, American commerce, and original eighteenth-century manuscripts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52707662004506,"sku":null,"price":1295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2210.jpg?v=1786980165"},{"product_id":"boston-tea-party-participant-thomas-melvill-twice-signed-1806-maritime-court-report-concerning-the-outfitting-of-an-early-maine-brig","title":"Boston Tea Party Participant Thomas Melvill — Twice-Signed 1806 Maritime Court Report Concerning the Outfitting of an Early Maine Brig","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAn exceptional Federal-period manuscript signed twice by \u003cstrong\u003eMajor Thomas Melvill (1751–1832)\u003c\/strong\u003e, member of the Sons of Liberty, participant in the Boston Tea Party, Revolutionary War officer, and grandfather of \u003cem\u003eMoby-Dick\u003c\/em\u003e author Herman Melville. Also signed by prominent Portland attorney \u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Symmes (1760–1807)\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDocketed for the March 1806 term of the Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas, this extensive manuscript report concerns the financial affairs of the Maine mercantile partnership of \u003cstrong\u003eHaley \u0026amp; Penney\u003c\/strong\u003e. Cumberland County was then within Massachusetts, fourteen years before Maine achieved statehood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe report contains particularly engaging maritime content. It describes Haley \u0026amp; Penney’s sale and outfitting of a brig, apparently the \u003cstrong\u003eAnn\u003c\/strong\u003e, which they agreed to furnish “with every article ready for sea” at a price of thirty-five dollars per ton. The vessel was calculated at approximately 144 tons, with its total valuation exceeding $5,000. Additional passages address cash advances, merchandise, partnership credits, outstanding debts and the proper allocation of a private account.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMelvill and Symmes signed the commissioners’ principal accounting report. Melvill subsequently added and signed a separate sworn clarification stating that the private account should not be charged against the partnership’s common assets. Both portions are docketed “Sworn 8 Mar. 1806.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThomas Melvill participated in the destruction of British tea at Boston’s Griffin’s Wharf on December 16, 1773. He subsequently served during the Revolutionary War and held important customs positions at the Port of Boston. He was remembered in Boston as one of the final living representatives of the Revolutionary generation and reportedly inspired Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.’s poem “The Last Leaf.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA highly desirable association piece combining the \u003cstrong\u003eBoston Tea Party, Revolutionary War, early Maine history, maritime commerce, ship outfitting and Federal-period law\u003c\/strong\u003e. Far more substantial than the routine printed customs certificates on which Melvill’s autograph usually appears.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original filing folds, scattered toning, minor edge wear, ink corrections and small spots, all consistent with an actively used 1806 court record. Writing and signatures remain strong and legible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eor\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e1806 Pennsylvania Court Manuscript — Potash and Mercantile Dispute, Cumberland County\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal handwritten legal manuscript entered in the Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Court of Common Pleas during its March 1806 term. The document records sworn statements concerning money and merchandise held for the early mercantile firm of Haley \u0026amp; Finney.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe testimony describes Haley \u0026amp; Finney delivering a cotton bag with instructions that it be filled with merchandise valued at thirty-five dollars per ton. It further records the handling and sale of approximately 144 tons of potash, producing more than $5,000 and leaving a calculated balance of approximately $1,022 due to the firm. A separate private account of $49.82 is also acknowledged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe manuscript appears connected with an attachment or garnishment proceeding arising from a suit brought by Shaw \u0026amp; Duncan against Haley \u0026amp; Finney and another party. It contains extensive contemporary corrections and revised calculations, suggesting that it was a working draft or retained court memorandum rather than a formal engrossed filing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSigned at the conclusion by \u003cstrong\u003eThomas McCulloh\u003c\/strong\u003e and a second individual believed to be \u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Ramsey\u003c\/strong\u003e, with McCulloh signing an additional statement concerning the private account. Docketed March 8, 1806.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn unusually detailed survival documenting the legal and commercial mechanics of the early American potash trade—an important source of export income and industrial material during the nation’s formative period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e March 1806\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlace:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cumberland County, Pennsylvania\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Handwritten court memorandum on laid paper\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thomas McCulloh and one other, believed William Ramsey\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original folds, light toning, scattered stains, edge wear, and contemporary corrections; generally well preserved and legible.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52716789399834,"sku":null,"price":1295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2272_55c2e1b8-ed0f-44bb-9693-8ae01ef817a9.jpg?v=1787142504"},{"product_id":"1815-pennsylvania-land-patent-to-joseph-noegle-upper-paxton-township-dauphin-county-large-state-seal","title":"1815 Pennsylvania Land Patent to Joseph Noegle—Upper Paxton Township, Dauphin County—Large State Seal","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAn original Commonwealth of Pennsylvania land patent issued to \u003cstrong\u003eJoseph Noegle\u003c\/strong\u003e, also historically spelled Nogle, Noggle, or Naugle, for an 82-acre tract in Upper Paxton Township, Dauphin County.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDated May 26, 1815, the patent conveys \u003cstrong\u003e82 acres and 26 perches\u003c\/strong\u003e, with the customary allowance for roads. The tract had been surveyed under a warrant dated November 2, 1812, after Noegle paid $21.53 into the Pennsylvania Treasury. The patent was officially enrolled in Patent Book H, Volume 11, page 339.