LIBRARY
^NSSACH^^^^
""^^^1^^^^
COLLECTIONS
OF THE
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Seventh Series — Vol. X
Conttntttee of |)ttbItcattoti
HENRY CABOT LODGE
EDWIN FRANCIS GAY
GEORGE PEABODY WETMORE
WORTHINGTON CHAUNCEY FORD
COMMERCE
OF
RHODE ISLAND
1726— 1800
Vol. II
1775 — 1800
BOSTON
PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY
MDCCCCXV
THB'PLIMPTON'PRBSS
NORWOOD* MASS- D-S-A
hl8 /^^7^'
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JlJ.1. l^^^'
PREFATORY NOTE
THE mercantile correspondence belonging to Hon.
George Peabody Wetmore, selected documents
from which have formed volumes LXIX and LXX
of the printed Collections of this Society, comprised more
than three thousand pieces. Other known portions of the
same records, located in the Newport Historical Society and
in private collections of manuscripts, would bring the total
to about four thousand five hundred pieces. It is believed
that what has been printed is sufficient to indicate the char-
acter of the papers and their value for the study of colonial
commerce in one of the most important of the trading ports
of New England.
Not only did Mr. Wetmore obtain the collection, and thus
save it from destruction, but he has very generously pro-
vided the means of publication; and has still further shown
his interest in the papers and desire for their preservation,
by presenting his collection to the Society. Within a short
time these papers, to be known as the "Wetmore Collection,"
will be bound and open to study by those who wish to carry
their investigations of colonial commerce, and incidentally
of colonial manufactures, beyond the limits necessarily set by
the printed volumes. The historical richness of the mate-
rial will thus be developed, and lead to a better understanding
of the extent, direction and methods of the trade of the
British colonies of North America, at a time when the colo-
nial, or so-called "mercantile system, "was being developed
and applied. That some misunderstandings of that system,
whether in its intention or in its results, still exist, is beyond
question; and only the study of specific examples, such as
abound in this Wetmore collection, will clear them.
In aid of this study two collections of merchants' letters
named in the Prefactory Note of the previous volume of
Collections will be useful, offering a wider field and at the
same time special topics, like the tobacco trade of Virginia
VI PREFATORYNOTE
and Maryland. Further similar material on the commerce
of New England exists in the following merchants' letter
books in the Newport Historical Society:
Thomas Bannister, 1695-1712.
Thomas Richardson, 1710-1715.
Samuel and William Vernon, 1732-1751, 2 vols.
John Bannister, 1739-1750, 3 vols.
William Ellery, 1743-1759.
Aaron Lopez, 1767, 2 vols.
Samuel Ayrault, 1767-1778.
Peleg Clarke, 1771-1782, 2 vols.
Christopher Champlin, 1774-1804, 7 vols.
GiBBS and Channing, 1797-1811, 4 vols.
Worthington Chauncey Ford,
Editor.
Boston, October i, 1915
OFFICERS
OF THE
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
April io, 1915
JJrefiiUcnt
HENRY CABOT LODGE Nahant
JAMES FORD RHODES Boston
Eec0rlitTifl; S>ea:etar?
EDWARD STAXWOOD Brookune
C-orresponHinff ^ecretarp
Wn^LIAM ROSCOE TEL\YER Cambridge
Creasturtr
ARTHUR LORD Plymouth
librarian
S.\MUEL .\BBOTT GREEN Groton
Cafainet-i^eeper
GREN^TLLE HOWLAND NORCROSS Boston
euitor
WORTHINGTON CK^L^NCEY FORD Cambridge
iHtmbers at Larp of tl)e Couiuil
G.AMALIEL BR.ADFORD, Jr Wellesley
CH,\RLES PELHAM GREENOUGH Broozline
JOHN COLLINS WARREN Boston
CHARLES GRENEH^L WASHBURN Worcester
SAMUEL WALKER McCALL Winchester
RESIDENT MEMBERS
i860.
Hon. Samuel Abbott Green, LL.D.
1867.
Charles Card Smith, A.M.
1873-
Hon. Winslow Warren, LL.B.
Charles WiUiam Eliot, LL.D.
1876.
Hon. Henry Cabot Lodge, LL.D.
1877.
John Torrey Morse, Jr., A.B.
1881.
Rev. Henry Fitch Jenks,^A.M.
1882.
Arthur Lord, A.B.
1884.
Edward Channing, Ph.D.
Edwin PUny Seaver, A.M.
Albert Bushnell Hart, LL.D.
1890.
Abbott Lawrence Lowell, LL.D.
Hon. Oliver Wendell Holmes, LL.D.
Henry Pickering Walcott, LL.D.
1893.
Hon. Charles Russell Codman, LL.B.
Barrett Wendell, Litt.D.
James Ford Rhodes, LL.D.
1894.
Rt. Rev. WUham Lawrence, D.D.
Wmiam Roscoe Thayer, Litt.D.
1895.
Hon.Thomas Jefferson Coolidge, LL.D.
Hon. WiUiam Wallace Crapo, LL.D.
1896.
Granville Stanley Hall, LL.D.
1897.
Rev. Leverett Wilson Spring, D.D.
Col. William Roscoe Livermore.
Hon. Richard Olney, LL.D.
Rev. George Angier Gordon, D.D.
Rev. James DeNormandie, D.D.
Andrew McFarland Davis, A.M.
1899.
Archibald Gary CooKdge, Ph.D.
Charles Pickering Bowditch, A.M.
RESIDENT MEMBERS
IX
1900.
Melville Madison Bigelow, LL.D.
1901.
Thomas Leonard Livermore, A.M.
Nathaniel Paine, A.M.
John Osborne Sumner, A.B.
Arthur Theodore Lyman, A.M.
1902.
Henry Lee Higginson, LL.D.
Brooks Adams, A.B.
Grenville Howland Norcross, LL.B.
Edward Hooker Gilbert, A.B.
1903.
Franklin Benjamin Sanborn, A.B.
Charles Knowles Bolton, A.B.
Samuel Savage Shaw, LL.B.
Ephraim Emerton, Ph.D.
Waldo Lincoln, A.B.
Frederic Jesup Stimson, LL.B.
Edward Stanwood, Litt.D,
Moorfield Storey, A.M.
1904.
Roger Bigelow Merriman, Ph.D.
Charles Homer Haskins, Litt.D.
1905.
Theodore Clarke Smith, Ph.D.
Henry Greenleaf Pearson, A.B.
Bhss Perry, LL.D.
1906.
Edwin Doak Mead, A.M.
Edward Henry Clement, Litt.D.
Lindsay Swift, A.B.
Hon. George Sheldon.
Mark Antony DeWolfe Howe, A.M.
Arnold Augustus Rand, Esq.
1907.
Jonathan Smith, A.B.
Albert Matthews, A.B.
Wilham VaU Kellen, LL.D.
1908.
Frederic Winthrop, A.B.
Hon. Robert Samuel Rantoul, LL.B.
George Lyman Kittredge, LL.D.
Charles Pelham Greenough, LL.B.
Henry Ernest Woods, A.M.
1909.
Worthington Chauncey Ford, A.M.
WilUam CooUdge Lane, A.B.
1910.
Hon. Samuel Walker McCall, LL.D.
John Collins Warren, M.D., LL.D.
Harold Murdock, Esq.
Henry Morton Lovering, A.M.
Edward Waldo Emerson, M.D.
Frederick Jackson Turner, Litt.D.
Gardner Weld Allen, M.D.
1911.
Henry Herbert Edes, A.M.
George Hubbard Blakeslee, Ph.D.
Rev. George Hodges, LL.D.
Richard Henry Dana, LL.B.
George Foot Moore, LL.D.
Gamahel Bradford, A.B.
Justin Harvey Smith, LL.D.
1912.
John Spencer Bassett, Ph.D.
Malcolm Storer, M.D.
Edwin Francis Gay, Ph.D.
1913-
Charles Grenfill Washburn, A.B.
1914.
Frederick Lewis Gay, A.B.
Rev. Thomas Franklin Waters, A.M.
Zachary Taylor Hollings worth, Esq.
Chester Noyes Greenough, Ph.D.
Joseph Grafton IVIinot, Esq.
Samuel Eliot Morison, Ph.D.
Ellery Sedgwick, A.B.
1915-
William Crowninshield Endicott, A.B.
Rev. Paul Revere Frothingham, D.D.
Lincoln Newton Kinnicutt, Esq.
Robert Grant, Esq.
HONORARY MEMBERS
1896.
Rt. Hon. James Bryce, D.C.L.
1899.
Rt. Hon. Sir George Otto Trevelyan,
Bart., D.C.L.
1901.
Pasquale Villari, D.C.L.
1904.
Adolf Harnack, D.D.
Rt. Hon. Viscount Morley, D.C.L.
1905.
Ernest Lavisse.
1908.
Henry Adams, LL.D.
1910.
Eduard Meyer, Litt.D.
1911.
Hon. Andrew Dickson White, D.C.L.
CORRESPONDING MEMBERS
1875.
Hubert Howe Bancroft, A.M.
Joseph Florimond Loubat, LL.D.
Charles Henry Hart, LL.B.
1879.
Franklin Bowditch Dexter, Litt.D.
1883.
Rev. Charles Richmond Weld, LL.D.
Hon. James Burrill Angell, LL.D.
1897.
Hon. Woodrow Wilson, LL.D.
Hon. Joseph Hodges Choate, D.C.L.
John Franklin Jameson, LL.D.
Rev. William Cunningham, LL.D.
1900.
Hon. Simeon Eben Baldwin, LL.D.
John Bassett Moore, LL.D.
1 901.
Frederic Harrison, Litt.D.
Frederic Bancroft, LL.D.
Charles Harding Firth, LL.D.
William James Ashley, M.A.
1902.
John Bach McMaster, LL.D.
Albert Venn Dicey, LL.D.
John Christopher Schwab, Ph.D.
1903.
Rev. Arthur Blake Ellis, LL.B.
Auguste Moireau.
Hon. Horace Davis, LL.D.
CORRESPONDING MEMBERS
XI
1904.
Sir Sidney Lee, LL.D.
1905.
William Archibald Dunning, LL.D.
James Schouler, LL.D.
Gabriel Hanotaux.
Hubert HaU.
1906.
Andrew Cunningham McLaughlin,
LL.B.
Hon. Beekman Winthrop, LL.B.
1907.
Hon. James Phinney Baxter, Litt.D.
Wilberforce Eames, A.M.
George Walter Prothero, LL.D.
Hon. Jean Jules Jusserand, LL.D.
James Kendall Hosmer, LL.D.
1908.
John Bagnell Bury, LL.D.
Rafael Altamira y Crevea.
Hon. James Wilberforce Longley,
D.C.L.
Henry Morse Stephens, Litt.D.
Charles Borgeaud, LL.D.
1909.
Lyon Gardiner Tyler, LL.D.
Clarence Bloomfield Moore, A.B.
1910.
Edward Doubleday ifarris, Esq.
1911.
Charles William Chadwick Oman,
M.A.
Samuel Verplanck Hofifman, Esq.
William Milligan Sloane, LL.D.
1912.
Rear-Admiral French Ensor Chad-
wick.
William MacDonald, LL.D.
1913-
John Holland Rose, Litt.D.
1914.
Hon. George Peabody Wetmore.
Commerce of Rhode Island
[1726— 1800]
Charles Lyell to Christopher Champlin^
Martha's Vineyard, 11 January, 1775.
I have some baggage on board Captain Coffin's Schooner
from Nantucket, which I beg the favor of you to enquire
after and forward to me at Boston. I must Hkewise request
you to satisfy him for the freight of them and my own and
Servant's passage from Nantucket to this place and charge
it to Mr. Brymer's Account. I left London the 13 Novem-
ber in a Brig belonging to Providence bound to Salem.
The Master was not acquainted to the Eastward which
occasioned our tumbling about in the Bay a fortnight and
were at last obliged to put into Nantucket last Saturday
Evening where I left her. I have no particular News. I
breakfasted with Mr. Alex'r Grant the morning before I
came away, and left him and Mrs. G. with the little one in
good health. I have sent some Packets and letters for
Mr. Cheeseborough and Dr. Hunter which you will enquire
after, and deliver the enclosed if the Hind has not left you.
If she is gone and no opportunity of forwarding it to An-
tigua please to send it to me at Boston. Make my best
Compliments to Mrs. Champlin, Mr. and Mrs. Bell, and
Dr. Haliburton's family. You will likewise oblige me by
calling upon Captain Wallace with my Compliments and
let him know I left his friends well but they had no particu-
^ The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
COMMERCE OF
[ 1775
1/^ r 1. 4
^1 ^ b.
1775 ] RHODE ISLAND 3
lar commands. I would have wrote to him, but the Vessel
is just now upon sailing and Capt. Ayscough is obHging
enough to send his Boat with me from hence to Falmouth.
I shall write to you after I get to Boston and again beg
you will forward my things as quickly as possible, they
consist of three Trunks and two Boxes and a large painted
canvas bag with Beding. They are directed for myself but
if you think there is any hazard of their being stop'd at
Providence where I am told they are troublesome you will
please to address them to Mr. Powell or any other person
you please and give me notice. Excuse great hurry and
believe me sincerely Your most obedient Servant
[Endorsed,] by Capt. Coffin.
William Barron to Christopher Champlin
Lisbon, January the 31, 1774 [1775.]
Sify
This is to inform you of my safe Arivel in 36 days and
find the Markets verry low and know likewoods of being
aney better there as yet and know freights stirring at present
and I am at a verry great stand what to do with the Ship
but I have not had time yet to consult with my friends
about the Matter, if I can get a freight of Salt for Phila-
delphia or aney part of Virginia or maryland I think it
will be best to embrace it for their is nothing to be don
in the Strats nor to the Islands, flower is at three Mill
two per Kentle and it [is] thought by the Merchants that
it will not rise this sum time. I hav talked with Mr. Bulk-
ley about the accoumpt of the last Voyag and he tells me
that the Accoumpt is allmost closed and he sase that has
wrote you all the perticlers of the Voyag and answar to
4 COMMERCE OF [ 1775
your Letter, the Ship is verry tite and every thing well
on board. I find Sir that it is emposable to get clar of
paying the 21/2 per C, to the Merchants for paying me
the freight that is due on the Cargo for thay say that it is
an old Custom and thay will not brake through that Custom
and I find that I must give up that Point. I shall right
again in a few days then I hop I shall be better able to
inform you about maters, their is know News from Eng-
land yet but the Packets is expected every day and it is
thought by the Gentlemen hear that she will bring sum
good news on our side. I will do every thing that is in
my Power to keep the Ship employd for your intrest which
you may be well assured of my alwase studdying as my
own. I remain, Sir Your verry humble Sarv't,
William Barron
[Endorsed,] Per favor of Captain Green.
William Lewis to Christopher Champlin
Rose, 1st February, 1775.
Sir,
The Provisions I have already demanded should be
glad to be sent on board as soon as convenient. The
Bread is the last wanted and of that only 8000 lbs. as we
have a Quantity of Marine Slops stowed in the Bread Room
is the reason we cant take so much as I proposed: suppose
the best part may come this week if the weather permits.
Be pleas'd to send an Invoice with them, pray taste the
Butter for we have not a Bitt on board fitt to eat for our-
selves, my Health will not permitt me to stirr out of the
Ship yet, but I pray God it wont be long first, when you may
be assured of the first Visit from Your most Humble Servant,
Wm. Lewis
We shall compleat to three Months very soon in March,
to be fitt for Sea. Be so kind to send by my Boy 3 pds.
Tea. hope Mrs. Champlin and Family are well. Let us
1775] RHODE ISLAND 5
know when we may expect the provisions of by the Bearer,
no Beef is wanted now. I suppose the same allowance of
Callavances as of Pease allowed to the Men.
Patterson and Hood to Collector of Customs
Gentlemen,
On Wednesday the first Instant the Tide Surveyor of
this Port boarded within four Miles of this Town a Topsail
Schooner, name unknown, the Masters name (supposed to
be) Campbell who reported from Casco Bay. soon after
the Tide Surveyor had boarded the said Schooner the
Master ordered his people to weigh Anchor and sailed down
the River, declaring he would go to St. Eustatia and carry
the Tide Surveyor and people, consisting of four Boatmen,
with him. next day the Schooner was seen sixty miles down
the River with the Kings Boat at her Stern; since which
we have not heard of them, we have full information that
the above Schooner was loaded with Contraband Goods,
and have reason to conclude they consist of Tea and
War-like Stores from Holland. We therefore think it our
duty to give you the earliest intelligence of this Vessell,
lest she should attempt to land her Cargo in your Port.
The above Schooner is deep waisted, with two small Ports
on each side of the Waist, brown bottom and her Quar-
ters painted light blue. If such a Vessell should arrive
in your Port, we request you will be so kind as to let us
know it. We are. Gentlemen, Your most Obedient Humble
Servants,
John Patterson, D. ColVr.
Zach. Hood, Compt.
Custom House, Philadelphia 3 February 1775.
[Addressed] The Collector and Comptroller of His Majestys Customs, Newport.
[Endorsed,] The Coll'r and Comptroller of His Majesty's Customs at Newport
Rhode Island.
[and in another hand,] John Martine Leake Treasury Chambers, WhitehaU.
Per favour of Mr. Harrison.
6 commerce of [ i77s
Parr, Bulkeley and Co. to Christopher Champlin
Lisbon, 1st February, 1775.
Sir,
We are favor'd with your much esteem'd Hnes of 25th
November handed us by Captain Barron of your Brig
Peggy, who we find is loaded to another house owing to Flour
being above our limits, which is well, as we never like to
encourage our friends to risk their property without a
prospect of advantage, sorry whenever we draw a Com-
mission on a losing account. Have now the pleasure to
advise you of a remittance made the 24 December to your
friends Messrs. Hayley and Hopkins for Rs. loo^ooo being
something more than we were in Cash from your 1/3 con-
cern in the Peggy's Cargo : you may depend on our exertion
to close this affair as soon as possible by a remittance to
your friends and furnish you with the accounts.
We remark what you say respecting our drawing a Com-
mission on freight money, and reply that it is customary even
supposing we were to pay the money to the Captain, being
a gratuity for transacting the ship's business, and we hope
you will do us the justice to make enquiry into this Charge
and acquit us accordingly. Respecting the five Barrels
flour that Captain Barron was deficient, we assure you they
never appear'd in our store, having renderd sales of that
Voyage to the concern 'd, and we are certain they never
were landed in Lisbon, we have frequent short deliveries
from on board, and the mistake often proves to be on your
side the water. Cargoes hurried on board without either
mate or Master keeping count, and bills of Lading sign'd
from a slight reckoning of the storekeepers. We are far from
harbouring the least thought of any embezzlement on
board, but as the bill of Lading expres'd a certain quantity,
we were under the necessity of charging the deficiency to
the Ship.
We shall be happy in rendering Captain Barron every
service in our power, and wish for our friends sake the
Peggy had arrived to a better market, never was Lisbon
1775 ] RHODEISLAND 7
in so glutted a state, and wishing for opportunities to sup-
port a reciprocal correspondence remain with great regard,
Sir, Your obedient humble Servants,
Parr, Bulkeley and Co.
Nominal Prices
Flour 3^200 Corn 2CX) to 220.
Wheat 420 to 440 Exchange 66 per $.
George Hayley to Christopher Champlin
London, 10 February, 1775.
I HAVE before me your favours of the 12th and 24th
November, for which am greatly obliged. The bills you
have drawn on me in favour of H. & H. are accepted and
you may depend shall be punctually discharged. I have
agreable to your direction made £450 Insurance on Flax
Seed in the Brittania, Captain Fair, from Newport to her
port or ports of discharge in Ireland, the Account of which
you will find enclosed premio etc. being £11.10.6 is to your
debit. We have received a Letter from the Captain advis-
ing his arrival at Dubhn, which I desired Mr. Samuel Fowler
to inform you of in a Letter we wrote him by Captain
CoUins. I have also made £800 Insurance on 11/16 of the
Sloop Adventure to Africa and America, the Account of which
is likewise enclosed premio etc. being £86.12.3. I sincerely
wish she may make you a succesful Voyage. I have also
made £450 Insurance agreable to your desire for account of
Mr. Geo. Champlin as above on the Sloop Adventure^ for
premio of which have debited your Account £35.11.9 as
per Account herewith.
I am sorry to say American affairs bear every day more
and more a gloomy prospect. Our Administration are de-
termined to enforce the oppressive Acts of parliament at
every hazard. Under this circumstance the order you
send for Goods must remain unexecuted. I hope we shall
gett into a happier situation some time or other but at
present it seems to be at some distance and the Issue must
8 COMMERCEOF [ 1775
I fear be inevitable ruin to the Commerce of both Countries.
I am very respectfully, Sir, Your most humble Servant,
Geo. Hayley
Dr. Mr. Christopher Champlin for the following Insurance on the Brittania, Fare,
at and from Rhode Island to her port or ports of discharge in Ireland
£450 on Flaxseed . . . at £2 per Ct £9. — . —
Policy — •5-6
Commission 2. 5. —
£11. 10. 6
On the Adventure, Champlin, at and from Rhode Island to the Coast of Africa,
during her Stay and trade there and from thence to her Ports of Discharge in
British America
£300 on 11/16 Vessell and outfit valued
800 Cargo
£1110 Insured at 7 Guineas per Ct £80. 17. —
part Policy — . 5. 3
Commission 5. 10. —
£86. 12. 3
■^ Tr 11 I J I on Do. for acct. of Geo. Champlin
130 on part Vessell valued J
£450 Insured at 7 Guineas £33. I. 6
part Policy — . 5. 3
Commission 2. 5. —
£35. II. 9
Endorsed, Per Capt. Lyde, via Salem.
Hayley and Hopkins to Aaron Lopez
^. [London,] 20th February, 1775.
The foregoing is Copy of our last respects. We now
enclose your Account Current for the last year, ballance
thereof being £22673.-9 in our favour is carried to your
debit in new Account which if upon examination found free •
from Error please note in conformity of which shall be
obhged by your informing us in your next.
We have since our last received your esteemed favours
of the 8th and 23d September, loth October, i6th and
24th November, 2d and 21st December, to which we now
propose to answer in the order they lay before us. In that
1775] RHODE ISLAND 9
of the 8th September you wish to have £100 additional
Insurance made on the Diana^ but your Letters of the 8th,
and that of the 23d September in which you advise her
misfortune both came to our hands the same day by Captain
Jenkins, and of course the additional £100 could not be
done. Your care to send this IntelHgence is another proof
of that Integrity of which we have seen many Instances in
the course of our correspondence and does you great honour.
We have very lately received the papers relating to that loss
via Philadelphia, and have laid them bef[ore] your Under-
writers. £400 of this Insurance was done upon the Vessel
and they have agreed to pay that Sum as usual in a Month,
so that our next will cover the Account of the settlement
for that part; but the remaining £100 which is done on
Goods they defer settling till we can furnish them with an
Invoice of the Cargo which was on board her at the time she
was lost. By the bill of Lading which you have sent us the
value (exclusive of the Mules which they suppose were
landed at Jamaica) does not amount to near £100. We
must therefore beg the favour of you to send us an Invoice
with all expedition.
We have perused with all possible attention what you
write about your Brig Leviathan, with Capt. Lothrop's
Letter and your orders to him, which we have also laid be-
fore your Underwriters, but they will do nothing in it till
we can furnish them with some more authentic proofs than
merely the Captain's Letter. This is one of those unhappy
cases which generally end in litigation at Law. If that
must be the case our utmost attention shall be given to it
as soon as we are furnished with legal proofs which we hope
you will be able to do ere long. We should think it im-
possible (if Lothrop's state of the case is true) that they
can detain him or his Vessel much longer; If not, when he
returns you will easily procure and send us every necessary
proof and we will then exert every possible diligence to
procure you justice.
The bill you remitt us for £1000 drawn by Benj. Wright
on ourselves is accepted and when due shall be placed to
lO COMMERCEOF [ 1775
your credit. We have been hoping to receive further re-
mittances from Jamaica, but have not heard from Captain
Wright since our last. The remittances from that quarter
have fallen greatly short of our expectations.
The £800 Insurance you directed on the Ship Jacob to
Newfoundland and back was effected immediately on
receipt of your Letter and herewith you have the Account
thereof, premio, etc., being £24.5.6 is to your debit in the
Account Current now enclosed; as is also the Account of
£900 Insurance on the Flora from Newfoundland to the
West Indies and America or Europe, premio, etc. being
£40.15.6. This was done in consequence of the order in
yours of the loth October. We had no directions from
Mr. Sears about it. The premium is to your debit with
G. H. alone.
We notice the whole of your remarks on Capt. Storey's
Vessel and her future proceedings which shall be attended
to; He has drawn upon us for £400 which shall be duly
discharged and placed to your debit and the bill you remitt
us for the same Sum drawn by Mr. Rotch on ourselves shall
be to your credit, as is also £313.17.11 for nett proceeds of
the 40 Tierces of Sugar consigned us by Capt. Wright on
board the Nancy, the money for which was not received
till after the close of the last year and is therefore to your
credit in the present years Account. We are glad to see the
Goods sent you by Thomlinson turned out agreable to In-
voice, except the trifles mentioned in your Letter of the
i6th November, for which we debit you as at foot of this
and are obliged to you for pointing them out to us. We
have carefully attended to and are obliged by the informa-
tion you give us respecting your 3 Jamaica Ships. We
sincerely wish you all the advantage you promise your self
from that Engagement, but we think the present situation
of the American Trade is against them and we are sorry to
say there is a prospect of its becoming worse rather than
better. Our Ministry, and under them our parliament,
are determined upon violent measures which must surely
prove the utter ruin of both countries. We dread the
I77S] RHODEISLAND II
fatal consequences. We are glad to see the Jacob was safe
arrived with you from the Land. The 50 Setts of bills re-
mitted us by Mr. Sears are come to hand. One of them
being for £42,13.11 on James Sykes we now return you
with protest, for charges on which we have debited you
5/9. The rest are all gone to their proper places of address
and we hope will prove good, if not, due care shall be taken
to inform you thereof. We are sorry to say the remittances
from that quarter fall greatly indeed short of our expecta-
tion. For what remains of your commands we beg leave
to refer you to the seperate Letter of our G. H. which goes
by this Vessell. We are very respectfully. Sir, Your most
humble Servants,
Hayley and Hopkins
Dr. Mr. Aaron Lopez for the following Insurances
On the Jacob, Peters, at and from Newport to Newfoundland and back
£400 Vessell valued
400 Goods
£800 Insured at £2.10 per Ct £20. — . —
Policy 5. 6
Commission 4. — . —
£24. 5. 6
On the Flora, Forrester, at and from Newfoundland to Barbados and any other of
the West India Islands (Jamaica excepted) and at and from thence to America or
Europe, to return £1.18 per Ct. if she is sold in the West Indies.
£750 Vessell
150 Freight
£900 Insured at £4 per Ct £36. — . —
Policy 5. 6
Commission 4.10. —
£40.15. 6
George Hayley to Aaron Lopez
London, 20th February, 1775.
Sir,
I HAVE already wrote you in the Name of my late Part-
nership. I come now to acknowledge receipt of your
seperate Addresses to me of the 14th and 24th Nov©m^%|
^
4*»«*"
12 COMMERCE OF [ 1775
20th and 21st December, for which am obHged. The 4
Bills drawn on me in favor of H. & H. are therein inclosed,
the first of them which becomes due the 31 March next,
shall certainly be discharged, and I hope the same of the
others as they become due, but the unhappy alteration in
the American Commerce and the stagnation of remittances
which it seems probable must take place, in consequence
thereof, makes me unwilling to lay myself under positive
Engagements. I hope however I shall accomplish the
payment of the whole. It is my wish to do so. I shou'd
greatly prefer that mode of settling the Account of H. &
H. to any other, but in the mean time as it can make no
material difference to you whether H. & H. or myself alone
are your Creditors, I dare say you'll excuse my keeping
this matter in suspence, under the Assurance of my inten-
tion of settling it in the manner herein refered to. The
two Bills you remit, for £157.17.4 on Thos. Lansdown,
£260.12.7 on the Commissioners of the Victualling, are
accepted, and when paid, shall be placed to your Credit.
The eight Bills amounting to £131.2.10 are agreable to your
directions delivered to Capt: Shand, who has paid me the
Ballance theron £1.2.10 which is to your Credit, and has
given up your Acceptance of £130 regularly discharged.
In my Companys Letter I informed you that I had debited
you £40.15.6 for £900 Insurance to the West Indies and No.
America and Europe on the Flora, Forrester. the reason
for doing it by me, and not the Company was that the
Order did not come to hand till after the close of the last
Year, For the same reason the Insurance ordered on your
Ships bound to Jamaica are done by me, and placed to
your debit accordingly, the particulars are as follows
£2200 on the Clarissa, Marsom, and her Cargo, premio,
etc., being £115.10.6, this Insurance I have charged the
whole to your Account for the present, as you do not men-
tion what share Mr. Rotch holds in her. I suppose he has
1/4 with which his account shall be charged when I am
favored with your Answer, together with 1/4 also of the
additional Insurance of £100 on her Cargo, for which last
1775] RHODE ISLAND I3
you are at present debited also £3. for the whole Cost.
£2500, being 1/2 of £5000 on the Nancy, Tomlinson, and
her Cargo, premio, etc., being £145.8.0; £1950, being 3/4
of £2600 on the JunOy Miller, and her Cargo, premio, etc.,
being £106.6.11. I am, etc.
George Hayley
(copy) Original per Lyde via Salem.
Robert and Nathan Hyde & Co.^
TO Christopher Champlin
Manchester, loth March, 1775.
Having none of your esteem'd favors to answer, the pres-
ent serves to advise, that in case you incline to favor us with
your future orders for our manufactures, we recommend
your doing it as soon as possible, that we may have them
ready to ship immediately on the trade opening, you will
find an advantage in doing this, as you will have better goods
and patterns, also have them earher at market than those
people, who put of forwarding their orders till the trade
opens, many houses with you found an advantage in this,
on the opening of the former Non-importations, they were
sensible that it was impossible for us, as manufacturers,
to ship goods properly sorted for your market, without hav-
ing time to prepare them. We have reason to believe that
the present unhappy differences between this Country and
yours will be settled in a few months. We are with much
Esteem, Sir, Your most obedient Servants,
RoBT. and Nathan Hyde & Co.
[Endorsed,] Per the Elisabeth via New York.
^ In January, 1775, the firm had been enlarged by taking in as a partner, John
Middleton.
14 commerceof [ 1775
Christopher and George Champlin
TO Robert Champlin
Newport, March 21, 1775.
Captain Robert Champlin,
Since writing our Orders of the 8th day of this month
(wherein we Hmited the lowest you was to sell for at Bar-
badoes at £35. Sterling and £36. at the Grenades) we have
received a Letter from the , Grenades, wherein we have
advice of 1600 Slaves sold there in the Months of December
and January and 2000 gone to Leeward, the greater part of
which to Jamaica. We therefore would have you sell to
Went and Son, if you cannot obtain any more for £34.
Sterling round, payable in manner as before directed, rather
than quit Barbadoes, unless you have a better price promised
you from Threlfal & Anderson; if not, then you must
proceed to Jamaica to the House of Murray and Wright at
Savannah la Mar, as ordered in our said Letter the 8th
March. We wish you Success and are Your Friends and
Owners,
Chris. Champlin
Geo. Champlin
[Endorsed,] To Captain Robert Champlin, Master of the Sloop Adventure ex-
pected from Africa, At Barbadoes.
William Lewis to Christopher Champlin
Dear Sir,
I AM greatly to apoHgize for my late Impoliteness at your
House, and hope Mrs. Champlin and yourself will excuse it.
I should be glad to know the Weight of the Bread return 'd
as the Steward cannot finish his weekly Accounts without
it. the Weight of the Sugar and Price is wanted as our Mess
settles every fortnight. Likewise the Weight of the Cheese,
Price, and what I am charged in Cheshire, for I have lost
that you gave me. I think the Captain's Steward talks
the Captain will pay for it himself. We propose victuahng
next week, when I shall come on shore and talk with you
I77S ] RHODE ISLAND I5
myself, only some of the Rum must be in Casks of
about 30 Gallons, 6 of them will do the rest as we pro-
pos'd. this Manoeuvre is a late Whim of the Captains. I
have nothing perticular to add but remain, Dear Sir, yours
Sincerely,
Wm. Lewis
Wednesday afternoon. [March 30, 1775.]
I find by the Steward the Captain expects to be charged
no more than the weight as Cheshire. Brymer suppUed
so at Boston, you know best what ships have done here
before, things are in the same dissagreeable Situation,
dont let this be seen.
Leonard Jarvis to Aaron Lopez "~^
Dartmouth, April 5th, 1775.
Your Favour of the 21st Ultimo lays before me. Mr.
Barney is now making provision for the Rigging for the new
Ship. He would rather if agreable to you have the number
of Coils of Cordage of each size that may be wanted, as all
Riggers do not agree in their Judgement, this memoran-
dum, if convenient to you I should be much obliged to you
for and you may depend on the exertion of Mr. Barney that
you may have the Cordage in season and on his care to
conform to the Order.
I call'd on Mr. Greenwood, who was in the Vessell lately
arrived from Falkland Islands, he it seems was Master
and not Capt. Martindale, as I suppos'd. From the con-
versation I had with him I think there is a prospect in the
Fishery at those Islands well worth attending to, notwith-
standing the small quantity of Oil this Vessell brought home,
but then it must be pursued quite differently from what it
has been, from knowing the Rocks our predecessors have
split upon I hope we may avoid them. Capt. Greenwood
promis'd me to call on you shortly and I gave him some
^
l6 COMMERCE OF [ 1775
encouragement to expect a Vessell, but since I left him I
have heard that he is not so temperate as he ought to be.
I should therefore think it would not be for our Interest
to employ him in the Command of a Vessell, tho' as he is
acquainted among the Islands, and is a man of ability, it
might, in so large an undertaking as the proposed one, be
well worth the while of the concernd to make him such
offers as may be for his Interest to accept.
I had a letter by the Post from Capt, Stutely Wyat re-
questing me to forward the Bill of Lading of th-e Fatt Butter
and Hoops, if I mistake not, it was left with you; if not,
it is somehow or other mislaid. I shall make a further
search for it, and if found shall forward it, I should be
much obliged if you can find the Amount of the Freight,
if you will be kind enough to pay it and debit the account of
Mr. Rotch for the same. I am quite ashamed to trespass
so frequently upon you, but I know you will be good
enough to excuse it.
The fifty pounds you was so kind as to lend me I will
discount with Mr. William Rotch, if agreable to you, for at
present we have not money enough to discharge it. I
am. Sir, with my most Respectful Compliments to your
Lady, Your much obliged and most obedient Servant,
Leo: Jarvis
Robert and Nathan Hyde & Co.
TO Christopher Champlin
Manchester, 27th April, 1775.
We rec'd your much esteemd favor of the 24th February
inclosing a bill value two hundred pounds Sterling when
paid shall come to your credit with thanks.
Your directions respecting your order for goods shall be
punctually complied with, we most sincerely wish that
the present unhappy disputes between this Country and
her Colonies may soon subside and confidence and unanimity
restored which will put Trade on the former footing, when
1775 ] RHODEISLAND IJ
we shall be oblig'd by your further orders for our Manu-
factures. We remain very respectfully, Sir, Your most
Obedient Servants,
RoBT. AND Nathan Hyde & Co.
George Hayley to Aaron Lopez
30 April, 1775.
The foregoing is Copy of my last respects, since which I
am favoured with yours of the 28th February and 3d March.
I know the House of Livingston and Turnbul of Gibraltar,
and am upon friendly terms with Davis, Strachan and Co.
who are their Correspondents in London, with whom I have
conferred fully since your letter came to my hands. They
assure me entire dependence may be made upon their
honour and that whatever bills they may direct you to
draw shall meet punctual discharge, on which I have no
doubt you may safely rely. I observe with pleasure the
arrival of the Nancy and the Clarissa at Jamaica, and in
consequence of your instructions have made £800 additional
Insurance on the latter and her freight from thence to
London, for cost of £600 being ^ thereof I have debited
you £27. I have also made the following Insurances
£700 on the Juno, Bissett, additional on Ship and
freight, for cost of £525 being % thereof I have debited
you £15.15. from R. Island to Jamaica.
£1000 on the Flora, Dean, at and from Rhode Island to
Surinam and back, for, premio, etc., on which I debit you
£45.5.6.
£1200 on the Ann, Davis, at and from Jamaica to Phila-
delphia for premio, etc., I debit you £24.7. being for £800,
/3 of the £1200, the Accounts of all which you will find
enclosed and I hope they will meet your approbation. I
sincerely rejoyce at the good Voyage made for her Owners
by the last mentioned Vessell and am obliged to you for
your assurances of turning some considerable remittances
this way from Jamaica, which will be highly acceptable.
l8 COMMERCE OF [ 1775
My expectations from that quarter the last year were dis-
apointed. The last Letter from Captain Wright is dated
1st September last, but I flatter myself I shall now hear
from him very shortly. I am very truly and respectfully,
Sir, Your most Humble Servant,
Geo. Hayley
Stocker and Wharton to Christopher Champlin
Philadelphia, May 23d, 1775.
Sir,
We have before us your favor of the i6th Inst, inclosing
a letter for Mr. Buchanan of Baltimore which we have this
day forwarded by Post, We rec'd, a little time since, a
letter from Mr. Row'd'Norris to the same purport as that
to Mr. Fowler we suppose, when any further Accounts
comes to our hands shall communicate them to you. its a
doubt with us if more than 80/ for the Seed can be obtain'd.
however this you may depend upon that Mr. Norris will
consult the Interest of the concernd in the Sale of it. We
have rec'd the Sales of the Flaxseed from Mr. Conyngham,
but in our hurry we have omited to transmit you a Copy,
if we have time to take a Copy before this Vessel goes shall
send it. The proceeds is £1066.2.7^ Irish, but we think a
small part of the Proceeds was non remitted. The Sale of
the Flour Mess. Parr, Bulkeley & Co. have not sent to us —
which by the by is not very clever. We find Mr. Foxcroft^
had discharged the Post Riders, but we hear he has again
sett them agoing, there is Post between this and N. York
paid by some private persons, but whether they mean to
continue it or not if the other is regular we dont know,
we most heartily wish them unnatural disputes were at
an end, and Harmony between the two Countrys again
restored; but if the Americans should now be base enough
(which however at present there seems to be no danger oQ
to give up their Liberties, they must ever after be content
^ Assistant Postmaster General.
1775 ] RHODE ISLAND I9
to be ranked amongst Slaves. We remain with respect,
Sir, Your Very Humble Servants,
Stocker and Wharton
[Endorsed,] Per Cap. Whitman, Q D. C.
Memo. A/C Sales of my 1/3 Peggy Cargo Flour consignd Parr, Bulkeley & Co.
has been reed by C. C. by which the difference of profit or loss between that and the
Flaxseed to Ireland must be fixed.^
Christopher Champlin to [Brimmer P]^
Newport, May 31, 1775.
Dear Sir,
This will be handed you by Capt. William Barron of my
Ship Peggy, who loaded at Baltimore on Freight for Account
of Mr. Archibald Buchanan and Mr. George Mathews
Merchants there, consigned to Messrs. Lawton and Brown
of Cork.
There to receive orders from Messrs. Wallace Davidson
and Johnston, Merchants of London, to proceed either to
Bristol, Liverpool or London for a Market, meeting with
continued head winds his wood and water proveing short,
judged it prudent to put in here for a recruit, whereupon
Capt. Wallace having taken possession of her and Cargo,
the latter by orders from Admiral Graves, for the use of the
Fleet and Army at Boston, and has now sent her round
under command of his officer, this being out of my power
to prevent have made the necessary Protests which the
Capt. has with him. this matter is extremely hard on me
and is attended with much expence. Capt. Wallace assures
me every farthing of my Freight will be paid me as if
landed at her port of destination (and will recommend my
^ April 6, Josiah Hewes reported the following prices at Philadelphia: Jamaica
rum, 3/7 to 3/9; Windward, 3/1 to 3/2; New England, 2/2; molasses, 2id. to
22d., scarce; sugars, 42/6 to 50/, plenty; loaf sugar, i^d.; coffee, 8 to gd.; cocoa,
95/ to 100/; chocolate, 17^.; indigo, 11/, French; fine flour, 19/ to 21/; common
flour, 14/9 to 15/3; wheat, 6/3; bread, 13/; beef, 57/6; pork, 62/6; horns, 63;
Izrd, 6d.; cotton 2/2, none. Bills of exchange 573 per cent, no demand."
^ The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
20 COMMERCE OF [ 1775
case to the admiral), as both Ship, Cargo, and Freight are
insured, and of course can never have any return of Premium
upon either, the Voyage having commenced, and also the
owners of the Cargo will be fully paid if taken for the Kings
use. but if not required, the Ship will be alowed to proceed
on her Voyage, paying me a just Demurrage for her de-
Sention and great expense I am put to in consequence thereof.
With that hope the Master continues in her, and have
shiped a new sett of hands, the old ones having quitted. I
must earnestly ask both your's and Mr. Lyells influence to
prevail with the Admiral to let her proceed; but if not
alowed, that I have bills given me at the common exchange
for the amount of her Freight agreeable to the manifest
inclosed, and that my Ship is returned to Newport in safety,
unless you can send her to Quebeck under your direction
and procure a Freight from thence to Great Britain or
Ireland, or up the Streights. but the property of the Ship
must be altered by registering her in some Gentlemans
name at Quebeck. in fact if I could obtain £1000 Stg. for
the Ship in good Bills on London well indorsed, had rather
sell her at Quebeck in earnest, and put an end to my con-
cern these precarious times, and judge from the stop of
Northern Ships going there this Season as usual vessels will
be greatly wanted, therfore, as she is a fine new strong
Ship will sell quick at a good price, I must therefore sub-
mit the afair to your Direction, if you judge I can neither
sell the Ship at Quebeck, for the sum of £1000 Stg., nor can
you recommend him to any Gentlemen there that will
cover my Ship and procure me a Freight on the best Terms
given there, which I think will be 14^ per bush, to Lisbon,
and in proportion if proceeds farther, then she must return
to Newport in ballast and lay her by to rot. Shoud she
proceed to Quebeck a Pilot must be furnished, no employ
in the Governmental way will do if known, I shoud be
made very unhappy here therefore [it] will not do. I
apprehend the Justice Government proceeds upon in cases
of this kind will intitual me to the highest Freight viz.
5/9 Stg. per Barr. and I4.d per bush, for the Grain, bills on
1775 ] RHODE ISLAND 21
London at common Exchange will do for my Freight, and
suppose the Proprietors of the Cargo at Baltimore Town
Maryland will accept of them also. And shoud the Cargo
be taken for the Crown I coud wish you woud advise them
per Post of the same and ask their directions, how to act
for them, as neither Capt. Barron nor my self can meddle
any farther than to inform them and transmit a Copy of his
Protests. I will at the same time mention you to them in a
proper way. youll please to note the Cargo is all superfine
Flour for the London Market cost 4/ more than common
per C. Query whither Government may require such and
do Justice to the owners. Barron will wholy walk by
your directions shoud the ship be unloaded. I flatter my self
the admiral will assist the Capt. in ballasting her as she will
oversett otherwise.
I think by the restraining act the Ship may proceed to
Quebeck in my name if cleared out before the ist day of
July at Salem, though she must proceed from thence in the
name of some Gentlemen of that Province; and, if possible,
let her take Freight for the Streights in preference to any
other, what expences the Ship may be at please to supply
for my a/c. If he shoud want a hand, you may have in-
fluence to procure him one, — all which I submit to your
Friendship and Direction, and am, Dr Sir, Your most humble
Servant,
Chris. Champlin
Samuel and Jacob King Went to Christopher and
George Champlin
Barbados, June 9th, 1775.
Gentlemen,
We are now to acknowledge the receipt of your favours of
the 20 February 8th and 24th of March, inclosing letters
for Captain Robert Champlin, which you may depend shall
be delivered to him on his arrival.
22 COMMERCEOF [ 1775
Captain Mowatt arrived here a few days past and tells us
that when he left the Coast which was the 15th of April
last Captain Champlin was very well had 50 odd Slaves, and
expected to be off in about six weeks. We apprehend he
wrote you by Captain Mowatt and that he has forwarded
the letter by this conveyance. We are, Gentlemen, Your
most humble Servants,
Sam: and Ja: King Went
William Barron to Christopher Champlin^
Boston, June the 10, 1775.
Sir,
this is to inform you of my saife arivel hear on the 6 and
find by Mr. Brimyer that the ship will be discharg'd hear,
which the Genarle sais he will give all the dispatch he can.
