1807 Early Philadelphia Customs Archive – Ship Rebecca from Liverpool – James Hunter – Imported Slates
A matched pair of early United States customs documents recording merchandise imported from Liverpool into the Port of Philadelphia aboard the ship Rebecca.
The 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.
The companion document is federal Customs Form No. 13, headed:
“Form of the Oath or Affirmation to be Taken by the Owner or Consignee of Merchandise Imported from a Foreign Port.”
In 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.
These 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.
The 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.
Date: Early 19th century, apparently January 11, possibly 1807
Port: Philadelphia
Importer or consignee: James Hunter
Vessel: Ship Rebecca
Master: John Barry
Port of origin: Liverpool
Cargo: One cask and one box, apparently containing slates
Condition: 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.
A matched pair of early United States customs documents recording merchandise imported from Liverpool into the Port of Philadelphia aboard the ship Rebecca.
The 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.
The companion document is federal Customs Form No. 13, headed:
“Form of the Oath or Affirmation to be Taken by the Owner or Consignee of Merchandise Imported from a Foreign Port.”
In 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.
These 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.
The 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.
Date: Early 19th century, apparently January 11, possibly 1807
Port: Philadelphia
Importer or consignee: James Hunter
Vessel: Ship Rebecca
Master: John Barry
Port of origin: Liverpool
Cargo: One cask and one box, apparently containing slates
Condition: 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.