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe document is signed by \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Cochran\u003c\/strong\u003e, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Land Office, and retains its impressive embossed paper seal displaying the Commonwealth’s ship, plow, wheat sheaves, and motto. A second Land Office signature, apparently that of Richard Crain, appears along the lower margin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe engraved document features an elaborate calligraphic “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania” heading and an early printed state coat of arms. Its manuscript metes-and-bounds description identifies vacant mountain land and neighboring Upper Paxton properties. A later hand-drawn ownership diagram attached at lower left accompanies the patent as genealogical research material but is not original to its 1815 issuance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe patent has substantial losses, including a large vertical area affecting the state arms and portions of the manuscript, additional edge losses, staining, folds, and extensive old paper-tape repairs on the reverse. Despite these faults, much of the text remains legible, Cochran’s signature is clear, and the large Commonwealth seal is exceptionally well preserved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn evocative early record of German-American settlement, Pennsylvania land administration, and the Noegle\/Nogle family in Dauphin County.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52733036429594,"sku":null,"price":325.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2375.jpg?v=1787413656"},{"product_id":"1835-bordeaux-brandy-shipment-to-philadelphia-merchant-john-d-laffitte-wax-seal","title":"1835 Bordeaux Brandy Shipment to Philadelphia Merchant John D. Laffitte—Wax Seal","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAn original French commercial invoice documenting a substantial shipment of \u003cstrong\u003eBordeaux eau-de-vie, or brandy, to Philadelphia merchant John D. Laffitte\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrepared at Bordeaux on March 5, 1835, the invoice covers \u003cstrong\u003e10 half-pipes and 20 quarter-pipes of third-proof eau-de-vie\u003c\/strong\u003e—30 commercial casks equivalent to approximately ten full Bordeaux pipes. Its ruled cargo table records shipping marks, cask sizes, gross and net weights, leakage allowances, charges and commissions, with a total value of approximately \u003cstrong\u003e4,423 francs\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe document was folded to serve as its own transatlantic mailing cover and addressed:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonsieur John D. Laffitte\u003cbr\u003enégociant\u003cbr\u003eà Philadelphie\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe exterior directs it by the ship \u003cem\u003eConcorde\u003c\/em\u003e, Captain Mason. A substantial original red wax seal remains attached. The manuscript also carries a French fiscal notation indicating payment of the applicable stamp duty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe recipient, \u003cstrong\u003eJohn D. Laffitte\u003c\/strong\u003e, was evidently engaged in the nineteenth-century Bordeaux–American wine and spirits trade. His surname resembles that associated with \u003cstrong\u003eChâteau Lafitte\u003c\/strong\u003e, the Camblanes-et-Meynac estate named for Bordeaux wine merchant Raymond Lafitte, and with \u003cstrong\u003eChâteau Lafite\u003c\/strong\u003e, later Château Lafite Rothschild. However, no direct family, ownership or commercial connection between John D. Laffitte and either wine estate has presently been established. The shipment described here consists of Bordeaux brandy and does not identify a particular château or vineyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn evocative survivor of the thriving nineteenth-century commerce that carried Bordeaux wines and spirits across the Atlantic to American merchants. Its detailed cargo accounting, Philadelphia destination, maritime address panel and surviving wax seal provide considerable historical and visual interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e March 5, 1835\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bordeaux, France\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDestination:\u003c\/strong\u003e Philadelphia, Pennsylvania\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecipient:\u003c\/strong\u003e John D. Laffitte, merchant\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCargo:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thirty casks of third-proof Bordeaux eau-de-vie\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShip:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eConcorde\u003c\/em\u003e, Captain Mason\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/strong\u003e French\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Detailed cargo table, merchant signatures, fiscal notation and original red wax seal\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Considerable edge losses and tears, original mailing folds, creasing and toning. Portions of the writing and cargo table are affected, but the principal content, address panel and wax seal survive. Please examine the photographs carefully.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52734419501338,"sku":null,"price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2405.jpg?v=1787498177"},{"product_id":"circa-1830-1850-liverpool-textile-export-invoice-merinos-bombazettes-and-colored-fabrics","title":"Circa 1830–1850 Liverpool Textile Export Invoice — Merinos, Bombazettes and Colored Fabrics","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eLarge manuscript commercial invoice recording an extensive shipment of textiles from Liverpool, England, dating from the early to mid-nineteenth century.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten in a handsome period mercantile hand, the invoice lists numerous numbered packages or bales containing fine bombazettes, merino fabrics and other textiles in such fashionable colors as brown, blue, claret, Adelaide, rich ruby and royal blue. Quantities, packing charges and prices are carefully entered and calculated in pounds, shillings and pence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe partially preserved heading reads “Invoice of Merchandise Shipped from Liverpool,” followed by the names of several merchants or consignees, including what appears to be “S. Rees.” The remaining names are partly obscured by losses and folds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA visually engaging primary document illustrating Liverpool’s central role in the nineteenth-century international textile trade and the extraordinary variety of fabrics and colors then available to overseas merchants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe invoice survives in fragile condition, with extensive fold separations, tears, detached sections, marginal losses and general age toning. Much of the original text nevertheless remains clear and legible. Suitable for archival conservation, study or display.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52734875599130,"sku":null,"price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2431.jpg?v=1787513941"},{"product_id":"1921-early-connecticut-penmanship-and-religious-commonplace-manuscript","title":"1921 Early Connecticut Penmanship and Religious Commonplace Manuscript","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eTwo-sided American manuscript combining early nineteenth-century penmanship exercises, religious meeting notes and moral verse. Inscribed at \u003cstrong\u003eHampton, May 30, 1821\u003c\/strong\u003e, and subsequently dated \u003cstrong\u003eJuly 28, 1822\u003c\/strong\u003e, with \u003cstrong\u003e“Winchester Connecticut”\u003c\/strong\u003e written at the foot.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe upper portion records notes from a \u003cstrong\u003e“Local Preachers Conference”\u003c\/strong\u003e and identifies a Mr. Pinkham’s text as Proverbs, chapter 9. The writer interprets Wisdom’s seven pillars as “reason,” “scripture,” “conscience,” “discipline,” “experience,” “union” and “Divine Protection.