But I have not discharged one Barrel yet and I dont know
the time set for thay are in grat confusion hear. Mr. Brim-
yer tells me that there will be no fair of a freight at Quebeck
which I shall endeavor to get the high's freight to. it is
imposable Sir for me to inform you aney thing consarnig
the setivation of this unhappy place, for every thing is kep
so silent and the town so well garde with soldiers, that thay
will not let you go aney way exept just in the middel of the
town. Mr. Brimyer promises to get me all the Despatch
that is in power. I have nothing mor at present Sir, but
shall right again in a few days by Capt. Webster, and I hop
by that time I shall be better able to inform you abough
maters, and remain Sir your verry humble Sarvent,
^
w/^^^^
Dty^^
^ The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
1775 ] rhode island 2$
Parr, Bulkeley and Co. to Christopher Champlin
Lisbon, the 14th June, 1775.
Sir,
We had the pleasure of paying you our last respects under
the 8th March, contents of which we now confirm, are since
without the pleasure of a single hne from you. the present
serves chiefly to acquaint you that agreeable to what we
hinted in our antecedent we remitted your friends Messrs.
Halley & Hopkins the iid March Rs. 120^000, Exchange
65I, and have now the pleasure to inform you that by the
last Packet which sailed the loth Inst, we remitted your
said London friends Rs. 200^ooor, Exchange 65! per $,
being what we find ourselves in Cash on your account, and
may rest assured that efforts shall not be wanting in collect-
ing the remainder of the outstanding debts, and remittances
made without loss of time.
Our Market now begins to gain favour for your produce,
owing to the late Drought which has greatly prejudiced the
Wheat harvest, add to this, the advices that we lately
received, that the New yorkers had shut up their Ports,
with a probability of every port following their spirited
plan, so that we are housing three Cargoes that we are
now unloading with Wheat and Flour, altho our Stores are
burthened with said articles, and we hope in a few months
to open a sale at golden prices, and not having worth your
detention remain with regard and esteem. Sir, Your obedient
humble Servants,
Parr, Bulkeley and Co.
Flour 3.4CXD
Wheat 440 to 460
Corn 320
Exchange Ss^d per $.
P. S. We are very glad to find Capt. Barron got a freight
for your Ship to Bristol.
24 commerce of [ 1775
Christopher Champlin to James Wallace
On His Majesty's Service.
Newport, June 19th, 1775.
Agreeable to information lodged with you in writing
of 6th Inst, that I expected from Philadelphia in the Brig.
Charlotte, John Fryers Master, three hundred cask of Bread,
thirty Barr's of Pork and some Flour, for the use of the
Contract which I agreed with Mr. George Gibbs to import
for that purpose, and accordingly last week advanced him
fifty pounds lawfull money in part payment for the same,
Mr. Gibbs now informs me those articles are come agree-
able to his Contract, but that you have determin'd to send
the greater part round to Boston.
It therefore becomes my duty to inform you in behalf
the contractors, if I am deprived of receiving this Bread
(being the only resource I have left) it will greatly distress
the Contract and wholy put it out of my power to comply
with the future Demands of any of His Majesty's Ships on
this Station in the article of Bread.
I therefore rest upon the protection of Captain Wallace
in behalf of the Contractors, and could wish it was expedient
with His Majesty's Service that the whole of the Bread
might be retained here for the use it was imported for, I
am with much respect. Sir, Your most humble Servant,
Chris. Champlin
[Memo.] Copy letter James Wallace Esq. Commander of His Majesty's Ship of
Warr, at Newport.
George Hayley to Aaron Lopez
[London,] 17 July, 1775.
Sify
The foregoing Copy of my last respects I confirm; since
which I am favoured with yours of the 31st May. I am
obliged to you for your remarks on what I mentioned re-
1775] RHODE ISLAND 2^
specting the 4 bills drawn on me in favour of H. & H. and
for your leaving me at large to act therein as I may find it
convenient; I am entirely of the same mind as when I last
troubled you on the subject and hope I shall be able to
settle the whole of them, but for the reasons I then men-
tioned I wish not to be positively bound. That for £4000
which became due the 30th June I have paid and debited
you in Account Current for it. I am also obliged to you
for noting the several Insurances mentioned in your Letter
now before me in conformity and have agreable to your
instructions credited your Account and debited Mr. Rotch's
for 3^ of that on the Clarissa £29.12.7, and as I find neither
that Vessell nor the Juno will proceed from Jamaica for
London, I will adjust with the Insurers the return of premio
for that part of the Voyage and advise you the particulars
thereof in my next. I shall pay particular attention to all
you write about the future proceedings of the Nancy, but
there certainly is no chance of any accomodation so as to
enable her to load for Newport. I fear that happy time
is still at a great distance; Whenever it does come, you will
find me ever disposed to serve you to the utmost of my
power and in the mean time I have the most entire confi-
dence that you will be exerting your endeavors to the
utmost in placing all the remittance you are able in my
hands, that if a total stagnation of remittance does take
place it may thereby be made as tolerable as such a dis-
tressing event will admitt of.
I have already paid my respects to you under the firm
of my late partnership and date of the 15th. I therein
mentioned that I had not had a line from Captain Wright,
but since writing that Letter I have one from him dated
the 2 1st May in which he informs me that the Clarissa and
the Juno would neither of them proceed for London, but
he says nothing about his intentions respecting the former
to enable me to govern my self in making the Insurance
you desire on her future Voyage, which I am therefore
unable to execute at present; but if any of his future Letters
should give me the necessary information care shall be
26 COMMERCEOF [ 1775
taken to cover her. He tells me the Crops are so short
that he fears the Nancy will be very far from a full Ship
but that he is determined to dispatch her in all June. He
remitts me a bill for £1200 on Meyler & Co. of Bristol at
4 months sight which is gone thither for acceptance and if
I have an answer before this Letter goes to Bag, you shall
find its success noted at foot. I hope it will prove a good
bill; This is I suppose the bill you mention for part pur-
chase of the Juno, as he directs ^ of its amount to be
placed to your credit and the other ]4, to the credit of Mr.
Rotch, which shall be punctually complied with if the bill is
paid. He says nothing in his Letter of any further re-
mittance but I nevertheless hope to receive more from him
by some of the expected Ships. I am very respectfully,
Sir, Your most Humble Servant,
Geo. Hayley
The £1200 bill on Bristol is accepted.
Isaac Werden to Aaron Lopez
Dominica, the 21st of August, 1775.
Dear Sir,
Since Capt. Shearrrian left this the times are greatly
alter'd. we are told here that the kings ships makes re-
prisals of every thing going into or comming out of the Port
of Rhode Island, that is, the property of any merchant there,
and puts me to a great unplush how to behave. I have
already received the greatest half and soon expect the
remainder of your demand against Mr. Harris, and as the
bearer Mr. John Fine, Copartner of Mr. Grant of New
York, will speedily return, if you have no other opper-
tunity let me know how and in what manner I am to remitt
you the money. If in goods of the produce of these Islands
or if a Bill of Exchange to London your advice and council
in this precarious matter is truly needfull, and should you
have any other Commands in these parts that I can serve
please to command me freely.
in
O
..^
I77S ]
RHODE ISLAND
27
I find my wife has taken up of Mr. Oliver Smith and
charged to Messrs Grant and Fine, since my last to you
which I have paid here this day, some money, so that she
may not have the need of calling on you for the sum I de-
sired you to give her; but if she should contrary to my expec-
tations have need you'l please to supply the sum I directed
in my last, which I will with greatfull thanks repay you as
soon as I may know it. Capt. James Clark formally of
Newport daily expects his wife and daughter from thence.
If they should come or you may have occation by them or
any other to draw on me for the Neat Proceeds of what
I have in hand at a short sight, as I am some times in the
remote parts of the Country, your Draught will be duly
honoured.
I beg my best wishes may attend you and your good
family and am. Dear Sir, Your most
[Endorsed,] Favor of Mr. Jno. Fine.
George Hayley to Aaron Lopez
Sir,
London, 31st August, '75.
I CONFIRM the foregoing Copy of my last respects, and
have now the pleasure to advise the safe arrival of the
Nancy, who makes a very poor Voyage, being about 200
Casks short, she is now unloading, and when that is fin-
ished I see no way of employing her, but returning her to
Jamaica in Ballast. I have settled the return of premio
on the Clarissa and the Juno for not proceeding from
Jamaica to London, and have credited you £54.9. being
28 COMMERCEOF [ 1775
£3.6 per Cent on the £1650 insured on your Account on
her, and £44.11. being £3.6 per Ct. also on the £1350 in-
sured for your Account on her, which please notice accord-
ingly. Capt: Wright has not yet informed me what Voyage
the Clarissa proceeds on, so am not able to make any In-
surance on her. I hope she will go safe, he has sent me
by the Nancy some Pipe and Barrell Staves, for Account of
the Owners of the Nancy, and some Plank and Barrell
Staves for Account of the Owners of the Juno, which shall
be taken care of, and accounted for when sold, he has
also remitted me a Bill for £150 on William Miles of Bristol
which is accepted, and when in Cash, be placed }/2 to your
Credit, agreable to his directions. He remitts likewise a
Bill for £271.13 on Edw. Minifie, of which he directs ^ to
be placed to your Credit; but this Bill is noted for Non
Acceptance, and I fear will be protested, of which you may
depend due care shall be taken. He does not give me
hopes of so large remittances as I had flattered myself with,
for which he gives many reasons, the delay of remittances
to such an unreasonable length in his hands greatly hurts
me. I must hope you will be able to fall upon some method
of quickening him in future. I have since my last received
your favour of the 30 June, in which you mention having
noted the Settlement of the £400 Insurance on the Diana
in conformity. I think my next will give you the Settle-
ment of the remaining £100. I have had a meeting with
the Insurer, and he promises to pay it soon. I notice part
of your Whaling Vessells are sailed for the Vinyard, and
that the others wou'd soon follow. I shall be very glad
to hear they are sailed from thence, as the report here is
they will not be suff'ered to depart. The same I must say
respecting the Vessell in which you have taken a concern
with Mr. Rotch, whose arrival here will give me great
pleasure, as I am not without apprehension of her also
being stoped. if she has been suffered to sail, I may be
expecting her here very soon. I am, etc.
George Hayley.
Copy. Original per Mr. Hughes via Boston.
1775 ] rhodeisland 29
George Hayley to Aaron Lopez
20 September, 1775.
Sir,
Since my last of which the foregoing is Copy I have re-
ceived from Captain Wright the following bills
James Miller on Serocold & Co. 90 days sight £100. —
Eph'm Dunn . . Jas. Margetson Do . . 200. -
Do Do 9 months
sight with Interest from the expira-
tion of 90 days 300. —
W. H. Ricketts on Long & Co 184. i. 6
Hugh White on Meyler & Co. of Bristol . . 67.13.-
Jas. Campbell on John Parkinson 153.11. 5
Jas. Williams on Edw'd Minifie 624. 5. -
the one half of each of which bills he directs to be placed to
your credit. The 4 first mentioned are accepted and his
orders respecting will of course be complied with when in
cash. That on Meyler and Maxse for £67.13.-, is gone
to Bristol and you shall know its success in my next. The
other two are noted for Non-Acceptance and if not paid
when due shall be returned with proper protests; but it will
be a long while before the final fate of that on Minifie will
be known. He has also remitted me wholly upon your
Account a bill for £187.11.7 on John Roberts and Son of
Liverpool, which is gone thither for acceptance, the success
of which you shall be regularly informed of. Mr. Josiah
Hewes of Philadelphia has remitted me since my last two
bills of £250 each, one on John Motteux and Co. and the
other on Buchanan and Co. both which are accepted, and
% of each are to be placed to your credit. He has also
remitted me a bill for £300 drawn by Willing and Morris,
% for your Account, but this bill is noted for Non-Accept-
ance. I am however inclined to think it will be paid when
due, if not you may depend due care shall be taken to
return it with the needful protest.
30 COMMERCEOF [ 1775
I am now to acknowledge receipt of your favour of the
21 July in which you direct £5000 Insurance on the
Ship Francis, Captain John Buckley, her cargo and
freight from Newport, etc., to London, which I have
effected and herewith you have the Account thereof,
premio, etc., of £2500, being one half thereof, is placed to
your debit, in £62.15.3. I shall be very happy in advis-
ing you of her safe arrival which I hope may be in a few
days.
The Nancy is now in the dock and will as soon as she is
ready sail from hence direct for Jamaica in Ballast. I
have therefore made £3000 Insurance on her and her freight
to Jamaica and London for account of her Owners, for
one half of which I have debited your Account £94.7.9 as
per particulars herewith, which I have no doubt you will
approve. Youll please observe that I have only made
£3000 Insurance on her though the Sum insured on her last
Voyage was £4000; but if you think proper to have another
£1000 added on her from Jamaica to London please lett
me know and it shall be done. I am very respectfully, Sir,
Your most humble Servant,
Geo. Hayley
Since writing the above the bill on Meyler and Maxse of
Bristol for £67.13. is return'd accepted.
Mayn and Co. to Aaron Lopez
Lisbon, the 26th September, 1775
Sir,
Our last respects to you were under date the 19th June
which we now confirm, and acknowledge receipt of your
much esteemed favour of 9th June, with duplicates of what
you wrote us the 20th April. We sincerely condole with
you on the unhappy Contests that subsist between Great
Britain and your Continent, to which we eagerly wish to
see soon an amicable accommodation, and your trade to
I77S] RHODEISLAND 3I
flourish in its usual train, though we fear from the lengths
both Parties have carried matters, a reconciliation is some-
what distant, and the future consequences be of disagreeable
tendency. Inclosed is a letter from Captain Story for you,
to whom we referr you for the particulars of the Spanish
expedition against Algiers, in which he was employed, and
though it proved very unsuccessfull to them, we hope he
will find benefit from it as also the concerned in his vessell.^
By last Post, we had advice of the dismission of all the
Transports, and of Captain Storys arrival at Barcelona
from Alicante, and his intention to proceed to Cadiz, from
whence we expect to hear from him, as also of his meeting
with some good employment there, that will be productive
of great advantage to the concerned. In failure thereof, he
will either return to the Coast of Barbary to try what
success he may have in the purchase of a Cargo of Wheat
or Barley, if he finds it practicable, or proceed to Sicily for
a loading of Wheat, where the extraction will be granted,
and may be bought on reasonable terms; he will therefore
pursue one or other of those plans, as he may think most
likely to conduce to our benefits; his rout we shall be careful!
to advise you in course.
We now beg leave to acquaint you that a Person lately
arrived from the Rio de Janeiro informs us that Captain
Lothrop and his mate died both there, of the Small Pox, in
Prison. The sundry letters we received from him was for-
warded to your friends Messrs. Hayley and Hopkins of
London who, we suppose will think it worth their while to
make application to the Court of Portugal about that
affair, and we have already wrote you very explicitly on
the subject. We are on all occasions with perfect regard
and esteem. Sir, Your obedient Humble Servants,
Mayn and Co
1 See Cambridge Modern History, vi. 374.
32 commerceof [ 1775
Parr, Bulkeley and Co. to Christopher Champlin
Lisbon, 4 October, 1775.
Sir :
The last we had the pleasure of writing you was the 14th
June, since which we are without any of your most esteem'd
favours.
We are at this time only 58$675 in cash on your Account,
too small a sum to be able to get a Bill for, but flatter our-
selves shall soon be able to prevail on some of your debtors
to bring in their payments, when we will without loss of
time forward a remittance, and if possible per our next
hand you Account Sales of your Adventure per the Peggy.
Our market is glutted with America produce, and the
stopage of importations from thence has had no manner of
efi^ect on this market, as throughout Europe we have had
most abundant harvests; even Great Britain, which for
nine years past has not exported a grain of Wheat, and
for the two last years has imported it from abroad, this
year abounds therewith, insomuch as to be enabled to
export, which actually has taken place with a bounty, and
one Cargoe of it is arrived here, from which we inferr this
place will be plentifully supplyd, and at a moderate rate,
which we communicate for youi government in case you
should think of engageing in your produce. We are most
Respectfully, Sir, Your most humble Servants,
Parr, Bulkeley and Co
Flour 3$ooo, Rice 3^800 per Quintal
Wheat 42ors, Corn 26ors. per Alq'r.
Christopher Champlin to the Committee of
Norwich, Connecticut
Gentlemen,
Having reed from Mr. Jacob Watson of N. York one of
the Freighters of my unfortunate Ship Peggy, William
Barron Master, a Copy of the Resolve of the Honorable
1775] RHODE ISLAND 33
Continental Congress respecting the permitting said ship to
proceed on her intended voyage with her Cargo of wheat
taken on board at N. York, baring date at Philadelphia,
15 Nov., 1775/ upon which I repaired hear with all the
dispatch in my power, therefore as it apears from said
Resolution of the Congress the ship ought to proceed [on]
her intended voyage under your Inspection with the apoint-
ment of a new Master to be approved by you, and as I am
the sole owner of said ship I presume it lays with me only
to appoint. Willing that every possible objection shoud
be removed with regard to the future destination of the
ship I am induced to offer for your approbation a Gentle-
man wholy a stranger to me, and well known to you, to
command said ship, one who is recommended to me to be
a Person of Ability and Integrity, viz. Captain Seth Hardin
of this town, who it cannot be supposed I have the least
previous Influence over, and I flatter my self you cannot
have any objection to him. as my ship is now ready to
take on board said Cargo of wheat having repaired her
Damages and fitted her for the Sea, I must therefore in the
name of the Freighters and well as myself, require Permis-
sion of you to take on board said Cargo of Wheat, agreeable
to the Resolves of the Congress; and as the Season is now
so far advanced that its daily expected the navigation of
your River may be stoped with Ice and my ship continues
here at a great expence I must earnestly request the favor
^"Your Committee think there are just grounds to suspect, that William
Barron, the master of the ship Peggy, would not be very solicitous to prevent the
cargo, which might be useful to the ministerial army, from falHng into the posses-
sion of the men of war, he having been before taken in the same ship, in Rhode
Island, with a cargo from Chesapeak Bay, for Europe, nor can your Committee
approve the conduct of the Owner of the Ship who continued the captain after-
wards. Your Committee are therefore of opinion, that another master ought to
be appointed to the said ship, who shall be approved by the committee of Nor-
wich, and that the time of her sailing, as well as her tract be appointed by that
committee, and the master sworn to use his best endeavours to prevent the said
ship falling into the possession of any men of war or cutter, and to pursue as far
as he can, the orders of the said committee in navigating the said ship, on which
terms your committee are of opinion the said ship ought to be permitted to
proceed with her cargo." Journals of the Continental Congress (L. of C. ed.),
III. 354.
34 COMMERCE OF [ 1776
you will please to take into consideration this afternoon
these matters and give me your determination thereon
that I may know how to proceed If it's agreeable I shall
be ready to wait upon you and answer any questions you
may think necessary for information, your compliance
herewith will greatly oblige, Gentlemen, Your most obedi-
ent humb servant,
Christopher Champlin
Norwich in Connecticut, Dec. 5., 1775.
To the Gentlemen of the Committee for the Town of
Norwich in Conecticut.
P. S. I have requested the bearer Mr. Abial Chany to
Wait upon you with this request.
A True Copy on file.
Test Elisha Lathrop, Clerk Pro tempore.
[On the back of this letter is the following:]
At a Meeting of the Committee of Correspondence and
Inspection of the town of Norwich legally convened in
Norwich aforesaid the 6th day of December, 1775, at the
Request of Chris: Champlin Esqr, owner of the ship Peggy
now laying at Norwich landing, Capt. Ebenezer Bauldwin in
the Chair, Elisha Lathrap was chosen Clerk Protempore.
Parr, Bulkeley & Co. to Christopher Champlin
Lisbon, 12th January, 1776.
Sir:
Our last Respects was the 4th October, with Occurrences
in trade, and being since deprived of the Pleasure of your
favors, we come now to hand you Account Sales of 1540 bis
flour, per the Peggy, Captain Barron your i/3d Net Pro-
ceeds being Rs. 2631^432^ is placed to your Credit, without
1 Accounts in Portugal were kept in reis, a milreis being the exchange unit,
worth an uncertain number of pence sterling. The dollar mark separates the figure
into thousand reis.
1776] RHODE ISLAND 35
our prejudice till in Cash, which on finding wright, please
to have noted in our Conformity. Of your Debtors, have
collected to this time Rs. 84^351 but we flatter ourselves
more will come in soon, when we will remit it to your London
friends. Respecting our Market, it is a very poor one
particularly for flour, now down to 2800 to 3^ per quintal,
Cadiz and Ports aloft also Galicia^ and Biscaya are also
glutted, prices for flour and Wheat low and also nominal,
and to what a low Ebb would America produce have been,
had the Trade not been interrupted. We pray for a Recon-
ciliation of the present Troubles, that Commerce may
return to its prestine Serenity. Respectfully we are, Sir,
Your obedient and very humble Servants,
Parr, Bulkeley & Company
Flour 2^800 to 3^000 Corn 260
Wheat 400 to 420 Exchange 65I
Rice 3$8oo
Philadelphia, May 6. Reced Via Statia and forwarded by your Humble Servant,
Wm. Davis.
Berthon Brothers to Christopher Champlin
'' Lisbon, the 18th January, 1776.
Sir,
We have before us your favor of 30th August, which
requiring no particular reply we proceed to acquaint you
that inclosed you have account sale of 1485 barrels flour per
Peggy, your i/4d of the same neating Rs. 1429^914 is carried
to your credit. We are sorry that our first connection in
trade should be attended with loss; but when we consider the
dismal accounts we shall give of several other concerns in our
hands, we can but think that the owners of the Peggy's
cargo are fortunate not to lose more. By the first packett
we shall remit Mr. Geo. Hayley 200$ on your account, and
we hope that the remainder will come in in such manner as
to enable us to remit the ballance quickly.
^ An old province of Spain at the northwest extremity of the peninsula, form-
ing the provinces of Corunna, Lugo, Orense and Pontevedra.
36 COMMERCEOF [ 1776
"The Act to prohibit all trade and intercourse with the
Colonies" is passed, it repeals the Boston port bills and the
fishery and restraining bills, therefore no vessells can either
clear from or enter at your lower counties, and the trade in
general must stop.
We wish you a speedy restoration to that peace and com-
fort which you enjoy'd before the present unhappy disputes
commenced, and saluting you we remain with regard. Sir,
Your most humble and obedient Servants,
Berthon Brothers
Jacob Watson to Christopher Champlin^
New York, i Mo. 24, 1776.
Respected Friend^
Thy favour of 11. was handed me by thy brother. we
had encouragement from one of the Delegates of the Con-
tinental Congress that we should not be sufferers by the
P^gij'^ Cargo of wheat.
I intend waiting on them once more. if they take the
Wheat I will use my best endeavours to get employment for
thy ship, likewise damages for her detention if in my power.
Should I not succeed in that, intend to request that on our
selling the Wheat at Norwich to have the Liberty to ship
the like quantity from this port in thine or any other Vessell.^
Should thou decline to let thy ship come down and take
it in would be glad to be inform'd as soon and convenient.
Perhaps at my return we may be straighten'd for time to
write, for should thou not chuse thy ship to come here we
wo'd engage another.
Its uncertain when I shall set out, as General Lee^ is
coming to Town and am desirous to know what steps he
intends to take before I leave home.
1 The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
"^ See Journals of the Continental Congress (L. of C. ed.), iv. 117, 120, 124.
8 Major General Charles Lee, sent to superintend the defense of Philadelphia.
1776 ] RHODEISLAND 37
I forwarded the protests with thy letter to George Haley,
per SampsoUy Capt. Coupar, who sail'd from this port about
12 Inst. shall send Copies per next conveyance, believes
via Phil'a. I am thy Respect'll Friend,
Jacob Watson^
P. S. If thee would take £1000 for thy ship N. York
currency^ believes wo'd take her.
[Endorsed,] South Kingston, R. I.
Thomas Dolbear to Aaron Lopez
Kingston, Jamaica, 24th January, 1776.
Dear SzV,
I WAS favoured with yours some time since, and am very
sorry that I can't acquaint you with the adjustment of Cox's
account, as he has been at the north side of the Island, which
has been the only preventive. he will soon be here, when I
will not fail of settling so long standing troublesome affair.
I find by your account you have charged £40 freight of Iron
to Jamaica, which we have long since settled with Captain
Wright. I find also that instead of Dollars being reckoned
at 6/8d, the Sterling should be brot into Currency which
makes an odds on the two £157.10/ of £17.6.6 in my favour,
Dollars being at 6/8d from the Policy of this Island, not
from the Par of Exchange or intrinsic value. be pleased
(as I am in haste) to acquaint Mr. Reveira I have sold
about I /3d of his Candles at 3/9d, for which I expect the
remainder will sell, but cannot sell whole at more than 3/i|
to make the remittance immediately. I therefore thot it
most adviseable to retail them at 3/9d. I shall remit Geo.
Hayley Esq. as fast as I can get Bills and make sale. as
soon as I receive the Balance of Mr. Cox will remit it
agreeable to orders. I remain very sincerely Your much
obliged obedient Servant, rr- t^
*= ' Ihos. Dolbear
Endorsed, Per Captain Remington.
1 In 1768 he was partner of John Murray, general importers of European and
Indian goods, with a shop near Burling's shp.
* New York counted eight shilHngs to the dollar.
38 commerceof [ 1776
John Jepson to Christopher Champlin
Portsmouth, ist February, 1776.
Sir,
Please to settle my negro man Serloues Wages on bord
Captain Barren with Captain Benjamin Hicks and pay him
whats due, which will oblige, Sir, Your humble Servant,
John Jepson
Newport, February i, 1776.
Reed, of Chris. Champlin One hundred and Forty-six
pounds ten shillings and 8d in full of Wages due to Captain
Jepson on account of his Negro Sirloise.
£146: 10:8.
Benj. Hicks
Zebediah Story to Aaron Lopez^
Mallaga, February 3, 1776.
SlTy
On the 9th December last I sailed from Sisciley with a
Cargo of Wheat which I loaded on account of Messrs.
Maynes & Co. of Lisboji, to whom the same is to be delivered
except the Spainish Merkits might aford a better price which
seems not to be the case. I have been detained in this Port
with a westerly wind sence the 5 Jan'y, in which time I have
rec'd a Letter from our worthey friend Mr. Edward Mayne
Esqr. of London signifying that those confused disturbances
between Great Brittain and america were become verry
alarming and that a Bill was depending in Parliment which
was thoat would pass, to seize on the Property of the ameri-
cans wherever the same might be found, makeing no dis-
tinction between the innocent and guilty (the Unjustness of
which Act would make a Barbarian blush). In consequence
of those infernal Storms riseing which threttens our Destruc-
tion, I have ben induced to sell our 2/3 of the Venus to
^ The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
1776 ] RHODEISLAND 39
Messrs. Kirk Partrick & Co. altho what they have given is
considerably less than what I realy think she is worth. I
have given those Gentlemen a Bill of Saile of our 2/3 of the
Venus in the Name of Messrs. Maynes & Co. of Lisbon in
consideration for which they have given me their Bill of
Exchange on Messrs. Maynes and Co. of Lisbon payable
in London for five hundred pounds Sterling the first of which
I have forwarded for acceptance the second I keep with me
as I am bound their my self with this Cargo the first fair
wind, the Net Proceeds of your one third part I shall give
orders to be remitted as you shall direct.
I have none of your favours later than July last. I am
verry uneasey for my little famuley and the only thing that
tends to passify me is the friendship of so able a Person as
your worthey self, from whom I have reason to expect my
little flock will have every timely assistance they may want.
I have recomended it to Mrs. Story to remoove into the
Country in Preston where I have a Brother for fear sum
voilent methods may be taken against Newport next Spring.
I wish this may not be the case before this reaches you. I
think after that crewil Proclamation from the E. of Dunmore
you have little reason to expect Mercy.^ May the Almighty
direct and protect you from those barbarous insults pre-
pairing for you, is the sincere Prayer of Sir your Most
Humble Servant
Zeb. Story
Francis Rotch to Aaron Lopez
London, 20th February, 1776.
My dear Sir,
I HARDLY expect from the accounts I have been able to
collect that it is posible for this to find you at Jamaica, but
let it meet you where it will you will I presume be astonish'd
at hearing from me in London at so late a date. The
various unfortunate occurrences that has attended this
1 May 6, 1775. Force, American Jr chives, 4th Ser., 11. 516.
40 COMMERCE OF [1776
pursuit had nearly defeated all our purposes, the most
material of which are a seizure of five of our Vessells on their
voyage and bringing them to England, to wit. the Falkland,
Enterprise, Abigail, Minerva, and Diana. This was done
previous to the restraining act being pass'd, and by tedious
application I got them released again but attended with the
loss of all our men, the replacing of which occasion'd such
delay as subjected us to the greatest severity of weather
almost ever known in England.
The Thames was froze for a month that nothing could be
done, but we have at last got the Nancy ready for departure
and expect to be at Sea in 5 or 6 days.
The three first mentioned whalemen we got to Sea before
the cold weather come on. they sailed the forepart of
January and had a fine time off.
The Minerva stranded upon the ways and is orderd to be
sold for the most she will fetch. the Diana is unfit for Sea.
The Flora has been sailed some time and the Francis is to
take the Minerva's stores and the Diana's and to come after
us in a few days.
I have wrote to Captain Wright concerning his part of
the Nancy to whom must refer you, and at same time beg
you will adjust this matter with him. This Ship was
valued as she came last from Sea, in the Thames at £1700.
I have ofFer'd Captain Wright £600 for his quarter. I dare
not be very particular in writeing to you at this time, not
knowing where this letter may fall. Should you be at
Jamaica and the communication with London should be safe,
I must refer you to our mutual friend, George Hayley Esqr.
for intelligence of what has been done here. Mr. Smith by
mutual concent is dismis'd from the Concern. Should any
of our whalemen be seized by the late restraining act and
carried to any port in the West Indies, you will doubtless
direct the master to make a claim for yourself, a resident at
Jamaica and for me a resident in London and appeal to the
Lords Commissioners as the act directs, and bring the case
to England where these claims may be supported and the
property sav'd. I have desird Captain Wright to do the
1776 ] RHODEISLAND 4I
same, wishing you all happiness with Mrs. Lopez and
family, Mr. Rivera and family, I subsc[r]ibe, Dr. Sir, Your
assured friend and Servant,
Francis Rotch
Archibald Buchanan to Christopher Champlin
Cambridg, 14 March, 1776.
Sir,
I AM sorry its not in my power to call upon you as I return.
I have Companions that want to go the Upper Road to see
the Country, and I cannot prevaile upon them to go by little
Rusk [Rest?] I coud not obtain the liberty of meeting Mr.
Brymer^ at the Lines as our Generall [Washington] had re-
fused it to severall before and he told me it was out of his
power, but allowed me to send in Letters. I wrote Mr.
Brymer and Chamier^ they wrote me out and appointed a
day to meet me. I made the second application for a per-
sonal interview but to no purpose. however the General
sent Coll. Mifflin^ to the Lines to do any business I might
have. I wrote Mr. Brymer fully and gave Coll. Mifflin
full directions. he met Mr. Chamier and Brymer on the
Lines where they both expected me. Mr. Brymer told Coll
Mifflin he wanted to see me very much but as it was impos-
sible desired him to acquaint me that since his letter to you
wherein he promised to remitt me Bills for the Amount of
the Certificate (conditionally) he had taken the advice of
Consul and found he shoud be liable if he drew such Bills if
Goverment refus'd paying the Certificate but that my
Money was safe and if I w[ou]d write him my friends in
London he woud order the money to be paid into their
hands. this is all the satisfaction I receiv'd from Mr.
Brymer. I wrote to him that Conditional Bills might be
drawn. You are acquainted with him and can guess our
1 Martin Brimmer, a merchant of Boston, or John B. Brimmer, mentioned in a
later letter.
2 Daniel Chamier, British Commissary General.
» Thomas Miflflin.
42 COMMERCEOF [ 1776
chance. I hope we shall get paid some day. You kno
doubt have heard of the Troops, that they are about leaving
Boston. about 60 sale fell down before I left it. I waited
some days with an intention of writing Mr. Brymer my
Friends in London but canot get no Flag, as it is expected
their destination will be somewhere convenient to Long
Island or Rhode Island, I shoud be oblig'd to you to drop
Mr. Brymer a few Lines and mention my friends in London
Messrs. Wallace, Davidson and Johnson and if payment of
the Certificates are to be had order the Money to be paid
there. The Papers you gave me that I promised to return
I will take care oflF. I have a Brother in [Lo]ndon which I
shall send Copys to as soon as I [return] to Maryland, and
shall by a private oppertunity in[form] you as soon as I
return, as I am much deeper in than you, be assurd that the
Papers will be taken care off on both our Accounts, but you
shall have a proper attested Copy. pray excuse my not
calling, it was a disagreeable Rode alone. if you should
at any time have any commands with us or any plan of
business can be brought about I shoud with pleasure cor-
respondent with you. My Compliments to Mrs. Champlin,
and I sincerely wish you and your Family may get happily
fixd again. I am, Sir, Your Obedient Humble Servant,
Arch'd Buchanan
[Endorsed,] Mr. Christopher Champlin, Little Rusk.
James McComb to Christopher Champlin^
Norwich, 16 March 1776.
SzV,
I HAVE just seen yours to Mr. Clement, who has given me
one for Mr. Watson, which shall immediately forward to
him by a vessel who sails this day for N. York. Mr. Clem-
ent^ informs me he had acquainted you of the order of the
1 The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
* Jeremiah Clement.
1777 ] RHODEISLAND 43
Continental Congress of the 9th ulto.,'^ for shipping the
Cargo of wheat. Last tuesday I laid said Order before
the Committee of this place, who, after mature deliberation,
were of opinion that a Gen'l Order of the said Congress of
the 26th ulto. prohibiting the sailing of any vessel for any
part of Gt. Britain, Ireland or the British West Indies,^ in-
tirely supercedes their Order of the 9th ulto. and so leaves
it not with them to say whether the vessel with her Cargo
shall sail or not. The Congress have publish'd another
Order of the 6th [4th] currant,^ which seems to repeal that
of the 26th ulto. 'tho' terms of it seem rather ambiguous.
I shall however make another application to the Committee
here on the strength of it, and immediately acquaint you
should they think it gives liberty for shipping the Wheat.
In the Interim, I am. Sir, Your most Obedient Servant,
James McComb
[Endorsed, C. C] at South Kingston, Rhode Island.
TO John Parish'*
Boston, I May, 1777.
Sir
Messrs. Sam and Wm. Vernon having done us the favour
of recommending us and the consignment of the Brigantine
Sally and Cargo to your House, for which purpose we have
order'd her to South Carolina, there to take a Cargo suitable
for your Market, and make all possible dispatch for your
City, and address himself to you for the Sales and returns of
his Cargo, we have inclos'd a Mem'm of those articles which
we chuse for returns. we have been advised to have our
Invoice and Bills Loading made out for and in some Gentl-
man's Name at St. Croix, also to make the Brigantine a
Danish Bottom, for the better security of our Property,
however shall leave it with you to do as you judge most
^ Journals, I v. 124.
2 lb., 172.
3 lb., 183.
* An American merchant in Hamburg.
44 COMMERCEOF [ 1777
expedient. we have agreed with Capt. Harris to go the
Voyage without receiving Primage. therefore you will not
make him any allowance for this Custom, we have agreed
to pay the People one Months Wages at Hamburgh, there-
fore if they demand it you will please to advance them that
sum.
Sailing Orders to Benjamin Harris
Boston, 1st May, 1777.
Sir,
You being appointed Master of our Brigantine Salley,
and ready to sail, its our Orders you improve the first suitable
Opportunity and proceed to South Carolina: we think it
safest to run for Winyaw, where its most probabil you will
here if the Coast off Ch's Town is clear of the Enemie. if
it is not, its best to run your Vessil into Winway, and there
sell your Cargo; as we think the Season is so farr advanced,
no time is to be lost in loading your Vessil, with Rice and
Tobacco, if to be had reasonable and of a good quality,
imagining that article will yeild as good or better profit then
Rice. therefore it will be best to take near one half of your
Cargo in that article, if it can be had upon good Terms, but
you will doubtless consult Mr. Nath'l Russel what will be
the most advantageous. If you have not Cargo sufficient
to load your Vessil with what Mr. Russel puts on board
belonging to your Owners, take as much Freight as will fill
your Vessil. after being loaded, make all possible dispatch
to the City of Hamburgh, going North about, and judge it
will be safest to go to the Northward of Shutland, and keep
the Coast of Norway aboard. when you come up with the
Island of Heylego Land, near the mouth of the Elbe, doubt-
less you will meet with Pilot boats that will take charge of
your Vessil and carry you up to Hamburgh, when you get
up the River as far as Stade, where a Guard Ship lays, you
must go on board of her and. make report of your Cargo and
where from, therefore its best to report from Florida with the
manifest of your Cargo, belonging to Ireland, they never
1777 ] RHODEISLAND 45
require a sight of any of your Papers, and therefore by no
means necessary to carry them on board. this report is
only a matter of form and custom. upon your Arrival at
the City dehver your Cargo and Letters to Mr. John Parish
to whom you are addressed, and follow his directions, at the
same time urge him to give you all possible dispatch and to
take every precaution to avoid danger and difficulty. as
soon as you have got your Cargo on board proceed North
about on your way Home avoiding if possible speaking with
any Vessil dureing your whole Voyage, endeavouring to get
into any Port of Safety in these States. we wish you
Success and safe return.
You are to have by agreement the following Allowances
vizt. Privilidge in the Brigantine 15 Cask of Rice, Commis-
sions 5 per Ct. on Sale, 2f on Returns, Wages £7.10 per
Month, and one Dollar a Day allowed for your expences
while in Hamburgh, no Vendue Masters Com'n to be allowed
by the Owners.
[Unsigned\
JosiAH Hewes to Christopher Champlin
Philadelphia, 26 May, 1777.
Yours of the 30 March I receved and have advertized
your Ship for Sale; for some time but have not yet had any
Application for her, worth Notice, our River has been long
blocked up by Men of warr, that many fine Vessels lay idle
here, our Merchants seem discouraged, and knowing that
Vessels have been sold very cheap in New England, wont
talk with me at any thing near the price you mention,
8.000 dollars, was shee here and our port released from the
British Ships would readaly sell for the Sum above men-
tioned, but cant find any of them incHned to purchase her
as she is. however, if you choose to fix a prise on her, and
forward Inventory of what Stores Rigen Sailes etc. she has
that is to go with her wil continue my applications for the
seling her, and am with Sincerety yours
Josiah Hewes
46 commerce of [ 1778
Christopher Mardenbrough, Jr. to
Christopher Champlin
St. Christopher, December 13th, 1777.
Dear Sir,
I yesterday was happy in the sight of my Children, in
good health. my Sister and Brother have mentiond to
me your and Mrs. Champlin's great kindness to them and
my Children, in their distress, that only is the time to know
our friends. I can't find words to express the Obligation
you have laid me under, this I will say that not only your
private family but every friend that you wou'd wish to serve
shall look on myself equally bound. you have acted the
Samaritan; you have been a friend to my Children in a strange
Land, you will ever command every thing in my power,
can you point any Service that I cou'd render you here.
Mrs. Mardenbrough and my Children join me in sincere
regard to you, Mrs. Champlin and your Children. Sally
writes Miss Peggy by this Opportunity. I am Yours truly,
Christopher Mardenbrough, Jr.
[Endorsed,] Mr. Christopher Champlin at Little Rest, Conecticut. To the
Care of Mr. Jno. Baker Brimmer.
Received and forwarded by Your Humble Servant, John B. Brimmer.
Joseph Gardner^ to Robert Stevens & Co.
Onboard the Greenwick, 3rd March, 1778.
Gentlemeriy
This is to acquaint you the third day after the Sloop left
Bedford we came a cross a Ship of Fourteen Guns and Fifty
men, we engag'd her and fought her three glasses but being
cutt and much shatter'd to pieces was oblig'd to quit her.
we had the misfortune to loose poor Moses Casey in the
Fray and four more wounded. This is likewise to acquaint
1 In May, 1776, he was interested in the privateer Lady Washington, with Joseph
Cunningham and Ebenezer Dorr. Lincoln, Naval Records of the American Revo-
ution, 1775-1788, II.
1778]
RHODE ISLAND
47
you the eighteen of February we tooke a Schooner Transport
from Hallifax bound to Newport loaded with Codfish and
Coal but was blown off the coast and was bound to Antigua,
we put a Prize Master on board and sent her to Martinico,
this is likewise to acquaint you that the third of March we
tooke another Schooner from Hallifax bound for Tobago,
her cargo consists of sixty four hogsheads and eight tierces
of Codfish eighty five barrells of Pickled Fish and seventeen
hundred feet of Lumber and Staves. we likewise put a
Prize Master on board of her and sent her to Martinico.
This is likewise to acquaint you we are now cruising in the
Latitude of Barbadoes and shall cruise back and forth about
six weeks longer with the provisor we shoud not take any
thing else till then and with the provisor we shoud take
another Hallifaxman we shall go with her to Martinico. if
we shoud take a Britainer we shall proceed direct for
America. This is to acquaint you that I have ordered one
half the proceeds to be laid out in Produce and the other
half to be shipt home in Cash.
[Endorsed,] To Robert Stevens & Co. owners of the Sloop Greenwich, State of
Rhode Island.
48
COMMERCE OF
[1778
1779 ] rhodeisland 49
Thomas Forrester to
Q. Newport, December 30th, [1778.]
This is the fourth Letter and I have rec'd no answer from
you, I cannot think they have come to hand, for if they had
you would in Justice to me and your self as you are a Gentle-
man granted my request at this time. Sir you know that
the times is very hard. Sir I beg you would send one 100
Dollars in Silver or an order upon sum Gentleman that you
think will answer the purpose for I should have come before
now if I had the sum only requested of you Sir for my
Family is large and must suffer unavoidably unless you
relieve me. I must conclude beging you will grant my
request, your Sincere Friend,
Thos. Forrester
Joseph Anthony to Aaron Lopez ^
Exeter Township, [Penn.,] 27th January, 1779.
My very Dear and Worthy Sir,
By a letter of the 21th from our mutual Friend Mr.
Hewes, I have the pleasure to hear you are well, and safe
arriv'd at Philadelphia; but that pleasure wo'd have been
greatly increas'd if I had been so fortunate as to have met
with you when I was down. my Anxiety for the distress'd
Inhabitants of Newport is great; and whenever I hear of
(any) person from that quarter, I am very desirous of seeing
them, more especially Mr. Lopez, whom I know to be very
intilegeble, and tho no doubt the account would be dis-
tressing yet one is fond of knowing the particulars. if
you have Leasure I would thank you for a few lines, and if
you could agree to take this rout home, and spend a day or
two here, it would give us inexpresable pleasure. I hope
you left Mrs. Lopez and famaly well, and that they are in
secure quarters, in a land of peace and plenty; How is that
1 The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
50 COMMERCEOF [ 1779
worthy old Gentleman Mr. Rivera, where does he live and
how does he content himself. poor Newport, what is to be
its fate at last; I fear Destruction, Its Inhabitants are
already scatterd to the four corners of the Earth, my good
Sir when I reflect on the happy days we have spent there,
and with what ease and pleasure yourself and some others
went through a multiplicity of business, I can hardly per-
suade myself that I am awake, but as I have something to
do on my little farm, I endeavour to pass the time as cheerful
as possible, and patiently wait for better times. I desire
to thank god my famaly enjoy health and plenty, and have
been seated in a part of the Country, where they have (as
yet) liv'd free from Ravage or Insult. The farming business
I am quite unacquainted with, and find it by no means
profitable, yet I spend much less then I should in town. if
I could see any prospect I should be glad to engage in some
Business that I was better acquainted with, but it looks dark
on every side that I know not what coarse to steer. Mrs.
Anthony joins me in our best Respects to Mrs. Lopez, your
self and famaly, and likewise to Mr. and Mrs. Rivera etc.,
and believe me to be Your Very Sincere Friend and Humble
Servant,
Joseph Anthony
N. B. can you inform me how Capt. Wright is and
where his famaly are.
[Endorsed,] To Mr. Aaron Lopez, To the Care of Mr. Josiah Hewes Merchant,
in Philadelphia. Per favour Mr. Lee.
Aaron Lopez to Joseph Anthony
Philadelphia, February 3d, 1779.
My Dear and very worthy Friend,
How shall I express my gratitude to you for the satis-
faction you have given me with the rec't of your friendly
and obliging Favor of the 27th ulto. which this moment has
been handed me by our mutual Friend Mr. Hewes, who
telling me its Bearer returns again to Exeter tomorrow morn-
1779 ] RHODEISLAND 5I
ing, I would not miss the opportunity of acknowledging its
agreeable contents, and gratifying your wishes of hearing
from me, from my family, and some thing from the dis-
tress'd Inhabitants of our once flourishing Hand; ^ But
before I render you this intelligence, permit me to tell you,
that I am extreamly happy to learn, that the Almighty has
been pleased to guide you and good Family to so safe an
Asylum, and that there he has blest you with health, peace,
and plenty arround you, during these times of pubHck and
almost universal Callamity; But what I esteem still a greater
Blessing, endowed you with a gratefull heart, susceptible
of all those divine bounties, which I pray may be continued
you with all the additional felicities this sublunary World
is capable of affording. For my part I have the pleasure
to acquaint my good Friend, that I consider myself under
still greater obligations to Heaven; having hitherto enjoy'd
every one of those inestimable Blessings you are pleased to
tell me of, without the least Merit or Title to them; am
therefore to acknowledge myself infinitely more thankfull
for so mercifull Dispensations.