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe remainder contains moral and devotional passages written in several hands or penmanship styles. Among them are selections from Alexander Pope, including the celebrated lines:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“The world recedes; it disappears!\u003cbr\u003eHeaven opens on my eyes! my ears\u003cbr\u003eWith sounds seraphic ring…”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse is headed \u003cstrong\u003e“Penmanship £3 6 8”\u003c\/strong\u003e in an ornamental hand and opens with a version of Pope’s famous observation:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“True ease in writing comes from art, not chance—\u003cbr\u003eAs those move easiest who have learned to dance.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA particularly attractive example of an early American copybook leaf, preserving the interrelationship of education, religion, moral instruction and handwriting practice in the early republic. A faint attribution at the bottom appears to include the surname \u003cstrong\u003eHolcomb\u003c\/strong\u003e, although the writer has not been conclusively identified.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal laid paper with age toning, folds, stains and losses along the upper and lower edges. Most text remains clear and legible.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52740890001690,"sku":null,"price":200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2503.jpg?v=1787658032"},{"product_id":"1838-girard-bank-resolution-500-silver-testimonial-to-its-first-teller-signed-by-cashier-william-d-lewis","title":"1838 Girard Bank Resolution—$500 Silver Testimonial to Its First Teller—Signed by Cashier William D. Lewis","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAn impressive original manuscript resolution adopted by the \u003cstrong\u003eBoard of Directors of the Girard Bank of Philadelphia\u003c\/strong\u003e on March 13, 1838, accepting the resignation of the institution’s first teller, \u003cstrong\u003eSamuel H. Carpenter\u003c\/strong\u003e, and honoring his service with an extraordinary $500 silver presentation pitcher.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe board recorded its “deep regret” at Carpenter’s departure and expressed its strongest wishes for his success in his new business. In recognition of “the skilful \u0026amp; acceptable manner” in which he had fulfilled his duties, the directors unanimously resolved that he be presented with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“a Silver Pitcher of the value of Five Hundred Dollars, with a suitable inscription”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe resolution was copied from the bank’s official minutes and certified by \u003cstrong\u003eWilliam David Lewis\u003c\/strong\u003e, who served as cashier of the Girard Bank from its incorporation in 1832 until 1842. The bank’s blind-embossed seal remains visible near the lower-left corner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Girard Bank was organized shortly after the death of legendary Philadelphia financier Stephen Girard and operated from the historic building formerly occupied by the First Bank of the United States. During the 1830s it held substantial federal deposits and occupied a central position in Philadelphia’s banking community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDated only months after the \u003cstrong\u003ePanic of 1837\u003c\/strong\u003e, the document survives from one of the most turbulent periods in early American financial history. Contemporary records indicate that approximately $14 million passed through the Girard Bank’s account for the Treasurer of the United States during this era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe proposed $500 silver pitcher was an exceptionally valuable presentation object—equivalent to the annual earnings of many skilled Americans—and demonstrates the esteem in which Carpenter was held by the institution’s directors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne large manuscript page on blue-gray paper. Original folds, light toning and soiling, small marginal tears, corner wear, and a short separation descending from the upper edge along the central fold. Complete and boldly written, with William D. Lewis’s certification signature and the Girard Bank’s embossed seal.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore info...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAn original \u003cstrong\u003eMarch 13, 1838 certified manuscript resolution of the Board of Directors of the Girard Bank of Philadelphia\u003c\/strong\u003e, honoring the resignation of \u003cstrong\u003eSamuel H. Carpenter\u003c\/strong\u003e, the bank’s first teller.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe resolutions express the directors’ “deep regret,” praise Carpenter’s long and faithful service, and award him:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“a Silver Pitcher of the value of Five Hundred Dollars, with a suitable inscription”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe document is certified at the bottom:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“A true Copy from the Minutes\u003cbr\u003eWm. D. Lewis”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe signer is \u003cstrong\u003eWilliam David Lewis\u003c\/strong\u003e, cashier of the Girard Bank from 1832 until 1842. A faint embossed Girard Bank seal appears at the lower left.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHistorical Context\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Girard Bank was established following the 1831 death of financier \u003cstrong\u003eStephen Girard\u003c\/strong\u003e. It occupied the historic former building of the First Bank of the United States on South Third Street in Philadelphia and was formally incorporated in 1832 with capital of $1.5 million.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe document was issued during the financial turmoil following the \u003cstrong\u003ePanic of 1837\u003c\/strong\u003e, when Philadelphia banks faced specie shortages, suspended payments, and intense public scrutiny. The Girard Bank was particularly significant because it handled large United States government deposits—reportedly processing approximately $14 million through the federal Treasurer’s account during this period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWilliam D. Lewis\u003c\/strong\u003e was a prominent Philadelphia banker, businessman, and political figure. In addition to serving as the Girard Bank’s cashier, he financed early railroad ventures and later became collector of customs for the Port of Philadelphia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe promised $500 silver pitcher represented an exceptionally generous testimonial. In 1838, $500 was approximately the annual income of many skilled workers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne large manuscript page on blue-gray paper with a blind-embossed bank seal. Original horizontal and vertical folds, scattered light toning and soiling, several small edge tears, minor corner wear, and a vertical separation beginning at the upper edge along the central fold. The manuscript remains complete, dark, and readily legible. William D. Lewis’s certification signature is clear.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52760553455898,"sku":null,"price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2686.jpg?v=1788034252"},{"product_id":"1871-philadelphia-ship-s-bill-of-sale-three-masted-bark-daisy-nova-scotia-built-with-custom-house-seals","title":"1871 PHILADELPHIA SHIP’S BILL OF SALE—THREE-MASTED BARK “DAISY”—NOVA SCOTIA BUILT WITH CUSTOM HOUSE SEALS","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal American maritime bill of sale transferring an ownership interest in the three-masted bark \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDaisy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e from Philadelphia merchants \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSamuel S. Scattergood and Charles H. Stackhouse\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaptain John Linden of Baltimore, Maryland\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Philadelphia, November 16, 1871. Large partly printed and manuscript document with engraved sailing-ship vignette, vessel-registration transcript, owners’ signatures, two red seals, embossed Treasury and Custom House seals, and official recording endorsements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor the stated consideration of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eone thousand dollars\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, Samuel S. Scattergood transferred to John Linden an additional one-eighth interest in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDaisy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, together with the same proportion of her:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Masts, Yards, Sails, Rigging, Anchors, Cables, Boats, Tackle, Apparel and Appurtenances.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCharles H. Stackhouse joins Scattergood in executing the instrument. Both men have signed beside individual red serrated seals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe document incorporates an extensive transcript of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDaisy’s\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e federal registration, identified as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePermanent Register No. 113\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The vessel was a wooden, square-sterned bark constructed at \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTusket, Nova Scotia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, in 1869. She was temporarily registered at Norfolk, Virginia, on September 25, 1869, before receiving permanent registration at Philadelphia on March 29, 1870.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDaisy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e was a substantial three-masted ocean-going merchant vessel of approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e383 registered tons\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, measuring about \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e138 feet in length\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e28 feet in breadth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Her official description records one deck, three masts, a billet head, and no galleries. John Linden, the Baltimore purchaser named in this bill of sale, is also identified as the vessel’s master.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe form was printed by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJohn C. Clark \u0026amp; Son, 230 Dock Street, Philadelphia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and is ornamented with a finely engraved image of a fully rigged sailing ship. The document retains its embossed Treasury and Philadelphia Custom House seals, official recording panel, manuscript ownership history, and contemporary docketing:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Bill of Sale\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSamuel S. Scattergood\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChas. H. Stackhouse\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eto\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJohn Linden\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⅛ of Bark ‘Daisy’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1871.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSamuel S. Scattergood was a prominent Philadelphia commission merchant and importer associated particularly with the Mediterranean fruit trade. His ownership of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDaisy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e illustrates the 19th-century practice by which merchants divided commercial sailing vessels into fractional shares, distributing both the investment and the considerable risks of transatlantic commerce among several owners.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Original filing folds with light toning, scattered staining, ink show-through, minor edge wear, and several small areas of weakness or separation at fold intersections. The manuscript registration is closely written and occasionally faint but remains substantially legible. Both red applied seals are present, the embossed government seals remain visible, and the engraved ship vignette displays attractively. No major textual loss observed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn unusually complete and visually appealing Reconstruction-era maritime document recording the ownership, construction, dimensions, registration, and sale of a Nova Scotia-built American merchant bark operating through Philadelphia, Norfolk, and Baltimore.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52766027022618,"sku":null,"price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2703.jpg?v=1788098284"},{"product_id":"1958-humberto-delgado-historic-may-10-1958-letter-announcing-his-campaign-against-portugal-s-dictatorship-hitler-donitz-and-the-risk-of-death","title":"1958 HUMBERTO DELGADO—HISTORIC MAY 10, 1958 LETTER ANNOUNCING HIS CAMPAIGN AGAINST PORTUGAL’S DICTATORSHIP—HITLER, DÖNITZ AND THE RISK OF DEATH","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDELGADO, HUMBERTO\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (1906–1965). Portuguese Air Force general, founder of TAP Air Portugal, opposition presidential candidate, and martyr of the resistance to António de Oliveira Salazar’s Estado Novo dictatorship. Typed Letter Signed, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Humberto Delgado,”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e one page on his personal aviation letterhead. Lisbon, May 10, 1958. Addressed to American publicist \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eH. Keith Thompson\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Signed in Delgado’s characteristic purple ink.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn extraordinary political letter written on the opening day of Humberto Delgado’s historic presidential campaign—the exact date on which his electrifying promise to dismiss dictator António de Oliveira Salazar transformed him into Portugal’s “General without Fear.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDelgado opens:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“It starts today the campaign for the Presidency of the Republic on which I am a candidate, against the dictatorship which has governed my Country for the last 32 years.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOn that same day, May 10, 1958, Delgado held a press conference at Lisbon’s Chave d’Ouro café. When asked what he would do with Salazar if elected, he made the declaration that became one of the most famous statements in modern Portuguese political history:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Obviamente, demito-o!”—“Obviously, I’ll dismiss him!”