Since we left our Island my principal object was to look out
for a Spot, where I could place my Family, secured from
sudden Allarms and the Cruel Ravages of an enraged Enemy;
Such a one I have hitherto found in the small inland Town-
ship of Leicester in the Massachusetts Bay, where I pitch'd
my Tent, erecting a proportionable one to the extent of my
numerous Family on the Sumit of an high healthy Hill,
where we have experienc'd the civilities and hospitality of a
kind Neighbourhood; and moved in the same Sphere of
Business I have been used to follow, which, altho much more
contracted, it has fully answer'd my wishes, and you know
my Friend, when that is the case, it never fails of constituting
real happiness: Add to this the satisfaction of having for
^ In a letter from Governor Greene to the Assembly of Connecticut, January 21,
1779, it was stated that two thousand persons had been driven from their homes,
and were dependent on public or private charity. The neighboring states contri-
buted to their relief, and the Continental Congress reduced the amount of taxes
required from the state. Journals, xiii. 269.
52 COMMERCEOF [ 1779
a next door neighbour your truly well wishing Friend, my
Father in Law Mr. Rivera, who with his Family I left in
good health, spending in peace the fruits of his last summer's
Labour on a small Farm, the Old Gentleman improves with
much the same Farming Faculties, you tell me you cultivate
yours; ^ and I can farther inform you that while his hands
have been imploy'd in that usefull Art, his agitated Mind
has uniformly accompanied yours to poor Newport; where
I do still hope we shall soon have the pleasure of meeting
each other again and re-enjoy those injurd habitations, we
have so long been deprived of, with all satisfaction.
By this Weeks Post Mrs. Lopez has informd me that the
Widow Lee, who had the Liberty of going down from Provi-
dence in a Flag to Newport, after staying there some days,
she had the indulgency of returning to Providence, and being
engaged to nurse my Daughter Mrs. Mendez (who I have
the consolation to tell you leaves [lives] also near me and next
door to our good Neighbour Capt. Jno. Lyon formerly of
Newport). This Mrs. Lee coming directly on her return
into our Family inform'd Mrs. Lopez, that the poor Inhabi-
tants of that Town, have been very much distress'd this
Winter for the want of fewell and provisions, those
Individuals of my Society in particular, who she said had not
tasted any meat, but once in two months: Fish there was
none at this Season of the Year, and they were reduced to
the alternative of leaving upon Chocolate and CofFe. These
and many other Callamities and Insults the wretched
1 Among those Jews who came from Newport to Leicester in 1777 were Abraham
Mendez, Jacob Rod Rivera, and the Lopez family. Rivera purchased of Nathan
White thirty-one acres opposite the meeting-house. Lopez bought of Henry Bass
and Joseph Allen a plot of land afterwards occupied by the Leicester Academy.
All, but Lopez, returned to Newport after the peace of 1783. Aaron Lopez was
drowned in Smithfield May 20, 1782, when driving with his family to Providence.
The following tribute appeared in the newspaper of the time: "He was a merchant
of eminence, of polite and amiable manners. Hospitality and benevolence were
his true characteristics, an ornament and a valuable pillar in the Jewish society
of which he was a member. His knowledge in commerce was unbounded; and his
integrity irreproachable. Thus he lived, and thus he died; much regretted,
esteemed, and loved by all." Washburn, Historical Sketches of the Town of Leices-
tety 121-124.
1779 ] RHODEISLAND 53
Inhabitants experience, ought to excite our thanks to that
Great Being, who gave us resolution to exchange at so early
a period that melancholy Spot for that we now are enjoying.
Your Dweling house I understand has sufer'd much. Your
Neighbour Augustus Johnson ^ was found dead at his house.
My Neighbour Gideon Sesson's Wife is crazy, and what I
lament most, is, that the vertue of several of our Reputable
Ladys has been attacked and sullied by our destructive
Enemys, — so much for poor Newport. Capt. Benj.
Wright continues at Jamaica, his zeallous wishes to put me
in possession of some part of the large property I have had
lock'd up in his hands since the commencement of this
war, led him to address me with three Vessels loaded on my
sole and proper account, all which have been taken by our
American Cruizers; the first falling in honest hands was
delivered up to me by a reference agreed to by the parties.
The other two were libelled and contested, one of them was
adjudged at Providence to be restored to me: the opposite
party appealed to Congress. The third and most valuable
was (contrary to the opinion and expectation of every
spectator) condemn'd at a Connecticut Court of Admiralty.
I appeald to Congress, which has brought me here in full
hopes of obtaining redress.^ Mrs. Wright was left porly at
Newport, when Nurse Lee came away, which prevented
Mrs. Wright coming off in the same Flagg, as she intended,
but will do it soon, as she recovers.
I have oferd the poor distressed Woman all the assistance
in my power to grant her, as I esteeme her an object of real
merit.
Now my Dear Friend I have only to add my sincere thanks
for your kind invitation to spend a day or two with you at
your habitation. I shall inform myself (not being ac-
quainted where Exeter lays) and if I can anyways make it
convenient to call on you, may expect to see me; meantime
permit me to announce you and Mrs. Anthony every good
1 Augustus Johnson had been the royal Attorney General of the colony and had
been burned in effigy in 1765. See Mason, Annals of Trinity Church, 106 n.
2 Journals, xiii. 162.
54 COMMERCEOF [ 1779
wish pure esteem can suggest being very truly, Dear Sir,
Your affectionate Friend and humble Servant.
[Unsigned.]
Richard Matthewson to Christopher Champlin
East Greenwich, February 6th, 1779.
SlTy
I AM sorry to inform you of the Sloop Speedwell's being
condemn'd by the Carpenters as unfit for the sea. Mr.
Nightingale says he was never so much deceived before,
when we purchased the vessel she lay in the mud with her
hold full of ice. What part of her we could see was exceeding
good, and Mr. Nightingale being acquainted with her before
supposed there to be no Danger in purchasing her; and never
found out that her Timber was rotten till she was hove out
to grave.
He however thinks he can retail her out for as much as
she cost us, as she has 2 good Cables and her other rigging
very good. Colonel Nightingale, John Brown and myself
have purchased a snow of about 160 Tons, well built, an
excellent sailer, and if you choose you may have a part in
her on good terms, to proceed on the same voyage. You
will inform me what you will do within a day or two; other-
wise I shall very likely dispose of her. I am Sir your very
Humble Servant,
Richard Matthewson
N. B. The Snow as she now is Cost 25oo£.
Meeting of Court of Appeals^
If Mr. Paca, Mr. Ellery and Mr. Henry can attend a Court
of Appeals this Even at seven oclock, parties are desirous of
being heard, and the Court will meet accordingly. But it
1 Of the Continental Congress, for hearing prize causes. It probably relates to
the petition of Aaron Lopez.
1779] RHODE ISLAND 55
being five oclock before an application was made, Mr.
Drayton being previously occupied will not be able to attend.
W. H. Drayton
April 9, 1779.
David Lopez, Jr. to Aaron Lopez ^
Providence, 3d May, 1779.
Dear and Respected Sir,
With inexpressible pleasure I rec'd your most acceptable
and pleasing favours of the 29th March and 12th Ulto.
announcing the pleasing intilligence of your happy success
in the recovery of your captured property from the hands of
those voracious pirates, on which joyfull event, permit me
most sincerly to felicitate you, and to add my hearty wishes,
that you may ever be enabled to render futile the attempts
of all such designing Villains, hope before this reaches
Leicester, my Dearest Aunt may be render'd happy, and that
joy may be diffused in the hearts of all our extensive familys,
by your safe Arrivall to them in health.
My having engaged with Mr. Welcome Arnold to accom-
pany him on a Speculating Journey to the Eastward, in
order to improve some Moneys I have in my hands for my
hon'd Uncle Jacob, prevents me the pleasure of paying you
my Respects personally, and of participating in that joy
which I proposed to myself in being among the first to bid
you Welcome to the arms of your longing family, on my
return I intend myself the happiness of kissing your hands,
and of enjoying with you and our dear fam'lys the approach-
ing Festivalls. interim beg leave most respectfully to tender
you and my Dear Aunt my most Cordiall Congratulations
on your return and success.
Your favor per Capt. James Duncan with the draught you
was pleased to advise having drawn on me in his favor, has
not yet come to hand, nor have I been able to obtain any
tidings of him, whenever he appears you may rely Sir, due
^ The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
56 COMMERCEOF [ 1779
attention and honor shall be observ'd in its punctual!
discharge.
having adjusted and ballanc'd our Accounts to the i6th
ulto. with the assistance of Mr. Mendes and Cousin Jos.,
have not since been enab'ld to make any remitances to Mr.
Smith of Boston conformable to your orders, not being yet
more in Cash, than to answer Capt. Duncan's Draught, and
having advanc'd to Mr. Mendes while here £236.12. which
sum be pleased to receive of him and note to our Credit in
new Acct. Should you have occasion still to continue
those orders, will with pleasure execute them as soon as in
Cash, for which purpose request you'll please to advise me
per first oppertunity for my goverment.
hope on examination our Acct. and Transactions for the
year past may merit your approbation.
I have according to your orders, apply'd to Mr. Reynolds ^
respecting the Deerskin Breeches etc. he says that his
orders some time past were to make no further purchases
on account of the Continent, but as they are now in great
want and no supplys on hand, he expects daily to have those
orders revoked, and then its probable he may have occasion,
and will emediately advise me. good Indigo is not to be
had here at present. Common is sold from 7 to 9 Dollars,
and if none arrives soon I imagine a few Casks may answer
very well. Goods of almost every kind are continually
advancing, particularly those calculated for the summer.
West India goods at present are rather at a stand, but wines
in great demand and very high, when I [was] at Leicester,
I purchaced a quarter cask of Cousin Joseph, which I have
now engaged at 20 Dollars per Gallon, and make no doubt
could obtain the same price for more of that kind. Shall
esteem it a singular favor if you'll be pleased to request him
to endeavor to forward it as soon as posible and to let the
quality be as good as any there is on hand, as it is for the
Gen'lls Table.2 Mr. Mendes promised to forward some
' John Reynolds, "cloathier agent" for Rhode Island. See Journals., XIl.
1006.
^ Sullivan.
1779] RHODE ISLAND 57
Goods from Tafts Tavern for old Mr. Trevett which with the
Wine and a bb. of Cosher Beef he engaged to send us may
probably make a load sufficient to induce a Teamster to come
down.
Mr. Jacobs and Capt. Sisson requests their Compliments
of Congratulation may be made acceptable, which with a
reiteration of my respectfull Salutations to your goodself
my Dear Aunt and family concludes me with the greatest
defFerence and esteem, Dear Sir,
Since closing the above have been handed a letter from
Capt. Hathaway,^ with the disagreeable advise of his being
unfortunately captured and carried into Antigua, on his
passage home 11 days out. as I conceive it needless to add
to the loss by the expence of postage, and having no room
in this, have inserted a Coppy of it in a letter I am just
closing to my hon'd Uncle Jacob, for your perusall. by
first direct opp'ty shall forward the orriginall.
Should you deliberate on forwarding any articles of
bulk, this way, beg you'll be pleased to remember the
privilidge I have of receiving goods to my private
address.
[Endorsed, To Mr. A. L.,] Merchant, Leicester. To the Care of Jon'a Has-
tings Esq., Boston.
1 Probably Nathaniel Hathaway, who in 1781 commanded the letter of marque
Hound.
58 COMMERCEOF [ 1779
Samuel Fayerweather to Aaron Lopez
Potosi, South Kingston, May loth, 1779.
My dear Sir,
By this opportunity Captain Bardwine let me ask you how
you do, and how your very worthy Lady does, as well as
all your good Family. And be pleased to let me know, how
good Mr. Rivery my kind Friend, his Lady and whole family
do, now in this dismal pestilential Warr: that has so cruelly
seperated us at an awful Distance one from another,
I rejoyce that in Tribulation you have had Success as to
securing and recovering your vessel and that the Congress
are all your staunch Friends. What is become of David
your Brother.? if alive present my Regards to him.
Be pleased to let me know whether you have any Pattern,
for Breeches, by sending me one of them, / mean Breeches
Patterns. And send me also enough of the inclos'd for a
Jackquett if you have any by you. And I will pay you
either Silver Money or Paper which you please.
Accept my Profession of Regard and Friendship both to
you and Lady. Accept much Love I say in a little: and
favour me with a line of your elegant writing. And I am
with great truth Sir your sincere hearty Friend and obedient
humble Servant,
Samuel Fayerweather
Moses Michael Hays to Aaron Lopez ^
South Kingstown, 8th June, 1779.
Dear Sir,
Permit me to offer my respects to your self and Family,
and enquire their wellfare. May their days be maney, with
FeHcity and the Smiles of Heaven! I presume I am rightly
informed respecting Myn Heer, that he is now soliciting
Congress for a rehearing, endeavoring to prevail on the
^ The original is in the Newport Historical Society. Many references to Hays
may be found in the Publications of the American Jewish Historical Society.
1779 ] RHODEISLAND 59
Authority in Conecticut, to prevent the decree, and using
every measure, to procrastinate the day of Payment. The
Convulsions of the day, make attention very serious, your
Penetration wants no aid yet, I would as a Friend, recom-
mend a very watchfull eye. The State where Myn Heer
resides reigns by Art and disimulation, posibly beyond
your conception;
If you have Bohea Tea, and the Price is not too extrava-
gant, shall take it a favor to have 2 or 3 li. per the Bearer
Mr. Haszard. Shall pay you its amount, when I have the
pleasure of taking you by the hand again, which I hope will
be this Summer; Assure your good Mrs. Lopez of my cordial
wishes for her health and a happy moment. Mrs. Hays
is yet up, joins in affectionate regards, to all under your
Roof, with those under Wings of my good Friend Mr.
Revire and am Truly Your Affect, hb. Servant,
M. M. Hays
Bermond to Aaron Lopez ^
Cape franfois, the 20th June, 1779.
Sir,
On my Journey thro Salem in the month of September
last I had the pleasure of seeing you at the Tavern of the
Rising Sun ^ where I had the advantage of making you a
tender of my best Services in the name of my House here
(under the title of Brassier and Bermond) which I now
reiterate to you and expect youll give us the prefFerance of
the Consignments of your Vessels that you may have oc-
casion to send here and you may depend that we shall not
detain them here more than 12 or 15 days at furthest; And
if it shoud happen that we cannot sell the Cargoes to advan-
tage immediately on their arrival we shall keep them in our
^ The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
^ Formerly known as the King's Arms Tavern, but became the Rising Sun at the
outbreak of the Revolution. It was at the head of Central Street, and was kept by
William Goodhue. About 1800 it was torn down by William Gray to make room
for his brick house.
6o
COMMERCE OF
[ 1779
^/{Mu/r f?/iamJi/^n
Sir
Lifbon 16th. March, 177S'-
THE term ot the Piirtnerlhip which from the beginning of the year 1771,
exilted- under the firm of Parr^ Bulkeleyy and Company, (and confifted of
Thomas Parr^ John Bulkeley^ and PFHliam Tonkin) being expired, in conformity to
tlie tenour of its firft eflablifhment, and the Partnerlhip accordingly diflblved, oc-
cafions us to ufe the freedom to confirm the fame to you, and having feparately
acquainted you of ^he firft fubfcribed having retired from bufinefs, and that the
fecond underwritten fucceeds in the houfe, we now take the liberty to mention that
during our affociation proportionate degree of merit is due to our other Partner
Mr. William Tonkin, and the Houfe and their conftituents adequately benefited by
his Efforts and Afliduities. With thefe difpofitions and in every refpeft an unex-
ceptionable charafter, he retires from -the houfe to purfue bufinefs feparately,
■wherein we wilh him fuccefs. He was in England when the partnerfhip expired
and being now returned enables us to mention the manner in which he propofes to
follow bufinefs, and for your government hereunder is his firm. We are moft
refpedfuUy,
Sir
Your moft obedient fervants>
^■9n.^t^
^
..^^^^^^^^..^
The firm of your moli oheclUnt'i
Jervcnt fiTilUam^ Zonkin. 5
1779 ] RHODEISLAND 6l
Stores untill some favourable opportunity shou'd offer,
and with pleasure shall advance you the Returns, besides
we shall charge you no more than what we have done to
several Houses of your place Boston and Salem, which is
only 7I per % on the Sales and Returns, but on provisor that
the Vessels be directly consign'd to our House and that it
be mention'd in the Captain's written orders to deliver the
Cargoes immediately on their arrival into our hands.
We shall be extremely glad that the above mention'd
may be agreable to you, and as we have not the pleasure of
being acquainted or known by you, you may get some
Informations from our friends Messrs. Clark and Nightingale
concerning our House. And in expectation of your speedy
Commands, we remain, with great Esteem, Your most
obedient hi Servant,
Bermond
P. S. The Bills of Exchange drawn by Mr. Holker fils
or Mr. Gerard our Ambassadour on Paris at 2 months sight
are generally negotiated here at a Par but must be endors'd
by some responsable House here. Notwithstanding we
were oblig'd to give this day 5 per % Discount, owing to
no Vessels offering at present for old France.
Prices Current of the jollowing articles.
Dry Fish 85 to 90 Livres per %.
Herrings 72 to 75 Livres per Barril.
Mackarel 85 to 90 Livres per Ditto.
Hogs feet 35 to 40 Sols per //.
Rice 45 to 48 Livres per %.
Tobacco 27 to 30 do. do.
Fish Oil 7'' icy to 8'» per Gallon.
Boards 225 Livres per thousand.
Sugar Hogshd. Staves . . 350^'- per °°/oo.
Molasses Hogd. Ditto . . 90''- per °°/oo.
Hoops 25o'»- per °°/oo
Molasses 25 to 26 Sols per Velt each Velt containing 2 Gallons.
Muscovado Sugar ... 20 to 24 Livres per %.
Coffee 7J-. to 7§ Sols per li.
Coco 7I Sols per li.
Taffia 8i''- per Cask.
Cordage 150''- per %.
62 COMMERCEOF [ 1779
Oliver Gardner to Christopher Champlin
^^y Warwick, July 11, 1779.
According to your request I send you the merandom of
my Cargo as neair as I could recolect when I was run on shour
on the Island of St. thomases five thousands gallons of Rum
and seven thousands weight of shugar. I entered a regular
Protest at St. Croix and tuck a Copy of the same but on
my Passage had my Chest brook open and lost it. if you
wold be at the Expence of entering another it shall be dun.
I left my bisiness with Mr. Nicholas Croger ^ at St. Croix
and likewise the govener he told me he should lay in a
Clame for my vessel and Cargo and had sent up to St.
Christophers in order for triall the Costom as I was informed
theair by Croger if the vesel is recovered I am to have two
thirds and goverment the other third. I was run on shour
about twelve clock at night by two priverteers belonging
to totalor [Tortola] the one name was John Strickling and
the other John Graham ^ that is the captain names of the
proverteers allso I made my escape from them, when I came
away when theay hade me under examination, the[y]
offered me if I wold sine a Instrement of theare drawing in
order to have my vessel condemed theay wold gave me all
my ventur that I had on b^ard when run on shour. Sir your
most humbel Servent, ^^^^^^ Gardner
[Memo.] In a letter Gardner wrote me which I returnd, he mentions 2 hhds.
Rum on board for me. [Christopher Champlin.]
[Endorsed,] Mr. Christopher Champlain att Littel Rest.
David Lopez, Junior, to Aaron Lopez
Dear Sir, Providence, July 13th, 1779-
1 HAVE now the pleasure of advising you my Arrivall here
last evening from Leicester were I left all the famlys in
health Sunday noon.
^ Nephew of Henry Cruger.
2 One of this name, of Baltimore or Virginia, was interested in a Maryland
letter of marque, in 1780, the Eagle.
1779 ] RHODEISLAND 63
Nothing of moment I find has occur'd since my absence,
bussiness still continues at a stand, and the prospect of
appriciating the Currency I conceive to appear rather doubt-
full. West India Goods have fallen very rapidly of late,
tho' other articles with country produce keep up, and are
withheld by those who have them on hand, from an oppinion
that the mode adopted for reducing the prices cannot be
attended with that salutary effect which was proposed by the
fraimers, but as our policy and marketts are intirely governed
by those of Boston, you can be better able to judge of the
situation of affairs there, than from what information I
can give from this quarter.
I have conformable to your orders, made enquiry respect-
ing Velvetts and Indigo. Messrs. Clark and Nightingale are
the only persons who have any Velvetts on hand. I have
call'd at their Store severall times and found it shut, the
Bearer intending to sett out emediately does not leave me
time to apply again before his departure, must therefore
advise the result of my enquiry by the next conveyance
which you may rely Sir, I shall particularly attend to.
Indigo is not to be had here by the Quantity, what little is
retailed goes at £5.10 and £6 per lb. at foot have inserted
the Sums delivered you in Cash when here last as you was
pleased to request, which being the needfuU that at present
occurs, have only to add my most respectfull Salutations,
and to subscribe with the greatest defference and esteem,
Dear Sir, Your Obedient Nephew and Servant,
David Lopez, Jun'r
Cash del'd at Providence i6th June.
2900 Dollars
2385 Ditto del'd same evening
5285 Dollars
3
£1585.10
64 commerce of [ 1779
John de Neufville and Son to Christopher Champlin
Amsterdam, 25 July, 1779.
SlTy
We received with a great pleasure your Favour of 22th
May by Captain Haydon with inclosed bill of £ st 30 on
George Hayley, Esquire, in London which we forwarded
directly for acceptance, but as we did not receive yet the
tidings of its being accepted before Captain Magee got all
his cargo we were at a Loss how to proceed imagining it might
be but disagreable to you to have the Goods shiped in case
the bill should not be paid, wherefore as we hope to have
in short another opportunity we imagine as safe as this we
determined to wait for it. but foreseing the Bohea Tea
should rise in price we procured yet at 19 sh. st.^ the Chest
you wanted and will procure one Canester of soachong if
the money left will suffer it addressing the whole to Tho.
Russel Esquire in Boston, Bohea Tea is now already at
2o| sh. St. we were further happy to see that it meight come
in your way to consign us a Vessel in more peaceable Time
in which case as in maney others you may depend on our
greatest Care for your interest this being still enlivened by
the friendship we bore from the beginning towards the
American Case which is so like to ours.
May but a general peace take place in short and leave
more Room for an open and flourishent trade we are mean-
while very respectfully, Sir, Your most humble Servants,
John de Neufville and Son
Seth Read to Aaron Lopez
Uxbridge, August 17, 1779.
Dear Sir,
This day have seen Moses Jones and Lynde the Persons
for which I became Surety to you for sundry Goods for
which you call'd upon me to make up the depreciation of
1 Exchange on London was quoted at so many "schellings" to the pound
sterling.
1779] RHODE ISLAND 65
the Money. I like an honest Man (whether it is so or not)
gave you £50 per cent, on all that was not paid, at the same
time expecting these Gentlemen to make me whole; but they
utterly refuse doing one Farthing.
You calling for depreciation, and they on the other hand
refusing one farthing, you may easily draw the Consequence.
To deal at this rate am determin'd not. I am your humble
Servant,
Seth Read
Aaron Lopez to David Lopez, Jr.
Lecester, August 25, 1779.
Altho much incomoded with a Rheumatick pain in my
heep [hip] and much huried with atending sundry large
purchasers who in their return from Boston have visited
my Store and taken off considerable parcells of Goods, I
would not ommit embracing this opportunity to tell you
that I have read the Contents of your two last agreable
Letters of the 3d and 10 Inst, and conformable to what you
write in your first respecting the Errors in Invoice No. 23
I have t[h]ought best to make out a new one and destroy that
I sent you from Boston, therefore you'll find here enclos'd
a right Invoice and to avoid making out a ceperate one for
the Tobacco etc. have inserted it under same head which
desire you'll notice that our Entrys may agree. The Sale
you made of the other 4 half pipes wine canot but merit
my approbation and doubt not but you'll be seasonable in
Cash for amount of same as I esteem those men good. I
made sale here to the same purchaser of 8 pipes more at
same price, and wish him well with them. The French
Doct. accounted with me at Boston for the Error you dis-
cover'd in one of his half pipes. Joseph returned here safe
with Nurse and delivered in good order the 2 ps. figured Vel-
vet you purchased for me Cost of which being £484 stands
enterd to the credit of Lopez and Jacobs account with my
thanks for your attention to this purchase; the said Account
is also credited with £2100 being for cash you transmited
66 COMMERCE OF [ 1779
also by Joseph. As the manufactory of money keeps on
briskly at Philadelphia I expect you'll soon find a brisk
Demand for our Goods which when sold I cannot flatter
myself with the hopes of replacing without a Loss. I trust
therefore you'll guard as much as possible against this pre-
vailing evil and see in particular that all those goods
comprehended in Invoice No. 20 being part of many old
Invoices are at this present time from 4 to 6 times (nominaly)
higher than they were then charged. You'll probably
receive my next from Hartford. Now I am not able to add
more than to repeat that I continue, Your affectionate
Uncle.
Your Aunt desires Love to you. Your Sister Sally con-
tinues poorly tho something better. What news from
Philad.?
David Lopez, Jr., to Aaron Lopez
Providence, 30th August, 1779.
Dear Sir,
I HAVE to acknowledge with much pleasure, receipt of
your most esteemed favor of the 25th current, the contents
of which have with a due attention noticed. The in-
closed Correct Invoice No. 23. is carefully compared and
finding it right have conformably regulated my Entrys
therewith.
Observe the two pieces figured Velvetts had reached your
hands safe, in the purchace of which together with the sales
of the last four pipes Wine, I am fortunate to merit your
approbation, a circumstance that cannot but prove ex-
tremely flattering and pleasing to me. am happy to find
that the price I obtain'd of Captain Wiley for those sold
him here, had establish'd so good a precedent for the 8
more which you furnish'd him at Leicester as I remark you
had not before held them so high. That article is now re-
tailing her at 78/ per Gall'n.
I note likewise with a particular sattisfaction, that not-
withstanding the introduction again, of that vexatious plan
1779] RHODE ISLAND 67
for regulating the prices of Goods, you had recently found
an advantageous vent for a considerable Quantity of Goods
to some returning purchacers, who had prefer'd your store
to the many they left at Boston, an incident which I do not
think indicates a present strict adherence to, or long contin-
uance of, that perplexing evil. I shall you may depend Sir,
pay due Obedience to your Order respecting the prices of
the Goods included in Invoice No. 20, tho I have not omited
heretofore to advance them in a graduall pace with the
depreciation, and as high as our Market would admit. In
mine of the 3d. Inst. I requested to be advised wither the
ballance due me from Mr. Sam'l Page ^ of Salem had been
accounted for, to you, as I desired, to which I have not as
yet' received any reply, suppose it has through hurry,
escaped your notice, shall now esteem it a favor to be
inform'd of that matter for my government.
Mr. Ward has this moment handed me the inclosed from
Capt. Wright which has just come to hand from Warwick,
where a Flagg arrived last evening from Rhd. Island, am
much surpris'd at his not having rec'd the Letter which I
forwarded some time past in your behalf, as Gov. Bowen
assur'd me he deliver'd it to the Capt. of the Cartell with
his own hands, by what I can learn from Mr. Ward, we
shall soon have frequent oppertunitys of conveyances to
Newport, a Cartell being in agitation to be establish'd
between the 2 Generalls. Blake being at my elbow im-
patient to return, leaves me only time to return a tender
of my most respectfull Salutations and Love to my Dear
Aunt, and to assure you that I continue with the utmost
respect and esteem. Dear Sir, Your most Obedient Nephew
and humble Servant,
David Lopez, Jun'r
^ Captain of a foot company in 1781, and a member of the House of Represen-
tatives, 1783-1785.
68 commerce of [ 1779
Joseph Fay ^ to Aaron Lopez
Bennington, 8th September, 1779.
Sir,
The Ballance of my last Bill, the Bearer (my brother) will
discharge; after which you will please to furnish him with
such articles as he may want to purchase of you particularly
one more P's of Irish Linnin such as I purchased of you last
month.
I am in want of a considerable Quantity of Powder, Lead,
and flints, for the use of the Militia of this State, should
you be able to supply me with those articles (which must be
of the best kind of English powder for Hunters) you will
please to write me by the bearer, also upon what conditions,
and wheather United States Loan ofiice Certificates will be
rec'd in payment.
I shall soon want to supply myself with a considerable
Quantity or assortment of winter goods, and if I can be
supplied by you at as reasonable a rate as at Boston (Portage
excepted) shall be willing to open a Trade with you. You
will please to signify to me wheather Flower will be rec'd
in payment or wheather Cash will be more agreeable. I
am, Sir, Your Humble Servant,
Joseph Fay
David Lopez, Jr., to Aaron Lopez
P^ Q, . Leicester, i6th September, 1779.
I have now the pleasure of addressing you my Respects,
from this, where I arriv'd again this day, and have the happi-
ness to find my Dear Aunt and all the branches of our dear
Connections in health. I pray the same blessing may be
extended to my ever honored Uncle, that he may enjoy the
approaching festivities, with a tranquill sattisfaction, and be
wrote and seal'd in the Book of long Life and Felicity.
^ Secretary to the Council of Vermont. Records of Governor and Council, Ver-
mont, I. 122.
1779] RHODE ISLAND 69
Emediately on my return an oppertunity presented to the
Island, which I did not fail to improve, in repeating dupli-
cate of what I before wrote to Capt. Wright in your behalf,
to which I also added a verball and explicit message by Mr.
Townsend, who went down at same time, and promised to
be the bearer. The return of that Cartell was so sudden as
not to afford time for a reply, another Flag is daily ex-
pected from that quarter, and should any letter from Capt.
Wright come to hand, I have directed it to be emediately
forwarded here, with a duplicate to Hartford, that you
might be seasonably apprised of its contents for your gover-
ment. Bills of Exchange I found to be exceeding scarce and
in great demand at Providence. I have however fortunately
obtain'd a sett for three Hundred Dollars at 12 for one, and
have a further prospect of another for 800 Dollars more in
about 10 days at same advance. I have likewise left
directions with Mr. Jacobs to procure as many as posible
during my absence, and hope we may be able to accomplish
a good proportion towards your occasions.
The opperation of the State Bill renders Buisseness still
extremely dull and perplexing, tho' with us it has the appear-
ance of a very short duration, our marketts being most
badly provided, and scarce any attention paid to the regu-
lations by those who expose their articles to sale. at
Boston, its dictates seem to be but little better regarded,
on application for the Velvetts which I advised you were
offer'd me at £6 per yard, I was told that they were sent to
that markett and readily sold for £9. dry goods insted of
descending 20 per Ct. keep daily rissing, and have become
very scarce. On my arrivall I apply'd to Jno. Reynolds
with the Samples of the Broad Cloths you was pleased to
deliver me when here last, he says that he has just made a
purchase of a quantity of equall quality at the Eastward, at
£10, and offers to take those 5 ps. at £12 provided Loan
Certificates will be taken in payment. I wait your reply
and orders respecting them.
I did not omit attending to your Commission respecting
Colo. Reed. on my way down he promised the money
70 COMMERCEOF [ 1779
should be ready against my return, but when I now call'd
at his house was told he was gone to Boston and had not
left the Necessary to discharge your Bill, I shall again
wait on him when I leave this and endeavor if posible to
obtain it.
I am with perfect Sentiments of the utmost Respects and
Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most Obedient Nephew and humble
Servant,
David Lopez, Jun'r.
[Endorsed,] To Mr. Aaron Lopez, Merchant, Hartford.
John de Neufville and Son to Christopher Champlin
j^. Amsterdam, 27 Sept., 1779.
otr,
Craving reference to the annex'd Copy of our last respects
of 25 July and your remittance of £ St. 30 your account was
creditted for it as follow at Fs. 36^ per £ St. F. Bk money
326.5 agio 4I per ct. F. 13.17 = 340.2 Currency whereof
please to pass writing in comformity but as there will not be
sufficient for a cannester Souchon Tea we only shall ship
the chest bohea by the first opportunity, Captain Greely
being not able to take anything.
We have no particular news on this side of the water but
sincerely congratulate you on the good Luck of the American
arms got this summer. Remaining with due Regard, Sir,
Your most humble Servants,
John de Neufville & Son
Forwarded from St. Eustatia, by Y. M. H. S. Hy. Godet.
EzEKiEL Hall^ and Samuel Cooke to
Aaron Lopez
P,. Watertown, 10 October, 1779.
Otfy
Your favour of 8th have receivd covering an Invoice of
Goods purchas'd of you which we find far exceeding the
^ An inn holder in Watertown, 1770,
1779] RHODE ISLAND 7I
Quantity talk'd of, but as the one half is to be paid for in
Rum think the Advantage will be mutuale. have this
morning also receivd the 2 Hhds. of Goods and one Piece
Baize to outward appearance in good order by Mr. Wicker,
have fiird 8 Bbs. Rum for Mr. Wicker to take for you but
upon applying to our Committee for a Certificate find
that its not in their Power to give a proper Certificate to
secure your team in their way to Leicester they say it must
come from your Committee. in this disagreable Situation
tho't it prudent to advise Mr. Wicker back to your Town
for a proper Certificate which hope will meet with your
Approbation. --^
Mrs. Hall and daughter had an agreable Return on Thurs-
day last. Mrs. Hall and Miss Betsey and Mr. Cooke joins
me in presenting our Respects to you Mrs. Lopez and Ladies,
being very assuredly Your Most Humble Servants,
Ezek'l Hall and Sam'l Cooke
David Lopez Jr. to Aaron Lopez ^
r\ r>,' Providence, 1 2th October, 1779.
Dear bir,
Cousin Jos. handed me your much esteem'd favor of the
loth Current to the contents of which have duly attended,
and note your orders respecting the goods we have on hand,
the Sundrys you are pleased to order by Cousin Josy, are
deliver'd him, the others shall be punctual'y conformed to
your pleasure, altho' must beg leave to observe that the
prevailing sentiment in this quarter, respecting the prospect
before us, does not appear to coincide exactly with yours,
particularly in regard to the disposall of Goods; for notwith-
standing the Certainty of Mons. De Estaing's Arrivall at
the Southward, and the Success that has attended him in
that quarter, the price of goods has not decended in the
least, nor has the speculators, or holders of them, in any
degree slack'n'd their avidity in collecting and enhancing
1 The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
72 COMMERCE OF [ 1779
their value. not a Merchant or Shopkeeper here will
willingly part with any article by wholesale, and when they
do which is rare, nothing is abated from the retail price, the
truth of which Josy can fully evince from his own observa-
tions, and fruitless Essays to procure a few articles that were
wanting. to him therefore I beg leave to refer you for
further particulars, and the reasons urged for this rule of
Conduct.
Bills on France are equally scarce and in demand. Mr.
Clark has not as yet been able to purchace any, but promises
to continue his best endeavors. I have now deliver'd Cousin
Joseph 5 small setts amounting 192 Dollars, which I wrested
by the dint of persuation from a Farmer who was passing
through here on his way to Boston, to ship them; he had
before refused I2| that was ofFer'd him by Clark and Night-
ingale, therefore was constrain'd to allow him 13 for one. I
am inform'd the same price has since been given by those
Gentlemen.
Messrs. Tillinghast and Holroyd have punctually dis-
charged the order drawn on them by Capt. Wiley, which sum
together with what we have collected in the Shop being about
Ten Thousand Dollars, have thought best to hold till your
further orders, for the purchace of what Exchange may be
obtain'd by Mr. Clark and self.
Since my return, two Flaggs have arrived from the Island
without any tidings from Capt. Wright, and within this day
or two has appeared here, one of those Ganahim,^ from
Connecticut. his Business is to collect the evidences of all
the Newport refugees, respecting the Character of Capt.
Wright and Maudsly.^ Mr. Bowler informs me he was
summon'd to give his deposition, that the questions that
were demanded from him, were whether Capt. Maudsley
did not subscribe to the Association, and was not accounted
^ Gammadims. Ezek. xxvii. ii.
^ John Maudsley, who was charged with being a "rebel "until the occupation
of Rhode Island by the British, when he asserted his loyalty. He is said to have
sworn allegiance to the new government after the peace, and certainly, in 1783,
petitioned the British government for land in Nova Scotia. Sabine, American
Loyalists, 11. 52.
1779 ] RHODEISLAND 73
a friend to Goverment, and whether Mrs. Wright had been
continually on the Island since the first arrivall of the British
Troops, to both which questions he answer'd in the affirma-
tive, he says he was present and heard severall others
interogated to the same questions. I cannot devise what
handle they mean to make of Capt. Maudsley in that affair,
but fear those Villians will occasion you much trouble before
they can be brought to render you due Justice, which at
length I cannot but flatter myself they will be compell'd
to do, altho their Rascally, peaked. Bearded Judges may by
their Chicane, procrastinate the period. should I discover
any further particulars of their Intentions you may rely on
being seasonably apprised. I am with the greatest respect
and esteem, Hon'd Sir, Your Obedient Nephew and Servant,
David Lopez, Jun.
14th October.
Accounts from below say the Enemy are certainly embark-
ing, that their heavy Cannon are on the wharfs and every
thing in the outmost readiness for evacuating the Town,
should they quit it I shall not fail conveying you the earliest
Intiligence, as it will prove an excelent oppert'y of convers-
ing with Capt. Wright who I do not think will emediately
follow them. Cousin Joe will be able to furnish you the
particulars of this account.
David Lopez, Jr. to Aaron Lopez ^
r\ (>• Providence 2 1 St October 1779.
Your most estemm'd favor of the 19th is just handed me
by the Teamster, and in conformity to its contents have now
del'd him the three Hhds. Dry Goods which hope may reach
you safe and meet an advantageous sale. Inclosed is a
minute of what has been taken out of each Cask since they
were first packed for your Goverment. Mrs. Williams left
^ The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
74 COMMERCE OF [ 1779
me 32I li Tallow to be forwarded to you at 12/ which have
paid her and debited your Account with Lopez & Co. it
will be delivered by the Bearer, who being importunate to
be dispatched prevents my enlarging. We have this moment
an express from below advising the Enemy's being all em-
barked, the wind being now favourable. the Troops here
are all order'd to embark in Boats and follow the Gen'l who
has gone down post haste with his retinue. They burnt the
light house last night and have blown up severall other of
their works near the Town this morning.^ many of the
Inhabitants have also imbarked among whom is Colo.
Wanton ^ and fam'ly. This we have from a person that was
taken off the Island last Night by Colo. Barton.^ every
appearance now indicates a speedy Evacuation, in which
hope we may not by some unforseen event be disapointed.
I am with respectfull Salutations to your hon'd self my
Dear Aunt and famly, Dear Sir, Your Respectfull Nephew
and Servant,
David Lopez, Jun.
David Lopez, Jr. to Aaron Lopez ^
TT 'JO* Providence, 24th October, 1779.
Hon a oiTy
I HAD the pleasure of paying you my respects under the
2ist Current by Mr. Hathaway with whome I forwarded the
three Casks Dry Goods you was pleased to order. hope
they are safe with you e'r this, and that you may find a vent
^ "Our best Accounts from Rhode Island are, that the Enemy had nearly Com-
pleated the embarkation of their Cannon, Baggage and Stores, and were employed
in plundering the Inhabitants, taking the Bells from the Houses of Worship, etc.
The North Battery was levelled a few Days since, and the platforms burnt; on
Wednesday morning they burnt the Mast and other Wood-Work of the Light-
House on Beaver-Tail, and yesterday were destroying their Works near the Town.
Their Departure is daily expected." Providence Gazette, October 23, 1779. The
embarkation took place on the evening of October 25.
^ Joseph Wanton, Jr., and WiUiam Wanton were among those who accompanied
the British.
3 William Barton (1748-183 1).
* The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
1779] RHODE ISLAND 75
for them equall to your best wishes. We have not had
anything remarkable since my last from below, the Enemy
still continue their preparations to evacuate the Island, but
the wind proving unfavourable till now they could not
depart. The Gen'l has just sent an express from Bristol
advising the embarkation of part of the Troops, and he con-
jectures they will go off this evening. by advise from New
London we learn the Capture of Capt. Jno. Andrews in a
Brigantine from New York, bound to Newport with whome
were passengers, Capt. Maudsly, and Sam'l Goldthwait.
They had on board a quantity of Goods just arrived at
N. Yk on their accounts from England, its said to a consid-
erable amount. They were taken by a small Schooner out
of this river; ^ I am with due Sentiments of Respect and
Esteem, Hon'd Sir, Your Obedient Nephew and Most
Humble Servant,
David Lopez, Jun'r
Monday noon. An express just arrived from Gen'l Wash-
ington, confirming the Capture of the British Garison at
Beauford, with Sir James Wallace and his fleet, by the Count
De Estaing. The attack was made on the i6th ulto. and
carried after a very severe Conflict. They have taken
prisoners 700 British with 200 Tories and negroes, and dis-
persed the rest through the woods, where the Militia were
pursuing them on all quarters. 13 Transports i Ship of 50
Guns and severall Frigates is what the Fleet consisted of
that fell into the Counts hand's. The Count after this pro-
ceeded to attack Savanah.^ The wind continues North
East and we momently expect to hear the departure of the
Britons from Newport.
1 "The Privateer Schooner Lively, Capt. Esek Hopkins, jun. of this Port, in
Company with a Privateer belonging to Connecticut, has taken three Vessels from
New York, one of them very valuable, and sent them into New-London." Provi-
dence Gazette, October 30, 1779.
2 The story is far from the facts. See Winsor, Narrative and Critical History,
VI. 522.
"j^ commerce of [ 1779
Daniel Gardner to
Brother Cons't.f
Rec'd yours this day by Mr. Channing and find by the
Contents Mr. Lopez agrees to my Terms in part. if Mr.
Lopez will agree to allow me two Months Wages in case I
am taken and can't proceed on my Voige, to get home, thats
all I desire; but you know we may get taken and caried to
the British Island. in that case if we are not detain'd we
can proceed down to Jamaica and lose no time. Then I
shall expect my Wages to go on and my Expences born. if
Mr. Lopez agrees to the above Terms I am ready at any
time to take Passage with Mr. Right and hope it will be
early in December. Sally desires me to remind you of your
promis of a Visit. I am yours, etc.,
Dan'l Gardner
So. Kingston, 13 th November, 1779.
Abraham Pereira Mendez to Aaron Lopez ^
-. Ttf T Newport, 25th November, 1779.
Dear Mr. Lopez, v y ^ , //y
After a pleasant journey, I arrived here last Evening and
found all our friends wel]; It has not been in my power to
settle with Geo. Sears, as his Indisposition for these many
days prevented it, however shall loose no time to see it
done. Since I have been in town I procured 4 Boxes of Oil
6/ Stg cheaper per box than you expected to give Sears,
have therefore made bold to buy it in preference to those.
On my journey here, I reflected much on your troublesome
Lawsuit, and would beg leave to mention, that if the Jury
should return their Verdict larger than you could reasonably
expect, it would be adviseable to petition the Court for a
Rehearing, which will enable you to put your intended plan
in Execution, and frustrate the design of your vilanous
Antagonist; This will answer if you can obtain your petition
without giving Security for the damages, however your
1 The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
1779] RHODE ISLAND 77
Attorney will be able to give you a further advice on this
head.
All those that were confind in the Provo, was liberated
last Friday on giving Security.
Wishing you every felicity you can wish am, with great
Esteem, Yours very Affectionately,
Abr'm p. Mendez
The people in Town, have totaly refusd paper Money,
and I suppose the Affair of a totall defeat of Count De
Estaing and Gen'l Lincoln at Georgia, will help greatly to
reduce our Currency. I make no doubt by this time, you
have had a particular account, and shall only say, that a
Vessell from Augustean bound to N York, and was obligd to
put in here, in full confidence that this place was still in
possession of the British Troops, have bro't the News, that
of the Action of the 9th October the Count headed his
troops and made a regular approach after being defeated
the 16 Sep'r at last was totally repuls'd with a great Loss,
and have divid'd his fleet, some to Delaware and others to
Europe.
Abraham Pereira Mendez to Aaron Lopez ^
TN 11 4^ r Newport, 2Qth November, 1770.
Dear Mr. Lopez, h , y , //v
My last was by Mr. Goldthw't which I expected would
leave this last Thursday, but was much surpriz'd to find he
did not sett out untill this morning; This day I waited on
Geo. Sears and have paid him the amo't of his Invoice. The
mistake in the threads was discover'd previous to your letter.
I shall use my means to have them packt tomorrow and
shipp'd before I leave this which suppose will be the begin-
ning of the week. David sett out for Providence yesterday
morning: Christopher gott in Prov. last Friday and made
his appearance here Saba. Capt. Wright waits for a wind
to goe by water and probably will have one in the Morning;
Capt. Story arrivd in Town yesterday, he says he was taken
* The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
yS COMMERCE OF [ 1779
by our people from Long Island, but am apt to think it was
a concerted plan, and suppose he finished what business he
went after at N York and put himself in the way of being
taken. He express's a great desire of seeing you.