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the present letter, Delgado forthrightly compares Portugal’s authoritarian government with Nazi Germany:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“It is not a dictatorship as brutal as Hitler’s but anyway one which has only one party, Political Police, etc.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDelgado then acknowledges the extraordinary personal danger he faced by challenging Salazar:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Having taken such a decision I run definite risks, since anyone who has the nerves to declare himself against the dictator usually suffers severe consequences.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe passage is chillingly prophetic. Delgado’s campaign was subjected to government censorship, police intimidation, and electoral manipulation. The official results of the June 8 election awarded victory to Salazar’s candidate, Américo Tomás, but the result was widely regarded as fraudulent. Delgado was subsequently dismissed from military service and forced into exile.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeven years after writing this letter, Delgado and his secretary were lured to the Spanish-Portuguese frontier by agents of the PIDE secret police. Both were murdered on February 13, 1965. After the restoration of democracy, Delgado was honored as a national hero and his remains were transferred to Portugal’s National Pantheon.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe balance of the letter responds to a question posed by H. Keith Thompson concerning \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrand Admiral Karl Dönitz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, commander of Nazi Germany’s navy and Hitler’s designated successor. Delgado discusses whether a military officer’s obligation to obey orders may be superseded by a higher duty to the nation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Even the German Army, always so disciplined, have thought of liquidating Hitler, the maximum representative of power, putting Germany, their country, above everything else, even the Chancellor.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDelgado acknowledges that Thompson had advanced an argument supporting “complete obedience from an officer, even of an high rank post,” adding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“…this may be the case of Admiral Doenitz.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHe declines to offer a final judgment without further study, explaining that the opening of his presidential campaign was consuming all his attention.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe recipient, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarold Keith Thompson\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, styled himself a journalist and public-relations counsel but was also a prominent participant in postwar American far-right circles. Thompson maintained relationships with former Nazi military figures and campaigned for the release of Dönitz. This background explains his solicitation of Delgado’s opinion concerning military obedience and the imprisoned German admiral.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe letter is remarkable on several levels: it announces the beginning of Delgado’s campaign; openly brands Portugal a one-party police dictatorship; acknowledges the possibility of severe personal consequences; discusses the military duty to resist a dictator; names Hitler and Dönitz; and was written to one of America’s most controversial postwar political activists.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Typed on Delgado’s personal Lisbon letterhead bearing his name and military aviation wings. General handling creases and wrinkling, light toning, several short marginal tears, minor edge wear, and small corner bends. No significant textual loss. Delgado’s sweeping purple-ink signature is bold, complete, and prominently placed beneath the closing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA museum-worthy document from one of the defining days in modern Portuguese history, written by the man whose courageous challenge shook the Salazar dictatorship and ultimately cost him his life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52766067687706,"sku":null,"price":1125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2708.jpg?v=1788099601"},{"product_id":"1843-essex-county-new-jersey-guardianship-document-oliver-s-halsted-seal","title":"1843 Essex County New Jersey Guardianship Document – Oliver S. Halsted – Seal","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOriginal \u003cstrong\u003e1843 Essex County, New Jersey, Orphans’ Court guardianship certificate\u003c\/strong\u003e, signed by prominent Newark attorney and public official \u003cstrong\u003eOliver S. Halsted\u003c\/strong\u003e in his capacity as Surrogate of Essex County.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDated \u003cstrong\u003eJuly 2, 1843\u003c\/strong\u003e, the document records the court’s appointment of \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Fern [possibly Fenn]\u003c\/strong\u003e as guardian of the persons and real and personal property of \u003cstrong\u003eFrederick and Mariam Beecroft\u003c\/strong\u003e, both minors under fourteen years of age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe certificate retains its original applied, embossed official seal, displaying an American eagle surrounded by the inscription \u003cstrong\u003e“Surrogate Seal of Essex County, N.J.”\u003c\/strong\u003e Traces of red coloring remain within the lettering and design. The unusually large seal gives the document considerable visual and historical appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOliver Spencer Halsted (1792–1877) was a respected Newark lawyer and public official who served in the New Jersey Assembly, the State Council, and as Surrogate of Essex County.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Considerable age toning, foxing, soiling and edge wear. The document has separated substantially along its original horizontal and vertical folds, with small losses where the folds intersect. The principal text, Halsted’s signature, and the official seal remain present and legible. Please examine the photographs carefully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn appealing piece of early New Jersey legal and genealogical history with a particularly attractive surviving county seal.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52795753988378,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2862.jpg?v=1788555510"},{"product_id":"1870-philadelphia-customs-house-import-document-velvet-carpet-from-liverpool-with-revenue-stamps","title":"1870 Philadelphia Customs House Import Document—Velvet Carpet from Liverpool with Revenue Stamps","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn impressive original United States Customs House document recording the importation and release of English velvet carpeting at the Port of Philadelphia in 1870. Headed “Re-Warehouse Withdrawal Entry for Consumption,” this large-format federal customs form was completed on April 2, 1870, for James H. Orme, Son \u0026amp; Co., a prominent Philadelphia carpet concern.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe document traces a bale of velvet carpet comprising 137 square yards. The merchandise had originally arrived at New York from Liverpool aboard the steamship \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eS.S. Colorado\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e on April 5, 1869, before being transported under bond and placed in a Philadelphia customs warehouse. This entry authorized its release into American commerce after payment of the applicable duties.