Christopher left the families well, and Sally Lopez much
recoverd. your Bro. David left this for home yesterday,
and Mr. Mears ^ expect to keep Saba at Leicester; Paper
Money no Currency in this place and no manner of price
for that Currency.
God grant you Success with your present contest, and wish
to have the agreeable News from you, and that you have
triump'd over those Scoundrells, that would rob you of your
Money.
Our friends here are all well and am, Yours very AiFect'ly,
Abr'm p. Mendez
David Lopez, Jr. to Aaron Lopez ^
rj 'jq- Leicester, 7th December, 1779.
1 DID myself the honor of addressing you my respects
from Newport per Mr. Goldthwait, which have the pleasure
since my Arrivall here to learn had reached your hands.
The ill state of my Sisters health, and her anxious desire
of seeing me stimulated me to leave the Island before Capt.
Sears could attend to the delivery of the goods, Mr. Mendez
being on the spot has taken charge and forwarded them to
Providence, where I have the pleasure to advise you they
arrived safe a few hours before my departure. Mr. Jacobs
promised to attend emeadiately to their land'g and our
faith full Christovall (who arrived here with Capt. Wright
last Even'g) tells me that he assisted in putting them safe in
our Store, where they wait your further orders. The imprac-
ticability of obtaining Bills at this juncture in our quarter
and the shocking disrepute of paper Medium has not per-
mited me to improve what we have of it on hand for your
^ Samson Mears.
2 The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
1779 ] RHODEISLAND 79
acct. at Newport they still hold it in the same point of
view as when you was there, and with us at Providence,
those who have goods of any kind, rather prefer holding
them than our fleeting phantom of a Currency, I have left
the Bundle you was pleased to put in my care, together with
what we were in Cash (say about Ten Thousand Dollars)
in Mr. Jacobs hands to attend your orders, hope it may
not suffer from a further depriciation before you are able to
invest it in something more permanent. Mr. Mears accom-
pany'd me to the happy Hills of Leicester, he requests a
tender of his best regards to you. we left Providence
Sunday morning and reached here after a tedious Storm of
Snow about lo oClock yesterday, and found all our dear
families in health excepting my good Aunt Rivera who is
much indisposed with a Cold, and my poor Sister who is
in a very low condition and I fear not long for this life.
hope e'r this Justice may have placed you secure from
the dread of rancourous Envy and Villany, in terminating
the troublesome litigation which has so long disturbed your
tranquility agreeable to your most sanguine expectations.
Accept Dear Sir my best wishes for your Success and happi-
ness and believe me to continue with the utmost Respect
and Esteem, Your Most Obedient Nephew and very Humble
Servant, t^ t t
David Lopez, Jun.
Benjamin Wright to Aaron Lopez ^
TT7 ,1 T^ ' J Leicester, I ith December, 1779.
frorthey rnendy
After making a verry harty dinner, I am now alone in
your Store, sorounded with Leather Breeches all serene and
quiet, when in the hour of my serious Meditations I am sur-
prised to find you inclined to tarry among a people who by
there own confession are strongly attached to the political
Laws and government of inferno, the Lord have mercy on
them, and what adds to my astonishment, is when I consider
^ The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
80 COMMERCEOF [l779
the rapid depreciation of our paper money, how they can
support Two wives and are not ashamed to have the matter
debaited in a Boston Court of Justice — be that as it may.
I have been at your House one whole week, Hving on the
fatt of the Land, and my attendance fit for a Noble man.
Your family at present are in number only 99 and still there
is a vacancy for one more, and I desire you will return with
all Expedition and fill it, then we shall be able to proseed to
business, to prevent your inattention to what I have said,
permitt me to hint, your Family if I mistake not, inclines to
imbrace the Presbyterian Faith, a Religion of all now extant
is the most fatal, to Humanity and Common Honesty;
fraught with. Superstition and oppression, (whatever I may
think I will not say — Rebellion) if this piece of Intelligence
will not bring you home I must suppose you are inclined to
take to your self, another wife, should that prove to be the
case my friend, the first ox slead you see aproach the greate
Town, prepare your self to meet a man Red with uncommon
Rath to blast the man who oweth his greatness to paper
Money. Yours most respectfully,
Redemption Doudle
[Memo.3 from Capt. Benj. Wright.
James Wilson to Aaron Lopez^
Sir,
I HAVE been favoured with your Letter of the 23d of last
Month, addressed to Mr. Lewis and myself, together with
the Inclosure. Mr. Lewis is now indisposed: You will
therefore be kind enough to accept of this as an answer from
him as well as from me. Your Application for a Protection
in Favour of Captain Gardner and Captain Wright, I will
take the very first Opportunity of laying before the Gentle-
men you mention; and you may rest assured that my best
Advice and Assistance will not be wanting in order to pro-
mote its Success. The Event will be communicated to you
so soon as I shall know it. I am sorry for the very long
^ The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
1779 ] RHODEISLAND 8l
Delays you have experienced with regard to the Schooner
Hope} You have indeed reason to be dissatisfied with the
Treatment which you have received in Connecticut. An
unfortunate Concurrence of several Circumstances has
hitherto prevented the Argument of the Motion for rehearing
your Cause. But it is the first, or almost the first matter
that will come on: And I hope, by next Post, to have the
Pleasure of informing you that it is finally determined in
your Favour.
I am, with great Regard, Sir, Your very humble Servant,
„,,,.,. T^ . James Wilson
Philadelphia, 13 th December, 1779.
William and Rod'c Lawrence to Aaron Lopez
SzV,
We now transmit you by Mr. Hide three Setts of bills of
Exchange for 36 Dollars each, and one for 30 Dollars in
favor of Alexander Catlin, also two Setts for 36 Dollars each,
and one for 30, and one for 12 Dollars, in the name of Jos.
Mather, which we have procured at 18 for one. We likewise
forward One Sett for 30, four for 24, and three for 18 Dollars
each, in favor John Robbins, also one for 24 Dollars, in
favor of Seth Stanly, which were purchased at 20 for one.
We trust we shall be able to forward on a sufficiency to make
up the sum which you left with us, and are, Sir, with every
Sentiment of Esteem Your Most Obedient Humble Servants,
Will'm and Rod'c Lawrence
Hartford, December 13th, 1779.
Thomas Mumford to Christopher Champlin
Q • Providence, 19 November, 1779.
I AM now on my way Home from Boston. Left our
Daughters well there last Evening, they are very happy.
^ The papers in the case of Brooks vs. Lopez, claimant of Schooner Hope,
and of Lopez vs. Grifl&th, et al., 1778, are in the office of the Clerk of the U. S.
Supreme Court.
82 COMMERCEOF [ 1779
my Daughter is in want of Half a Dozen Black feathers such
as you sent your Daughter. I will be much obliged to you
to procure for my good Girl that number or less if they are
scarce, send them by some carefull hand to Mr. John
Mumford at Clark and Nightingales in Providence, the
amount of which shall be paid on first notice in either silver
or paper, which you are obliged to pay for them, and if good
handsome purple and white Calicho to make her two Gowns
can be procured you will renew the Obligation to procure
and send me to said John Mumford sufficient for that pur-
pose say ten or 12 yards, or a whole piece if more convenient.
I give you this trouble as I understand by your Daughter
you bought the Black feathers for her at Newport and they
cannot be had in Boston, excuse this freedom and oblige.
Sir, Your most Humble Servant
Thos. Mumford
P. S. if eight scanes of Silk and hair of the Colours of the
inclosed patterns can be procurd (four of each) pray send me
them also, and continue the obligation to
T. M.
Wiley ^ and Cowperthwait to [Aaron Lopez?]
T~. Q,. " Stratford, 31st December, 1779.
We address you at Leicester fully persuaded that the
malicious and vexatious cause of your detention has 'ere
this terminated (as it should) to the confusion of the prose-
cutors, and that your family are once more happy in your
return to them. Our Journey has been attended with every
Inconveniency that inclement weather, (such as we have
lately had) coud involve us in. two days was intirely spent
between this and New haven distant only fourteen miles,
and after forcing a passage through a snow of nearly three
feet deep, were oblig'd to leave our Carriage and one horse
when within five miles and by dint of perseverance arriv'd
here with the other (one of us walking the whole time), we
^ John Wiley.
1780 ] RHODEISLAND 83
shall not be enabled to give you a perfect state of Markets
as the post this moment waits for our letter sufficient to say-
that from the general appearance we do not doubt of selling
our goods to advantage, we have not as yet received any
intelligence from Mr. Blake, have left instructions for him
with Mr. Pitkin^ with a reinforcement of Cash and expect
to wait here in hopes of a line per return of the post. Immedi-
ately on receiving information of our goods passing through
Hartford (of which Mr. Pitkin will acquaint us), we shall
proceed for Fishkill from whence we shall again write you.
we are Sir with compliments to Capt. Wright, Mr. Rivera,
Mrs. Rivera, your good Lady, and all other Friends at
Leicester your obhg'd and humble Servants,
Wiley and Cowperthwait
P. S. Please to inform Mr. Rivera that we have had an
offer for his Tea of 50 Dollars if we w^oud deliver it here,
which we may possibly accept of if nothing better offers
within a day or two, as a strong rumor prevails that Holland
has certainly acceeded to a loan of several Millions and that
Congress has drawn to a large amount, this whether true
or false serves to stagnate Business.
Samson Mears to Aaron Lopez
Dear Sir, Wilton, January 31st, 1780.
The Tuesday morning after leaving you and encountering
a severe cold Journey I had the happiness of joining our
Families here, who I found in great anxiety about my long
absence; the means I took to advise them of the cause,
fail'd, and of course their conjectures were many, some not
of the most favorable kind; however my arrival put an end
to every painful feelling and gave way to the inexpressible
enjoyment of embracing each other in perfect health. My
intention of going to New London, was obstructed by the
information I rec'd at the place where I was to take that
1 Daniel Pitkin.
84 COMMERCE OF [ 1780
Road, of its being shut up; The only Road I could then take,
was from Hartford, which would have encreased my journey
70 miles; My being out so long, and the great risque I run
of being as much longer detained out by another fall of
snow; and the infirmity of my Horse, were strong induce-
ments for me to avoid that, and proceed home immediately
and defer my business at New London for a future Journey.
From the information I obtain'd on the Road of the price
of Produce that way. Coffee was mention'd at 6 dollars, so
that if I had got there, there was no probability of effecting
your order respecting that article. I cannot pass over in
silence yours and every Branch of your worthy Family's
friendly Civilities during my stay at your hospitable house.
It fills me with every sentiment of Gratitude while I offer
my grateful acknowledgements for the many kindness I
have repeatedly received. , . .
Samson Mears
Sale of Share in Vessel
Boston 16 February 1780. Receiv'd of Sam Vernon
Tertius One Hundred and Sixty four Pounds Nineteen
Shillings and Ten Pence in full for One Sixteenth part of the
Sloop Lady Washington'^ and Appurtenances.
August Newman
£164.19.10.
[On the reverse of sheet,] Ninety pounds of the Within
was paid by Sam Brown in a Balance due him for fiting
the Lady Washington his third Cruise.
Daniel Pitkin to Aaron Lopez
T-v Q. Hartford, 21 February, 1780.
I received a letter from Mr. Wiley Stratford January 29
1780 wherein is the following words. "Mr. Lopez intends
^ In 1782 and 1783 a Massachusetts vessel, engaged as privateer, bore this name.
1780] RHODE ISLAND 85
sending on one Load of Currants and 2 Hdds. West India
Rum. Should you have an offer for the Rum as high as
65 Dollars please to dispose of it. the Current send on as
above likewise the Rum if you do not sell it. Yours
etc. John Wiley."
The 2 Hdds. Rum 10 BBs. of Currants an Two Tierces of
White Sugar is now in the Store Rum unsold although
offered for Sale. Capt. Wiley left in my hands one Tierce
of Tea to sell for him to best advantage. We have not sold
more than | doz. lbs. as that article seems at this time to be
rather plenty, the Teams that carried on the 4I pipes of
Wine from my Store to Fish Kill returned last Saturday
night in the evening. Left Sleds Yoaks and sold 2 Yoak of
their oxen on account of the scarcity of keeping as they say.
had but few words with them on account of the night, but
understood they had delivered their Load to Major Bush,
had rec'd no pay fo[r] Transportation but expect it from me
which I shall do. They say Capt. Wiley went from fish Kill
that day before they arived. The badness of the Roads I
think it not prudent to send on the Goods now nor do I know
whether I can get any Teams that would be willing to go on
now. I advanced One Thousand Dolers to carry Mr. Blake
forward and One Thousand for the Wine for I could not get
any Team under 10 Doller per mile which is a high price so
that I have not Money enough to send on the two Loads
unless I should sell Tea or Rum faster than I have done. I
thought proper to make you Sir acquainted with the matter
as it stands. I suppose that wind and weather hath been
much against Capt. Wileys proceedings. Notwithstanding
be willing to advance any Sum for him knowing that I have
Goods of his in my hands to much greater amount if sold to
carry all forward. What little Money I have now on hand is
chiefly in hard Cash which should be loth to stir as the times
are. I should be glad to purchase one Tierce or half a Tierce
of your White Sugar in my Store if it suited you to sell it
and if you conclude to let me have one please to let me
know by the next post the price etc. the price in paper Bills
and the price in hard money. Shall want a Hdd or Tierce
86
COMMERCE OF
[ 1780
of Good West India Rum for the purpose of keeping Tavern
or retailing if you could let me have it by and by. if I can
be of any service in selling any Goods in my Store for you
shall be willing on low Commissions. You will be pleased
to let me know your Mind next post, as Capt. Wiley is at
great distance from me thought the best and earliest instruc-
tions might be had from you. I am with Highest Esteem
Your Humble Servant t^ r>
Daniel Fitkin
John De Neufville to Christopher Champlin
§if Amsterdam, the 24 February, 1780.
We have lately received the bad news that our Brigg
Lady Amelia ^ met with the misfortune of being droven on
shore near Madeira by a violent gale of wind where she has
been obliged to put in, for want of water, an English priva-
teer having robbed her of all she had on board, the Vessel
is intirely lost the Crew saved and also part of the Cargoe
which will be sold at Madeira the management of the matters
being confided there to M[ess]rs. John Searle and Comp. a
very respectable house, and due care will be taken of every
thing as soon as we have the generall account of sales. We
will accordingly make an exact repartition and hope to be
in the case to restore you some part of the loss. We hope
also you'll meet with better luck in the future where to we
will contribute what lays in our power, being in the mean
after tenders of our best service With all regard,
* The master's name was Wiirtze Gurts de Bour.
1780] rhode island 87
Thomas Smart to Aaron Lopez
_, . Providence, February 28th, 1780.
Your favour of the 24th came duly to hand by Mr. David
Lopez in whose favour find you have drawn on me for
£2568 being the amount of those Cambricks I rec'd from Mr.
Coburn,
But as I presume my taking the whole in some measure
disappointed you on your arrival in Boston expecting I
might have taken but part according to Agreement, obliges
me to make some Apology on that head; the day I rec'd
the Cambricks from Mr. Coburn I rec'd orders to set out for
Camp for which place made immediate preparations for,
and knowing you would have taken them with you to Leices-
ter had not the Evening hurried you out of Town determined
in my own mind (as I expected to come your way) to wait
on you and pay as much as might be then in my power
towards the whole, making no doubt but you would have
been willing to indulge me with so long time as I could have
remitted the Ballance from Camp; but the weather coming
on so severe and the roads being for some time impassable
has detained me till now being under the necessity of alter-
ing my rout on account of those Stockings I had to receive
here, as likewise to have what things I had in Boston brought
this way to pack the Stockings with, which things on their
passage here unfortunately got wet and five peices of Cam-
brick were staind which has done them no other damage
than not appearing so merchantable as the rest, on which
event I had wrote to acquaint you of the matter which would
have been forwarded some days ago had the regular post
arrived, but yours coming on Saturday last have substituted
this.
I have therefore paid Mr. David Lopez the sum of £1208
for 5 of the peices Number as follows 640, 680, 710, 720, 850.
the remaining 5 should be extremely glad to have, if I could
be favourd with so long time as I can remit the Balance
from Camp, which would not be more than five or six weeks.
88 COMMERCE OF [ 1780
your compliance to this will greatly oblige, Sir, Your humble
Servant,
Thomas Smart
P. S. Should the above be not convenient for you to
comply with as prior engagements might probably prevent
it will lodge the 5 remaining peices with Mr. David Lopez
on receipt of your order.
Davis and Benson to Aaron Lopez
„. Boston, 2ist March, 1780.
We have now to advise you that on Saturday last, the
Snow Happy Return, together with her sails, rigging, stores
and Guns, were sold at publick auction per Account hereto
annex'd. Your proportion of the Money we shall receive
and retain 'till we are favour'd with your Orders for its
delivery, the exact amount we cannot yet ascertain. Capt.
Minthurn was on the spot and thought it adviseable to have
her sold, in which we concur'd. with sentiments of due
esteem. We are Sir, Your Obedient Friends,
Davis and Benson
The conditions of Sale are, that the Money for the Snow
be paid on Thursday next and that the late Owners defray
the expense and risque the arrival of the Guns from Chatham,
which are to be paid for on the delivery.
Sales of the Snow Happy Return, etc., etc. Boston, i8th March, 1780.
Snow Happy Return with her sails, rigging and stores .... £23,700.
10 Swivel Guns ... at £100 1,000.
Powder (more or less, wt. not ascertain'd) at £6.15/
Musquet Shott Do. . . ditto ... at 21/ per Cwt.
Swivel Shott (number not Do.) at 4/6 per do.
Wooden Guns . . .do. £12. each, .
15 small Arms . . . at £18.10/ per peice 277. 10
2 pair four pound Cannon at £2500 per Pair S>ooo. —
Cannistre and Langrage Qangrel] Shott £61 for the whole . . 61. —
1780 ] RHODEISLAND §9
Wheeler Coit to Christopher Champlin
p^ Q. Preston, Monday, April 17th, 1780.
I HAVE just now had a man with me that had about 220
Dollars in Exchange his price is 45 for i in Continental or
hard money to make it equal to that allowing 50 for i. I
have not the Continentall or think should chose to have paid
him in that. I offered him 100 Silver Dollars for 120 in
Bills which is little more than 83 for 100. Believe I shall be
able to procure about 400 Dollars at 85 for 100.^ in case I
should not be able to get Esquire Leffingwells that I men-
tioned to you tho I here his Vessel is sailed that he wanted
to send hard money in. purpose to see him tomorrow, the
people I have seen since I came home had all heard that
Bills were par in Boston.
Since writing the above this moment have heard that
considerable part of the Bills is going to be sent to Boston
tomorrow mean to see after them this night and can add no
more. I am Sir your most Humble Servant,
Wheeler Coit
[Endorsed,] favoured by Mr. Lester.
Wheeler Coit to Christopher Champlin
Preston, May 12th, 1780.
Dear Sir, Yours of the 9th Instant is before me. observe
what you say about Bills. I think you told me when I
met you on Boston Neck to engage you about 400 Dollars
in Bills there was not any particular limit'd price then
mention'd. I have stop'd about that Sum being sent to
Boston purposely for to serve you. am afraid have bro't
my self into some trouble, tho I shall endeavour to return
1 "The price of exchange is hard to determine as there is no Bills at market.
People generally receeve @ 40 for one. Hard money has fell from 85 to 65 for
one, and some People say 55 for i. West India goods are or have been upon the
fall. N. E. Rum, 41 Dollars per Gallon; W. L Rum, 18 to £20; Tea £21 per lb;
sugar £180 per Ct." Jarvis and Russell to Aaron Lopez, Boston, July 27, 1780.
90 COMMERCEOF [ 1780
them to the Owners, those who sent their Bills to Boston
some have received par others 95 for 100 in hard money.
have sent you a Bill of three hundred Dollars of my own
which I told you I thought I chose to risque, which if you
will take the one half and pay in Bills again, or risque it
with me as propos'd pleas to take a Receipt of the master in
your Name and mine the neat proceeds to be laid out in
German Steel or Bohea Tea. I will risque so much with
you in another vessel if it suits best pleas to write me and
send Coppy of the Receipt, the black fellow is impatient
to wait so can ad no more. I am. Sir, your most Humble
^^^''^"^' Wheeler Coit
Thomas Smart to Aaron Lopez
_. Highlands, May 20, 1780.
btr,
Must beg your pardon for not forwarding the Ballance
due to you for the Cambricks, but there has not been one
farthing these three months in Camp nor no expectations of
any at present, can send Notes issued from the State of
Massachusetts Bay if agreable to you, which should they be
please to direct a Line by way of Fish Kill for me in the
13th Massachusetts Regiment now lying in the Highlands,
expect to make an allowance for the depreciation. I am
Sir with great regard Your Obedient Servant
Thomas Smart
Daniel Crommelin and Sons^ to Aaron Lopez
^. Amsterdam, 21 May, 1780.
btr,
Here with you've the Third Copy of our last respects
under date of the 24 March, to its contents we beg you'll
be referr'd. have now again the satisfaction to acknowledge
the receipt of the duplicate of your favor of the 14 Xber and
1 The CrommeUns were a Dutch banking house with American connections.
Daniel and Charles Crommelin took the freeman's oath at New York in 1698,
and their descendants long held a prominent position among the merchants of
that city.
1780 ] RHODEISLAND 9I
original of the 20 do., by the last we saw with much pleasure
the safe arrival of the Sloop Diamond Capt. Cooke and are
much obliged at your attention to communicate the same to
our good Friend Mr. Rivera; As by the Postscript of your
letter you give us Liberty to ship your Goods on Board of
the Brig Ketty which was not arrived induced us to apply
to William Haydon Commander of the Hannah, how to
oblige us, consented to take the same; and in consequence
have loaded it as per inclosed Bill of Lading and Invoice,
amount bo. £929: 5. - which Sum we have passed to your
debit; be pleased to note the same in conformity, we
heartily wish the whole safe to hand and hope will prove to
your satisfaction, we have sent you the glazes of such sorts
as we thought woud sute your purpose and added a few of
the most fachionable at present, thinking they woud be
agreeable, if not for sale, for your own use. You will find
also mentioned in the Bill of Lading a Case markd AL No. 3
which we have taken the Liberty to address to your Care for
our good friend Mr. Jacob Rodriguez Rivera. We beg as a
particular favor to receive it and settle the freight of it with
Capt. Haydon. for your Governo its Value is £[blank],
contains [blank] Ells of Deaper Table cloth, after receipt
be pleased to follow said Gentlemen directions thereon and
account with him for your charges. Your forwarding him
the inclosed as also the others to their address will be a new
obligation conferred on us.
We have obtained the acceptance of your four Bills on the
Commiss's at Paris for Dollars 120 is at 5 £600. negociated
at ^2^d per Ecu^ of £3 is Bo. . . . £262 .10 —
Agio 4^ p Ct £ II ■ 16 —
£274. 6. - -
Commission ^ p £1.7.-
Brokerage 19m .6.- 2.13. —
Postage of Let. i . - . -
£271.13.--
The same we have passed to your Credit.
1 A silver coin passing at seven livres or less.
92 COMMERCEOF [ 1780
It was not well possible for us to close exactly your account
without much trouble and dare say it will be a matter of
indifference to you, as we flatter ourselves to be further
favored with your commands.
You've here inclosed the answer of Mr. Leake on the
Letter we transmitted him at your desire.
There is as yet no alteration in the Political Sistem of
Europe, and war seems to be going on with the same vigor
as former years. For your Governo you've here inclosed a
price current of our Market and beg here to reiterate you
our offers of best services, and to such of your friends as
you may be pleased to recommand our house. We remain
Very respectfully, Sir: Your most obedient Servants,
Daniel Crommelin and Sons
P. S. We have also received per Capt. Haydon the Copy
of your favors of 17 and 18 May and 2 July of last year but
as they required no answer we've passed them under Silence.
You've here also a Letter for Mr. Henry Bowers Junior,
which we beg youll forward him by the first safe conveyance,
and as said gentleman has also two chests of Tea on board,
shoud he not give in time the needful directions thereon, we
beg you'll taken them under your care, untill you've his
directions, they are marked H.B. No. i and 2.
Thomas Smart to Aaron Lopez
Q,. Providence, June nth, 1780.
About 3 weeks ago I wrote to you from the Highlands
acquainting you it was not in my Power to fulfil my Engage-
ment, by reason there had no Money been paid to our Troops
since the ist day of last November, and my health continue-
ing much impaired was under the necessity of leaving Camp
before the arrival of any Cash, which not only has been
attended with many Inconveniences to our Officers in fur-
nishing themselves with necessary supplies, but disappointed
me in discharging such Contracts I have made for their use;
1780 ] RHODEISLAND 93
I have arranged my affairs in such manner as to have im-
mediate Remittances to this place as soon as the first Pay-
ments are made, therefore must beg your indulgence for a
short time longer, expecting to make such reasonable Com-
pensation for the time that has elapsed as in your good
judgment shall require, being sensible you will take into
Consideration the present Circumstances of our Officers who
are sufferers for the want of their Pay being made to them
in Season; if our State notes for the first year which are
calculated at 32^ for one should be agreable will endeavour
to pay you in them. I am, Sir, etc. ^ ^
'^ Ihomas Smart
Joseph Lopez to Aaron Lopez
TT > 7 o • Leicester, June 27: 1780.
Hon a Sify
I HAVE the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your
two very acceptable letters per last Post, and am truly happy
to hear you and Mama had returned safe and well from New-
burry after an agreable excursion. In compliance to your
desire have now transmitted per the Post Rider all the Money
we can at present command in a Bundle seal'd containing
Thirty five Thousand Dollars, and all the first Bills of each
Sett I received from Mr. Vanderwoort.
I beg leave to congratulate you on the safe arrival of Capt.
Earl at Newport from a Voyage to the West Indies in seven
weeks only. In this Vessell your good self Mama and self are
interested eith. it is said Capt. Earl has made a fine voyage.
I being now in so much haste have not time to add much
more, to-day being Training, they find it extreemly difficult
to raise our Quoto of Men, and a continual throng of people
around me, obliges me to close in haste, tho' not without
presenting my Duty to Mama, and to believe that I am Your
Dutiful Son, T T
Joseph Lopez
P. S. I had forgot to send the last Post the Bottle Mus-
tard you desired, but have now deld it to the Rider. I have
paid the Rider 85 dollars for postage of the Money.
94 commerce of [ 1780
Richard Woodman to Christopher Champlin
^. Wethersfield, July 18, 1780.
bir,
I HAVE this oportunity riting you a few Lines to let you
no that Salt and Rum is very dull I have this moment offered
it for the Salt for 6 Dollars per bushel and the Rum at 6
ShiUings and take Bills at 95 and 60 Days after Site and thay
will not give it and if I cant git that I shall store the same
and com home for hard money I cant git at any rate and I
cant by any Cind of goods on acount of debeting Com-
mesereys ingaging too Mr. Wordworth will do me all the
good he can. I am yours,
Richard Woodman
I am in hast you may [know] by the riting.
Samson Mears to Aaron Lopez
_^ P, . St. Georges, Granada, July 19th, 1780.
Dear biTy
I HAVE the Pleasure to advise you of my safe arrival here
yesterday, after a Passage of 36 Days, and as these Vessels
are bound to Salem where you are well acquainted, and
anxious to get the agreeable Tidings as soon as possible to
my anxious Family, induces me to put the Letters under
cover to you, not doubting but you will forward them on
with the greatest expedition. I shall improve an opportu-
nity of a Danish Bottom that goes this Morning for Statia
under the Sanction of an Act of the Br. Parliament pass'd
last May in favor of the Inhabitants of this Island, who are
indulged to ship the Produce of this Island on Board any
Nieutral Bottom to pass unmolested by any of their Cruisers;
which circumstance affords a very advantageous Trade
between this and Statia. You'll please to understand this
Indulgence only extends to this Island and the Granadines
as it surrendered at discretion, the other Islands capitulated
under some advantages this did not.
1780 ] RHODEISLAND 95
There is nothing new to communicate and hurry compels
me to conclude, which is with the sincerest regard to you
and your extensive Family from Dear Sir your esteem'd
Friend and Humble Servant,
Samson Mears
De Valnais ^ TO Christopher Champlin
Q. Boston, the 20th July, 1780.
The hurry I was in to set out for Boston, has hindered me
to wait upon [you] before my Departure. I expected you
would call upon me when I was at New Port. Mr. Bell the
Bearer of this will pay you what you have been so kind as to
advance for Messieurs de Villemarais and Chadirac. M.
Bell as Correspondent and agent of M. Holker will supply
the wants of the french Fleet; so it is not in my power to do
anything on that Head; but I have strongly recommended
M. Bell to give you the preference when opportunity will
present for articles of Goods you may have to dispose of.
I expect to go to New Port some time in the next week.
. . . I have, etc.
De Valnais
Joseph and John Rogers to Christopher Champlin
Q- Providence, 28th July, 1780.
We received yours of yesterday's date about 8 o'clock this
Morning and in consequence of your requisitions our Jno.
Rogers made immediate Application at Mr. Bacon's house
who we find went to Boston the day before yesterday, he
is expected by the Family to return tomorrow or the day
after, perhaps it may not be too late to have the Rum
lodg'd in Attleborough about 9 or 10 Miles from hence which
will be attended with the additional Expence of a Man's
going out there to procure a safe place to lodge it at as we
1 Consul of France at Boston.
g6 COMMERCEOF [ 1780
presume the Teamsters will not make any Allowance from
their Contract to deliver it in this Town. As West India
Goods are in little demand and Continental Money very
scarce in this Town at present we shall be oblig'd perhaps
to sell the Rum under its real worth for the purpose of raising
the Cash and wish for your more particular directions in this
matter.
At present we are in a Scene of Confusion, the Militia are
all order'd to be in readiness and expect momently orders to
repair to the Island in consequence of the intelligence rec'd
of a British Army marching Eastward on Long Island.^
their Embarkation and appearance of Newport will at once
prevent the removal of a single article of private property
be it where it will, in or near this State, give me your
further directions respecting the Rum and the Tenor of
them shall be comply'd with, with as much punctuality as is
possible.
the Salt have stor'd agreeable to your directions on a
Wharf Store which saves Trunkage Expence and the Freight
being £90 Currency paid the Skipper and his rec't del'd up.
We enclose you a price current in Boston by a Gentleman's
Letter of the 22d inst. date, who informs us the Gen'l Starks
out of Cape Ann a 20-Gun Ship has captur'd 3 valuable
Ships bound to Quebec with 350 Hhds. of Rum a large
Quantity of Dry Goods among which it is said there is 12000
ps. of Irish Linnen.
the Air Furnace for casting Iron Cannon in this Town was
last night entirely consum'd by Fire.
Nothing further material occuring at present We beg to
subscribe ourselves with Sincere Esteem, Sir, Your very
humble Servants
Jos. AND Jno. Rogers
P. S. We shall write you again at Mr. Bacon's return
immediately.
^ The French fleet with an army had reached Newport a few days before this
letter was written.
J
i78oJ
R H O D
E I S L A N D 97
Price Current Boston July 22d.
W. I. Rum
£i8 to £20 Gal'n
Indigo £24 to £30 lb.
N. E. Do.
£12 to £13.4/
Bar Iron £5. to 6000 per Ton.
Lf Sugar
96/ to 120/
Wheat Flour £140 to £150.
Brown Do.
£180. to £200.
Rye £90. to £100.
Tea, Bohea
£21. to £24.
French Bills of Exchange 50 to 60 for one,
Coffee
60/ to 72/.
Hard Money, 60 to 70.
Chocolate
80/ to 90/.
Joseph and John Rogers to Christopher Champlin
Sir,
Providence, 31st July, 1780.
Monday, 9 o'Clock Morning.
We just now received yours of yesterday's date previous
to which we convers'd with Mr. Bacon concerning the Rum,
who return'd from Boston Yesterday and informs us it is
not to be mov'd untill his further directions, in consequence
of which we have order'd that it shall not be sent on untill
he receives yours or our Orders for that purpose which he
engages to comply with.
The Salt shall be delivered your Order, the person whose
Favour it is in paying Freight, Storage, Wharfage, and Roll-
ing to the Store, agreeable to the Tenor of your Letter. The
Freight £90, Rolling £6, and Wharfage and Storage not yet
ascertain'd but at the Customary Rate.
We are greatly at a Loss in our Opinion respecting the
Movements of the Enemy but believe their immediate Object
is a general Stroke at the Fleet and Army in your Town, or to
frustrate the Attempts of our Allies against Jamaica — the
former appears by far the most feasable tho the Dismission
of all the Militia this Morning is a favourable Omen. That
you will still be in a more happy Situation, than the confus'd
Noise of War, Thunder of Cannon and Death at your very
Doors, that you may be deliver'd from those horrid Scenes
is the ardent Wish of Sir Your very humble Servants
Jos. AND Jno. Rogers
98 COMMERCEOF [ 1780
George Hayley to Christopher Champlin
0 • London, 3d August, 1780.
My last bore date 8th April 1778 since which I have
received your favours of 7th January 1779, 9th, 17th April
and loth May, 1780. The bills you advise to have drawn
upon me for £30 in favour of Mr. John De Neufville and
£200 in favour of Henry Greig are paid and placed to your
debit. I have just received a remittance from Stephen
Deblois for £199.15.7 which will be placed to your credit.
With this remittance I received your memorandum for a few
Goods to be forwarded to Messrs. John DeNeufville and Son
of Amsterdam for your Account which was dispatched to
them in a few days, and herewith you have the Invoice
thereof amounting to £84.14.11 which is placed to your
debit. You say nothing about Insurance on these Goods.
1 therefore make none from hence to Amsterdam, and as
the risk is very trifling I hope they will arrive in safety.
From Amsterdam I suppose Messrs. De Neufville's have
your instructions to insure them, for which purpose I give
them the amount of the Invoice.
Your letter of the 7th Janry., 1779, respecting the remain-
ing £100 Insurance on t4ie Peggy s freight has been laid before
the Insurers but I have not been able to obtain a settlement.
By the Laws of Insurance here Insurers are not liable to any
expence which arises from detention. If your Vessel had
proceeded from Norwich to her destined port, you must
have born the expence of transporting her thither before
you could have been entitled to your full freight. If there-
fore the Insurers pay your full freight, they must be allowed
the expence that was saved by her not proceeding from
Norwich. This they think could not have been less than
£100 for Wages, provisions, port charges, and expence of
unloading, and other small charges. In this calculation
however I suppose they over rate it; but I must beg the
favour of you to make out and send to me as regular an
Estimate as you can of what those charges would have been
1780 ] RHODEISLAND 99
and no time shall be lost in getting it adjusted. I notice
that you think the remittances received from Mr. Trant
cannot be in full, to which I can only say that he calls them
in full, and says he allows Interest for part of the time the
money lay in his hands. I can do nothing with Mr. Brymer,
he denies having any orders from his Nephew. If you can
procure and send me such an order he shall be diligently
followed. I am. Sir, Your very humble Servant,
[Endorsed,] Via Amsterdair. ^^°- HaYLEY
Samson Mears to Aaron Lopez
rj o • St. Eustatia, August 6th, 1780.
I HAVE the happiness to advise you of safe arrival to this
Island, which I found strangely altered; filld with Strangers,
Goods and Shipping. There has been a very advantageous
Trade carried on here for some time past, but the reduction
of Carolina and the Huricane Season, has given it a sudden
check. At a more leisure opportunity I shall descant more
largely on commercial matters, and then I hope to be able
to give you some account of your Bill on Is. Werden Esqr.
which I am sorry to say is yet unsettled; it shall be a matter
of my attention to effect a settlement and of which shall
advise you hereafter. In the mean time beg your care in
forwarding the inclosed and crave your acceptance of the
annex'd Price Current with my respectful regard to you and
all your good Family, being with real esteem Dr. Sir Your
Friend and humble Servant
Samson Mears
P[rice]
Current.
Clay'd Su
gar
8^ to 14 ps.
Russ Sheeting
18 ps.
Musco. D
itto
7 to 8 ps.
Oznab [urg]s
6 to 7 St.
Molasses
2 Bitts.
Russ. Drilling
10 to 1 1 ps.
Rum
3I to 4§ Bt.
Cordage scarce
16 to 18 ps.
CofFee
I Bt.
Stripes
4I to 6 ps.
Cotton
15 to 16 Stiv's.
N 2 Checks
4I ps.
Cocoa
9 ps-
3 do.
5 to si ps.
Gin
4 to 4^ ps.
Britans
i8§ to 20 Bts,
100
C O M M E
R C E OF
L 1780
Brandy the keg
6 ps.
Plattillias
II to 12 ps.
Hol'd Duck
24 to 26 ps.
Engl'h do.
II at 8| ps. 36 yds. ps.
Russ. Do.
i6j to 17 ps
Dutch Blankett
16 to 18 B'ts.
Rav. Do.
14 ps.
Engl'h do. Comm'n 20 to 30 Bts.
Cinamon and
Com. Negro
Mace
4ps.
Cloth
II to 12 ps. a ps.
Cloves
3^ ps. Nutm's 2j ps.
Bath Coating
10 to 12/ yd.
Selissia Hank's
4^ to 12 ps.
doz.
Ind. Chintz
10 to icx) ps. Patern
Col. Romal Do.
4A to si ps.
. 15 in ps.
Virgin. Tobac.
14 to 20 ps.
Barcelong do.
12 to 16 ps.
doz.
M. Land do.
8 to II ps.
Com. Callicoes
4 to 8 Bts.
Ell.
Cowpen no sale for.
Kentings
4 to 7 ps.
Carolina Indigo
3 to 7 B't.
Cambrick
7 to 30 ps.
French do.
12 B'ts.
Muslins
10 to 40 ps.
24 Ells ps.
Irish Linens
3 to 16 B'ts yd.
Gauze
4 to II B'ts yd.
Bohea Tea
6 B'ts.
Lawn
8 to 30 ps.
\2\ El's ps.
Green Do.
16 to 20 B'ts.
Dutch Ribbons
6 to 33 Bts
. 20 do. ps.
Bl. Pepper scarce 5 Bits.
Boards
55 ps- m.
Light do.
14 ps.
W. 0. Staves
Tl ps. do.
Pork
22 ps.
R. 0. do.
55 ps. do.
Butter
i3| firk.
Hoops fit for
Codfish
8 ps.
Tobacco Hh'ds
80 ps.
Shingles
10 ps.
Mackerel
81 ps.
Flour
12 ps. B'l.
Congress Bills on
Best heavy beef
■ 18 ps.
France
8 to 8§ Bitts the Dollar.
Assignees of William Stead to
Christopher Champlin
StV,
London, 9th August, 1780.
Misfortunes, the want of remittances, and an infirm state
of health hath induced Mr. Stead to put all his affairs into
the hands of Assignees for the benefit of himself and Credi-
tors. We have therefore, in order to facilitate a close of his
Estates and Effects in America, disposed of the whole to the
bearer, George Rome, and have this day executed proper
Deeds of Conveyances to him, with powers to recover by
and give the necessary discharges; And whereas it appears
to us, that Mr. Robert Jenkins, Junior, deceased, as attorney
to Messrs. WilHam Stead and Son, alias Mr. William Stead,
took a Mortgage on some Lands in Rutland in order to
secure a Debt of £800 Stg: And as that Debt and Mortgage
is now assigned over to Mr. Rome, and he is apprehensive a
1780 ] RHODEISLAND lOI
quitclaim or Deed of conveyance from Mr. Jenkins's Heirs
or Executors, etc., may be necessary; We, therefore, hereby
request, you will either separately, or jointly with Mr.
Bulkley's Heirs, give him such further Conveyances as the
Law may require to annul so far the transactions of the said
Robert Jenkins, as to render Mr. Romes title to the premises
compleat against his Heirs etc. We are, Sir, Your Most
Obedient Humble Servants,
William Stead ]
Martin Petrie \ Assignees
Charles Jacomby J
Joseph and John Rogers to Christopher Champlin
Q • Providence, August 19th, 1780.
Our John Rogers forgot calling on you in Newport as
promis'd but takes this Opportunity of requesting you
wou'd send up 500 Dollars which shall be credited your
Account, 320 being already paid, and the Storage and
Wharfage yet unsettl'd. Your further directions respecting
this or any other Business shall be with pleasure accom-
plish'd to the best of our Abilities.
Have annex'd you a price current which cannot if of no
Service, be the contrary. Mr. Bacon informs me the
Merchants in Boston sell their Goods for Hard and paper
Currency at as much odds as 75 for One, the Exchange here
is about 70. I refus'd 100 Hard Dollars ofFer'd at that the
day before Yesterday. Please to give us a general price
current with you which will much oblige Sir Your very
humble Servants t t t-»
Jos. AND Jno. Rogers
W. I. Rum £21. Boston, common proof £27 here 20 per Ct. over proof.
N. England Do. £13.10/ Boston. Charge £80 for hhds.
Molasses £12. to £13. Boston. £13. to £14.2/ here.
Bohea Tea 70 to 75 Dollars Boston, £22.10 to £24 here.
Coffee 9 to 10 Dollars Boston, 10 to 11 Dollars here.
Dry Goods a genteel Assortment of English Goods in this Town at about £300
L. Money for £100 Sterling prime Cost in Europe. A Merchant with a good Capital
may make an advantageous purchase.
i02 commerceof [ 1780
Daniel Crommelin and Sons to Aaron Lopez
Q • Amsterdam, 22th August, 1780.
Our last we had the pleasure of writing you was the 21th
May per Capt. Haydon, by which we inclosed you Invoice
and Bill of Loading for the sundries we had shipped you on
board of his Vessel the brig Hannah amounting to £929.5.
Since we have been favored with your sundry letters under
date of the 17 April 10, 25 and 29 May their verious con-
tents we have duly noted, we have your following bills
vizt. Benjamin Wrights draft on John Pitt at 60 days
sight for £40 Stg. and three bills on the Commissioners at
Paris together Dolls. 108. these have meet due honor and
your Account has been creditted with.
In regard to the further contents of your letter and the
Consignment you've made us per the Ship Rambler Capt.
Lovet,^ her entering into Marstrand ^ has brought us in to
many difficulties, first it is not permitted for any Swedish
Vessel to bring us any other produce here but those of the
Growth of that Country, and there being no dutch Vessel
at Marstrand your Goods must remain there untill one offers,
and to have them sold there will not answer, it being a very
poor country, and Ashes is one of the principal returns they
make to this country, besides as they must be brought
here freight free Mr. Sigourney has put them under the care
of one Mr. Henry Crugh, who has promised to forward us
the whole as soon as a Vessel offers, which hope will be soon,
we can neither make any calculation on the Indigo, a sale
depends on its quality it being worth from 20 to 60 St. and
upwards. Regarding sending you the Goods from hence,
we found no less difficulties, as there is seldom or no dutch
Vessels a going there and the quantity of Goods you had
ordered was not sufficient to engage one except to have paid
half their Value in freight, we had however the promise
of a Swedish one and in consequence we purchased and made
^ Captain Benjamin Lovet.
2 A seaport of Sweden, on an island in the Cattegat.
1780 ] RHODEISLAND IO3
ready your order except sundry Goods which we could not
get here and were obhged to order in London. In the
interim these preparations were making the Swedish Vessel
decHned the Voyage, but soon after another offered, tho'
in the interim we were also informed that no China Articles
were permitted to be imported at Marstrand. So that we
found ourselves obliged to leave out the 4 Boxes China and
the 12 ps. Bandanna Handkerchiefs, wich must now remain
with us untill we receive your further directions, as to the
Perlong Sattins they were not to be met here, the other
articles are now a shipping on board of the Catharine Capt.
Pieter Stostrom who departs next Saturday, we shall
address the same to Mr. Sigourney or in his absence to Capt.
Lovat, with order to take them on board of his Ship to your
Consignment and to send you and us a bill of Loading, we
have constantly advised Mr. Sigourney how matters stood
that they might detain the Vessel untill the arrival of your
Goods, which hope will prove the case, as to the regulating
of the Freight Mr. Sigourney has wrote us.