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe carpet was valued at approximately $233 and assessed under two separate tariff provisions: 40 cents per square yard, producing a charge of $54.80, and an additional 35 percent ad valorem duty of $81.55. The total customs duty paid was $136.35—more than half the declared value of the merchandise.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTwo canceled 25-cent United States Internal Revenue stamps remain affixed at the upper-left corner beside an attractive engraved harbor vignette. The form contains numerous original manuscript entries, calculations, approvals and signatures, providing a detailed record of the complicated customs system governing imported luxury merchandise during the Reconstruction era.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e April 2, 1870\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlace:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e United States Custom House, Port of Philadelphia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDocument:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Re-Warehouse Withdrawal Entry for Consumption, Form No. 29\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImporter:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e James H. Orme, Son \u0026amp; Co.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMerchandise:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e One bale of velvet carpet, 137 square yards\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Liverpool, England\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVessel:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Steamship \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColorado\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRevenue stamps:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Two canceled 25-cent United States Internal Revenue stamps\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTotal duty paid:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e $136.35\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Complete and in good historic condition, with original folds, wrinkling, toning, scattered soiling, edge wear, small marginal tears and heavier creasing near the upper-right corner. Both revenue stamps remain attached, and the manuscript entries are generally bold and legible. Please examine the photograph carefully for condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA visually compelling piece of maritime, commercial and Philadelphia history illustrating the journey of luxury goods from Victorian Liverpool into the American marketplace.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52805151162650,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2904.jpg?v=1788643493"},{"product_id":"david-erskine-first-u-s-consul-at-stockholm-detailed-swedish-american-trade-letter-1823","title":"David Erskine, First U.S. Consul at Stockholm – Detailed Swedish-American Trade Letter, 1823","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAn extensive and historically informative commercial letter signed by \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Erskine\u003c\/strong\u003e, Stockholm merchant and the \u003cstrong\u003efirst United States consul appointed to Stockholm\u003c\/strong\u003e, reporting on trade between Sweden and the young United States.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStockholm, December 11, 1823. Three manuscript pages on a large folded sheet with integral address leaf, addressed to \u003cstrong\u003eWalter Smith, Esq., Georgetown\u003c\/strong\u003e. Signed at the conclusion, \u003cstrong\u003e“D. Erskine.”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWriting on behalf of D. Erskine \u0026amp; Co., Erskine provides Smith with a remarkably detailed assessment of the Swedish market. He reports a “considerable proportion of orders for American acct.,” estimates Stockholm’s inventory of iron at approximately 22,000 tons, and records current prices for Swedish iron, steel, copper, and alum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf particular American interest, Erskine discusses the prospects for goods arriving from the United States. He advises that \u003cstrong\u003eMaryland and Virginia tobacco\u003c\/strong\u003e, Carolina rice, Alabama cotton, logwood, and whale oil could find profitable sales in Stockholm if shipped early in the coming season. He cautions, however, that tobacco must be of the “very best quality,” because inferior grades were already plentiful and difficult to sell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eErskine also discusses freight and insurance, goods sent on consignment, commission rates, and remittances through London—providing a revealing firsthand picture of commercial intelligence and Atlantic trade during the early republic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Erskine was a Scottish-born merchant established in Stockholm. On May 22, 1818, the United States named him its \u003cstrong\u003efirst consul at Stockholm\u003c\/strong\u003e, a position he retained until 1836. The letter was evidently written in his commercial capacity rather than as an official consular communication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe integral address leaf bears manuscript docketing, the sender’s name and firm, red postal markings, and a prominent red \u003cstrong\u003e“SHIP” handstamp\u003c\/strong\u003e, documenting its carriage across the Atlantic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good for a large commercial letter more than 200 years old. Original mailing folds, scattered handling wear, light toning and minor stains. A substantial seal-related opening or paper loss appears on the interior blank portion of the folded sheet, with remnants of the original sealing area and an old paper reinforcement nearby. The manuscript remains bold, legible, and essentially unaffected. The signature is clear and well preserved.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52824495358234,"sku":null,"price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2998.jpg?v=1788811832"},{"product_id":"1770-virginia-tobacco-trade-account-seventeen-hogsheads-sold-at-auction-in-demerara","title":"1770 Virginia Tobacco Trade Account – Seventeen Hogsheads Sold at Auction in Demerara","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn exceptional original colonial-era mercantile manuscript documenting seventeen hogsheads of Virginia tobacco sold at public auction in Demerara, dated December 28, 1770.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe document is prominently headed:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Demerara Dec. 28th 1770—Account of 17 Hhds. Virginia Tobacco Sold at Vendue.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 18th-century commercial terminology, “hhd.” represented a hogshead—the large wooden cask customarily used for packing and exporting tobacco—while “vendue” meant a public auction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe sheet records the tobacco by numbered hogshead, with weights, deductions, net calculations and the names of purchasers or commercial recipients. Names appearing in the account include Albernas or Albernus, Chambers, Sandheuvel, Overbrook, Culpeper, Daley and Macrae. The calculations appear to represent more than 11,000 pounds of Virginia tobacco.