You'll please to ship the whole amount of Mr. Lopez
effects, or as near as you can and the 28 per Ct. and 12 per Ct.
may be settled in America with the owners of the Rambler.
as it is impossible for us to make any calculations regarding
the Value of your Effects, untill they are sold, no other
method is left but its being settled between you, on our
transmitting you the Acct. Sales, when we shall calculate its
amount and bulk in Tea, as likewise let you know the bulk
of the Goods shipped, we are very sorry that it is not in
our power to act more consistent to your directions but
doubt not your self will be convinced we coud not do other-
wise, when your Effects per the Rambler are safe deliver'd
to us we shall then discharge in course your draft on us for
£3333.6. in favor of Nath'l Tracy Esqr. and debit your
Account with. We have receiv'd per Capt. Davis the Cask
of Indigo which is only valued at 45 St. this has made us
determine to put it at public Vendue to see if some thing
more coud be obtained, as the same will yield by far less
than you expected and we can get no Insurance effectuated
I04 COMMERCEOF [ 1780
here on any American Vessel, we resolved to make the
purchase of one Chest of Tea and to send it you in return of
said Cask of Indigo per said Vessel as per inclosed bill of
Loading and Invoice which amounts to £334:9. the same
we've pass'd to your debit, when we've sold the Cask we
shall transmit you the sales and so whatever difference there
may be, you can more easily settle it than we with the
person whose property it is. we flatter our selves you'll
approve what we've done as otherwise it had been impossible
for us to have made you its return by this Vessel, we are
sorry to mention you that to this day the Brigantine Pallas
Hector McNeill is not yet arrived, so that in all appearance
said Vessel is fallen into wrong hands, shoud she yet appear,
you can depend on our attention to comply to your orders.
We are very sensible at the many marks of friendship you've
been pleased to give us by recommending to us Messrs.
Hopkins and Bradford to whom we shall with pleasure
render all the services in our power We intend to address
you further in a few days, in the interim we remain very
respectfully, Sir, Your most obedient Servants
Daniel Crommelin and Sons
P. S. none but the fine copper colour'd Indigo will sell
to advantage here and_no flower can be admitted.
John De Neufville and Son to
Christopher Champlin
Q. Amsterdam, 2d Sept., [1780.]
The foregoing is Copy of what we had the honour of
writing to you the 20th July per Capt. Lamprell, and having
just received from Mrs. George Hayley in London the two
trunks you prevented us of, marked © No. i and 2 we
have shipped them directly as follows
No. I. per the Brigg Dolphyn, Edward Davis, M'r. bound
for Boston directed to Mr. Jarvis and Russell.
No. 2. per the Brigg Betzey, Joseph Cooke, bound for
Rhode Island and directed to your good self.
1780 ] RHODEISLAND IO5
inclosed you have the account there on amounting to £73.16
Currency, for which your account is debitted. we send one
bill of Lading to Mr. Jarvis and Russell of the trunk No. i,
and inclose you the other, desiring very much it may both
come safe to hand. You'll also find hereby a letter Mrs.
Hayley desired us to forward, but as we have no duplicate
there of we send it only by Capt. Cooke tho' this our letter
goes by both Vessels.
By what we wrote you at severall times we suppose you
have been fully acquainted with the loss of the Brigg Amelia
near Madeira whereby we shipped one Chest Tea for you to
the Amount of 313.4, the Ballance of £26.18. due to you on
the remitted bill of £.st.30. remains still at the Creditor on
you account, and what may be your share in the salvage
which we calculate will go to about 20% will be added
thereto, but we are not able yet to make up the generall ac-
count by want of some papers which have been lost by the
vessell they came in from Madeira, we wrote sundry times
for the duplicates and hope they may at length reach us.
after this matter is settled we will lay out what may be
due to you in good white Lead and ship it for Boston ac-
cording to your directions, we have the honour to be most
respectfully, Sir, Your Most obedient humble Servants,
John de Neufville and Son
Daniel Pitkin to Aaron Lopez
7-v ^j • Hartford, September 14th, 1780.
I HAVE sent on 2 Teams for Capt. Wileys Goods, Ens.
Joseph Hurlburt and G. Roberts. Roberts you will please
to give 3000 lb. in full as per agreement of Capt. Wiley.
You was pleased to ask my opinion on the Sail of Salt, the
Inhabitants round here are but poorly supplyed with this
artickle now but say their is a plenty in Boston. The
Teamsters go down and fetch it and return for 100 wt flower
I Bushell of Rock Salt, their is likely to be considerable
pork to be salted on the River but cannot say how Salt will
I06 COMMERCE OF [ 1780
come in. I fancy that the Market in Hartford will be much
governed by the Market in Boston. I wish that the Salt
might be sold for Continental Bills if Silver or flower cannot
be obtained for it. Bohea Tea retails at 120 Doll's i li.
Pray Sir have you any Scarlet Br'd Cloth. Mrs. White a
Lady which I am Administrator with on her late Husbands
Estate wants i^ yard for a Cloak for her Daughter of a
pretty good Quality not the most superfine, the price she
wishes to know, if you would please to give a Shred to the
Teamsters will pay in Continental Money or she will take
out of the office next month Bill on France at 30 days sight
to the amount of 96 Doll's. Will have them to dispose of
and perhaps they will suit in payment and as all men wish
to get the most so the Women wish for the same. 50 can be
had at the office and I believe that it is the highest price they
are sold at and as they will fall into my hands to dispose of
must do the best for the Widdow and fatherless: If the
Cloth and price suit will be glad to take it and will send if
in the course of any Buisiness we should have and will serve
our mutual Interest will be glad to save the Bills for you
Sir if you are inclined to purchase them. I am with Respect
Your Humble Obedient Servant, j-v ry
Daniel Fitkin
N. B. The News of Generall Gate Defeat may be relyed
on as fact.
John Rogers to Christopher Champlin
Q. Providence, 19th September, 1780.
On the presumption of your intentions to remit some Bills
to Europe this Fall I take this opportunity to inform you I
purpose going in 6 or 8 weeks myself. My plan is at present
to go to France and negotiate m,y Bills, as that cannot be
accomplish'd in Holland without 10 per Ct. discount, whereas
there is only 4 or 5 in France, and proceed by Land with the
Cash to Amsterdam where I expect to lay it out, unless there
shou'd be previously a Treaty of peace on foot between this
Continent and Great Britain, in which case I shall proceed
1780 ] RHODEISLAND IO7
immediately to England from the assurance of laying in
Goods to greater advantage, particularly Hard Ware of all
kinds. I purpose shipping my own Effects for St. Eustatia,
if I purchase in Amsterdam and the War continues, but those
of my Employers shall be punctually laid in and ship'd
agreeable to their directions, if it is your inclination to
ship any Bills by me, I shall be happy Sir, in being honor'd
with your Commands and will execute the same to the best
of my knowledge on as reasonable terms as any person and
flatter myself you will not think me incapable, as I have
serv'd 12 or 14 years in that particular branch of Business
which was always my delight to aspire after a perfect knowl-
edge of the same, and have the vanity to think I have ac-
quir'd it to as great a degree as most Young Fellows educated
in that line.
Your mentioning and recommending me to those Gentle-
men in the Mercantile Line in Newport who you think
probable wou'd send any Bills and any Letters of Recom-
mendation you can consistent with your own feelings give
me to Merchants either in France, Holland, or England,
will lay me under the greatest obligations and it is not
improbable if only to the latter kingdom, be of infinite
service to me. French Bills can now be procur'd at 55 for
one or 20 per Ct. under par; permit me to recommend them
as the best thing now to purchase on the principle of specula-
tion as I am well convinc'd they will be nearly at Par in a
very few weeks. Any of your favours in the operation of
this my intended Tour will be gratefully acknowledg'd by
Dear Sir Your affectionate Friend and very humble Servant
John Rogers
Agreement for Exporting Flour ^
Christopher Champlin of Newport having assign'd
and indorsed over to Ebenezer Gracy of Darby in Connecti-
cut as his agent, his Permission from Governor Trumbull
of s'd Connecticut, to export by water from s'd Darby to
1 The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
I08 COMMERCE OF [ 1780
Newport Two hundred Barrils of Flour for use of the French
Army, upon the conditions, viz.
1st. said Gracy promises without chargeing any Com-
mission, to receive from said ChampHn by any boat he may
ship it. Two hundred and forty Bushels of Salt and see
it deliv'd at Darby landing to Mr. Daniel Shearman , of
Woodbury, and his Associates as per engagement with Mr.
Hinman of said Woodbury and his Associates Fine Wheat
Flour well bolted and packed in barrils deliverd at said
landing by them at the time of delivering the salt viz. one
hundred and one quarter of a hundred Gross Weight, for
every bushel of Salt so delivered, said Champlin paying the
customary price for the barrils. And ship the said Flour at
the lowest Freight to said Champlin, at Newport.
2ndly. what effects said Champlin may consign to said
Gracy, (money excepted), to purchase the remainder of the
200. barr's contained in s'd Permission said Gracy shall
charge a customary Commission upon the sale.
3dly. What Flour or other articles said Gracy may ship
to the adress of said Champlin over and above s'd 200 barr's
shall be sold without Commission and the first price of s'd
Goods made good to s'd Gracy out of the sales, and the
remainder equally divided between said Gracy and
Champlin, and any Goods which said Champlin may send
to said Gracy for payment of such flour and other goods
so shiped, shall be sold without any Commission.
4thly. any Goods shiped by said Gracy for Newport on
the joint account of him self and said Champlin; or any
Goods shiped by said Champlin to Darby, on the joint
account of him self and said Gracy shall be considered at
their joint account and risk having due regard to advice
rec'd from each other from time to time, and the apparent
Danger of the Enemy. Receipts must be taken by each
Party at each place at the time of shiping any Goods, on
their joint Account to vouch that the same is on their joint
account.
Chris Champlin
Newport, September 20th, 1780. Eben'r GrACY
1780] rhode island io9
Daniel Pitkin to Aaron Lopez ^
Dear Sir Hartford, 26th Sept'r, 1780.
Having an Oppertunity to pay my Respects and as you
have formerly desired me to let you know the Markets in
Hartford the Exchange for hard Money is 72 Salt hath
been sold lately Rock for 4 hard Doll per Bushell, first White
Sugar by the Hdd, for 10 Dolls, perhaps on ac't of the
Scaircity of Continental Money may have occasion[ed] a
fall on artickle and the plenty of the New Emis[sio]n of
State Money which in generall is sleighted by most people,
the Scarlet Br'd Cloth will not sute Mrs. White. I am with
much Respect Your Humble Obedient Servant,
Daniel Pitkin
Moses Seixas to Aaron Lopez ^
Dear Sir Newport, October sth, 1780.
By what Mr. Brinley wrote you last week, you'll be in-
form'd that he had applied to me for money on your order
and the result of that application, he this day requested
he might have what money I had in hand of yours as he
cou'd get it exchang'd for Specia at 70 and saying that he
wou'd settle the exchange with you, who he did not doubt
wou'd allow it at that, this I judg'd myself not warranted
to do and therefore rejected it, but ofFer'd to let him have it
at 60 for one. he accepted my offer and I have paid him
seven thousand two hundred Cont. Dollars and taking his
rec't for the same, which hope will not be disagreable unto
you. Your Currants and Peas remain unsold and have
only sold but 2 p'r Breeches at 8 Doll's per p'r. The 3
boxes of Sugar from Smithfield I received last week, that
article is so plenty and low now that I see no prospect of
getting rid of ours soon, except at a great disadvantage.
Mr. Channing again applied for the use of the Synagogue.
1 The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
* The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
no COMMERCE OF [ 1780
I availed myself of the impropriety of letting him having
it, whilst I had not Mr. Rivera and your sense on the occasion
and which had been requested by his and Mr. Merchants
desire. Since then Doct'r Stiles is come here on a Visit,
and I made it my business to converse with him on the
matter, he express'd much concern and amazement at the
application, assur'd me it wou'd not have been made had he
been here, that he was well convinc'd we cou'd not acceed
to it, without violating our religious principles, and that all
that lay in his power shou'd be done to remove any unfavor-
able impressions that a refusal might create amongst his
congregation, and on the whole express'd a very friendly
feeling for us. notwithstanding all which I think it highly
necessary that both you and Mr. Rivera furnish me with your
Opinion respecting the matter. My Parents, Mrs. Seixas,
her Parents, and all my Connection combine with me in
wishing you, Mrs. Lopez, Mr. and Mrs. Rivera, Mr. and Mrs.
Mendes and every individual of your worthy family the
Compliments of the season and am with great Respect,
^sJucumJu.
Doct'r Coninta is not got here yet. I am told he is ex-
pected and has been so for these 2 weeks past, his Brewery
has fell thro' as his brave Countrymen dont abide unto
contracts unless it suits them. Should he come you may
rely on my attention to your order. Mr. Hays just now
arrived from Phil'a.
lySo ] RHODE ISLAND III
Mathew Robinson to Christopher Champlin
^' Hopewell Farm, October 30th, 1780.
Agreeable to the Advice of an ancient Sage of the
Eastern part of the World one Solomon to use Prudence
and Discretion in our Journey thro' Life, and finding that
one Grain of Caution is worth a Pound of Medicine, I am
by these Cogitations and some heavy threats on the Face of
the Waters driven to suspect that the French may (before I
see you again) take a Start and go off; as all things and per-
sons seem startish among us now-a-daies, therefore send this
to pray you to apply to the 2 Generals Viomenil at the late
Governor Wanton's House for my Clock and Key to wind
it up withal (the Key of the door is lost) upon Condition
they should at any time of a sudden be going away; and
desire you hereby to take it into your Custody and take
care of it for me; The other Household Goods I lent them
I shall write to our Neighbour Capt. Buckmaster to take
charge of, and not trouble you with them. My Regards
attend you and Mother Wife and Family, and believe me
to be as I am. Sir, Your Friend and humble Servant,
M. Robinson
Paper is scarce.
Nicholas Garrett to Aaron Lopez ^
Q, . Northamton, November the 7, 1780.
I HAVE but a moment to wright you concerning our
busenness. I have procurd three hundred Bushels of wheat
agreeable to your request in your letter at Newport for six
and six pence per Bushel, the money must be paid in five
or six weeks from this, the Rum and Salt I have disposed
of part a hhd Rum for 100 Bushels wheat Salt foer Bushels
wheat for one of Salt which is the best Exchange can be made
hear at present which I am much deceived in the Exchange
^ The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
112 COMMERCE OF [ 1780
but however I have not exchanged but for three hundred
Bushels wheat but hope to do better with the rest of the
Goods. Salt is plenty and pon the fall Rum is like to be a
good articel. this busenness will detain me hear this winter.
I shall exert my self to our best advantage in this busenness.
flower will be high next sumer. I shall acomplish the hul
busenness this winter and git the flower ready to go by
warter in the spring. Excuse my horrey. I hope this will
find your famely well not forgitting your self, the Teamsters
Bills runs away with everey thing. I shall come and see
you in foer or five weeks. I should be glad to write you
moer poticuler on this sircumstance but have not time.
No more at preasent. I remane your frend and Sarvent,
Nicholas Garratt
Joseph and John Rogers to Christopher Champlin
Q. Providence, ist December, 1780.
You may be assur'd our Jno. R. will obtain Recom-
mendatory Letters in the fullest manner from Gentlemen
of Influence in this State, particularly from the first Magis-
trate for one, to Doctor Franklin, the greatest American
public Character in Europe, he has assurances of many
Letters to that Gentleman from his Friends and Connections
and is sensible of standing at least an equal Chance, in the
procuring a sett of papers to proceed to England to use in
case of Emergency, he has no Expectations if Application
is made of procuring a permitt from the Authority of this
Continent or State for such a procedure unless under such
restrictions as to render the plan very inconvenient, those
who have already accomplish'd getting English Goods in,
have had no Authority from this Continent for the same,
believe they have either proceeded without any other but
British papers, or procur'd additional ones from Doctor F.
Our J. R. purpose conversing with the Governor and see you
in Newport with the other Gentlemen and discuss the Mat-
1780] RHODE ISLAND II3
ters fully at which time wish Matters may be so far deter-
min'd with you as to draw some final Conclusions.
We are Sir Your most Obedient and very humble Servants,
Jos. AND Jno. Rogers
Daniel Crommelin and Sons to Aaron Lopez
^> , Amsterdam, the 18 Xber., 1780.
We beg you'll be referr'd to the prefix'd 3d Copy of our
last respects under date of the 9th November, have now
to acknowledge the receipt of your esteemed favors of the
25 September 4, 5 and 10 October: their various contents
we have duly noted; but the want of time does not permit
us at present to enter into all their particulars; so shall
only mention you the most necessary of what offers.
On the receipt of your said letters by which you ordered
us to get £1500. Insurance on your 4 Casks of Indigo per
Capt. Haydon; we had the same covered tho' with much
difficulty at 35 per Ct. and for which your account has been
debitted vizt.
£1500 at 35 per Ct £525. -.-
Policy £2. -.-
Commission | per Ct. 7.10.- 9.10.-
£534.10.-
about five days after we had effectuated said Insurance we
had the agreeable account of the Juno Capt. Haydon's safe
arrival at the Flee; he is come up since and has delivered
us your four Casks of Indigo; with which we shall do the
needful; by him we have also receiv'd the Copy's of your
favors unto the 4th October.
We have sold your Pearl Ashes from 60 to 90 St. but the
mayor part at the last price; and your Indigo at 68 St.
which is a very high price for Carolina Indigo.
When opportunity offers v/e shall send you the Tea and
pins you've desired. We remain very Respectfully, Sir:
Your most Obedient Servants,
Daniel Crommelin and Sons
114 COMMERCE OF [ 1781
David Lopez, Jr., to Aaron Lopez
rk J TJ JO' Providence, January 2d, 1781.
Dear and Honored bir, . j / . /
I HAD the honor by return of the Teamsters last Friday
to acknowledge with brevity receipt of your most esteem'd
and kind favor of the 26th ulto. the late hour at which they
arrived deprived me the pleasure of replying to its contents
so fully as it required; I then proposed to improve this
days post for that purpose, but recolecting since, that other
teams will probably be forwarded this week with the re-
mainder of the Flour for Mr. Breck, whose return will not
much exceed the arrivall of the post at Leicester, have
deliberated to anticipate their Comming and make one of
them the bearer of this, permit me, my dearest Sir, to
reiterate with a heart felt gratitude, the sincere acknowl-
edgments that so justly is due for your great benevolence
in negotiating a plan for my Establishment, which I esteem
so beneficial; and in which, your most excelent and liberal
heart, I am fully convinced was purely actuated from motives
of benignity towards me. this additional instance joined
to the many and repeated marks of your goodness, and
favour, which from my youth upwards I have experienc'd
at your benevolent hands, claims more than the fullness of
my heart, or my pen can express, binds me for ever by the
strongest ties of gratitude and affection, which to my latest
day will continue indelibly engraved in my mind, and which
the study of my life shall be to evince the sincerity of by
acceptable actions.
I have conformable to your instructions this day address'd
Mr. Hastings on the subject; assuring him of my ready
assent to the proposed connection; but not being apprised
the particulars that has passed between your honored self
and him (which I refer'd him to) and wishing to have the
concurrent advice of my benevolent patrons in this important
affair, which their great benignity has so far led them to
promote and transact; I assum'd the liberty of proposing
to him our meeting at Leicester whenever it would prove
1781 ] RHODE ISLAND II5
convenient to him, for the purpose of closing the Contract;
and shall on receiving his reply, endeavor to be on the spot
a few days before the appointed time to consult your honored
selves on the subject.
Respecting the propositions agitated to our friend Benson
upon considering his seeming indifference and slow deter-
mination, I cannot but readily confess the judicious propriety
of your Observations and conduct thereon, and join in pre-
fering this new Connection, the advantage of an excelent
stand; the income of the Post office; the difference of Stock
in Trade; added to the high oppinion you entertain of the
person, and its being a plan dictated by your benevolent
self, combine to render it to me more agreeable and pleasing,
and raise my highest gratitude to its blessed author. I pray
indulgent heaven may in a tenfold measure reward the
goodness of your liberal Soul, conceed your every blessing
its bountifuU hand is capable of dispencing, or that can
tend to render you as truely happy as the fervent wishes of
my gratefuU heart: may it inspire me with its devine
guidance to trace the paths of your inimitable footsteps,
that thereby I may prove a pious observer of its devine
precepts, an ornament to society, and an honor to a Name
which by the wisdome and rectitude of your virtuous prin-
ciples, is render'd so highly respected throughout the Land.
I note with pleasure your approbation, on the sale of the
3 Barrells Beef, and cannot but still repeat my regret at the
unfortunate alteration in the price of the Salt, which did not
come to hand untill Thursday last; I was not insensible
kind Sir of the motives that induced you to address me that
article, and shall gratefully endeavor to render its sales as
favourable to your interest as posible; at present the season
being over for the demand, and the adventurers from Nan-
tucket having crouded in such quantitys, the markets are
greatly overstock'd, yet I hope some means will offer by
which I shall be enabled before my removall to put of what
I have on hand. Mr. Young has still by him, and complains
sadly at his hard luck, but promises with Bacon to discharge
their Bills in a day or two when I will improve the first safe
Il6 COMMERCE OF [ 1781
hand to forward that amount with what other money I may
have for your account to Mr. Sears of Boston. The sundries
for our mutual friend Seixas are ship'd to him by a carefull
person. I wish they may reach his hands in safety, and
meet an advantageous vent, the half barrell with the few
goods for my account came in good order, proved right and
are passed to your Credit in conformity, for your kind
attention to which I beg you will be pleased to accept the
Tribute of my best thanks, among them I find three peices
Silk of which no mention is made; I presume they must
have been intended for our friend Moses, and escaped your
mind, to give me directions to forward them. I shall enquire
of him by the first Boat wither they are missing in his
Invoice, should they be otherways designed on receiving
your orders, they shall be faithfully attended to. I hope
the Hhd. Rum, with the Barrel Coffee transmitted by
return of the Teams reached you in good order. I have
only an ullage Cask of Spirits, which as it now becomes scarce
flatter myself will command a speedy and good sale. The
CoflFee continues moving off slowly by the hundred etc.
at 57/ per Ct. I have about five or 6 Ct. left that am in
expectation of finishing in the course of this week at same
rate, there is also one hhd. New England Rum, the price
of which having continually since its receipt been under
your stipulated orders, still remains without a prospect of
its arriving thereto, they are now selling at 4/3, therefore
it must attend your further pleasure. Tea is also selling
as low as 5/8 which will prevent my obtaining the prefix'd
price for the Chest received from Boston. I have not at
present any empty Casks, or the Teams should have carried
them, if those from Newport reach here in time for the next
Conveyance I will with pleasure attend your orders to for-
ward them on.
I am with the truest Sentiments of duty gratitude and
esteem, very respectfully, Dear Sir, Your ever gratefull and
obedient Nephew,
David Lopez, Junior
I781 ] RHODE ISLAND II7
JosiAH Hewes to Aaron Lopez
Q. Philadelphia, 8 January, 1781.
Last post I was favoured with yours of the 226. ulto. and
this day, with that of the 29 ulto., contents observed.
My last was of the 27 ulto. by Colonel Peck of Providence,
by whome I sent a bill for 400 dollars, I purchased of the
Commissioner of Loans, on Doctor Benj'n Franklin, Minister
at the Court of Versails, at 90 days sight Exchange at 75
for I, to your Debit 30.000 dollars, allso an Intrest bill for
42 dollars Exchange 6/3 in Solid Coin £13.2,6. Col. Peck
gave me a Receipt for said bills, to deliver them to your Store
keeper, or Agent in Providence, and tould me he expected
to sett of next day, but was detained several days after, and
will likely be detained at Camp a day or two. I mention
this, as this letter may come to hand as soon, or sooner than
the bills, the post being twice robed of his Male, and no
other oppertunity offering, thought it most prudent to send
the bills by Colonel Peck a Gentleman well recommended
from Providence. I had applyed to Mr. Holker on his
return to this City, he could not draw; I indeed took every
step to lay out your Money in bills, had often applyed at
the Loan office, and had the officers promise to let me know
if any bills came, on the 15 ulto. he sent for me, and tould
me Congress had sent him a few bills of 400 dollars to sell
and that they had all been applyed for. I was a witness
that the bills ware immediately taken up, tho at 90 days and
75 for I but as he had promised I might have one or two, I
took but one fearing if I bought more, they would not answer
and now am extreamly glad I took no more, and sorry I
took that but it is too late to repent, and hope you will think
I did intend for the best. When I receved yours of the 22d
ulto. I supposed Ben Seixas and Co'yhad a bill on me, and
would present it, but hearing nothing from them, I this
morning waited on them to know if they had not a bill on
me, they tould me they ware to receve such sums of me, but
they expected 100 dollars in Solid Coin, you mentioned
as much as would purchase it which I offered them, they
Il8 COMMERCE OF [ 1781
sayed they would try to purchase the 100 dollars and call
on me. thus we parted, the post did not come in til this
evening, when I receved yours of the 29 ulto. as above. I
find you mention £37.10 in Solid Coin and refering me to
your last. I had not time again to wait on those Gentlemen,
least should miss the post but will to morrow and if they have
not purchased the Solid Coin as mentioned will pay them
100 hard Dollars and as soon as posable remit you the
ballance of 10.320 dollars in my hands takeing out the £129
you mention which will be more for your Intrest than buying
Gold at 100 for i which is the case here tho' a severe Law
lately past, that no more than 75 shall be given, which is the
lowest price any bills can be had for here. Should I send
bills by post shall observe your directions, have not time
to add by this post but as soon as can get a bill on Boston
or an oppertunity to send the Cash will again wait on you.
Mean time am Most Sincerely yours,
■//(^..^^^
P\rice\ C[urrent.] flour s. fine i4o£ Common ii5£ bread icx)£ Beef 5So£
Pork 75o£ Jam'a Rum £42.10 Windwar[d] £34 Raw Sugars £400 to £440
Havana box Sugars 10 to 11 dollars per lb. CoflFee 16 dollars Loaf Sugar 26 to
28 dollars Melasses 22 to 25£ Pimento £20 falling has been £30 Tobacco
I25£ to i5o£ as in quallity wheat £30 Indian Corn £15 Russia duck 7So£
Cordage 75o£ whale oil 75 to 8o£ tanners oil £75 per Gal. bohea tea £35 bills
of Exchange 75 and 76 for Specie 6/3 to 6/6 on London 50 per Ct. Specie.
Moses Seixas to Aaron Lopez
T^ o • Newport, January 12th, 1781.
Dear otr,
Last friday I had the pleasure of receiving your acceptable
favor of the 26th Ulto. to the Contents of which have duly
attended, the Goods specified in Invoice No. 5 came to
hand in good order, but am sorry to inform you that nothing
is sold therefrom but the spectacles, spoons and Ink pots,
as the shopkeepers have become fearful of purchaseing by
reason of Goods daily arriveing from all Quarters and sold
1781 ] RHODE ISLAND II9
in general Cheaper the next day than they was the days
before, neither have I been able to sell any more Baizes,
which I attibute to the mildness of the Season. Flour is
contrary to every Opinion hitherto found amazingly plenty,
the nominal price for cash is 5I dollars but I dare say it may
be bought for 5, oweing to the large Quantities that are
daily comeing in and the little demand there is for it. the
French buy at 7 and pay in Bills at parr, at the going
price that they give I make no doubt but I cou'd get them
to take yours, as their Treas: General who is the drawer
of their Bills quarters with us and has promised to assist
me in the disposal of any Articles that I might want to
sell unto them. Pepper is sold at 5/6 L. Mo. by the dozen
at which rate have sold about 40 [ ] of yours, Nutmegs
5 dollars. Cinnamon 6, in short every thing is very plenty,
low aiid dull. The 9th Current Captain Story paid me for
the Baizes and Hairbines and on that day I paid Charles
Handy (who is very ill). Two hundred pounds Law: Money
on your Account, thinking it better to let Mr. Brinley tarry
untill next week for his money, which suits him as well.
Handy paid me for the pepper which you sent him which
please to note, the Ginger you sent Mrs. Hunter will not
sell at any rate which is a great disappointment. She will
be glad of a small Cask that is good. I thank you for the
information respecting my Brother Hiam.^ it is beyond
a doubt to me that there must have been Letters from him
unto his Wife and me and that he imprudently sent them
without putting them under Cover of some friend and that
some Villian has intercepted them besides my having no
Letter even from Messes. Crommeline in answer to what
I wrote them convinces me that it must be so. I this day
send your empty Casks unto my good friend D. Lopez, as
at foot. I have also sent 2 Keggs Cosher Tallow, which as
I had no scales handy, I beg the favor of you to weigh and
inform me the weight, it cost 6d Sterling li. rough which
1 Benjamin Mendez Seixas and his wife Zipporah Levy had sixteen children,
of whom Moses was the eldest, born in 1780. Hyman L. Seixas was born
1793-
I20 COMMERCE OF [ 1781
suppose brings it at 8^. tried. I have also sent your Good
Lady's pickle pot, but we take shame to ourselves that
after detaining it so long, now to return it empty, not so
much as a bitt of Fish to be had to put in it. I forwarded
your Letter unto Mr. Robinson, and a few days after he
came to Town, inclosed you have his reply. I cannot at
present write my much esteem'd friend Mr. Rivera, but if
I might presume to advise him, it shoud be that Mr. Robin-
son be obliged to take the Bill up and give his note for the
Amount and not let it lay in the manner it now does. A few
days ago, I run the prong of a sharp fork into my right
thumb which makes it very sore and painfull and can hardly
hold a pen. you'll therefore be pleas'd to excuse this scrawl
and the brevity which I use in replying to your favor. My
Mother, Mrs. Seixas and all friends unites with me in usual
Salutations, and am Respectfully, Dear Sir, Your most
Affectionate humble Servant,
Moses Seixas
Jonathan Hastings, Jr. to Aaron Lopez ^
p. Q' Boston, 15th February, 1781.
The following is an Extract of Mr. Green's Letter relative
to the Shop: "Your favor of the 25 Ulto. came to hand yes-
terday containing some further proposals which simply
considered I would entertain no unfavourable Opinion of
them, nor am I unwilling to extend the time as you desire
on the condition mentioned of wanting it myself; and there-
fore in order to comply with your Request, say, that I wo'd
confirm your Expectation of the three years from the last
Settlement (on the above Condition,) at the rate of £40 per
year (in quarterly payments as usual) as I suppose you do
and I should in other times look upon it as a sufficient Offer:
but tho' I have given an answer as I have, yet I shall still
leave it to your further Consideration whether considering
the superior advantages of Scituation etc. etc. and the rate
^ The original is in the Newport Historical Society. Lopez had gone to
Philadelphia.
I78i]
RHODE ISLAND
121
Others are now set at and only let, or the price fixed quar-
terly, whether it ought not to be something more, this I
can assure you I could have had a great deal more had I
hearkned to the proposal, but I rest this intirely in your
own Breast, after making any proper Inquiry to satisfy
yourself about it. I have wrote as I have to save time,
depending you will not let me, as I am perswaded you would
not be willing that I should be a sufferer by the Bargain, as
we cant transact at this distance altogether as if I was
present, which being the needfull on the subject I remain
yours" — thus he:
Tho' Mr. Green has been very prolix, yet it is beyond my
Expections of having so definitive an answer, which for
him is exceeding full, and sufficient in my opinion to engage
it me for 3 years at £40 per ann. this is also his Brother
Edward's mind on the matter.
The inclosed is the prices current
New England Rum 45 dollars
W. I. . . do. . . 80 do.
Sugar in Barrell
CoflFee. . .
Tea
L. Sugar .
Cotton wool .
. 600 do.
. 8 do.
70 do.
16 do.
23-
Dry Goods of the best quality
Bills on France
Hard . . .
Port Wine .
Iron .
Steel . . .
Iron and Steel fa
. 2^ for I.
54-
75-
3/6 hard.
£200 per C.
18 do. per li.
1 rapidly.
We have accounts from the West Indies of great Success,
of which the inclosed paper will inform you, of the Ships
and Transports taken by Count De Estaing's Squadron.
You know my haste on Post Mornings, must therefore
conclude that I am yours sincerely,
Jon'a Hastings, jun.
[On the outside of the letter: ] Just arrived a Confirmation
of C. D. Estain[g's] Success of the Western Islands, by a
Vessell arrived at Dartmouth, which left Martinico after
one of the Count's Ships had arrived there. 7 Capital Ships
are taken and 45 Transports only.^
1 "Ever since you left Boston Goods have been falling. Vendue olHces opening
every week much to the disadvantage of the shopkeeper." Jonathan Hastings, Jr.,
to Aaron Lopez, February 26, 178 1. Ms.
122 commerce of [ 1781
Moses Seixas to Aaron Lopez
Dear Sir, Newport, February 18, 1781.
The next day after I rec'd your favour of the 226. Ulto,
I sold your flour for the use of the French forces at 7 dollars
per Cwt. payable in their bills at par, and altho nothing has
been wanting on my part to compleat the matter before
this, yet the tedious manner of their purchasers has prevented
the same being effected, for even now I am waiting for the
bills, the Quantity sold was 35 Casks (in which is included
the 2 specified in Invoice No. 6) which weigh'd here 96.3.20
Nt. so that it fell short 1.0.7 frorn what you sent it at. not-
withstanding this sale being so disadvantageous, yet you may
depend the purchase was made to oblige me. I am very
sorry that your Baizes will not sell here, and of the damage
that has accrued unto you by their being here, but I cannot
help it. every effort of mine has been exerted (equally the
same as if they were my own) to facilitate the sale of them,
the same has likewise been extended unto every other
Article of yours that remains on hand, and it wou'd give me
much pleasure cou'd I inform you of any Capital ones being
sold, but there is no forceing a market here. The 22d Ulto.
I took up your draft in- favor Mr. Brinley. you ask me my
Advice respecting the debt due unto you from Mr. Robinson,
which is to compel him to give you a Mortgage on his Farm
if it is unincumber'd, for I am firmly of Opinion that neither
you nor Mr. Rivera will get any payment in England, nor
money from him. I have repeatedly by Mr. Rivera's desire
reminded Geo: Tabor of the promise that he made unto you
of paying me some money on Account of his arrears unto
you. he tells me of disappointments etc. but promises
that it shall not be long now before he pays some. I have
the pleasure of my Friend D. Lopez's Company, he was
here when he received yours from Boston dated 30th Ulto.
and show'd me the paragraph therein directed unto me, and
to which I have paid all due attention, as I have no favor-
able Opinion of your speculation in french Bills at Phila-
1781 ] RHODE ISLAND I23
delphia, knowing that the Treasurer General sent his Clerk
there a few weeks ago on purpose to negociate Bills to a
large Amount, I therefore did not think it prudent to retake
any money from Charles Handy for to purchase bills with,
nor to pay your order unto John Carter, the latter I effected
the 13th Inst, by adding some of my money unto some of
yours that I had in hand, hope my determination may
prove agreable. I have open'd your Crate of Cream Col.
ware the Cups are soo large that they are rather unsaleable
and the Quantity falls short, the Brandy that D. Lopez
sent was so very low that I have been glad to get rid of it
at "] Id L. My. per Gallon, some Flour of an equal Quality
to that which was contain'd in the hhds. that weigh'd 8
Cwt. wou'd sell at 5I dollars, and I do suppose I cou'd get
a Quantity off among the Mons. for their Bills at the price
that they give.
The attention that I was necessarily oblig'd to give unto
my Sister Bilhah Levy during her sickness, her death, the
want of an Opportunity unto Leicester, the supposition of
your being gone forward and on your journey to Philadelphia
all combin'd to prevent my writing you untill now, which
I hope will find you safely arrived at Philadelphia in good
health, this moment the bills for the amount of the flour
are brought me and inclosed you have the first and second
bills of two setts, one sett for 2400 Livers, and the other for
1 162.2.6. the other remainder of the setts shall send tomorrow
unto you at Philadelphia by the post as it appears obvious
unto me that it is there you want them. Accept the kind
salutations of my Mother, Mrs. Seixas, and of, Dear Sir,
Your most affectionate humble Servant,
Moses Seixas
JosiAH Hewes to Aaron Lopez
Dear Sir Philadelphia, 13 February, 1781.
I AM this minute favored with yours of the 2d Inst.
encloseing four Setts of Exchange vizt. No. 59 for 400 dollars
No. 312 for 600 dollars No. 52 for 5901 livers, and No. 35
124 COMMERCEOF [ 1781
for 3801 livers, those being the first bills of each sett would
be glad the others ware allso come, have jest sold the 600
dollar bill at 72^ for one, and am in hopes to obtain that
for the others except the 90 day bill, which will gladly
take 70 for, as bills are falling here, will sell as soon as
posable on the terms you mention, giveing time to collect
the Continental or York State money. Could soon sell
them for Penna. State paper, but fear could not readaly
change it.
I note the whole of your letter, but the post comeing in
so late and going out again allmost immediately have not
time so fully to answer you as could wish, but will send you a
few lines to fish kill next post. Se price current and believe
me most sincerely yours ., tt
JOSIAH HeWES
P[rice] C[urrent] flour i2o£ windward rum £32 Jamaica ditto £45 Molasses
£22.10 to £24 Raw Sugars £350 to 40o£ loaf do. £9. to io£ Coffee 16 dollars
Chocolat 18 dollars pepper 98 dollars Nutmeggs 500 dollars bohea tea 90
Dollars plenty Dry goods or rather European Goods what cost i liver in france
about 30 Dollars Irish linnens that cost 1/ Sterling about 3/ to 3/6 State paper
Specie at 75 for i Gold not to be purchased under 100 to 1 10 for i .
Charles Sigourney to Aaron Lopez
Amsterdam, March 6th, 1781.
Dear Sir,
The Arrival of your Goods at Marstrand from Amsterdam,
just as I had got the Rambler ready to clear out, and the many
avocations which then took place, prevented my taking out
my Letter to you, to add, your Goods were come to hand
and shipd. Since which I have the agreeable satisfaction
to hear of the safe arrival of the Ship with you, and hope
you've received 'em free of any damage. I have to acquaint
you of the arrival of the Indigo and Pearl Ashes here, which
came in the Rambler, but on examining them found two
barrells fill'd with Coarse Sand instead of Pearl Ashes. I
cannot think it could possibly have been done on board the
Rambler, as so gross an Embezzlement could not but have
1781 ] RHODE ISLAND 125
been discovered by some of the Officers. I have wrote
several Letters to Mr. Ekstrom of Marstrand about it
(under whose care it was stored) and have received for answer
that he does not believe it was done while the Goods were
under his Care; and he can do nothing about it. Messrs.
Crommelin's have had the deposition of the Dutch Captain
taken, wherein he declares it was not done on board his
Vessel. We have taken every method to find out the
iniquity, but without the least prospect of Success. Please
to accept my sincere thanks for your polite letter to those
Gentlemen, from whom I've receiv'd every mark of Civility,
am with all due esteem and respect
George Hayley to Christopher Champlin
London, 6th March, 1781.
Sir,
I AM favoured with yours of the 17th December, by which
have the pleasure of seeing that the Goods sent you via
Amsterdam were safe arrived, and enclosing a Memorandum
for more to be sent thro' the same Channel which should have
been immediately complied with, but unhappily we are now
engaged in a Dutch War and of course all communication
between this Country and Holland is shut up.^ I am
therefore under the necessity of deferring the execution of
this order till I have your further instructions. Your
demand on Mr. Brymer is in a disagreeable situation. He has
paid the whole money into the Court of Chancery, from
whence it will be difficult for him or any body else to recover
1 The goods were shipped to Amsterdam, through De Neufville and Son, in the
Lady Elizabeth, Captain Doom.
126 COMMERCE OF [ 1781
it. If it is possible for you to settle it on your side the
Water, I would recommend your doing so. I am etc.
George Hayley
Jonathan Hastings, Jr. to Aaron Lopez
Boston, 7th March, 1781.
Dear Sir^
I AM happy to inform you that I have committed the letter
for Daniel Crommelin and Sons to the Care of Mrs. Ingram
who expects to sail very soon for Holland. She has engaged
to take due care of it.
Since you left Boston a quantity of Spices has arrived in
the Ship Mars, 11 11. of Nutmegs, 11 do. of Cinnamon, 11 do.
of Cloves and 4 do. of Mace, are offered me at 30/. a pound,
french weight, which I suppose is 10 per cent difference. I
did not chuse to engage them untill I had your advice. I
have sincerely repented that I was so inattentive to your
Offer of sending the Nutmegs to Philadelphia. But I must
live and learn.
Your two Nephews left this place last Lord's-day. I
expect a line from them this Evening per post. Mr. Ben-
jamin Hammett has just given me a letter for you directed
at Leicester, which I sh'all accordingly inclose to your Son
Joseph to do with it as he shall think proper.
The prices current are much the same as when you left
Boston. Except the article of Rum which is on the rise.
Goods are sold at Auction lower than what they sold for
before the War. The Court have now limited the number
to six only.
I refer you for News to the inclosed paper of the day.
March 8. The post arrived and no letter from Leicester.
I am, dear Sir, yours sincerely
Jonathan Hastings, Jun.
1781 ] rhode island i27
David Lopez, Jr. to Aaron Lopez
Leicester, Match i6th, 1781.
Dear and Honored Sir,
Your last esteem'd favor under date of 30th January
I had the pleasure to receive while at Newport, where the
prospect of disposing of my few remaining Goods prompted
me to go; in which plan I have the sattisfaction to tell you
I succeeded, tho' not equall to my expectations; my greatest
Object being those Goods bought with your honored self
of John Brown, they were such as were much wanted,
and would have commanded a reasonable profit, but the
advantage that the Company of Powers and Rogers had in
their purchace of those same articles, enabled them to offer
theirs at what mine cost, and their want of Cash dispos'd
them also to improve every opportunity of availing thereof,
this being the case, w4th the continual and progressive fall
at the eastw^ard, I deliberated to content myself with very
light Gains, and after continuing there 4 weeks, with much
assiduity and pains I brought the greatest part of them to
neat me from 10 to 15 [per] Ct. profit, with the advantage
of the Solid Coin for their proceeds. I have a few still
remaining which have left in the hands of our friend Seixas,
who am in hopes will be able to put them of at same rate,
having while there an offer of 8/ per Gallon for the residue
of your Jamaica Rum being 46 Gallons, I thought proper
to accept it, as also for what I had of my own, which hope
will prove pleasing.
On my return to Providence I was call'd upon by Jno.
Brown to enquire in what manner you had order'd his Note
to be discharg'd, the term of which had then expir'd 10 days,
and his call for moneys being very urgent I ventured to place
in his hands 90 hard Dollars, the sum I was in Cash for your
account and have the pleasure since my arrival here to find
it conformable to your wishes. Mr. Francis Brinley having
occasion for some paper Currency, I also supply'd him
for your account £189 at 72 for one for which have taken
his receipt for £2.12.6 Silver Lawful money. My last
128 COMMERCEOF [ 1781
respects to you inclosd Invoice of what Goods I had retain'd
for my own account from those bought of Jno. Brown
amounting to £92.17.7! with a minute of the moneys de-
livered you on account and a particular State of that affair,
by which there appears a ballance in my favor 2/4!. your
last favor which was some time after this cover'd an Invoice
formed at this place without any reference to mine amount-
ing to £103.19.4!.
I have questioned Cousin Moses respecting his comparing
them particularly with the originall Invoice who assures
me he did it with much deliberation and accuracy. / can
also say with safety that my account is free from error,
having compared, examin'd, and re-examind what I retaind
before moving a single article from my Shop, therefore
the deficiency must have arisen in receiving them from Jno.
Browns. I shall in consequence after having again compared
my account with Moses, apply to him, that it may be recti-
fied. Just at my arrivall here this day week I found my dear
Aunt closing her Letter to you, in which I requested her to
tender my respectfull and affectionate Salutations, and to
advise you [of] the sudden rise of Foreign Bills, from 52 to
60 for one, being occasion'd by the arrival of a sum of Money
to the french in a Frigate into Boston, which intelligence
I hope will reach you in- time to profit thereby in what you
have on hand. I have this moment received a line from
Moses Seixas under date of the 8th Current, wherein he
tells me they were not to be had at Newport for less than 60.
I am sorry the prospect of your Tea Speculation does not
promise a more favourable result.
May Heaven prosper your wishes and undertakings, and
return you again in Safety, are the fervent prayers of. My
dear Sir, Your gratefull and affectionate Nephew
David Lopez, Junior
1781] rhode island 1 29
Joseph Gardoqui and Sons to Aaron Lopez
Bilbao, the zzd March, 1781.
Sir,
We gladly embrace this very agreable and wish'd for
opportunity to acknowledge ourselves indebted to your
exteemed favours of the i8th and 20th December last and
after a due returne of our most sincere thanks to our worthy
and mutual freind Mr. Tracy for his kind recommendation
of this our House to your good self have to informe you that
your two remmittances on Paris for Livers 5313 and 13 12
have duelly reached our hands therefore haveing been
punctually forwarded by us for acceptance should they as
we hope, meet with no demmour in their discharge your
Account with us will be creditted at the actuall Exchange
of 78 souls per every current dollar of 18 riales and 2
maravedies ^ with riales 20514 and 25 ms. for the former
and with riales 5065 and 32 ms. for the latter boath which
Sums if right be pleased to place to our debitt.
We have taken due and proper memorandum of the orders
you are pleased to committ to our care and in full hopes of
your placing in our hands per the vessells destined to this
port sufficient funds for the purpose we willingly agree to
ship on your account the full compleament of your orders
for Hand Kerchiefs in the first four vessells that may saile
from hence to your or any of your neighbouring ports.
Accordingly we now transmmitt you herein Invoice and bill
of loading of your first adventure shipt on the Schooner Suc-
cess Captain Philipe Trask bound to Newbury ammounting
to rs. 20514 and 25 ms. of Vellon which beg you would order
to be examined and if free from Errors place the same to
our Creditt. We very cordially wish the Bearer a prosperous
Nevigation home when doubt not that you will reape a
very agreable profit in your returns as have paid the required
reggard and attention boath to quality and price as such
flatter ourselves with the pleasing hopes of keeping up with
your good self a very lasting and mutually beneficiall Cor-
^ An imaginary coin, of which seventeen were reckoned to a rial vellon.
I30
COMMERCE OF
[1781
respondence. Our Insurers are retired to such a degree
that since the Warr they have hardly oppned a PoHcy ther-
fore we are firmly assured that even if we were to offer
them 45 per Ct. they would not insure from hence to America
as such be pleased to effect it with you.
Hope soon to be able to pay our respects to you mean while
saluteing you respectfully subscribe with Esteem,
y.
/ ^
^^^yo/^:>6 yy^^^f^^
JosiAH Hewes to Aaron Lopez
Philadelphia, 24 April, 1781.
Mr. Aaron Lopez,
I WROTE you pretty fully with price current, and on the
2ist Inst. I wrote you by Mr. Benj'n Seixas who left this the
22d for Newport, by him I sent you 32.000 dollars for two
barrels pepper I sold at 130 dollars per lb. being offered
that price the day before all in Continental Money and so
good an opportunity of sending it immediately induced me
to sell, tho could got sumwhat more in State money which I
could not change, for further perticulars refer you to mine
by Mr. Seixas. Late on Saturday Evening I received from
Mr. Ellison the other three Chest of tea and two Barrels
pepper for which paid freight 2500 dollars, this was brought
me by Peter Mason waggon'r who informs me he received
it about the 19 ulto. (the date of Mr. Ellisons letter) but that
1781 ] RHODE ISLAND I3I
when he got home to Eastown about 55 Miles from this was
pressed in to the Continental Service sum weeks which pre-
vented his bringing it sooner, it came, apparently in good
order, except the out side Caskes a little shattered, the
barrels are full etc. I am last evening favoured with yours
of the 13th Inst, covering fourth bill of a Sett of Exchange
for 300 dollars, your Letter from Fishkill I have never
received, that no doubt it went into york as informed you
last post, for want of the first bill cannot sell them.
Neither have I your orders for selling, there is no Vessel
here for Europe, or should wrote the Commissioners at
parris hope are this you have had an oppertunity of writeing
them to prevent payment of the first bill, should be glad
to hear from you on this head etc. I am very happy I have
so well hit your judgment respecting the Tea. I have the
six Chest on haveing refused all offers for it being clear it
would soon bring 10/ Specie, it is dayly riseing, and I
am well informd there is no orders gone for Tea, to Europe,
a long time that it will soon be very scarce. My Neighbour
tels me he has 5 Chests which he holds at 12/6 Specie per lb.
the pepper I thought was nearer the Mark at 130 dollars, tho
I observe I quoted it at 150 in my last which was the retail
price, the two barrels on hand shall keep with the tea, til
further orders. I note your intention of sending an other
load on which is verey agreable; price of Ginger se price
current.
I observe you failed in Boston, of laying out the Money
on our joint account in Specie. Should you not be able to
do it at Newport, think bills will answer here shortly, as the
holders of them seem determined to get them up to 6/ and
6/6 Specie. I am once more pleased with my own Judgment
in not chainging your Specie ballance and sending it by Mr.
Seixas. Some inteligence I received from Boston soon after
you left me, put me on reconsidering that matter, when I
thought best to wait til I heard from, and am glad it turns
up agreable to you. a Carrage setts out in a few days for
Newport, for Mr. Seixas's Mother by which intend forward-
ing the old Acct.
132 COMMERCE OF [ 1781
Mr. Samuel Johnson a particular friend of mine is here
in Congress from Edenton North Carolina, on acquainting
him a friend of mine desired me to inquire after him he
immediately guest it was you saying Mr. Polock had often
mentioned you to him etc. he expects to leave this about
the last of May for home, and said if you choose to forward
any letters he could at any time give them safe conveyance,
which he would do with pleasure, the three fifty dollar bills
will endeavour to get exchange, and carry to your Credit,
we have had a great arrival from the Havannah, Martinico
etc. say 10 or 12 Sail small Vessells. they have brought
a vast quantity Coffee which has fell the price of that article
to 20 dollars and will be lower, this being at present the
needfull am most Sincerely yours
JosiAH Hewes
Price Current, bills at no for i. Specie 170 for I. Tea 8/ riseing, Ginger
35 dollars, most kind of Goods jise with the money except Coffee, tho but little
odds since my last.
[Memo.] N. B. on the 4th May ordered him to stop the sale of the Bill.
John de Neufville and Son to Christopher Champlin
[Amsterdam,] 25th Aprill, 1781.
The Copy preceding is what we had the honor of address-
ing you per the Mars, which we hope got safe to hand. We
have since to acknowledge your esteemed favours of 19
and 28th December 4. 9 and 22d January last. we duly
received inclosed per the same your sundry Remittances
vizt.
per 19th Dec. £2956: --6.
28 do. 2544: 6: 8.
4 Jan'y. 8048 : — : -
on the Treasurer Gen'l of
the Royal Army France.
Negotiated Exchange at
51I Bco. £2360: 11: 8
Agio 4 p Ct. 94: 8. —
£13548: 7: 2 Tourns which we have
Negotiated Exchange at
Sif Bco. £3445: II- --
Agio4l p Ct. 142: 2: 8
Forwhich we have given you Credit in Account in Currency £6542: 12:-
I781 ] RHODE ISLAND I33
We have taken due note of your sundry orders contained
in the aforementioned but suppose you made a Mistake in
quoting us the prices of the China and Tea the best Hyson
being higher then 80/. We have shipped your first order
per the Juno Captain Haydon, and you have herewith bill
of Lading and Invoice of said goods amounting to £1740: i:
for which you will please give us Credit in account in Con-
formity if found free from Error.
Your remaining orders we will expedite by different good
Opportunities as you prescribe, as well as the goods when
received from Mr. Hayley, which we expect will be sent by
some remaining dutch vessell in the Thames, which being
there when they published their Manifesto, had since been
detained untill it should be known whether we should
permit the English Vessells here also to depart, which our
States have granted.
We therefore gave directions to Mr. Hayley to avail him-
self of said Opportunity to ship the goods you had order'd,
as our friends in London had done the same, with the like
orders for America, adding that we understood the £400
Sterling you order'd us to pay him was on account of the
same. Accordingly said Gentleman who before had wrote
us it was not in his power to comply with your orders for
want of means of conveying the Goods to us, wrote us he
would follow our directions and ship them immediately. We
shall of course also immediately comply with your Orders by
paying the aforesaid sum to said Gentleman and will forward
the Goods we receive from him on your Account, as before
mentioned. Interim we remain with very great regard,
Sir, your most Obedient Humble Servants,
John de Neufville and Sons
P. S. We also shipped per Haydon the white lead
amounting to f. 105.13.
Mr. Hayley having sent us the goods for your account
as per his inclosed letter of advice, and accounts, we have
shipped per the Brigg Gates, Captain Newman Two Cases
and two Trunks of which we send you Bill of Lading here-
134 COMMERCEOF [ 1781
with, also account of Charges on said goods amounting to
f. 380: 12: which please to not in our Conformity.
Joseph Gardoqui and Sons to Aaron Lopez
rv r. • [Bilbao,] the 27th April, 178 1.
Dear bir,
We have the pleasure to hand you above duplicate of
our last salutations to you per the Schooner Success, Captain
Trask, where with haveing forwarded you Invoice and bill
of Loading for the Hand Kerchiefs you was pleased to order
we flatter ourselves that they will safely reach your hands
as we have the satisfaction to informe you that said Vessell
departted hence the 25th of March; therefore deprived
since of your very agreable and esteemed lines have to
transmmitt you herein duplicates of said Invoice and bill of
Loading with the agreable Information that your bills on
Paris have mett with punctuall Acceptance and that we hope
there will be no demmour in their payment at maturity.
As the Brigg Phenix, Captain Robert Rentoul, is bound
to Sallem we have agreable to your dispositions shipt on
her your second adventure, accordingly you will find herein
Invoice and bill of loading thereof ammountting to riales
9295 and 25 ms. of Vellon, which request the favour of
your ordering it to be examined and if free from Errors to
place the same to our Creditt and as she is one of your new
Construction fast sailling vessells we fully expect that she
will successfully compleatt her Passage in 30 days, when
doubt not that the goods by her will come to a very ad-
ventadgeous Markett.
The Ship Commerce, Captain Ignatius Webber,^ is also
putting up for Boston therefore in order to fullfill your kind
orders shall also ship on her on your Account an equall quan-
tity and hope that your next will produce us the reimburs-
mment of our advances in Expectations whereof have the
pleasure to subscribe very respectfully. Sir, your most
obedient humble Servants,
Joseph Gardoqui and Sons
1 In company with the Commerce sailed the armed ship Grand Monarque, David
Coats, master.
1781 ] RHODE ISLAND 135
Moses Seixas to Aaron Lopez
Friday, May nth, 1781.
S oClock P.M.
Dear Sir,
This moment an Express arrived unto my Bro. Ben
from Philadelphia which he left this day week, his errand
was to inform my Brother that the Governor and Council
there had fix'd that state money equal to 175 for One in
Old Continental which had put an entire stop to the Circu-
lation of the Old Continental.^ My Brother is advis'd
that if he cant invest what he had with him to put it into
the Treasury, to be diligent and by no means bring it back,
this information I thought might be of essential service
unto you. therefore have not hesitated to dispatch the
Bearer immediately unto you for which am to give him 15
silver dollars, not doubting but that you'll chearfully approve
of my intention. My Brother and Mr. Hays got here yes-
terday from Boston, the Waggon for my Mother is not
yet come will be here next week, the Express is a going on
to Boston to carry the like information unto Sam: Myers.
Excuse this scrawl and accept of the kind salutations of
my self and family, and extend the same unto the good ones
around you. I am Respectfully, Dear Sir, Your affectionate
humble Servant
Moses Seixas
please to tell your good Nephew David that I have his
of the 2d Inst, that Jas: Richardson will give 1/6 Sterling
li. for heart and Club German Steel. Since the arrival of
the french frigate at Boston it has been suggested to me that
the payment of the french Bills had been protracted in
France, how true this is can't pretend to say.
1 Writing from Boston, May 24, Jonathan Hastings, Jr., said : " I cannot describe
to you my dear Sir, how monstrously the Old money is disregarded, the New has
some Credit remaining. The Streets look more like Days devoted to the Worship
of the Deity, than Days of Business."
136 COMMERCE OF [ 1781
Moses Seixas to Aaron Lopez
Newport, June 12th, 1781.
Dear Sir,
Mr. Jacobs handed me your acceptable favor of the 3d
current and with pleasure observe that you got well home
and found your dear family in good health, as also that
my friend David reached you in perfect health, a circum-
stance that I was very glad to be inform'd of, as was fearful
the fatigue of the ride wou'd cause a relapse of his late
disorder. I notice that you had rec'd a Letter from Messrs.
Crommeline that it was a duplicate of what they had wrote
by Haydon and that the Ori[gina]l inclos'd me one from my
Brother Hiam, the arrival of which I am very anxious for,
as have had no Letter from him since March, 1780, but that
wou'd not have been the case had he before availd himself
of this safe Channel to convey his Letters unto me. I
join with you that no Goods are shipt with Haydon by
Messrs. Crommeline for me, but yet the saving disposition
of Hiam which is very great, must have induc'd him to
commit that matter to an Acq[uaintanc]e for to transact
that wou'd do it without any Commission and the Goods
may be on board of Haydon, for it is beyond a doubt that
Goods were shipt me in November that the Insurance thereon
was 5 per Ct. this Sim wrote me in an Open Letter by a
flag, in a stile that nobody can understand except myself
which I plainly do. I always expected Messrs. Crommeline
woud have the shipping any Goods that might be sent me
via Holland and the premium of Insurance made me very
apprehensive that they were shipt from thence unto Eustatia
(contrary to my order), but now I find that Messrs. Crom-
meline have no knowledge of the Goods by their not mention-
ing any thing unto you or Mr. Rivera concerning them gives
me great hopes that the matter has been conducted as I
suggest and that the Goods are on board of Haydon. the
only doubt that now remains is whether any Vessell is miss-
ing that left Holland since November. If I am disappointed
in receiving the Goods God knows what will be the con-
1781 ] RHODE ISLAND 137
sequences. I have lately had an Opportunity of writing
Hiam by a safe and speedy way which is the reason of my
not embracing your kind offer to forward my Letters from
Boston, but pray do you imagine Letters can be now sent
from Holland unto London without being first inspected in
Holland. The paper money that I paid Mr. Brinley is
included in the payment of your draft in his favor for £100
L. Mo. As soon as am in Cash will pay him the sum you
direct. I have only sold about 4 Cwt. of your flour at
5 dollars. Mr. Hunter has not yet taking any. I am of
opinion flour will be very dull here now the French Army
are gone from hence, all except about 400 which are to remain
for the present. Amongst the gone are those which held
your House, etc. which was evacuated this Morning. I
have been since to take a View of the house but such a
collection of straw, dirt, and nastiness, I never before saw
in any house that was occupied by any that professed Gentility
and all that they have left poor Margeret towards cleaning
it, is about a Cord of Wood, they stript the Garret of about
20 or 30 boards, most of the keys of the Stores they have
carried off, with the Shelves and some of the Glass and some
Timber from the Wharf. About 2 Weeks ago John Mal-
bone ^ call'd on [me] with a petition (couch'd in decent terms)
to sign in your Behalf, unto General Rochambeau for the
payment of Rents contracted for, telling me he had some en-
couragements for adopting that mode, it was signd by all
that had any claim on that principle which was several.
I got Mr. Taber to sign it in your behalf as the properest
person, and it was presented, but without any good effect,
as you will perceive by the inclos'd Copy of the General's
Reply, which I have just obtain'd. You may depend on
having your Account by the next conveyance wou'd have
done it by this, but did not imagine Mr. Jacobs wou'd have
left so soon. Mrs. Seixas unites with me in affectionate
Salutations unto your good self, dear Mrs. Lopez, and family.
* Died October, 1795, a merchant and the father of the miniature painter,
Edward G. Malbone.
138 COMMERCE OF [ 1781
I am with great Respect, Dear Sir, Your affectionate humble
Servant,
Moses Seixas
Margeret just now tells me she had 6 dollars left her.
John de Neufville and Son to Christopher Champlin
Amsterdam, June 25th, 1781.
Sir,
Since we wrote what precedes Original of which we send
you per the Juno Captain Haydon, Duplicate per Becky
and Harriot, Captain Grinnel, Triplicate per the Gates,
Captain Newman of Newbury Port, we are favoured with
both your favours of 3d February and ist April last in reply
to the first of which we can only say that with respect to
the freight the Captain having taken advantage of the
times, and at the high terms that goods have been shipp'd
we should have thought ourselves happy to have been able
to ship more, so few Vessels having been here for the Quan-
tity of goods there was to ship, that they have pick'd the
Goods they chose to take in. many they will not take in.
for any freight whatever. Yarns we are ask'd 50 per Ct.
In short had we not the advantages of having Ships consign'd
to us, we fear our friends -would have much more room to
complain though with as little reason against us, of which
they would be satisfied did they know how studious we are
in attending to their Interest, when times changes, or we
have Vessels to chuse, on board of which we like to ship,
they will, as ourselves, have more satisfaction by the expedi-
tion of their Orders, and to answer your esteem'd of the
first April we find we acted right in the manner we proceeded,
with respect to Mr. Hayley, who having sent the Goods
as before mentioned, there remains nothing to be said
further on that Subject, except that we having divided the
goods as nearly as we could guess, (not having any Duplicate
or Copy of the Invoice) in three parts the first of which we
shipp'd per the brig Gates Captain Newman, for Newbury
Port, as per our preceeding. the 2d per the Snow Four
1781 ] RHODE ISLAND I39
friends Captain Wm. Gibbons for Boston who goes down
tomorrow to our roads, to take also the benefit of the Convoy
of a fine frigate of 41 Guns, which part consists in one Bale
I Trunk and i Chest mark'd © the bill of Lading we
send also agreeable to your directions to Messrs. Jarvis
and Russel, and I inclose herein account of the Charges of
f. 102: I. the Captain chose the freight to be paid in
Boston, we left it to be settled accordingly by Messrs.
Jarvis and Russel, at the same rate the last was paid of
I2§ per Cent, the third and last part we ship'd by the
Rohyn Captain Cazneau, of which we will in time give you
also an account that you may credit us accordingly for the
Charges. The Rohyn will probably sail by herself, in 3
or 4 weeks, but as she goes under Neutral Colours, we appre-
hend the risque by her cannot be great, we have debitted
your account for the remittance made Mr Hayley, £400
Stg. exchange 34 R per £ Stg. £4080. Commission | per
Ct. 20: 8 Brokerage 4., total Currency £4104.8 which after
having examin'd if found free from Errors, please to pass in
our Conformity, this being all that offers for the present,
we remain with particular esteem most truly, Sir, Your
most obedient and humble Servants
John de Neufville and Son
[Endorsed,] Per Liberty Captain Deboer.
Moses Seixas to Aaron Lopez
Newport, July 9th, 1781.
Dear Sir^
A FEW days after I received your esteem'd favor of the
19th Ulto. I was so fortunate as to procure a Tenant for
your Estate in this Town for the particulars of the Terms,
I crave leave to refer you to the inclos'd Agreement, to which
I have only to add, that Whitney is a refugee from Charles-
town, So. Carolina, a native of Norwich, Connecticut, to
whence he now goes to fetch his Wife and 2 Children which
with a Brother and Servant composes his family, that he
is a sober quiet man, and altho without knowledge, figure,
140 COMMERCEOF [ 1781
or address has kept a considerable shop here for this 3
Months past of European Goods which he procures in Bos-
ton, he depends on letting the Stores (a small part of which
he has already done at the rate of 120 dollars a year) and
the advantages ariseing from the WharfF to reduce his Rent,
but as the WharfF is in bad order he has requested me to ask
your permission for his repairing it, at your cost, only just
so, as to make it more convenient than it at present is, which
he means to do by laying and securing a few plank on it.
I am much pleas'd to find that my Friend David is now fixt
in so eligible situation as to afford a promising prospect of
success, as he is really a cleaver fellow and one whom I sin-
cerely esteem, I readily unite my sanguine wishes to those
of yours for his attainment of Madam Fortunes best favors.
Notwithstanding my best endeavours have been exerted to
dispose of your Flour of both sorts, I yet find it impracti-
cable, nor does the least probability appear of vending the
Rye. Mason and Malbone sold 30 Bbls Wheat flour last
week of equal Quality to yours at 3 dollars. My dear Mrs.
Lopez may depend on having a reinforcement of Cosher fat
as soon as possible, but Mr. Judah's commendable conscience
and superlative knowledge of the Bedika ^ has prevented our
having any chance as yet to make a begining in procuring
some for her. Inclos'd you have your several account sales
and hard money account current but it not only has increas'd
my sufferings to an enormous degree when I reflect that
since February last I have been imperceptiblely making
use of your money, but in short it has been my severest
trial and mortification. All that I can say in my Vindica-
tion, is that even before February I was in daily expectation
founded on rational and human probabilitys of receiving
succours amply sufficient to answer all my engagements and
necessities, but therein I have been most bitterly disap-
pointed, and all that I have now to offer is a solemn promise
to discharge your balance as soon as possible. You know
my views and therefore it is needless to repeat them. Edward
1 The inspecting cattle after being killed as distinguished from Shechita, the
killing.
lySl ] RHODEISLAND I4I
Hazard has not yet heard any thing from his father Cran-
ston, if he does not hear from him in a day or two, I shall
write him, as Hazard assures me that he knows he has the
money by him, but it appears to me that in directing him,
to pay me £46.16.6. there must be a mistake, as the Account
you sent me against him with Interest calculated to the 2d
April last amounted unto £48.9.3. Mrs. Hunter has had
2 Bbls. of your flour the 19th Ulto. weighing 4.1.3. neat.
I am with the usual afi^ectionate Salutations of Mrs. Seixas
and family unto your good self, Mrs. Lopez and family very
Respectfully, Dear Sir, Your affectionate humble Servant,
Moses Seixas.
In my next I shall inclose you a small Bill that Whitney
has against the house, for some small Repairs that I allow'd
him to make, such as making a pair counters, mending
Windows and Locks, the boards for the Counters I took
from the Garret floor as the french had taken many, and
what is left are now nail'd down.
Daniel Crommelin and Sons to Aaron Lopez
Amsterdam, the 17 July, 1781.
Sir,
You've here the Copys of sundry letters we wrote you
last Month as also original of the 20th ulto. which we intend'd
to go by Capt. Cazeneau; but after he had your goods on
board, he resolved to postpone yet a while his departure, so
that we are yet uncertain when he will go; which prevents
us to inclose you the Invoice and Bill of Loading; This
delay and that of Capt. Haydon and Grinel who are yet
detained at the Texel proves very disagreeable; we hope
however that in a few days they will sail. We intend shoud
there be a possibility to ship you yet a few articles by the
Brig Robin nearly to the first value mentioned, and shall
make use of such other opportunitys as will offset to make
you the further Shippements desired; but can as yet say
nothing positive on the subject. We have now to hand you
the Copy of the Invoice of the two Chests of Tea which our
142 COMMERCE OF [ I/Sl
friend Mr. Henry Greig of Gotenburg have shipped you by
our directions etc. conformable to your orders on board the
Brig Amsterdam Capt. Magee amounting to £150: 16. —
which sum we shall pass to your Debit. We hope they will
come safe to hand and prove to your satisfaction. As Mr.
Greig has not shipped the 50 Packs of Pins we suppose he
coud not get them: by his letter of the 4th Instant Capt.
Magee was still detained on account of the numbers of
Cruizers in the North Seas. Contrary to expectation your
Remittance draft of Ab'm Redwood on Apthorp and Tre-
coteck has been paid and your Account creditted for the
same vizt.
Amount of the Bills
£ "lo. — . —
Charges in London Commission | per Ct.
Brokarage at i per M
. I.
£2.14
I . —
6.—
£49.14 Stg. at the Exchange of 34i£ is Bo.
Agio 4f per Ct. . .
£ 4914--
£510.13.
. . 24. 5.
Our Commission \ per Ct.
Postage to and from London
£534- 18
3 14
£531- 4-
The same be pleased to note in conformity.
We have desired Mr. Greig to continue to make you
Shippements of Teas when any further opportunities oJfFered.
The article is here still on the rise at 26 St., Tobacco from
12 to 13 St. Affairs continues here much in the same situa-
tion and as yet no prospect of a peace. We remain very
respectfully, Sir: Your most Obedient Servants,
Daniel Crommelin and Sons
P. S. as we have by us the Invoice of the Goods already
shipped on board of the Brig Robin, you've here the same
inclosed: but are yet unacquainted if she will go out under
that Name and if Capt. Cazneau will himself be the Com-
mander.^ This for your Governo.
^ "We will ship per the Robyn Captain Cazneau, now the young Peder Captain
Gram the remainder of Mr. Hayley's goods, we suppose as she is now under a
Danish flag and with a Danish Crew, you will be able to effect the Insurance on
your risk per said Vessell at a low premium, as it will not sail we suppose this
i781 ] rhodeisland i43
David Lopez, Jr. to Aaron Lopez ^
Boston, August 9th, 1781.
Dear Sir^
I rejoice that the goods forwarded last week arrived
safe, and that you already had commenced their Sales with
Success, may that good fortune ever attend your every
undertaking equall to my unfeigned wishes, with us the
buisness of selling goes on heavily, want of money and
plenty of goods has sadly cloged the Springs, tho I beleive
we have during the past week made out as well as our good
neighbours by taking from 10 to 20 hard dollars per day and
hope when we get a little more settled to do better, you
are pleased to ask the predicament of the Paper Currency.
I must realy confess myself at a loss to give you a just idea
of it. The Interest is certainly paid and there is a Tax out
for a great proportion of it which must be paid in that or
Silver equall to i and ^ths for one, yet we see none worth
mention'g in circulation and what little there is am told has
been run up as high as from 6 to 8 for one. from these
Circumstances I beg you will be pleased to judge for I dare
not offer my oppinion on the subject, all whome I have asked
appear at a loss to account for this strange manuvre. . . .
I am with every Sentiment of Gratitude and Esteem,
Dear Sir, Your most Obed. Nephew and hble Servant,
David Lopez, Jun.
Joseph Gardoqui and Sons to Aaron Lopez
Bilbao, the 21st August, 1781.
Dear Sir,
The foregoing is Triplicate of what mollestted your
atention last with per Edmmands and Tracy who departted
hence with a fine wind on the 8th Current as such flatter
Month, we thought you would receive advice of it in good time to insure if you
thought proper." John de Neufville and Son to Christopher Champlin, July 25,
1781. Ms.
^ The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
144 COMMERCEOF [ 1781
ourselves will boath obtaine safe and prosperous passages
and that the former will effect the delivery in good order of
the Barrell of Hand Kerchiefs transmmitted you on board
his Ship Defence which shall in Time be proud to hear.
By the safe appearance in our River of the Portt Packett
Captain George Rapall we have had the pleasure to receive
your handing us therein your remittance in two bills value
5100 Livres esteemed and agreable lines of the 6th June
on Paris which have the satisfaction to informe you have
been punctually forwarded to our Banker there for accept-
ance therefore when in Cash your account with us will have
Creditt for the same at the Exchange of 76 Souls per current
dollar in riales 20210 and 7 ms. of Vallon which if without
errors be pleased to place to our debitt.
We are exceedingly obliged to you for the punctuality
wherewith you have been pleased to pass to our Creditt the
amount of the Invoice per Trask and flatter ourselves with
hopes that the quality of the Hand Kerchiefs shipt per him
will prove agreable as our uttmost Study for our friends
Interest extends itself not only to this particular butt that
of equity in price in which are sorry to say that have of late
experienced to great an allteration on account of the enor-
mous quantitys that have been exported, however have
the pride to say that with Cash in hand we have preventted
their being higher a governo.
We have now likewise agreable to your kind former
Instructions to hand you herewith Invoice and bill of Loading
for one Barrell thereof shipt on board the Portt Packett
Captain Rapall whom sincerely wish a safe and pleasing
Navigation home when request the favour of your ordering
the same to be examined and if free from errors to place its
amount to our Creditt in riales 10119 and 25ms. of Vallon
which you stand duelly debited for by those who have the
satisfaction to subscribe with the highest reggard and
esteem.
Joseph Gardoqui and Sons
1781 ] RHODEISLAND I45
David Lopez, Jr. to Aaron Lopez ^
Boston 5th Sept'r 1781.
Dear Sir,
The inclosed was intended per Mr. Ter Bush, but before
I could convey it to his Lodgings he had left the Town. I
am since pleasured with your favor under yesterday's date
per post, with 6 peices Chintz you are pleased to address our
Company for sale which we beg you to rely Sir, shall not
want our zealous endeav'rs to be effected to the best advan-
tage, the two hundred silver dollars remited us by him was
also safely handed, and compar'g right is passed to your
Credit with our best thanks. Mr. Jones del'd me this
Morning, your esteem'd favor inclosing the protested New-
foundland Bill of Exchange etc. on enquiry I find the
Vessell now bound to that place was one sent from thence
as a Cartel from the British, is commanded by an officer of
theirs, and will not, nor any person on board, return here
again; Mr. Hopkins the Commissary of prisoners for this
departm't, tells me he shall dispatch a Flag to that place in
the course of six or eight weeks, have therefore thought best
to hold it for that Conveyance, unless you should deliberate
to order it into the hands of Mr. Dolbear. . . .
Wishing your hon'd self, with my dear good Aunt, a
pleasant and propitious Journey to Hartford, am with a
reiteration of my best respects very asuredly. Dear Sir,
Your most Obedt. Nephew,
David Lopez, Jun.
Please to caution the good Shopkeepers of Mount pleasant,
to beware of Counterfeit Eight Dollar Bills of the New
Emission, large quantitys am told by Mr. Henry Gardner,
are now circulating; Severall persons lately from New York
were yesterday detected in endeav'ing to pass it. they
confess that a large Sailors Chest was sent out by the insid-
ious Britons, to give the finall Stab to what they fondly
believed, was the last recources this Country could devise
1 The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
146
COMMERCE OF
[178]
to maintain the War, a person yesterday going to pay into
the Treasury his tax, found 29 Bills out of 40 of that stamp
which he had bought for Silver at 4 and 5 for one. the only
distinguishing mark I can as yet be able to give you, is in
the Bills sign'd by R. Cranch. those that are true, you will
find the Letter a, in Cranch to terminate at top in a sharp
point thus, a^ while the false ones are quite open thus, a
nearly like the Vowel u.
DV S^V,
John Nazro to Aaron Lopez ^
Worcester, nth Sep'r, 1781.
Doubtless you have heard of the Brittons burning part
of New London.^ Can't by any means see thro' their Policy
in burning commercial towns. For should they subjugate
the Country it will be their Loss; if finally the Belligerant
Powers should settle the War, and leave the Country free
from every except a commercial connection with them; still
it will be their Loss, as by such conduct they impoverish the
Country.
I am with great Respect, Sir,
I
^ The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
2 Arnold's expedition against Groton and New London.
1781 ] rhodeisland i47
Bredel and Ward to Christopher Champlin
London, nth September, 1781.
Sir,
We are very sorry to inform you of the Death of our
Worthy Patron George Hayley Esquire, which event we
think it necessary to give you the earHest intelHgence of, and
that Mrs. Hayley is left Sole Executrix. Your Account
Current with the Estate will be transmitted to you as soon
as possible, the Interest on which will be made up to the
30th August last, the day of his Death after which no
Interest will be allowed.
We embrace this opportunity to inform you that having
lived many years with Mr. Hayley and had the principal
management of his business for some years past, we there-
fore mean to establish ourselves in Trade with his former
connections.
We beg leave to assure you that we are fully enabled to
execute any Commissions we may be favoured with, having
a perfect knowledge of Commerce in general; Permit us
therefore to solicit your valuable Correspondence. Rest
assured that the utmost attention shall be paid to your
interest in every transaction committed to our care and hope
shortly to have an opportunity of proving ourselves with
the greatest respect, Sir, Your most Obedient Servants,
Bredel and Ward
Josiah Hewes to Aaron Lopez
Philadelphia, 9 October, 1781.
Mr. Aaron Lopez,
Since my last am favoured with yours of the 7 and 29
ulto. the former should have answered before this, had it
not been Duty to an aged Mother, of near 80 years being ill
in the Country and thrice sent for me, by which mist two
post.
I note the Contents of yours of the 7th and am now sorry
to informe you the Spanish fame ran on shore, on an Island
near the Mouth of the Chesepeak, and lost all her Salt, and
148 COMMERCEOF [ 1781
I believe the Vessel allso. this I had from a person a few
days past who saw the Captain on shore, and who tould me
they saved only the Riggen, Stores, some Race Ginger, etc.
unfortunate he did not put in here, as our Cape has been
intirely open a long time, as to the tea I have sold onley
one Chest last week, at two weeks Credit for 6/3. The
Cash price for some time 6/, which I could not bare to take,
that will not sell more, til a better price can be obtained, or
receive your further orders, when I wrote you on the fourth
ulto. I could purchase bills at 1/ per Liver, they gradually
rose last week to 5/9 for 5 livers, this is chiefly owing to a
ship sailing for france (which ship sailed last Saturday) one
other reason, when the french armey came to this City it
was expected bills would be drawn for their Account, that
the possessors of bills here sold at 1/ per Liver and some
under but to our great Surprise, not a bill has been sold
here, of theirs, since, that the Intrest bills have rose as
above, the above ship being gone expect they will fall.
G. Benson informs me bills at Boston are to be purchased at
30 to 33 discount, as soon as can get aney, (and I receve the
Money for the Chest of tea) will remit you in bills agreable
to yours of the 29 ulto. 5/3 for 5 livers is about the price
with you; this being our great Election day for Represen-
tatives, cannot be so full as I wish. Meantime am with
great Sincerity, yours,
JosiAH Hewes
Jamaica Rum 11/ to 12/ windward 9/ Melasses 3/4 raw Sugars 60/ to
65/ loaf 1/6 bohea tea 6/ to 6/3 Coffee 13d Cocoa 100/ pepper 10/ pymento
2/6 Ginger ground 2/ to 2/6 Race Ginger 1/6 best Salt 20/dayly arriveing,
that I think will fall to 15/ fine flour 21/ to 22/ Common 18/.
N. B. have not sold the Ginger nor any more Coffee.
Cornelius Ter Bush to Aaron Lopez
Fishkill, November ith, 1781.
Dr. Sir,
I BEG you will possess your self with patience a few days
and I will be with you if god spares my Health. I am colect-
ing Cash as fast as possible I can, as I mentioned to you
1781 ] RHODE ISLAND I49
before. I find no line from you by this post, so hope you
have sent no Teams on, for Salt will not command more
then 30/. and it is like to be very plenty, you likely see the
Advertisements in the papers as Mr. lowden ^ tells me he
sends yours on. I will not be able to tarry with you long as
my Bissiness requires my close attention at this place. I
onely rite you a small scetch so as to let you no my thoughts
are not absent although obliged to forfit my word to you as
I was to be with you. by gods permission hope to set out
for you on Tuesday next.
I beg leave to congratulate you of the late Serender of
Cornwallos and his army, all here in raptures of Joy the
houses have been aluminated two nights here and at Pough-
keepsie firing of Cannon sky rackets and burn fires are con-
tinualy kept up. Rejoiceing here I think is to extream. if
so hope to god theay may be forgiven, please to give my
best Respects to your good family perticularly to your little
branch. I want to see you all. So I must conclude wishing
us all a direct guide.
Your Assured Friend and Humble Servant,
Corn's Ter Bush
John Nazro to Aaron Lopez
Worcester, 9th November, 178 1.
Dear Sir,
By return of J. Soley I am favour'd with yours of 8th
instant, acknowledging the receipt of seven pounds sixteen
shillings, also enclosing Invoice No. 4 of Woolen Goods
etc. consigned to me for sale, amounting to £31.7. which in
coarse have passed to your credit in accompt sales. In
measuring the goods, find that there's the Thumb wanting
in the whole; as it has been a custom in this State to allow it,
in all woolens etc. except Silks and a few other articles, I
imagine it will be attended with great difficulty to break it.
1 Samuel Loudon, printer of the New York Packet, issued at Fishkill from Octo-
ber I, 1776, to the close of the war.
150 COMMERCE OF [ 1781
Please to say how I must do in this case. The worth of the
Thumbs being added to the price I think would be best.
Please to send me one Bundle of the heavy No. 4 Pins and
I dozen (heavy) black Barcelo[na] Handkfs. dont doubt
but you will put them as low as they are sold in Boston, for
prompt pay. if the price is such as will answer, will send
the money per very next conveyance. I am, with every
sentiment of esteem and respect. Your very humble Servant,
Jno. Nazro
P. S, You'l please to look into Invoice No. 4 in the
article Hairbine is an error of 27/.
John de Neufville and Son to Christopher Champlin
Amsterdam, 20 November, 1781.
Sir,
Confirming the sundry letters we had the pleasure of
writing you per sundry opportunities in August last, partic-
ularly by the Gates, Captain Newman, on board of whom we
shipp'd you sundry goods which 'tis needless to mention,
said Vessel we hear having now safe arrived we should have
been happy to have been informed also of the safe arrival
of the Snow four friends Gibbons, which was taken off North
Faro, in September last,' and carried into Scotland, as we
had shipped you on board of said Brig one Case, one Bale,
and one Trunk marked © No. 2, 4 a 6, Value £234: 4.
which we hope you may have insured, on the arrival of the
Vessels in America which sailed from hence in company.
We have also shipped you on board the Rohyn Isaac
Cazneau Mr. under Danish Collours, i Case, i Trunk and
I Bale of the same mark, No. i, 3 a 5, Value £172: 8 Stg.
said Vessel has laid a long time in our roads in hopes of sail-
ing in company with a fleet of our west India men, but has
been so long disappointed, that we suppose he will soon
sail at any rate, by the aforementioned Letters your es-
teemed favor of 17 April is answered, waiting your further
commands we in the meantime remain.
[John de Neufville and Son]
1781 j rhode island i5i
Moses Seixas to Aaron Lopez
Newport, November 26, 1781.
Dear StV,
I WAS duly favor'd with your kind and acceptable Letter
under date of the 4th current and tribute you my cordial
thanks for the friendly assertions therein contain'd. It
would afford me pleasure cou'd I now inform you, that I
had effected a Settlement of your accounts with Geo: Sears,
but this I can say, that I think he shows a disposition to
adjust them, for which purpose he has taken them for
examination and tells me that as soon as possible he will
compleat the matter and to your satisfaction, you may
rely on my attention to urge his speedy compliance. Whit-
ney still persists in decHning to sign your Memorandum and
says that you are certainly mistaking. Am much oblig'd
for your care in forwarding one of my Letters, and Mrs.
Levy thanks you for doing the same with hers, her Husband
was to set out for Amsterdam the begining of August but
as he has been agoing week after week ever since the 8:
May, I think there is but little dependance to be made on
his movements, which have hitherto been such a series of
blunders, inconsistencies, and inattention, that I am much
afraid they will eventually prove a fatal Stab to my Charac-
ter and reputation, in short I see no way to ward off that
additional severe and bitter blow, unless I submit to the
extortionable terms that Handy demands of me for the
Loan of about 500 dollars, which is 10 per Ct. thereon untill
April only, then if he should not want the money, and I did,
he wou'd renew the note again for a few Months at the same
Interest of 24 per Ct. per annum which I suppose he wou'd
work up by renewals unto 30 per Ct. per annum, I really
dont know what to do, the Nantucketers pressing hard for
payment, and no one here from whom I can get the money
but him. My friend Hadwen who gave me some encourage-
ment that he would supply me, has been disappointed in
receiving his money, so that there is no hopes left of his
being able to furnish me with any. perhaps as Cazneau
152 COMMERCE OF [ 1781
was not to leave Amsterdam untill September he may bring
me some relief. ... I am with great Regard and Respect,
Dear Sir, Your very Affectionate humble Servant
Moses Seixas
HiAM Levy and Samson Marcus to Aaron Lopez
Amsterdam, December 4th, 1781.
Sir,
I now assume to take the liberty to address you on a
subject of business, and with your permition I shall be as
brief on the matter as possible, since my coming here to
this metropolis, I am convinced from substantial proof that
there is a considerable business transacted to America with
success, which has terminated to a great advantage, and
with that view I have thought proper to establish myself
in order to partake together with my friends some share,
and to facilitate such undertaken, I have form'd a connection
with one Mr. Samson Marcus a native of this place, and with
the greatest propriety I can say that he is a person of repu-
table character, but if you think it necessary to have a
further information, please to inform yourself from Mr.
Isaac Moses of Philadelphia with whom he has a concern,
and from whom we now expect to be largely connected with,
from those circumstances we have mutually agreed to trans-
act business to North America, as extensive as our ability
will admit, on which occasion we heartily wish to be the
means to adopt any agreeable mode of business, which may
prove reciprocal, to which we sincerely offer our best services,
and shall think ourselves extreem happy to have the honour
to execute any commands from so worthy a Gentleman, be
assured it is in our power to comply with any orders for
goods, on as good terms as any Merchant in this City, but
must observe to you, there being a great impediment to
ship coarse goods on freight, owing to the Merchant to whom
the vessel is addressed to, and the captain, they always
endeavour to obtain as valuable goods on that occasion as
possible, from this motive we are induced, if agreeable to
1781 ] RHODE ISLAND I53
you to send us a proper suitable fast sailing vessel of about
150 tuns, ready fited, to our address, at the same time we
shou'd be extreem glad to be interest in the same, either a
quarter or an eight, to be paid here in whatever you please
to order, but must observe, we decline to run any risk, in
that case you will please to insure the amount with you,
such a vessel of that burden, we make no doubt of succeed-
ing to obtain a freight either for Boston or Philadelphia to a
great advantage. I must beg leave further to add that we
intended to have ship'd to your address to the amount of
One thousand pounds per the bearer Captain Trowbridge,
but he declined to take them. I believe he is intirely loaded
by his Merchant, his vessel is about one hundred and
seventy tuns, and says he makes about three thousand
pounds sterling freight. I mention this circumstance for
your government, however you may rely on us, that as
soon as an oppertunity offers to Boston, and we can ship
goods on freight, we will chearfully embrace the same with
the greatest pleasure, the inclosed letter please to deliver
to my brother Mr. Seixas to whome I have fully communi-
cated my plan business, and flatter myself he will be very
glad to corroborate in any measures that you may think
proper and appears eligible to execute, permit me at this
time to have the honour to subscribe myself. Sir, Your most
humble Servant,
Hi AM Levy
December 6, 1781.'
Sir:
Altho' I am a stranger and unknowing to you, I have now
taking the freedom, thro' Mr. Hiam Levy introduction to
informe you that since his writing the foregoing letter,
Captain Trowbridge came to let us know he wou'd take two
trunks goods, but they must be valuable, notwithstanding
his sudden notice, we immediately eff"ected the same, as
you will observe by the inclosed bill lading and Invoice
amounting to /. 3523.6. to your address, on the recivel
^ On the same sheet.
1^4 COMMERCEOF [ 1781
please to dispose of them to best advantage, out of the pro-
ceeds we must beg of you to pay Mr. Moses Seixas about
one hundred pounds sterling, the remainder please to remit
us in good bills of Exchange as soon as possible, we expect
when oppertunity offers for your place to inlarge our business
with you. in the interum we sincer wish to cultivate a
mutual and beneficial plan of Buseness on a permanent
footing, we are most respectfuly, Your most obedient
humble Servants,
S. Marcus and Co.
David Lopez, Jr. to Aaron Lopez*
Boston, 13th December, 1781.
Dear Sir^
I HAVE the pleasure of your most esteem'd favor under
yesterdays date, anouncing your safe return from Hartford,
after a very fatigueing Jaunt, and without the Sattisfaction
of determining the final issue of your vexatious Suit. I
pray the almighty may incline the hearts of those partial
judges, to what is just and equitable, that they may compel
their voracious brethren to make ample restitution for what
they have unjustly deprived you of; I wish I could say, that,
I feel myself flatter'd of their doing justice, but the despi-
cable opinion I entertain of that State, and their Laws,
leaves me but little room to hope, it is indeed peculiarly
unfortunate, that every attempt from that quarter should
be attended with such perplexing circumstances. I was in
hopes, that you would have been able to reach this, before
Colo. Pope left Town, and thereby save a Journey at this
inclement Season, to Bedford; he tarried here untill Sunday
evening last, and by what I could collect from him before
he went I judged he could bear great sway, with the Captors,
and prove very instrumental in favourably compromising
the matter with them, which Step, I am advised will be the
most eligible to pursue for the salvation of any part of that
property, as the Law is so explicit against it, that, no Jury
^ The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
1781 ] RHODE ISLAND I55
who are sworn to regulate their verdict by its tenor can do
otherways than condemn it, altho their Conscience may
dictate to them from a point of equity, that it aught to be
restored to you. what Congress may determine respecting
this case if appeal'd to, is uncertain, or whether there is a
posibihty of refering the matter to them after the decission
of this Court, is equally so; Mr. Jno. Cushing thinks that
in all Maritime Causes, where the Captors and Claimant,
are both residents of the State, there is no apeal. yet be
that as it may, I am confident your disposition will be to
avoid the Law if practicable, and from what I this day could
learn by Jno. Lowell it appears to be very much so; he saw
me at the Shop door this morning, and under pretext of
enquiring the price of some articles, came in, and finding
me alone, he told me he came to apprize me, that he had
been apply'd to for Councill in a Case, which he since was
inform'd you was interested in, tho he could not beheve it
from many circumstances that appeared, such as the vessell's
being reported from Cura^oa, and his not hearing of your
being either at the place of her arrivall, or here, before this
to claim her, that should it prove yours, he should feel
very unhappy, as he was engaged by the other party, and
must faithfully do his duty, and was very certain that it
would be imposible to get the least part of the vessell or
Cargo clear. I was cautious of saying much to him least
his design might be to pump me, therefore let him have all
the talk to himself, and only told him after he had finish'd,
that I had heard of this vessell before and had had it sug-
gested to me from Colo. Pope, that it was suposed to be
yours, which I thought might probably be, and in conse-
quence had requested of him, to suspend the matter where it
then was, untill I could hear from you, as you was out of
the State; he then said that he was extreemly glad the Colo,
was so favourably disposed, and that he knew there would
be no great difficulty in settling it without law, as the Colo,
had told him after taking his opinion, that, altho' the Law
was so pointed in favor of the Captors, yet as there was a
surmise of the propertys being yours, he could heartely wish
156 COMMERCE OF [ 1781
to be Instrumental if so, in making matters as favourable
as posible and that he thought they would be disposed to
make better terms with you than with any other person on
the Continent, he then said he could wish if the property
was realy yours, that you might be able to attend to it
speedely, as the delay of every day, might alter the dispo-
sition of the Captors by giving them time to listen to the
persuations of the many evil minded persons there is in
the world, from this, I think we may draw a favourable
Conclusion, and trust, that the almighty will be yet pleased
to terminate this affair to your wishes, the which, I fervently
pray:
You will have observed, that since your absence I have
forwarded the whole of what was left to my care, which I
hope has arrived in good order, and may merit your appro-
bation. I have still some Moneys remaining on hand, not
being able to purchace Bills at what you was pleas'd to
stipulate, they are now from 12 to 15 per Ct. discount
only, and very scarce even at that. I have the pleasure to
advise you our having finish'd Sales of what suppose Super-
fine Flour has been transmited. the last (I mean what was
good of it,) went at 27/. as Christmas is now approaching,
more will command a ready sale. I wish what may be sent,
may be properly attended to as much of the last was mis-
erable, and many of the Bar'ls very iniquitiously tare'd. I
am very respectfully, Dear Sii:, Your Obedient Nephew
D. Lopez, Jr.
JosiAH Hewes to Aaron Lopez
Philadelphia, 24 December, 1781.