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe reverse contains additional accounts headed “Account of 6 Hhds. Virginia Tobacco,” together with further calculations and a separate accounting of tobacco sold at vendue to various purchasers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDemerara, now part of the nation of Guyana, was a Dutch colony on the northern coast of South America in 1770. Its plantations and Atlantic ports participated in a far-reaching commercial system linking Europe, North America, the Caribbean and South America. This manuscript demonstrates that Virginia tobacco was being exported and auctioned within that international market several years before the American Revolution.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTobacco was colonial Virginia’s dominant export commodity and played an enormous role in Atlantic commerce. Its cultivation also depended heavily upon the labor of enslaved Africans and African Americans. This document is therefore a significant primary source for the study of colonial Virginia, plantation agriculture, maritime commerce and the broader Atlantic economy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e December 28, 1770\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlace:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Demerara, now Guyana\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommodity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Virginia tobacco\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuantity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Seventeen hogsheads in the principal account, with an additional six-hogshead account on the reverse\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTransaction:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Sold at public auction or “vendue”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Good for a working commercial manuscript more than 250 years old. Original folds, general toning, scattered stains, ink offsets, handling wear and minor edge losses. Writing remains largely dark and legible on both sides. The numerous contemporary calculations and corrections are evidence of its active use as a mercantile account.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA remarkably detailed artifact of the colonial Virginia tobacco trade and the 18th-century Atlantic economy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52866291204378,"sku":null,"price":1095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_3071.jpg?v=1789334757"},{"product_id":"1807-early-philadelphia-customs-archive-ship-rebecca-from-liverpool-james-hunter-imported-slates","title":"1807 Early Philadelphia Customs Archive – Ship Rebecca from Liverpool – James Hunter – Imported Slates","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA matched pair of early United States customs documents recording merchandise imported from Liverpool into the Port of Philadelphia aboard the ship Rebecca.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe first is an official “Entry of Merchandise” completed for importer James Hunter. It identifies the vessel as the ship Rebecca and records a cargo consisting of one cask and one box, apparently containing slates. An official bill or entry number and customs notation also appear on the form.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe companion document is federal Customs Form No. 13, headed:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Form of the Oath or Affirmation to be Taken by the Owner or Consignee of Merchandise Imported from a Foreign Port.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn this sworn declaration, James Hunter affirms that the accompanying entry provides a true account of all goods imported or intended to be landed in the District of Philadelphia. It identifies the merchandise as arriving aboard the ship Rebecca from Liverpool, with John Barry serving as master. Hunter also swears that nothing was concealed to avoid payment of duties imposed by the laws of the United States.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese documents illustrate the mechanics of America’s early federal customs system. Import duties collected at ports such as Philadelphia provided a major portion of the federal government’s operating revenue during the republic’s formative years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe John Barry identified as the Rebecca’s master should not be confused with Commodore John Barry of the United States Navy, who died in 1803.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Early 19th century, apparently January 11, possibly 1807\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePort:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Philadelphia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImporter or consignee:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e James Hunter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVessel:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Ship Rebecca\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaster:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e John Barry\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePort of origin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Liverpool\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCargo:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e One cask and one box, apparently containing slates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Both documents have original folds, toning, scattered stains, small holes, edge tears and losses. The principal printed and handwritten information remains legible. Offered together as a related customs archive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52866317582618,"sku":null,"price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_3069.jpg?v=1789335330"},{"product_id":"1793-two-early-american-maritime-bills-of-lading-norfolk-to-south-carolina","title":"1793 Two Early American Maritime Bills of Lading – Norfolk to South Carolina,","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn evocative pair of original 18th-century American bills of lading documenting the movement of merchandise from Norfolk, Virginia, to South Carolina in December 1793—only ten years after the conclusion of the American Revolution.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBoth partly printed documents record merchandise shipped by James Cresinger and consigned to Mr. Hugh Swinton, apparently the Charleston merchant of that name. Together, they provide an uncommon surviving record of the coastal commercial network connecting Virginia and South Carolina during the early Federal period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe first bill concerns the ship Peggy, commanded by Gabriel Bryan. It records the shipment of “2 small boxes merchandise” from Norfolk to South Carolina and is signed at the bottom by Bryan.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe second concerns the ship Friend, commanded by John Mercer. Its cargo is described as “Two Bales \u0026amp; 1 Box Merchandise,” likewise destined for Mr. Hugh Swinton in South Carolina. It is signed “John Mercer” as master of the vessel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBills of lading were both receipts and legally binding shipping contracts. The ship’s master acknowledged that the listed merchandise had been received in good order and promised its delivery, excepting the traditional “Danger of the Seas.” The documents’ printed declaration—“Shipped by the Grace of God, in good Order and well Condition’d”—reflects the language traditionally used in early maritime commerce.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBoth examples are printed on period laid paper and feature a particularly attractive ornamental initial “S” incorporating a sailing vessel. Handwritten cargo descriptions, routing information, freight terms and original signatures complete the forms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe identity of Captain John Mercer has not been connected conclusively with the prominent Mercer political family; he is therefore represented here only as the documented master of the Friend.