Dear Sir,
My last was of the nth Inst, since which have none of
your favours.
This chiefly, is to give you price current, and some account
of Trade. Not one Vessell arrived from Holland this fall,
and now navigation [is] sumwhat interupted. Last week it
was totally stopt a few days, but opened again on Sunday.
lySl ] RHODE ISLAND ' 157
a fall of snow last evening, I expect will cause a nother
Imbargo. tea has rose to i jG and likely will be much higher
soon, that I still keep the four Chest left, after forwarding
the two to fishkill. there is the greatest probability at
present of tea being 9/. as most of the glutt of that article
which arrived in August and September is gone East and
West, that it is become scarce, and much sought after. I
wish to watch this matter to get the highest price, and yet
am somewhat fearfull, I shall not hit it. you are very sence-
able of this difficulty, however will do my utmost for your
intrest. bills rose to 7/i|(/, but now are falling, have been
sold this day at 6/9 for five livers, and by the best informa-
tion, will rather fall yet. European goods rather on the
rise say 2/6 and 2/9 to 3/ per Liver, this is owing to several
vessels from France lately lost and some gone into other
ports, and not one of the Gottenburg or Amsterdam Vessels
arrived. The Congress pas'd an Ordanance etc. that no
English goods be imported into the thirteen States after the
first of March, 1782, which you will likely soon see published
in the News papers.^ this being at present the needful!
am with the Most Sincere Regard yours,
JosiAH Hewes
Price Current. Jam. Rum 13/ Windward 11/ Country 8/ fine flour 24/
common 21/ bread 16/6 beefF £6.10 pork £8 Raw Sugars 80/ loaf 2od
Melasses 7/6 CofFe 17 and i8d pepper 7/6 Race Ginger 22d Ground 2/6
Pymento 3/4 Rock Salt 22/6 to 25/ Cotton 2/4 Cordage £7 Russia duck £8
ditto Sheeting £9 tar 35/ pitch 80/ turpentine 90/ Madeira wine of first
quallity and fitt for use 17/6 to 20/ common low new ditto 10/ to 11/ port 12/6
Lisbon 9/ TeneriefF 8/6 fiall "j jS Indigo 7/6 Barr Iron £40 whale bone in
slabs 8/ and none at market. I wish I could get a few Sable Skins am tould their
plenty in Boston at 2/6 and here worth 12/ but I want a few for Muff's and Tippets
for our family.
N. B. I have made perticular enquiry but cannot learn
what was saved out of the Spanish jame.
1 Journals of the Continental Congress (L. of C. ed.), xxi. 1 154. The ordi
nance was passed December 4, and was issued as a broadside.
158
COMMERCE OF
[ 1781
0^l^Z''7tJ, a/^i'i^ ^■.^irrej\yotir7i(nj ^Chua/K^-'^l^'Tft^
United States of c/^iE^G^ ^ ^ajf of ^^^"-^^^ i ySZ
T "TSirtjf Udp Sidjt^tSifJecond Ml, "firjl. Third and Jourth]
or Order, Eighteen DoUars, in Ninety Livresr Tournois, for %terefi
due on SWonej Sorrowed 6ji tde United States,
To tfre Qonmi fl^sTier or Q. rnni ^icfrjerf of the j ( ^-^ j'^
! ^'-^
ionmiJfi.sTLer or Q. ■nmi^\oTjert of the
^nttei Stitef of finericttf at 'Pint.
State of
le Cov.t'J[ci[tal Loan-OJict
em?
United States of Jim^f.^C^^y^^aif of
AT Thirty ^s Siak'^ofthis JhirdmC, 9Irj!, Second a^dTourth
not paid, ^a\j to Q^/^^T^:^ -^/^fZ^r
y or Order, Eighteen jDoHars, w Ninety Livres Tonrnois, for ^nterej!
\^ due on Monej/ Sorrowed Sj tfje United States.
5
To the Gomnt^ioner br Q nm'Jficiiert of the >
^mlted St^fCT cf 'llmericj^, at S^ir/r. J
Counterfic^ned %^ J/Z/J^
Qc Commifiioner cf the Continaft^Loan-OJio
^ State of^^^^^w^„^X^^:^-^__^^
A
United States of Am03Q4^'^^ ^a/tf ^^/^:i^>uu.ccy i y%X,
TWrtyl}aj/^Mjt'of- tMs IFoimbMr, . njL Second and %ird%
^ j^ not£aid, fd^ t^C^^^f^^Zu^^ i^^adi^ fi
or Order, Eighteen Dollars, in Niffcty Livres Tournois, for ^nterefh
due on ^Moneif Sorrowed by tfje United States, ^
S^onejf borrowea !ji/
To the Qcv.ntfficner or (?omTiit£ionerT of the 1
'^wtei'StatCT cf ^meruc, :it Pttrir. i
Counterfigned.^JT^^^^^T^^^K.'^^S'^:'^^
« j^ Cpmmiffioner of the ContitJn/nl Lonn-OJftce in the
State of :2-^^,*^^^:.,^^^ii^-X~
P
1782] RHODE ISLAND 1^9
Agreement between Benjamin Peirce and
Christopher Champlin
Whereas Mr. Christopher Champlin on his particular
account and risk, and upon his account and Mr. Geo. Gibbs,
hath shiped on board the Brigantine Minerva (myself
Master) upon Freight for the Havannah sundry Merchan-
dize upon conditions of Freight as is expressed in each bill of
Lading signed for said Goods it is hereby agreed and under-
stood that I am to sell said Merchz. at the Havannah at
five per Cent commission and bring back the neat proceeds
thereof in cash on board said Brig. Minerva free from Freight
or commission provided it is the custom so to do at Phila-
delphia in similar cases where Goods have been shiped to
the Havannah. If it is customary, to receive Freight for
money so returned. In that case I am to receive the cus-
tomary Freight charged at Philadelphia in similar cases.
Should it so happen that I do not return direct to New
England, that I have liberty to ship home the neat proceeds
of said Merchz. by any arm'd Vessell of equal Force as to
men and guns as my Brig, bound either to Boston Newport
or Connecticut, upon the best terms in your power.
Consented and agreed to, Newport, 6 March, 1782, by
Chris. Champlin
Benj. Peirce
Christopher Champlin to Josiah Hewes ^
Newport, 9th April, 1782.
Sir,
Your favor of [blank] March to Mr. Gibbs hands us the
agreeable advice of the Lark's Arrival with you, your
market much lowered. We were short in our Instructions
by the Lark, respecting Insurance round.
We therefore request that you make for our joint account
Insurance on the Sloop Lark and Cargo Robert Champlin
Master from Philadelphia to the Havannah on the Island
1 The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
l6o COMMERCEOF [ 1782
of Cuba during her tarry there and from thence to the
Harbour of Newport and there safely moored twenty-four
hours, viz. Two thousand dollars upon the Hull, Sails,
Riging, etc. and Two thousand dollars on her Cargo. As
the Sloop must have departed from your River, near a month
before this may reach you and consequently if captured on
this Coast you will be informd of it, therefore if not heard
of, the presumption is clear, she has escaped the Cruisers
upon your Coast, as also ours as we hear nothing of her. We
therefore flatter ourselves you will be able to eff^ect the
Insurance at 33I per C. taking into consideration the difi^er-
ence between her returning to Newport instead of Philad'a
which is much less, at any rate, do not exceed Forty per
C. as we mean to risk her rather than exceed that premium.
5 /6th of the Premium place to the Rum Account the i/6th
to Capt. Caleb Gardners Account.
We are, with much respect. Sir, Your most humble
Servant,
Chris. Champlin^
Daniel Crommelin and Sons to Aaron Lopez
Amsterdam, the 22 April, 1782.
Sir,
The preceding is Copy of our last respects under date of
the 29 Ulto. per Captain Deshon, to its Contents we beg
you'll be referr'd. Said Vessel left the Texel some days ago
with a very favorable wind, so flatter ourselves of her having
got safe from our Coast and that this will meet her arrivd at
Boston. We have now also to acknowledge the receipt of
the Original of your favor of the 30th October on which have
at present nothing further to reply except that we shall
1 "I could not get the Lark insured at your limitation, and she left the Delaware
Bay the 20th of April; and now have pleasure to inform you I have not heard of
her since that, doubt not she got clear of this coast, and hope she arrived safe at the
Havanna. . . . While our trade was open I could sell almost any thing for
cash; but the stoppage of the Havanna trade by the English cruisers prevents the
best men in the city being punctual." Josiah Hewes to Christopher Champlin,
Philadelphia, June 5, 1782.
1782] RHODE ISLAND 161
cause the two enclosed letters to be delivered to Mr. Hiam
Levy who we expect daily here. To our concern the Brig
Robin Captain Cazneau is still in port, what is the Occasion
thereof we are at a loss to say. The other concerned in her
Cargo and we are occupied to see what can be done in this
affair, in order either to force him to go to sea, or to return
us our goods. We observed by your last favor of the i8th
December your desire to have your account currant, the
same we shall make out at the first leizure moment.
With the utmost satisfaction we can now acquaint you
that last Friday the 19 Instant our States General acknowl-
edged the Independance of the United States of America
and admitted John Adams Esqr. as Minister Plenipotentiary
of said States on which we heartily congratulate you, not
doubting but it will be attended with the most happy Conse-
quences to both Countrys. The late alteration in the British
Ministry offers also a pleasing prospect of the Blessing of
Peace being restored to your Country as likewise to this
provided Great Britain should also determine these in France
and Spain which however as yet seems to suffer difficulties.^
We remain, etc.
Daniel Crommelin and Sons
Daniel Crommelin and Sons to Aaron Lopez
Amsterdam, the 4th June, 1782.
Sir:
Our last respects were under date of the 22d April to
which we beg you'll be referr'd. Have now to acquaint
you that a few days came to hand the Original of your favor
of the 26 February; its contents we have duly noted, it
is well you've passed in Conformity the Sundry Sums
advised you; as likewise the Amount of the different Invoices
which is well: tho' we no less than you are very sorry at the
ill success of these various Shippement: As to your two
Chests of Tea laying at Christiansand you'll before now be
1 Lord North announced his resignation of office in the House of Commons,
March 20, 1781. He was succeeded by Lord Rockingham.
l62 COMMERCE OF [ 1782
informed of the cause thereof. And as we have reason to
beheve our friend at Gotenburg has not been able to dispose
of them which we had wished he had done, we have desired
him to forward you them by the first Occasion, and shoud
there be two opportunities, than by each Vessel one, and to
continue to ship you by the Six following Vessels, one Chest
agreeable to your desire; but nothing is more difficult than
to get orders well executed in these parts, and is attended
with much trouble. As to the Brig Robin Captain Cazneau,
we have agreeable to our last protested against him and his
Owners. But as this can answer to no great purpose, a
general Meeting was held amongst the principal Shippers in
her. by whom were appointed Mr. John Hodshon and
Messrs. De la Lande and Fynje; to take such steps in this
affair as they judged wou'd be the best for the general Con-
cern, in consequence of this they have ordered the Vessel
up to Town, where she now lays; but are ignorant what
steps they will further pursue and in which we believe they
are themselves much at a loss. What ever will be resolved
we shall in time acquaint you with.^ By the Certificates
you send us concerning the Queens Ware we are well per-
suaded the person who delivered us the same did not act
well with us, but we dare say the Errors will have been occa-
sioned by his Servants; jvho will never acknowledge the
same; therefore to expect any further Satisfaction from him
we despair off, having before allready met with so much
trouble to obtain the return he made us, and to go at law
on this Account woud be throwing away money to little
purpose: we must say that we are very sorry to find this
matter so situated, and wish'd it was in our power to give
you satisfaction you require. We are much obliged to you
for the care you've been pleased to take of the case of goods
for Mr. Wessel Van Schaick: We observe the reason of
your having deferr'd to make us remittances on the expecta-
^ "They ordered the Brig up to town and after having in vain tryed to recover
the goods with the freight and primage, have compromised to take back the goods
on half the freight and primage being repaid. Accordingly the goods are now
unloading." Ingraham and Bromfield to John Wheelwright, July 12, 1782,
1782 ] RHODEISLAND 163
tion of receiving your Account Currant, which it concerns
us we have not yet been able to forward you occasion'd by
our having of late had a multiplicity of very pressing business
on hands: but intend to make use of the first leisure moment
to draw it out and transmit you the same, but by looking
over your Account the last Invoice per Captain Deshon
nearly closed the same. We are now agoing to ship you by
the Brig Sukey Captain Moses Grinell one Chest of Tea, of
which our next will transmit you the Bill of Loading and
Invoice. This Vessel is a remarkable fine Sailor so hope she'll
arrive safe.
We remain with much regard very respectfully, Sir:
Your most Obedient Servants,
Daniel Crommelin and Sons
P. S. Pray give us your Opinion concerning the prohibi-
tion of the import with you of British goods.
We wrote you some time past regarding the demands of
our friend Webster Blount Esquire on Captain Hector
MacNieP and that Messrs. Jno. and Andrew Cabot ^ of
Beverley had this matter in hands; but as said Gentleman
continues to be without any advices from them he has most
pressingly desired us, that an enquiry shoud be made at
Messrs. Cabot, how this matter stands and proper remit-
tance made, to which purpose he has sent us open the
enclosed letter, that you may see the nature of this affair.
As we have a high regard for Mr. Blount, your serving us in
this, will greatly oblige.
1 A captain in the Continental Navy, October 10, 1776, and given as coming
from Boston. Journals of the Conthiental Congress (L. of C. ed.)j vi. 861. See
also Mass. Hist. Soc. Proceedings, xii. 276.
"^ Andrew Cabot (1750-1791), m. Lydia Dodge of Salem, and engaged in the
unfortunate Penobscot expedition. John removed later from Beverley to Salem.
The name of his wife was Hannah Dodge.
164 COMMERCEOF [ 1782
John de Neufville and Son to Christopher Champlin
Amsterdam, 5 July, 1782.
Your most esteemed favor of 10 April last per Firebrand,
is just come to hand. To reply of what you say about our
not giving you sooner intelligence of shipping you some goods
per Gibbons, but if you consider the impossibility we were
in of doing it, and that we at that time had reason to think
ourselves happy to have an Opportunity for shipping them,
there was such a Scarcity of vessells in proportion to the
trade. We shall follow your orders with respect to shipping
you tea when we can obtain it at your Limits which unless
peace takes place soon or more appearances than is yet,
(particularly as the New ministry in England are again gone
out of office), we fear we shall not be able to effect it very
soon. The Robin is to be unloaded by the perversness of
some of the Shippers. We shall certainly not ship any
unacceptionable goods that are liable by the act of Congress,
without the particular orders of our friends for that purpose,
by the return of the Firebrand, we hope to be able to advise
you, of our having another opportunity for our reshipping
the greatest part of those goods, till then we beg leave to
assure you of the perfect esteem and great regard with which
we remain Sir Your Most Obedient Humble Servants.
John de Neufville and Son
Moses Seixas to Christopher Champlin
Philadelphia, July 17th, 1782.
Dear Sir,
My last Respects was by Captain Davis to which please
to be reffer'd. I have this day sold my 5 Chests Tea at
12/6 payable next week at the Option of the purchaser, in
Bills at 1/3 per Livre (which is I2| per Cent under par) or
else in Cash, which I hope will meet your approbation, as
have obtaind 6d in all more than any as yet has been sold
since I have been here. You'll please -to communicate this
1782] RHODE ISLAND 165
unto Mr. Vernon and Mr. Seixas, as also that I expect to
leave this place next Sunday week. Shou'd you think of
making any further adventure here, I hope you'll delay it
until I get home, so as I may take a concern with you, if
agreable. The price of Tea in all probability will not be
reduced unless the 3 Vessells, which are expected in here
from Amsterdam shou'd be fortunate enough to arrive, of
which no dependance can be made, as this harbour is closely
blockaded by British Cruizers, notwithstanding the Ship
General Monk got in the River yesterday, but from whence
is not yet known.' the last Eastern mail that went from
hence was taken from the Post Rider betwixt Bristol and
Trenton about 25 Miles from this City, by the same party
which took the Southern mail a few weeks ago, and this
[was dojne at Midday, by this you may imagine how
dangerous it is for Travellers with money. I am very
Respectfully, Dear Sir, Your most humble Servant,
Moses Seixas
please to tell Captain Minturne that I have not sold any of
his Candles yet.
Brenton, Shattucks and Jarvis to
Christopher Champlin
St. Pierre, Martinico, July 28th, 1782.
Sir,
We take the Liberty of acquainting you and our Friends
in general, that a House is established at St. Pierre, in the
Island of Martinico, by Silas G. Brenton, William and John
Shattuck and Benjamin Jarvis, by the Firm of Brenton,
Shattucks and Jarvis, under which Firm beg leave to
tender our Services. Those who please to honor us with
their Business, may depend on our utmost Exertions for
^ "Business very dull here owing to the River being so closely blockaded, by the
Enemy. Yesterday a Ship from Cadiz was taken after being 48 hours in the
River. Bills of Exchange on France 1/3 for a Livre, in which I believe I shall
invest my Money, in order to avoid the risk of transportation which is great."
Moses Seixas to Christopher Champlin, July 8, 1782.
l66 COMMERCEOF [ 1782
their Interest. We trust those who have favour'd our Mr.
Brenton with their Commands, will have no Cause to with-
draw their Favours. We are Your most obedient Servants,
Brenton, Shattuck and Jarvis
Prize Money
Value Received We the Subscribers jointly and severally
promis to pay Howland and Coit of Norwich the Sum of
Three Hundred Forty three Pounds, Five shillings Lawful
Money in Ten Days from this date with Intrest from that
time untill paid it being for the proportion of Prize Brigan-
antine Adventure allowed to the Officers and Men of the Ship
Alliance^ which we promise to pay in behalf of the Claimers
of said Brigantine and Cargo, as Witness our hands in New
London this i6th August 1782.
Chris. [Champlin]
W. S[tewart]
Wittness:
Dudley Saltonstall
Russell Hubbard, Junior
Wills Cowper and Co. to Christopher Champlin
Nansemond, Virg'a, August 2nd, 1782.
Sir,
Inclosed is your Account Sales and the quantity of
Tobacco arising therefrom. The Tobacco shall be deliver'd
pointedly to your Order. Our Trade here is in a very declin-
ing state there appears to be a total Inability in both the
Merchant and Planter to discharge their Contracts which
renders business very disagreeable, this added to the great
risque of our Navigation makes the prospect very gloomy,
to this hour we have not received one pound of Tobacco for
your box of Goods and we at the time thought we had dis-
posed of them to a good and punctual hand, however this
shall not make us delay a moment in paying you up. New
England Rum is worth 6/8 per gallon and we beleive will
1782] RHODE ISLAND 167
continue at that the barter price of Tobacco 20/ per Ct.
Flour 15/ per Ct. Our Cape is closely watched by the
Enemys Cruisers, it will be safer in October and thro'
the winter months than at present. We are with much
Respect Your Obedient Servants
Wills Cowper and Co.
William Gumbes, Jr. to Christopher Champlin
St. Martins, ist September, 1782.
Sir,
Your Captain, Mr. Joshua Rothburn, on his arrival here
apply'd to me for advice respecting his loading etc. which I
candidly gave him, and am happy to inform you that through
his attention to your interest he has procur'd a load of Salt
cheaper than it has yet been sold for since the commencement
of this Crop.
I take the liberty to acquaint you that I am settled here
in the mercantile line in co-partnership with my Brother
Ben: Gumbes Junior and Mr. George Dromgoole, under
the firm of Ben: Gumbes Junior and Co., and should you
send any vessels this way we shall be happy in executing
your orders.
At foot you have the prices current. Mrs. Gumbes, (for-
merly Miss Sally Mardenbro') desires her compliments to
your Lady, Miss Peggey and all your family, and please
to accept the same from. Sir, Your most Obedient Servant,
William Gumbes, Junior
Retail prices current.
Superfine flour 2 Joes per bbl. Rum 3/ per Gallon.
White Oak Staves 10 Joes per M. Sugar, from 48/ to 51/ per Cwt.
Hoops . . . 8 Do. . do. Salt, rising in price daily.
Lumber . . 7 to 8 Joes per M. Pork, 3 Joes per bbl.
good Horses will sell from 14 to 18 Joes.
Invoice
Invoice of sundry Merchandize ship'd by Geo: Gibbs,
Chris: Champlin, James Robinson, William Minturn and
Geo: Champlin as Cargo on board the Brigg: George,
l68 COMMERCE OF [ 1782
Robert Champlin, bound to Surranam on their Account and
Risk and consignd to said Master, viz.
29 hhds. and 2 Tierses Tobacco W[eight] 23947 N[et].
5 hhds. and i bbl. Codfish . . . 36.2.0.
115 bbls. Shadds. 1800 Hoops.
5000 Ropes Onions. 8 bbl. Beef 1
100 Shooks for hhd. 4 bbl. Pork f Provition.
193 hhds. for Moloss. iioo lb. of Bread J
Received all the above mention'd Goods and Merchandize
on board the Brigg: George myself Master bound to Sura-
nam, on Account of Geo: Gibbs, Chris: Champlin, James
Robinson, William Minturn and Geo: Champlin owners of
said Brigg: which T promise to dispose of agreeable to their
orders and render them a proper Account of the same.
Newport 28 December 1782.
Robert Champlin
Timothy Burr to Christopher Champlin
Invoice of Flower on Bord of the Sloop Samuel Kilbourn Master, belonging to
Timothy Burr and Samuel Burr, in Com.
CQrlb
II Casks marked C. O. containg 28.1. 12
13 Ditto marked T. B. O. contg 25.0.22
24 Ditto marked T.B. contg 53-3- S
107. I. II
Hartford, December 13, 1782.
SzV, the above flower we have on bord of Captain Kilbon
who has bin taken and retaken, these air to beg the favour
of you to settel the Salvedg as resonabel as you can in order
for that we have sent 15 half Joes: if it shold be short if
you wold [be] so kind as to settel the Same and send the
Receipt by Mr. Olcott, you may depend on the Cash to be
sent as soon as poserabel. your Complyance will much
oblige your Humbel Servant,
TiMO. Burr
N. B. please to deliver within to Captain Kilbourn
master of said Sloop, yours etc.
T. B.
1782] rhode island 169
Sailing Orders of Robert Champlin
Newport, 31st December, 1782.
Captain Robert Champlin,
You being Master of our Brigantine George now lying at
anchor in the Harbour of Newport, are to observe the follow-
ing orders and instructions, viz. To proceed from hence,
with all convenient Dispatch, to Surrinam, where upon your
safe arrival dispose of your Cargo at the best terms the
market will admit. Invest the net proceeds thereof in
Molosses and compleatly load the Brig with the same on our
Account, after which return to Newport as soon as possible.
If the Net proceeds of your Cargo shoud exceed the sum
required to load the Brig with molosses in that case lay out
the money which may remain, in bills of Exchange drawn
by merchants of Property upon their Friends at Amsterdam,
with good Endorsers, the first and second bills of each set
reindorse to Mr. John De Neufville Junior, Merchant at
Amsterdam, write him a few lines by two different ships
enclosing a bill of tlie different sets in each letter, and request
him to obtain Payment of them and place the amount to the
Credit of Messrs. George Gibbs, William Minturn, Chris-
topher Champlin, James Robinson and George Champlin,
Merchants at Newport Rhode Island, untill he may receive
their further orders, a copy of which letter you must be
careful to keep to deliver us at your return to Newport, and
also to secure the third and fourth bills of each set in such
manner as to bring them with you to Newport. Should
you by any accident whatever fall to Leward of Surrinam,
it is our orders that you proceed to Dimeraro or Isaac Cape,
where dispose of your Cargo, on the best terms that market
will admit, loading the Brig, with Rum. Close your sales
and purchase there without attempting to proceed to any
other port from whence return direct to Newport.
lyo COMMERCE OF [ 1783
We wish you a successful! Voyage and are your Friends
and Owners,
Chris Champlin, for himself
Geo. Gibbs
William Minturn
James Robinson
Geo. Champlin
The above Is a Copy of my orders received from the own-
ers of the Brig George myself master,
Robert Champlin
Mary Hayley to Christopher Champlin
^j- London, ist February, 1783.
I beg leave to offer you my sincere congratulations on the
fair prospect of an approaching Peace, which I hope may be
settled between Great Britain and America on the firm
basis of perpetual amity, sincere friendship and mutual
Interests. This happy event being so near I think it right
to inform you of my intention to pursue in a moderate way
the business usually carried on by Mr. Hayley in his life
time, connected with a very few friends of tried honor and
character in America, of this number permit me to consider
your name and to make you the offer of my best services.
My Countinghouse must necessaryly be kept open and the
experienced assistance I have there under my direction, with
the superior advantages of my situation in life leaves no
doubt in my mind of your commands being duly and faith-
fully executed with the greatest satisfaction to you: I mean
not to convey an Idea of going into an extensive trade or
of forming any new connexions, this is contrary to my inten-
tions, a small share of business among a few old friends is
all I shall aim at, or be willing to engage in and I trust such
friends as may be inclinable to accept my offer will explain
the nature and probable extent of what they may wish in
the connexion with me, in order as much as possible to avoid
1783] RHODE ISLAND I7I
any dissatisfaction that may arise from what may appear to
be a deviation from the principles on which we may set out.
I am with great regard, Sir, your
Francis Rotch to Christopher Champlin
London, ist February, 1783.
Dear Sir,
Since my last letter of which you will receive a copy
herewith, I have had a meeting with Mr. Brymer upon the
subject of your freight, who informed me that it was paid
into Chancery, by order of that Court, in a connected state
with the Cargo of your ship, in order to satisfy some claim
of capture laid against a principal concerned in the said
Cargo where it still remains in an undetermined state and
perhaps may forever but as I see no reason why your Freight
should not be seperated from this predicament, there being
no charge against you I will make you an offer of my services
on your sending me a sufficient power of attorney to act
under and I will then try with as little expence as possible
if an order cannot be obtained from the Lord Chancellor
for the seperate payment of your Freight. It is a perplexed
piece of business and has slept so long that it is a very difficult
thing to open an enquiry into it without a proper authority.
I heartily congratulate you upon the peace and am with
great regard Dear Sir
172 COMMERCEOF [ 1783
Thurston and Jenkins to Christopher Champlin
Providence, 25th February, 1783.
Sir,
Your favor with the Ten bbs. Coffee came to hand the
22(1 Inst. Before its arrival the Brigantine Commet dis-
charg'd her Cargo in which is a quantity of the first Quahty
Coffee which is seUing per Bl. at i6d. we are inform'd Coffee
is not plenty in Boston and the current price from 2od to
22d lb. As this Market is somewhat gluted at present we
think it will be most for your Interest to send it there shall
wait your Advice.
The Candles are at 1/6 lb. mould and diped. Cheese
not any that we have seen of a good Quality we are waiting
for the Price to fall as no Purchasers at present. The full
confidence all Ranks of People puts in this News of Peace
has stagnated Business exceedingly. Your further Com-
mands will be readily attended too by Your Most Humble
Servants,
Thurston and Jenkins
William Tonkin to Christopher Champlin
Lisbon, the 12th March, 1783.
Sir,
The finalization of my Partnership as mentioned on the
other side gives me an opportunity to address you seperately,
and thanking you for the favours which you was pleased to
conferr on that estabHshment I embrace this first opportunity
to make you a tender of my services in this place, and express
my hopes that you will favor me with your commands when-
ever you have any business to do this way, and should it be
agreeable to you to make me any consignment I offer per
return of your Vessel to ship you the Value per Estimate in
Wine Salt and Fruit, and in due course I will make as much
of your goods as the quality of them and the state and nature
of the Market will admit.
For your government Rice and Flour are prohibited here
from all parts. Our last harvest of wheat was a great one
1783] RHODE ISLAND I73
and the succeeding promises to be equally abundant, so that
it is too dangerous for you to engage in that article. In
regard to Indian Corn it is too late in the Season, the months
of May and June being the proper time, and is before this
Country Crop comes in.
Staves I fear will not meet a ready sale as we have had
three scanty Vintages following, and our last safFra of Oil
was the same, and these are the articles which give consump-
tion to Staves.
Codfish is an article which meets a Consumption here
without the Year and used to be a steady trade from the
Ports to the Northward of your Port; the Quality of that
fish is also liked here; it will nevertheless be adviseable that
every Vessel which comes here with Codfish should report
that they are bound to some other place and demand a
Franguia, which is for the purpose of effecting a sale on
board, free of Duty to the Seller, which is preferable to
landing for proprietors Account, besides the great chance
under Franguia of selling for exportation also; on receiving
a Consignment of this kind I am ready to ship you immediate
returns in the articles I have mentioned in the foregoing
part of this Letter.
The late sales of Codfish here have been from 4^000 to
4^400 per Portuguese Quintal free on board, but as Peace
is reinstated the prices hereafter will lower, as a natural
Consequence. I am very respectfully, Sir, Your most
obedient Servant,
William Tonkin
Lisbon white wine . . . 62$ per Pipe
Lemons 3$ per Box
Salt 1^700 per Moy.
Ingraham and Bromfield to Christopher
Champlin and George Gibbs
Amsterdam, March 27th, 1783.
Gentlemen^
We wrote you Sept. 17th last at which time we expected
the Betsey to arrive here every day, but owing to a variety
174 COMMERCE OF [1783
of adverse circumstances such as were not to be guarded
against by us, she did not leave Bergen till 22d February
and was drove on shore in a violent Gale about ist Inst,
upon the Schelling Island. As we have given Mr. Daniel
Parker all the particulars of this unfortunate Voyage we
beg leave to refer you to him. The Brig is now ready to
load and will be ready for Sea next week, the extra Expences
and unfortunate detention of this Vessel can only be placed
to the Account of Error in sending her to Bergen a place so
distant from here that the Post who rides night and day is 22
days in performing it. The winter has been such an one
as we never knew, almost a continual Storm, and if it will
be any consolation for the bad voyage we assure you that it
is our opinion that the Brig would not have liv'd thro' a
winters passage to America as the weather has been. As
soon as the Brig is dispatch'd we shall attend to the making
up her Accounts which will be a General Average and what-
ever Money may come to your share we shall ship you in
the articles of your Memorandum by the first Vessel after,
we are extreemly sorry that our first Bussiness together
should prove so unfortunate and hope it may not discourage
you from persuing Bussiness to this place which we think
may be conducted to good advantage, we remain with
Esteem Gentlemen your most obedient humble Servants,
Ingraham and Bromfield
(Copy) Original per the Cato, Tappin.
Robert and Nathan Hyde to Christopher Champlin
Manchester, 9 April, 1783.
The present is to inclose your a/current ballance in our
favour £7.3.8 which we hope you will find to be right and
will remit the amount on receipt of this not doubting but it
wou'd have been done long since but for the late unnatural
War. We hope to have the pleasure of hearing from you
soon with orders for our Manufactures as formerly, in which
case you may depend on being supplied with those of the
1783] RHODE ISLAND I75
best quality and charg'd on the lowest terms, this we shall
make a point of doing, waiting the favour of your Commands
we remain with much esteem, Sir, Your most obedient
Servants
Robert and Nathan Hyde
P. S. We thank you for your remittances before the
unhappy troubles commenced, the small ballance now due
you may either remit us or pay to Mr. Jno. Glover of New
York, and are oblig'd for all past favours.
Antony Johnson to Christopher Champlin
Sir,
You was always my good frend. I want you should
write to me by the next flag whether you can geet Leave
for me and my Wife to com home again to leaf with our
Children. I shall be glad you will gett Leaf for my Wife as
shee wants to goo to her Mother and Children if you can
gett Leave for this favour I shall always acnowlege I am
Sir Yours to Serve
Antony Johnson
N. York, April 14, 1783.
[Memo.] Negro Antonii Johnstons letter.
Hewes and Anthony to Christopher Champlin
Philadelphia, i6th April, 1783.
Dear SzV,
Your favour of the ist Instant came to hand on Monday
last, the Contents fully noted; and in order to relieve your
anxiety, about your arrangements to the Southward, we
tell you that whenever your bills appear they will be honour'd
there is plenty of time, and a Variety of ways may be pointed
out, to place funds in our hands before it will be wanted, but
at present we can advise no method so elligeable and safe
as sending the money either round by water, or through
New York, of this you can best judge, and make it most
convenient to yourself, but in the meantime should any
176 COMMERCE OF [ 1783
better plan present to our view, we will without delay com-
municate it to you. it is impossible to dispose of bills;
there are so many now that want to draw money from that
Quarter; and Molasses is not much wanted at present, there-
fore we could not advise much being sent to this Market
till the Distillers get underway, we shall be happy to hear
of the Arrival of that Vessel. She will make a noble freight
in time of Peace, and they are fortunate who have such a
Vessel left. Trade is in a very unsettled State, people are at
a loss what to do, and till we have the Commercial Treaty,
cant tell what to carry, or where to go. we would wish to
give you every Information in our Power, but at present
we must wait for light, a few months will put us upon a
regular footing. Command us whenever you think we can
be of Service, and believe us with Sentiments of the highest
Esteem, Your Friends and Very Humble Servants,
Hewes and Anthony
Mary Hayley to Christopher Champlin
London, 22nd May, 1783.
Sir,
I HAVE received the favor of yours dated the 4th of April
inclosing two bills on Psrris amounting to 28,000 Livres
which are gone forward for acceptance, and I hope will be
returned in a few days agreeable to our wishes.^ I under-
stand the Court of France have ordered lately that no more
bills for the supply of their Army in America shall be paid
as usual, and indeed it is said by some that they will not be
paid at all, or at least untill all Accounts of a public nature
are hquidated between that Court and the United States of
America, which if true will amount to nearly the same
thing; but I expect the fact as it respects these bills will
^ "Your bills were negotiated on France at the rate of 314/ 1/16 Sterling for
every French crown of three Livres which you will find answer to the sum
creditted you, there will be a small brokerage at the rate of two shillings in
every hundred pounds settled at the end of the year." Mary Haley to Chris-
topher Champlin, July 11, 1783.
1783] RHODE ISLAND I77
turn out to be a prolonging of the time from thirty days
after sight to twelve months after sight which will prevent
their negociation on the Change of London without a heavy
discount of perhaps more than ten per Cent. I am very
sorry to be obliged to give you so unpleasant an account of
this remittance; if it was my own I think I should be inclined
to get clear of them and all future responsibility on their
account, upon the best terms — believing there is reason
to apprehend that those engagements between France and
America that look most like money matters will hardly be
soon settled to the satisfaction of both parties. My last
Letter to you I have no doubt will be satisfactory as it re-
spects the subject of future business. The Intercourse
between Great Britain and America being now quite open
your Commands, when I have the honor to receive them will
be duly attended to.
The desire that prevails among many of almost all ranks
of people in this Country for visiting America will no doubt
occasion many applications from Gentlemen to me for
introductory Letters to my Friends — in order to prevent
any misconstruction of expressions that politeness may re-
quire in favour of such who do apply, I only wish my friends
may generally understand that if I mean more than personal
civilities I will take care to mention it in a manner that
cannot be mistaken. I am with great respect. Sir, Your
Obedient and humble servant,
Mary Hayley
Ebenezer Shearman to George Champlin and Co.
Chanel of England, June the loth, 1783.
JentelmeUy
This may serve to inform you Shearman his Crew and
Pasingers are in good helth and my Idol the Brig Richmond
is tite strong in good order and sails like fish, have spoke
a number of Vessels and pass them, as if they ware at anker.
Amongst them one Ingia Ship bound to Copenhagen from
the Cape of Good hope. Just 9 M[orning ?] the Isl of White
178 COMMERCE OF [ 1783
hairing North dist. 4 Leagues. I have not received aney
pasage Money from Captain Clark nor Captain Sheffield,
as some of my owners was for and others against it: and
for my part they are welcome from me. that Point can be
setled at there Arrival at Newport amongst your selves.
have received the 10 Guinnas from the other Passenger
Richard Baxbee. at 7 clock afternoon expect to land the
Passingers in one hour from this Blithmeston about 16
Leagues to the Eastward of the Isle of White. Jentelmen
Adue, I remain Yours to Serve.
Ebenezer Shearman
N. B. if either Captain Minturn or Mr. G. Champlin
would be kindanuf to acquaint Mother Rider I am well
I would be much obleaged to them.
e#^B
[Endorsed,] Per favour Captain P. Clark.
Mary Haley to Christopher Champlin
2 July, 1783.
Above is copy of my last to you via Boston in which you
will find the present prices of sundry articles. Trade is
at present so very unsettled in regard to those articles that
it is impossible to form any true judgment of what the
future prices may be. I mention this that you may not be
led into an error in speculation as it respects these articles.
All Europe seem at present to be much engaged in an at-
tention to their Commercial Interests and the Idea of
abolishing all exclusive trade is gaining ground. What
events this may produce cannot as yet be seen. I am etc.
Mary Hayley
1783] rhode island i79
William Engs, Jr. to George Champlin and Co.
p J Hobbs Hole on Rappahanock, 23d July, 1783.
AS I wrote you not a Letter but aVollume by Captain
Read least you should think I am too fond of scribling will
be a little more concise, but have inclos'd a Letter from Mr.
Cooper for your Perrusal by wich you will be able to see
what I have to expect from Messrs. Cowper; since I wrote
per Captain Read have taken on board 9 or 10 Hhds which
makes in all 23. now Gentlemen was I to give my opinion
positively I do not expect to get any more for 3 weeks to
come and you will naturally think there is but little to expect
from James river by the inclos'd Coppy, for Tobacco cannot
be bought except for Cash and perhaps not once a week
then and the Price for it at Fredricksburg is not yet setled
for it is every day dearer and none will sell that can avoid
it. I have flatter'd myself for 2 or 3 weeks past with hopes
of haveing my orders countermanded but wether you intend
that or not am sure that I shall not be able to load here with
this Crop Tobacco and the one that is now planted will
not be fit untill the ensuing Winter, as for freight there is
but verry few men who would wish to ship and those who do
seem determind to do it for England and they are deter'd
from it for fear the State will not oblige the people who owe
money there to pay it so are loth to trust their Property
for fear of reprisal, the Method of Freighting here in
peacable times is most extraordinary, it is call'd £8 Sterling
per Ton and 4 hhds to the Ton and them they git as large
as possible so that you have 40/ Sterling perhaps for carrying
14 C. or more of Tobacco to London but I have no freight
offers for they still continue saying the old Traders will be
here by and by and will sell what we want at low rate to get
our freight but I do not believe there is Tobacco enough
to load the Vessels that are here except what is been paid
in for Taxes which belongs to the Country and to be shipd
for France some time or other by the Legislature, there
is now in this river 2 french ships a Brigantine and Cutter
one American Ship, vizt. Captain Hayden of Boston
an English Cutter and my self after Tobacco and an EngHsh
l8o COMMERCEOF [ 1783
Brig arriv'd below to day from St: Thomas's and I verily
believe that for many days together the whole does not get
a hhd. the price talk'd of at Fredricksburg at present is
28/, but at that you can purchase no Quantity nor perhaps
a single hhd: indeed Gentlemen I dispair of giveing you
any tolerable Idea of things they are so confus'd as yet in
this Country I mean of the Tobacco Trade, for the Peoples
Expectations are beyond probability, for my part and I
am not singular in my opinion I think who ever sails from
here from this time to next year will find on the Eastern
side the Atlantic what we do here that the people will not
buy because they expect to get cheaper, pardon me Gentle-
men I do not mean to dictate to you but take it as you will
I can asure you nothing but your Interest makes me say
what I do. I therefore beg you would by some means or
other let me know how I am to conduct for was the Vessel
my own I should instantly sell what Tobacco I have; get
some Flour wheat or Corn and return to find a better Market
than going with Tobacco at this time. I mention'd you by
Captain Read that Mr. Cowper wrote me he had received
advice of payment being made of the greater part of your
Debt to Hews and Antony and did not doubt ere that time
the ballance was paid, as I promis'd not to be so long as
my last must conclude with beging you to remember you
pay 100 dollars Portage Bill per Month besides Provisions
Cabbm stores etc. a Ship saild the other day whose bill
of disbursements was £600. mine shall be as small as I
can make it with Propriety but you must prepare for the
worst for a long one will be a large one and if I eat all my
salt Provisions can buy no more here at present. I am with
the greatest Sincerity gentlemen your most Obedient
Servant,
1783] RHODE ISLAND 181
P, S. please to tell Mr. Slocum I have not yet sold his
rum but am striveing to retail it at 3/ per Gallon.
P. S. Captain Ambrose informs me he has no letters
from Messrs. Hunters for you which surpris'd me. pray
Gentlemen think of something new if possible and not oblige
me to lye here till the fever and ague which will soon begin
puts it out of my Power to do anything.
Ebenezer Shearman to Christopher Champlin and Co.
Gothenburg, July the 26th, 1783.
Jentelmen,
With pleasure imbrace this Opertunity to inform you of
the saif Arrivel of the Brig Richmond, at Marstrand, the
2 1 St of June, and at Gothenburg, the 8th of July, in good
helth, likewise the holl Crew. Yesterday cairn on the
Sailes of our Tobacco, sold at pubhck Oction from four
Shillings to six and eight Ronsticks per lb. it is not in my
Power to inform you what it will everage at present, as part
of the Tobacco is to pay a duty. Therefore shall refer that
matter to a more convenient Opertunity. Two of the East
India Ships has arriv'd, one yesterday the other whilst
I'm righting this, the other Ship is on her Pasage, but was
seperrated from thoes two in a Gail of Wind, in the East
Indias, but ourly expected, if the other Ship dont arrive
soon, I emagin it will retard the Sailes of thoes all reedey
arriv'd. Shall refir that Point to Mr. Soderstrom, Like-
wise in regard to the Price Currant here. I'm in hopes
Jentelmen you'll consider Shearmans great Perquisits on
this present Voige, which he has agree'd to. You made
the Proposall and 2 and | Persent I agreed to strike of.
Change the Propossall and you'll obleage Shearman and put
2 and ^ on. Captain Magee from Boston is here loaded
with Tobacco from Virginnia in a Ship of 500 hhds his
Perquisits are 5 per Cent on the Tobacco deliver'd him here,
f of all Passage Money, ^ Crown Starling per day in Poart,
Cabbin stoars found him, and one hundred Guinnias paid
him here. Shearman has put his hand to the plow, and will
l82 COMMERCE OF [ 1783
go thro with his Buisness the saim as if his Perquisits ware
eaquel to other People. Jentelmen Adue. I remain yours
to serve,
Ebenezer Shearman
N. B. My Tobacco was verry good and but verry little
Loss when inspected. Pleas to deliver the inclos'd to Mother
Rider.
27th July. I have the agreeable News to inform you the
third India Ship has just arriv'd and this day carrean'd my
Ship to Baytop her found the Stuff of her Bottom so low
down could not come at it therefore have hall'd in to the key
to heave her keal out and grave, it gives me pain to find
that I shall be at more expense here than I expected, but
must submit to your Judgments when the Bills are pre-
sented. Adue.
Ebenezer Shearman
Mary Hayley to Christopher Champlin
London, 2nd August, 1783.
Sir,
I CONFIRM the foregoing copy of my last respects to you
dated nth July since which I am without any further favors
from you. Inclosed you have an Invoice of a few pieces of
Cloths and Velverets which to save expence I have had
packed with some of Mr. Fowler's goods which I hope will
not prove disagreeable to you. The amount being £60.9.1
when the goods are received you will please to note in
conformity. Your order being now compleated I have only
to hope that the Goods may all come out agreeable and that
your future orders may give more time, which is a very
material thing and will make a great saving in the expences
of carriage and other charges attending the shipping of
Goods from this Country; I will just mention for your in-
formation that Interest Bills on Franklin at Paris as Com-
missioner to the united States have just been accepted but
not without repeated applications. Rochambeau's Army
1783] RHODE ISLAND 183
Bills are regularly paid. The French squadron Bills I fear
will be subject to the Kings Edict of prolongation. I have
some of the latter kind lying in France and can get no answer
to them. I am etc.