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition: The bill for the Friend is substantially complete, with original folds, edge wear, short tears and losses along the right edge. The bill for the Peggy has considerable paper loss through the center and at the right edge, affecting portions of the printed language and date. Nevertheless, the ship’s name, route, cargo, consignee and Gabriel Bryan signature remain visible. Both documents exhibit expected toning and handling wear. Please examine the photographs carefully.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn appealing matched pair for a collection devoted to early American commerce, Norfolk or Virginia history, South Carolina history, maritime documents or 18th-century printing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52901214454042,"sku":null,"price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_3128.jpg?v=1789647603"},{"product_id":"1804-charles-ludlow-letter-to-holland-land-company-financiers-willem-and-jan-willink-pennsylvania-land-transactions","title":"1804 Charles Ludlow Letter to Holland Land Company Financiers Willem and Jan Willink—Pennsylvania Land Transactions","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAn important early American financial manuscript connecting New York merchant \u003cstrong\u003eCharles Ludlow\u003c\/strong\u003e with Amsterdam financiers \u003cstrong\u003eWillem and Jan Willink\u003c\/strong\u003e, principals in the Dutch investment network behind the Holland Land Company.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eDated New York, May 17, 1804, the letter transmits a bill of exchange for \u003cstrong\u003e2,500 Dutch guilders\u003c\/strong\u003e, drawn upon the prominent Amsterdam banking house of \u003cstrong\u003eDaniel Crommelin \u0026amp; Sons\u003c\/strong\u003e. The remittance was made at the request of John Barnes and concerned an account for “Pennsylvania transactions” and purchases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe docket on the reverse identifies the recipients:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e“Copy of a Letter to Messrs Wm. \u0026amp; John Willink, May 17th 1804.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eWillem Willink was one of the principal Dutch investors in the Holland Land Company, whose enormous American holdings encompassed extensive territories in western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania. He frequently conducted business with his brother Jan Willink. Their investments contributed substantially to the surveying, settlement and development of the early American frontier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eCharles Ludlow was a prominent New York merchant operating near Wall Street. His family had close commercial and personal connections with the Willinks: Ludlow’s daughter Cornelia Ann later married John Abraham Willink.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eWritten principally in French with English commercial terminology, the document reflects the international character of early American finance. Bills drawn in New York, Pennsylvania land accounts and Amsterdam banking houses all formed part of a transatlantic investment system that helped finance American expansion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eA desirable original artifact relating to the Dutch financing of American land development during the Jeffersonian era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e May 17, 1804\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlace:\u003c\/strong\u003e New York City\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWriter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Charles Ludlow\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecipients:\u003c\/strong\u003e Willem and Jan Willink, Amsterdam\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSubject:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bill for 2,500 guilders; John Barnes; Pennsylvania transactions and purchases\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Contemporary retained manuscript copy, signed “Chas. Ludlow”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original mailing or filing folds, light toning and minor staining, with small edge tears and short separations along the upper margin. The writing remains clear and legible. Overall very good condition for a commercial manuscript more than 220 years old.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52901976211738,"sku":null,"price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_3146_b30046b2-2d27-43e8-8174-cf35acdc05b2.jpg?v=1789665475"},{"product_id":"benjamin-franklin-s-union-fire-company-early-philadelphia-manuscript-membership-list-circa-1737","title":"Benjamin Franklin’s Union Fire Company — Early Philadelphia Manuscript Membership List, circa 1737","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAn exceptional early manuscript connected with \u003cstrong\u003eBenjamin Franklin and the establishment of organized firefighting in colonial Philadelphia\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eHeaded \u003cem\u003e“A List of the Names of the Union Fire Company, viz.,”\u003c\/em\u003e the document records the 27 men associated with the celebrated Union Fire Company, founded in Philadelphia on December 7, 1736, with the assistance of Benjamin Franklin. Frequently called “Franklin’s Bucket Brigade,” the organization is recognized as Philadelphia’s first volunteer fire company and an important milestone in the development of civic fire protection in America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe manuscript lists \u003cstrong\u003e“Benj: Franklin”\u003c\/strong\u003e together with many of colonial Philadelphia’s leading merchants, craftsmen, public officials, and civic figures. Among them are silversmith Philip Syng Jr.; future mayor Samuel Powel; merchant and mayor Edward Shippen; Charles Willing; William Plumsted; Joseph Paschall; Samuel Coates; John Dillwyn; and Thomas Lawrence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe names correspond closely and in essentially the same order to the known signers of the Union Fire Company’s articles, completed on May 30, 1737. Small manuscript marks placed beside individual names appear to represent an internal membership or administrative notation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eWritten in a single early hand on laid paper, the document exhibits horizontal folds, light toning, minor edge irregularities and expected age wear. The writing remains dark and readily legible. Benjamin Franklin’s name is recorded within the body of the manuscript; it is \u003cstrong\u003enot represented as Franklin’s autograph\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eA historically significant survival from the formative years of colonial Philadelphia, directly connecting Benjamin Franklin with one of his most enduring civic innovations.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52909885784346,"sku":null,"price":11500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/union_list2.webp?v=1789758588"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/collections\/IMG_2904_00e27c6c-638e-4335-a502-3da9e99be8a4.jpg?v=1788644130","url":"https:\/\/www.thearchiveauthority.com\/en-ca\/collections\/commerce-trade.oembed","provider":"Signature Documents LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}