Copy. Original per the Eleanor, Henderson.
London, 20th August, 1783.
Sir f
Since the within copy of my last respects I am favoured
with yours dated the 15th of last month acknowledging
mine dated 22nd May which was soon followed by another
containing a more agreeable account of your French bills.
The french navy bills mentioned in the Copy for your
information are since accepted payable in twelve months
from the day they would become due with an allowance
of jfive per Cent interest, but such bills cannot be negociated
on the 'Change of London for less than 10 or 11 per Ct.
discount which occasions a loss of 5 or 6 per Ct. just as the
course of Exchange and the price of such things happen to
be. The definitive treaty is not yet signed, nothing can
be done in the affair of your freight untill the month of
October in the mean time all the necessary preparation will
be made.
I am Sir with great respect Your obedient and most
humble Servant,
Mary Hayley
[Endorsed,] By the Minerva, Pearce.
Wills Cowper and Co. to Christopher Champlin
Suffolk [Virginia], August 28th, 1783.
Sir,
Inclosed is Mr. John Walkers Draft in your favour for
66f I dollars the ballance due you as per Account inclosed
we shou'd have been glad to have sent you this Balance per
Captain Engs but his laying in Rappahannock made it ill
convenient.
The rum and oyl ship us by Captain Cooke, we have not
to this moment collected one shilling from, the oil remains
184 COMMERCE OF [ 1783
an open Account, the rum is bonded in Tobacco which we
have commenced suit for and may probably recover next
May payment, when Tobacco may again be at 20/ per Ct. so
that we are very considerably in advance on account of your
small Sales. Shou'd you see Mr. Walker he can well inform
you of our distressed Situation in this Country, he has met
with a very full share of disappointments in this State tho'
on the Spot the whole time to transact his own business.
Tobacco has been as high as 35/ but has fallen within 10
days to 28/. below you have the prices current, we have
only to assure you of our best wishes to render you any
services in this State and are very Respectfully, Sir, Your
Most Obedient Humble Servants,
Wills Cowper and Co.
Prices Current
Jas. River Tobacco 28/ Turpentine 12/1015/.
Rappahannock do 22/6 Dry goods 65 to 75 per Ct. on Sterling
Cost.
Flour fine . . 32/6 per bll. 196 lb. Exchange 33I per Ct. on London.
Tar 8/. to 10/. with France 5/7 to 5/9 for 5 Livres
Torneau.
William Green to Christopher Champlin
My dear Sir,
The happy termination of the peace enables me to open
a correspondence with you, from which I promise myself
both pleasure and advantage; the critical nature of the War
hath hitherto prevented it but I am now at full liberty to
felicitate both you and myself upon my marriage with your
niece and you may receive my Letters without any treason-
able imputation. Tho an event of some standing, it hath
all the charms of novelty to me, and I am sure will preserve
its complexion as long as we live.
I receive a particular degree of satisfaction from the
agreeable accounts your good Lady has given of your family;
and I hope the settlement of the two eldest, in a manner
perfectly agreeable to your most sanguine expectations is
1783] RHODE ISLAND 185
not far distant, and my dear Tempe unites with me in our
earnest wishes that the Almighty may crown them with
the blessing of happiness and the choicest gifts of
fortune.
I feel myself a little disposed to speculate in American
property, and particularly in the province of New York;
But at the same time am so ignorant of its value, or price,
that I am utterly at a loss concerning the purchase. I
apprehend the sale of the late Coll. Philips Estate at Philips-
burgh will speedily take place, and in case his Dwelling house
upon the Manor, and ten thousand acres round it (no part
being more than three miles distant from Hudson's River)
could be bought for 20,000 Spanish Dollars or five thousand
pounds Sterling I would make the purchase. I suppose
that two thirds of the Land would be fit for arable and I
believe a good part of it is let on lease. I mean by arable
fit for Wheat, Flax or Indian Corn. There is no person
in America that I would trust with this intention, or the
execution but yourself, in whom I repose the greatest con-
fidence and entertain the greatest respect and regard. If
you have the goodness to accept this Commission from me,
and on my part, to make this purchase provided it be ad-
vantageous, you will be pleased to draw on me for either of
the beforementioned sums at 100 days sight. I understand
the Estate to be freehold and a good title to be made out
by the Province.
Affairs in this Country are going on as usual. Industry
which is the very soul of prosperity pervades every part,
and none but the idle and profligate want comfort and ease.
The Girls are made easy by the circumstances of their
brothers, and nothing is wanting to render them entirely
happy, but the reflection that the friends of their infancy
and youth are left behind.
I feel the most perfect affection for Mrs. Champlin, your
Son and Daughters. Impress them I entreat you with the
sentiments they should entertain for me, and my Tempe
who joins in duty to her Grandmama and love to your
family and friends. Remain with a very sincere attach-
i86
COMMERCE OF
[ 1783
ment, My dear Sir, Your faithful Friend and Most humble
Servant,
Harpur Street, London, Sept. sth, 1783. ^^^^ GrEEN
P. S. I would have my name remain a secret throughout
the whole affair.
Duncan Ingraham, Junior to Christopher Champlin
AND George Gibbs
p, 1 Amsterdam, l8th September, 1783.
Your favor of June loth is receiv'd and am verry sorry
that Mr. Daniel Parker has not acquainted you with the
Steps my late House took with the Betsey and their Reasons
for it, all of which he was furnish'd with in a very ample
manner. And in a Letter I lately received from Messrs.
Guild and Co. who conducts Mr. Parker's Business; they
say, "That we have shewn the Papers to all the Owners
of the Betsey and they appear perfectly satisfied with your
Conduct." You may see by the Papers sent Mr. Parker
why she did not arrive here sooner.
The Idea of getting 100 per Cent more for her Cargo in
Bergen than it brought here must have been taken from the
2nd Mates Account who was not capable of his Duty as a
Seaman, much less so to give an Account of Markets.
F Our House did their Duty and, being Owners, suffer'd
equally with you. There is a Balance due me by the Owners
of /3 1 54. 14 Cy which Account Mr. Parker has. I regret
the bad Voyage the Vessel made but am persuaded that no
Person could do more than was done to prevent it. I am
Gentlemen with esteem and respect
1783] RHODE ISLAND 187
George Rome to Christopher Champlin
^' London, 24th October, 1783.
After my congratulatory Compliments on the return of
Peace and Ratification of the Definitive Treaty with Amer-
ica, I embrace the earliest opportunity to transmit the
annexed Letter from Mr. Stead and his Assignees/ by which
you will discover all Mr. Steads Estates and Effects in
America have fallen into my hands, and that I must sub-
mit to the final Event of them: And as there is a Ballance
due to Mr. Steads Estate by your Brother-in-Law,
Robert Jenkins Junior, Deceased, per Note, which, with
Interest thereon, amounts now to upwards of £70 Stg. I
have to desire you will pay to my attorneys at Newport,
or to Stephen Greenleaf Esqr. of Boston, on my account,
Mr. Steads proportion of such Devidends as already have,
or may hereafter arrise from Mr. Jenkin's Estate; and should
Mr. Greenleaf be of opinion that a Quitclaim from, or a re-
conveyance by Mr. Jenkins's Heirs, or Executors, etc.,
will be necessary to secure me in the Rutland Mortgage
as described in Mr. Stead and his Assignee's Letter, I am
to desire you will conform to whatever he may find necessary
to be done therein. Address me to the care of Messrs.
Lane and Frazer, and in the hope of hearing from you in
course, I remain, with Compliments to Mrs. Champlin,
Respectfully Sir, Your Most Obedient, and Most Humble
Servant Geo. Rome
Elkanah Watson ^ to George Gibbs and Christopher
Champlin
/-I .7 London, 30th December, 1783.
Gentlemefiy •^ » / j
From the probability that this will be the last letter I
shall do myself the honour of writing from Europe, I am
1 Page loo, supra.
2 Elkanah Watson (1758-1842) came from Plymouth, Mass., served under John
Brown of Providence and went abroad during the War of Independence, when he
lost his property. He returned to the United States in 1784 and settled in Albany,
N. Y. See his Men and Times of the Revolution.
l88 COMMERCEOF [ 1783
induc'd to claim your indulgence for a moment, to com-
municate my present unpleasant situation, and the ex-
traordinary train of hard fortune that has precipitated us in
it. In short Gentlemen we are inevitably ruin'd, and both
our European establishments crushd into non-existence;
we have struggled hard with many of our countrymen since
the event of peace, and defended ourselves to the last; but
rigorous destiny determin'd upon our fall overpowr'd every
effort, and oblig'd us sullenly to submit to her rash
decrees.
For this nine months we have scarcely receiv'd a letter
from any quarter of the world where our operations extended
but what contain'd a fresh Hnk to add to our chain of un-
parralleld misfortunes; from the months of August to
November our Nantes establishment alone sustain'd a dead
loss of three hundred and sixteen thousand livers; whether
from the natural effects of peace; from the failure of the
public bank at Paris; our own bankers; or private mer-
chants; the number of which is frightful, and what at no
period of the existence of France was ever known to equal,
within the same time.
As to my establishment in this City, I had resources for
continuing yet for several months; but notwithstanding our
house at Nantes is protected by the kings edict, yet our
french creditors threatned'to pursue me in London; which
obliges me to fly to a place of assylum to avoid an arrest;
the creditors of both houses have been call'd together, and
we find their demands are about one million of livers, equal
to about £40,000 Sterling; we are in hopes however to secure
them a handsome dividend; and are determin'd in the course
of the winter to wind up with honour; after which I mean
to return to my native country early in the spring; and
begin the world again with no other capital but integrity;
industry, and dear bought experience which is the bitter
fruits of several years unremitted application: however I
do not despair, knowing the field in which I am to act is
copious, and holds out inviting prospects even for naked
industry to build on.
[783 ]
RHODE ISLAND
189
I am well aware of the general stigma that falls upon fail-
ures; in some cases it is just, in others cruel. I am sure
no generous mind after reading this letter will suffer such an
impression to penetrate his breast to my prejudice; if so,
what I at present suffer is a bubble in comparison to the
sickening idea of being receiv'd into the bosom of my country
under such colours: a liberal merchant will generously divest
himself of ancient prejudice, spurn the idea, and rather
commiserate my fate; which at least ought to be our reward,
for considerable sums we have liberally distributed in our
prosperity to deviate the distresses of our unfortunate coun-
trymen in captivity.
Hoping to present my personal respects some day upon
the other side of the Atlantic, I am most respectfully, Gentle-
men,
Received and forwarded by Your Friend,
Welcome Arnold
Policy of Insurance
Be it Remembered, That Messrs. Sam'l Fowler, and Chris-
topher Champhn of Newport Merchants as well in their
own Name as for and in the Name and Names of all and
^ Watson's son was named Winslow Cossoul Watson.
190 COMMERCEOF [ 1783
every other Person or Persons to whom the same doth, may,
or shall appertain, in Part or m all, doth make Assurance,
and causeth themselfs, and them, and every of them, to be
insured, lost or not lost, the Sum of Eight Hundred Pounds
Law. Mo. on Merchandize on Board the Brigantine, Don
Galvez at and from Newport, Rhode Island, to Dublin in
Ireland, whereof is Master, for this present Voyage, Charles
Swain, or whosoever else shall go for Master in the said
Vessel, or by whatsoever other Name or Names the said
Vessel or the Master thereof is or shall be named or called;
beginning the Adventure upon the said Merchandize, from
Newport, Rhode Island, as aforesaid, and to continue and
endure the Voyage aforesaid, and until said Vessel shall be
arrived and moored at Anchor Twenty-four Hours in safety,
at Dublin in Ireland. And it shall be lawful for the Vessel,
&c. in this Voyage, in Case of Extremity and Distress, to
proceed and sail to, and touch at any Ports or Places what-
soever, without Prejudice to this Insurance: Touching the
Adventures and Perils which we the Assurers are contented
to bear, and do take upon us in this Voyage; they are of
the Seas, Men of War, Fire, Enemies, Pirates, Rovers,
Thieves, Jettizons, Letters of Mart and Counter-Mart,
Surprizals, Takings at Sea, Arrests, Restraints and De-
tainments of all Kings, Princes and People, of what Nation,
Condition, or Quality soever; Barratry of the Master (unless
the Assured be Owner of said Vessel) and Mariners, and of
all other Perils, Losses and Misfortunes that have, or shall
come to the Hurt, Detriment or Damage of the said Mer-
chandize or any Part thereof. And in ^Case of any Loss or
Misfortune, it shall be lawful for the Assureds, their Factors,
Servants, and Assigns, to sue, labour and travel for, in and
about the Defence, Safeguard, and Recovery of said Mer-
chandize or any Part thereof, without Prejudice to this In-
surance; to the Charges whereof the Assurers will contribute
each one according to the Rate and Quantity of his Sum
herein assured. And that in Case of an Average Loss not
exceeding ten per Cent, the Assurers, by Agreement with the
Assured, are not to pay or allow any Thing towards such
\
1783] RHODE ISLAND I9I
Loss. And in Case of any Loss the Money to be paid in
Thirty Days after Proof of the same. And it is agreed by us
the Insurers, that this Writing or PoHcy of Assurance shall
be of as much Force and Effect as the surest Writing or Policy
of Assurance heretofore made in Lombard-Street, or in the
Royal-Exchange, or elsewhere in London. And so we the
Assurers are contented, and do hereby promise and bind our-
selves, each one for his own Part, our Heirs, Executors and
Goods, to the Assureds, their Executors, Administrators, and
Assigns, for the true Performance of the Premises, confessing
ourselves paid the Consideration due unto us for this Assur-
ance by the Assureds, at and after the Rate of Three Pounds
per Cent. And in Case of any Dispute arising hereupon, the
Matter in Controversy shall be submitted to, and decided
by Referees chosen by each Party, agreeable to the Rules
and Customs in London.
Bread, Corn, Flax-Seed, Fish, Salt, Hemp, Hides, Skins,
and such Goods as are esteemed perishable, are warranted
free from Average, unless a general Average, or the Vessel
stranded.
In Witness whereof. We the Assurers have subscribed our
Names and Sums assured, in Boston in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, January the 29, 1784.
N. B. The above Merchandize is Flaxseed.
£300 Isaiah Doane, Three hundred pounds L. My.
300 John Coffin Jones, Three hundred pounds L. My.
100 Crowell Hatch, One hundred pound
100 Simeon Mayo, One hundred pounds L. My.
£800 Lawfull Money Solid Coin.
[On the back of the sheet]
Newport 18 February 1784 rec'd of Chris. Champlin, Twelve pounds 3/. in full
of his half within premium. £12:3. Sam'l Fowler,
[Memo.] No. 299.
Messrs. Fowler & Champion, etc.
Prem'o 3 per Cr £24. —
Policy .6
£24. 6
Pay Mr. Jacob Rd. Reivere
Rec'd Boston, Janu[ary] 29, 1784.
M. M. Hays.
192 COMMERCE OF [ 1784
WiNTHROP, Tod and Winthrop to Christopher Champlin
^ . Charleston, So. Carolina, February lOth, 1784.
btr,
We should have ourselves the honor to have addressed
you long before this day, had it not happened that altho'
our J. Tod sail'd from Philadelphia on the 23rd October he
did not reach us earlier than the 6th Inst, owing to the
extreme bad and tempestuous weather which the vessel he
was aboard of, experienced upon this Coast, and by it
compell'd to desist from the attempt of getting here, and to
repair to the West Indies; during this time our J. Winthrop
was much busied in the making of Shipments to Europe
for account of our Friends. These circumstances we beg
leave to offer to you, for our apology in not addressing you
earlier, and we shall hope, that you will not impute our
silence to any other cause.
There is supposed to be from 80 a 100,000 Barrels Rice
and about a million of pounds weight of Indico of the present
Crops made, and but little of either shipp'd off — the former
still supports the extravagant price of 13/6 a 14/6 per Cwt.
and the latter 3 a 4/8 per lb.
Freights to Europe are from 50 a 65/. Stg. per Ton, say
for 2240 li. of neat Rice and few Vessels now in port to
charter.
You will please to notice that the Currency of this State
is now reduced to Sterling, and a half Johannes passes for
37/4, and English Guinea 21/9, a French do. 21/5, and a
Dollar 4/8.
We shall be happy in being favoured with the pleasure of
hearing from you as often as agreeable, and in return we will
with much pleasure avail ourselves of every convenient
conveyance to furnish you with the state of this market for
your government. At the same time we take the liberty
to tender you our best services here, with assurances of
making it our study to prove ourselves worthy of your
confidence. Being very respectfully. Sir, Your Most Obe-
dient Servants, Winthrop, Tod and Winthrop
1784]
RHODE ISLAND
193
Charlejloufn, {Sgulh-CaroVina) July \JI, ij^l
WE tale the Liberty to inform you, that we have, eflablijbei
oHoufeln this City, niAth Intent to execute the Commands which our Frlendt may ds
pleafed to honour us with, whether tit the Sales ofConfignments ; Pur chafes of Cargoss',
or the procuxlngFr eight} for Veffels,
^nd, we Jhall ejleemourfelves happy in an early Opportunity of proving to you, by the
mpfl ajfiduous Exertions and flrtSleft Pun^uality, hjw much we wlfj to merit your Con'
fidence.
Underneath you have our different Signatures, to which we crave your Attention,
and am with Ejlcem,
Your mojl obedient^ humble Servart:
^ he following are the Signatures of
your moft humble Seii'ants,
>^^^^:C^^
':^^(iU<^^i:z^^^^
^3^-*^^/
./.^i^ ^iC...^^^ ^- ^^^^- ^^-
194 COMMERCE OF [ 1784
P. S. Pray make my respectful compliments acceptable
to your good Lady, Mrs. Grant, Miss Champlin and family.
I hope you will excuse my sending you a Postcript only and
not a letter, but this vessel is on the wing of departing for
Boston. I am Yours respectfully,
J. Tod
Reuben Harvey to Christopher Champlin
Cork, February i8th, 1784.
Esteemed Friendy
I wrote to thee and Partners the 14th via Hallifax
acquainting of Captain Sheffield's arrival here. He is now
ready to embrace the first fair wind for London. At present
it is quite contrary. No price is yet broke for Flaxseed, and
until we know how the North of Ireland will be supply'd,
there can't be a true judgment formed of the prices here;
I shall keep you regularly inform'd of my proceedings in the
sale of the cargoe per Enterprize, and shall do my utmost to
give thee and the other Owners entire satisfaction. I have
not time by this opportunity to answer fully thy Querys,
nor indeed are our Laws yet compleat with respect to Trade
with America, however an Act of Parliament has lately
pass'd allowing your Vessels and Cargoes to be enter'd at
our Custom Houses and discharged, without producing any
Clearance Document or other paper whatever. Your
Ships can be sold without any Duty, but they are not per-
mitted in the West Indies to land Irish produce or manu-
factures, tho' they may load such articles in Ireland. We
can export all kinds of Woollen and other goods to America
either in the Vessels of that Country or of Britain. Rum
from America can be imported here at the same duty payable
on Rum from the British West Indies, viz. 2/1 1 per gallon;
If ever thou or thy friends shou'd ship any here, let it be
of superior strength to the general run of New England
Rum, which is too weak and ill flavour'd for this Market;
besides, it is a loss to import weak Spirit which pays as high
a duty as the strong. I fear our Parliament will not grant
Bountys on Flaxseed or Naval Stores. There is a Bounty
1784] RHODE ISLAND I95
of i^d per yard on all Linnens of the value of 13 (/ or under
18^ per yard, exported to America. They are made in the
North of Ireland and can be purchased to most advantage
at the Linen Hall in Dublin, from whence we get them
bro't here by land at a small expence. American Flaxseed
commands a preference of sale.
The Manufactures of this place and neighbourhood consist
chiefly of coarse Woollens, Serges, Flannels, Blanketting,
common Stockings, Cottons, Jeans, Fustians, Sail Cloth,
Canvas, Coarse Linnens, Oznabrugs, Shoes and Boots,
with many other articles. Very good Loaf Sugar can be
exported on as cheap terms as from England. I am with
great regard
C^^^^e^^Z^^t^fii
New Mess Beef 42/I , ,
Do. Do. Pork 39/ r'' '''"■''•
Butter 60/ per Ct.
Mold Candles i\d per lb.
Tames River Tobacco zod to 2/ per lb. 1 t-. , ••
/-> 1- T^ I J ^ > Duty iirf per lb.
Urdinary lobacco 14a to 16. J
Mary Hayley to Christopher Champlin
London, nth March, 1784.
I DULY received your favours of the 30th October and
3rd November last, the former of which contained an order
for sundry Goods which are shipp'd on board the Mary
Captain Macy. and I hope will come out more to your satis-
faction than those shipp'd the last year. I have directed
that every attention be paid to all the particulars you have
thought right to mention, and I shall think myself unfor-
tunate if you have cause a second time to complain. With
respect to an increase of the terms of credit from 9 to 12
196 COMMERCEOF [ 1784
months, it is a thing I shall always object to and upon this
principle that Mr. Hayley I think I may say gave as much
satisfaction to his Correspondents as any Merchant in Lon-
don could do, and I have set out with no other profession
but that of doing business upon the same terms that he did,
and this principle I must beg leave to be permitted to adhere
to, with this observation only that there is no Country where
the value of good pay among tradesmen is better known or
understood than in this. My situation makes it unneces-
sary for me to yield to any house whatever in this particular
consequently it will be very difficult for me to believe,
knowing my intentions and conduct to be fair and honourable
that any house in this City can ship Goods or serve their
Friends with more ultimate advantage to them than I can.
It is my intention to leave England in a few days in the
United States, Captain Scott, for Boston and among the
arrangements that are to take place during my absence I
can with pleasure inform my Friends that Mr. Alexander
Champion, Junior, of this City has accepted the principal
Agency and conducting my affairs while I am abroad. This
Gentleman is eldest Son of the Senior of the present house
of Champion and Dickason; his knowledge and abilities
stand in need of no comment here. I am sure my Friends
will find the greatest satisfaction in him. With respect to
your Freight Mr. Rotch has proceeded in Chancery for the
recovery of it the opposite party have taken all the time
the Law will allow them; but the Attorney who conducts
the business assures Mr. R. that the money is safe and must
be paid and he hopes before long. It is impossible to say
what system may be adopted by this Country relative to
Commerce with America a friendly or unfriendly adminis-
tration in the Government here makes the whole difference.
The contest which has subsisted between the two great
parties for some months has in fact put a stop to almost
all public business, appears at present not so violent as it
was, but how it will end it is impossible to say. I am with
great respect. Sir, Your obedient and most humble Servant,
Mary Hayley
1784 J RHODE ISLAND I97
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin and
Samuel Fowler and Son
Dublin, 13th March, 1784.
Gent.,
This day I was favord with your esteemed Letter of the
26th January inclosing me bill Lading for 319 Casks of 7
Bushels each 4 do. of 5 do. 4 do. of 3I do. Flaxseed per the
Brigantine Dungahiz, Captain Swain, with directions to
remit the Nett Proceeds to Mrs. Mary Hely in London to
whose recommendation I am indebted for the favor of your
Correspondence. You may rest assured that I shall dispose
of this consignment to the best advantage for your Interest
and as the proceeds comes in Cash shall remit the same as
you direct. This letter I send under cover to Mrs. Healey
to forward you and in a few days shall reply more particularly
to the Contents of your letter.
There are several Cargoes of Flaxseed already arrived here
from America and one Vessell came in this day with Seed
from New York and if the quantity arrives that is expected
from America I fear there will be money lossed by it. There
has been a few Hhds sold at 60/ and some at 65/, yet its
impossible to say now how the price may rule; it intirely
depends upon what may come to Market. All the products
of America are admitted in here. Tobacco at iid per lb.
duty, The price of Virginia is from 17^ at 2od per lb. Mary-
land Tobacco dont answer well here, fine white pearl
Ashes at 47/6, Pott Ashes of Grey at 48/ to 50/ per Ct.
Ashes pay no duty and the other american products very
small duties. Your Rum wont answer here. Barrel Staves
£5.10 to £6.10 per Thousand. Referring you to my Next
I am Gent. Your Most Obedient Servant,
Edward Forbes
198 COMMERCEOF [ 1784
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin and
Samuel Fowler and Son
Dublin, loth April, 1784.
Gent..,
I have now the satisfaction to inform you that I have
sold all your Flaxseed, except (25 Hhds and the 8 small
Casks;) at 58/ 60/ and a few at 63/ per hogshead — a better
price then any have been sold at hitherto in any Port in the
Kingdom, and expect in a few days to put off the remainder,
the small Casks are not quite so saleble as Hhds, and let
me recommend to you not to ship any Seed in any Casks
that do not contain either 7 Bushels, or 3I bushels. I must
get your 5 Bushel Casks put into Hhds. your Seed looks
as well as any that came here this Season indeed better then
any that came from Philadelphia, therefore let me reccom-
mend to you in future to ship the best kind and have it well
cleaned, for in a Glutted market Good Bright well Cleaned
Seed will always have a prefFerence. as Messrs. Carey and
Green did not send me Certificate for their Seed being of
last years, sold it on Condition to return the money if it
did not grow, yet theirs look'd as well as yours; but if it
did not Grow and that I sold it for Sowing, I should be
lyable to pay a Penalty t)f £3 per hhds, so Severe are the
Laws, and as it look'd as well as yours I thought it most
for their interest to do as I did then sell it at Auction where
it would not have fetched more than 25/ to 30/ per hhds
for oil. I am well pleased with myself for selling so quick
as I did, as Philadelphia Seed is to day at 56/ and two Ves-
sels hourly expected from New York with 1800 hogsheds.
The principal part of what I sold is at one and two months
Credit, what Cash I have received will not amount to the
freight, and as soon as I come in Cash you may depend I
shall punctually remit conformable to your orders to Mrs.
Mary Heyley of London. Captain Swain the night after he
arrived drag'd his Anchors and got on a bank where the
vessel strained and made much water, however fortunately
only a few Casks got damage which I had opend and the
1784 J RHODE ISLAND I99
wet fill'd half a barel. his Vessel is now repaird and will
proceed for Lisbon in a few days. She is too sharp for this
Harbour. I should have sent some of your seed to the
Outports but the Markets hitherto was under our's. As
your State is now as free and independant as our own, I
hope our Commercial intercourse will increase daily, and on
my part I shall you may depend studdy to promote it. Our
infant Manufactures of every kind are daily improving
and increasing, which consist of all sorts of Goods made as
in Manchester, Coarse frizes, flanels, Rateens, Shallons,
Durants, and Morains and Worsted and Silk Goods the
best in Europe, and our Linnens I need not tell you are
rivald by none, and cheaper then can be shipt from London
from whence hitherto America was supply'd. but one
Great barr to our enlargeing our Trade with you, is, our
Poverty in not being able to give the long Credits the Man-
ufacturers do in England, here however the prices are
proportionably low, and for ready money there is a discount
for 2, 4 and 6 Months given at the rate of 6 per Ct. per
annum. We have also an extensive Glass Manufacture here
and Window Glass in particular is i/2d per foot cheaper then
at Bristol and flater myself will be found equal in quality
indeed some kind is id a foot cheaper.
Our Parliment is desirous to give the American States all
possible Encouragement to trade with us, and as an instance
they lowered the duty on Tobacco to iid, in England 15^
is paid, and all your Goods and products are allow'd to be
imported and remain here for a Market 6 Months without
paying any other Expence or Charge then that of Storage.
But by the English Navigation Act, which is adopted, here
your Vessels will not be allow'd to bring West india produce
nor the Produce of any Foreign Nation, but that of America,
say the Products of the Thirteen United States may be
brought in any of your Vessels, and there is No duty paid
on any of America Produce, except iid on Tobacco and 2d
per barel (of 4I Bushels) of Wheat, this latter article will
be allow'd only to be sold here when the price of our own
Wheat exceeds 30/ a barel that weighs 280 pounds, tho'
200 COMMERCEOF [ 1784
It may be stored as I before observed in the King's Stores,
untill the price here exceeds 30/, when it may be sold or
sent to a better Market, as to Flour it will not be allow'd
to be imported, this is done by Parliment to encourage
the Mills, which are numerous here, and are principally
owned by their Members. There is expectation that a
treaty of Commerce will shortly be concluded between the
United States and Great Britain in which this Kingdom will
no doubt be included, and untill this Buisiness is finally
concluded its impossible to say what further privilages will
be allow'd the Shiping of the United States, but the General
opinion here is, that your Vessels will be allow'd the same
privilages as when you were under the Dominion of Britton.
however a little time will tell us more of this buisiness. in
the interim I beg leave to conclude. Gentlemen, Your most
humble Servant,
Edw'd Forbes
[Endorsed,] Via New York.
New York, June 10, 1784.
Rec'd and forwarded by Gentlemen your very humble
servants
Murray Mumford and Bowen
Reuben Harvey to Christopher Champlin
AND Others
Cork, 15 April, 1784.
Esteemed Friends^
I ACQUAINTED you wIth Capt. Sheffield's arrival here the
14th February by way of Philadelphia, and may now inform
that he got to London early last Month, having been supply'd
by me with 70 Guineas and some Provisions for the Enter-
prize amounting to £97.11.11 as per Invoice furnish'd him.
Flaxseed is a bad article this year owing to too great quan-
titys being poured in upon us from various parts of America,
which has reduced the price so low as 48/ per hhd. and I'm
inform'd that some Seed from New London is sold still lower;
I have disposed of about 150 hhds. at 50/ and 49/. per hhd.,
and 38 hhds. of damaged Seed ar 42/ which is a great price
1784] RHODE ISLAND 201
for such, it being generally sold at 30/ per hhd. only; You
may depend that my best endeavours shall be used to get
off the whole of your Cargoe this season, and not keep any
'till the next, but indeed I fear some Seed must remain un-
sold. Referring to my next I remain with regard, Your
real Friend,
Reuben Harvey
New Mess Beef . . . 43/
Cargo Do. . . . 36/
Mess Pork ... 45/
Cargo Do. . . . 40/
No new Butter yet come in.
MoldCandles ... 5/6 1
T-,. r,. , > per dozen pounds
Dipt Do s/3}
There has been lately a Glass Manufactory established at
Waterford about 60 Miles from hence, which for goodness
of Metal and Cheapness of prices is allowed to equal if not
excel those in England. I am constantly supplied with that
article for the convenience of American Vessels to my
Address.
Memorandum of the "Hydra"
More especially to equip and fit our [my] Ship the Hydra
(now lying in the River Thames in Great Britain) completely
for the Sea, with Provisions and Stores requisit for the
prosecution of her intended Voyage to the Kingdom of
Bengal in India. And also to procure and purchase in Great
Britain or else where a complete assorted Cargo, of such
Merchandise, as with the advice of experienced Merchants,
may be judged most saleable at Bengal. And with said
Ship and her Cargo so equip'd, proceed to such Port of the
Kingdom of Bengal in India as he may be admitted to an
entry, and from thence to the port of Canton in China, and
at both or either of those Dominions to sell and dispose of
said Ships Cargo of Merchandise, in as full and effectual
manner as I the said Constituent might do were I personally
present, the Proceeds whereof to be invested in such mer-
chandise Produce or Manufactures of said Countreys, as
upon the best information he shall judge most profitable
202 COMMERCE OF [1784
for the American Market, to where he must return with said
Ship and Cargo, Conformable to Instructions received from
the Constituent.
Memo. Copy of Special Clause in my Letter Attorney to Mr. Green. April
29, 1784.
N. B. the full Power is recorded in the City Records by
Peleg Barker Junior.
The Ship "Hydra"
Articles of Agreement between Christopher Champlin Esq.
of Newport in the State of Rhode Island in America, and
William Green Esqr. of the City of London. Witnesseth:
That the said William Green, proposing to send a certain
Ship of his called the Hydra^ to Bengal in India, (now lying
in the River Thames) burthen by Register three hundred
Tons, — means to perform the same, under cover of an
American house, whose name must be used for the Proforma,
through the whole Transaction, and the Ship of course to
be navigated under American Colors, has therefore sold,
and conveyed the said Ship Hydra, with all her equipage,
unto the said Christopher Champlin, by a certain bill of
Sale executed for that end x>n the Twenty fifth day of April,
One thousand Seven hundred and Eighty four, in conse-
quence of which, he the said Christopher Champlin has,
in his own name, as sole Owner thereof, taken out a Register
for the said Ship, at the Intendants Office of Trade, in New-
port aforesaid; and has also executed a Letter of Attorney
to the said Wm. Green, in due form, authorizing him to
equip and load the said Ship, with a properly assorted Cargo
for Bengal in India, where the said Ship is to proceed, under
the Sole Direction of the said Wm. Green as Supercargo,
and who is authorized to dispose of the said Ship Hydra,
and her Cargo, and invest the proceeds thereof, in such Mer-
chandize of that Country, or of China, as may best suit the
American Market, to which she must Return; or for which
the proceeds must ultimately be shipped.
1784 ] RHODEISLAND 203
Wherefore the said Christopher Champlin, for and in
consideration, that the said WilHam Green, his heirs and
assigns, causes the said Ship HydrUy with her Cargo, that
may be purchased at Bengal, or elswhere, be conducted to
Newport aforesaid, without entering either of the harbors
or Ports, of any of the American States, except in case of
absolute Distress, and also paying unto the said Christopher
Champlin, his heirs or assigns, two and one half per Cent,
upon the full amount of the said Ships outward bound Cargo,
purchased in Great Britain, or Madeira, within six Months
after the said Ships arrival in America, and, also the said
William Green indemnifying and exonerating the said Chris-
topher Champlin, his heirs and assigns, from paying any
Costs or Damages which may arise from the prosecution of
any legal process, relative to the said Ship Hydra or her
Cargo, during her said intended Voyage. The said Christo-
pher Champlin therefore, in consideration of the above re-
cited causes, for the preservation of the said Ship and Cargo,
to the real and sole Owner William Green aforesaid, doth
hereby promise and agree, to avow and claim the said Ship
and Cargo, as his the said Christopher Champlin's property,
in full right, as a freeborn Citizen of the United States of
America, under every contingency that may happen, in the
course of the said Voyage, as far as the Rights of a Freeborn
American Subject of the United States, can Authorize, War-
rant or enable him to do, in Courts, or out of Courts of law,
or otherways, for effectually securing the property of the said
Ship Hydra, and her outward, and homeward bound Cargo,
for the sole use, benefit, and right of the said William Green,
his heirs, Executors, Administrators or assigns, saving and
excepting, the Commission of Two and one half per Cent,
before stipulated; hereby the said Christopher Champlin
disclaiming, as well for himself, as for his heirs Executors,
Administrators, and Assigns, any right or property in the
said Ship Hydra, her Cargoes, or the Profits which may arize
from her said intended Voyage, except the Commission
aforesaid. In testimony whereof, each of the Subscribing
Parties have hereunto set their hands and Seals, this first
SEAL
SEAL
204 COMMERCEOF [1784
day of May, One thousand Seven hundred and Eighty
four at the town of Newport in the State of Rhode Island
in North America.
Chris Champlin
Will Green
We the Subscribers do hereby
certify our being present at the
Signing and Seahng the above Agreement,
Sam'l G. Fowler, Christ. Fowler.
The said WilHam Green farthermore agrees to exonerate,
and indemnify, the said Christopher Champhn, from
the payment of all Imposts, Duties, and Customs on
said Ship and Cargo, Seamens Wages, and all other
Expenditures that may arise on the prosecution of the
said Voyage.
SEAL
Chris Champlin
Will Green I seal
Test.
Sam'l G. Fowler
Christopher Fowler
John Powell to Christopher Champlin
London, 3 May, 1784.
Dear Sir,
I WROTE you last summer by Mr. Welch who I was in-
formed had married Betsey Gordon which I hope came same
to your hands with other Letters from my Daughters and the
family here. Long since I doubt not you have had the
pleasure of seeing and knowing Mr. W. Green who went to
N York in the february packet from whom you will have
learnt the situation of the several families more perticularly
than by any other, my Son William left me this day week
for Boston, in his way to Canada, the late accounts from
the Tzvo Brothers from India, were agreeable, perticulars
will be better conveyed to you by Jessee B Waugh I am
greived to learn is and I fear in a declining way has been
1784] RHODE ISLAND 205
expected in Town some time. By Capt. Sheffield on my
coming to Town was happy to learn the continuance of
health of our Good Mama and your Wife and Children.
May the continuance of that and every Blessing attend you
all. I rest most affectionately Dear Kit Yours,
A. Brymer spent the winter in London, is lately gone to
France the winter not agreeing with his health.
I trouble you with inclosed to forward my son as occasion
may require.
HoRNE AND Sill to Fowler and Champlin
Lisbon, 12th May, 1784.
Gentlemen,
Having loaded the Peggy Captain William Wigneron for
Rhode Island belonging to our much esteemd friends Messrs.
Geo: Gibbs and Co. of said place, we would not omitt the
opportunity of making you a tender of our services in this
Country, before the late events in America we had very
large transactions there and we are happy the troubles
that have so long existed there, are so happily terminated,
a field is now open for extensive commercial engagements,
and we shall think it a felicity to participate of them, assuring
you no house is more capable of conducting any business
committed to our management. The shipping price of
Lisbon Wines is at present 70^000 per pipe a very high
one indeed, but our late Vintages have been very scanty;
Salt is at 1^700 rs per Moy, at St. Ubes 1^760 rs; Lemmons
at 2^400 rs. per Chest, all kinds of Teas and India Goods
are very cheap. If you determine to send any Ship this
way we would advise you to send her direct to this port, for
though the Salt at St. Ubes is much superior in Measure,
yet the delays that must necessarily attend loading Vessels
there, is attended with great Inconveniences and more par-
ticularly if they are to carry Wines or India Goods which
must be sent round from this consequently attended with
expense and delay.
206 COMMERCEOF [ 1784
Salt and India Goods are ready Money articles therefore
it will be necessary you give us a Credit on London for their
amount, we could allow you a Credit if necessary of Six
Months for Wines.
Wheat, Indian Corn, and Staves are in general good
articles for Sale, and our next harvest will be very indiffer-
ent, therefore foreign supplies will be wanted. Rice, Flour
and Tobacco are prohibited.
We shall esteem the preferrence of your commands being
Respectfully, Gentlemen, Your most humble Servants,
r- T J ^ 1 ij A/ri • HORNE AND SiLL
Ex. on London 67J to |d per Milreis.
[Endorsed,] Per favor of Capt. Wm. Wigneron, Q. D. C.
William Green to Christopher Champlin
If I can lay my hand upon it in time, I will send you by
this Conveyance, the Copy of a pass given by Congress to
their India Ships, and which may be procured without much
difficulty. It will be unnecessary to insert the name of any
Captain in it and I shall be glad if you will endeavor to pro-
cure it. My name as the Supercargo will be sufficient. I
have no reason to complain of the Hospitality of the Boston
people, unless it should injure my health. They are in gen-
eral exceedingly kind and polite. I have dined but once at
home since I came here. The Inman's are extremely civil.
Mrs. Powell is rather unwell, but I hope will be soon up
again. She has a slight fever the consequence of a fatigue
in nursing her little boy who has been much indisposed.
I have only to add a hint or two at present. Pray throw
your ideas on paper respecting the terms on which you will
do the business in case I send the Hydra from India, and
remain there myself, and send me the draught of a mutual
Agreement on that head signed by yourself, that if I like
them, I may execute it on my part. Your Son should be
made acquainted with the whole of this affair in due
season.
1784 ] RHODEISLAND lO'J
Whenever that Law passes your house of Assembly, etc.
to enable your Mayor, etc. to admit Individuals to the
Rights and privileges of Citizens, I do not think my admis-
sion to be impracticable altho absent. Money may effect
it and you may use my Credit in any manner to secure me.
I shall after I get home open a channel of Correspondence
with you direct to India. . . .
Yours ever most Sincerely.
Will Green
Boston, 18 May, '84.
[Enclosure]
As the United States are not provided with any factories
or places in the East Indies where their vessels may put in
to refit or receive supplies of provisions etc. His Most
Christian Majesty in order to facilitate their trade with
China and other parts of the East Indias has been pleased
to order that the ships or vessels of the United States of
America be received and treated in the most friendly manner
in the ports of the islands of Bourbon and Mauritius or the
isle of France.^
Memo. Permission for Americans to enter French Ports at India.
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin and
Samuel Fowler and Son
Dublin, 26 May, 1784.
Gentlemen^
My last respects was the 23 ulto. to which refer. You
have now inclosed Sales of your Flaxseed per the Dungalviz,
Ct. Swain, Nt. Proceeds being £723.3. to your Credit without
my prejudice for outstanding debts. I hope upon examining
youl find them right and that you will be persuaded I con-
sulted your Interest in the Sale to the best of my Judgment.
Only three days ago did I receive your favor of the 26
December from Cork which you wrote me was sent by the
Enterprize Capt. SheflSeld. had you been so fortunate as
1 This document is in the writing of Charles Thomson.
2o8 COMMERCE OF [ 1784
to have addressed that Vessels Cargo to me here, it would
have turned out much better for your Interest, having
yesterday rec'd a payment on Account your Flaxseed I
have this day rem'd Mrs. Mary Hayley on your Account
£427.13.3 St. Ex[change] 9I per Ct. makes £466.13.8 at
your debit, and the end of next month when the remainder
of the Notes fall due I will remit the Ballance. the Ex-
change is most extravagantly high and such as has not been
these some years past. Wheat is now 34/ a barrel of 20
Stone equal to 280 lbs. in consequence our ports are opened
at the small duty of 2d per Barrel and will continue so untill
the loth August. White Pearl Ashes 46/ and best Pott
Ashes 47/6 per Ct. Barrel Staves White Oak if good, at £6
per M. the few Capt. Swain brought were so very bad that
they did not fetch near the cost, your Barrel Staves should
be at least \ an inch thick at the featheredge, 32 inches long,
and as broad as possible never under 5 inches. Should you
think of sending any flaxseed here the ensuing Season let
me recommend to you to clean it well, and if any of your
Friends want a Correspondent here I will thank you to intro-
duce them to, Gentlemen,
P. S. May 31st. Please to receive payment for the
inclosed bill myself on Mr. N'l Goodin for £0: 19: 7 Irish.
Ex'e 4/9 Irish per Dollar, in London they are only 4/4.
[Endorsed,] Via Philadelphia.
Philadelphia 13 Sept. 1784 Reced. under cover and for-
warded by Your obedient Servants,
Haynes and Crawford
1784 ] RHODEISLAND 209
Mark Pringle to Christopher Champlin
Baltimore, 4th June, 1784.
Dear Sir,
I had the pleasure of writing you a few lines under the
13th April in answer to yours of the 25 February. My
being much from home since that period, and Mr. Hopkin's
residing out of Town, prevented me from an interview with
him untill a few days ago, which produced nothing more
satisfactory than the inclosed letter. I really believe he is
disposed to pay your Claims, but I believe also, what he
says in his letter, that he cannot do it at present, and was I
to give you advice, it woud be, to wait till December rather
than commence a Suit, which he might protract for a much
longer time. Nevertheless, if it is your desire, I shall put
his note into the hands of a Lawyer. By the inclosed price
current you'll perceive that N. England Rum has taken a
start, but I am of opinion it will not support its present
price longer than the demand of supplies for harvest con-
tinues. I should be very happy in rendering you acceptable
services, whenever your views and business extend this way,
for which purpose give me leave to recommend to your
friendly notice, Ridley and Pringle, who will at all times shew
due attention to your Interest, or to that of your friends.
I cannot however recommend, or point out, any beneficial
speculation to this market at present, which is already over-
stockd with almost every article of importation; money
is scarce, and produce high, but the very favourable
appearance of Crops, I hope, will have an agreeable effect.
I shall be very glad to learn from you, when you have
leisure, how Mrs. Bell and her family are, what events have
taken place since their removal to England, and the death
of my Uncle. Be so good. Sir, as to present my best respects
to Mrs. Champlin and your family, and believe that I am,
with very great regard, Dear Sir, Your most Obedient
Servant,
Mark Pringle
2io commerceof [ 1784
Robert Champlin to George Gibbs and Co.
Wilmountown June the 6th 1784.
Dear Sirs, I am sorry to in form you that I never saw so
much olteration in so Httle tim as there is at this, when I
left this thare was only 5 Sail of Vessels and the Shores lind
with Lombor and know thare is 64 larg Sail mos of them
English, at this tim thare is not 3 Hoghh. of Tobaco nor
Rice in this Country and not one Foote of Lombor can be
bough for those forren Ships has swept everthing and ar
not I loaded. I cannot sell the Brig. Rum I cannot sell
at more than 2/6 this mony. the River is so lo that the
Lombor cannot come down for thare has ben no rains here
this long time. I dont think that I can get a Load of
Lombor till August, my Rum will not half load me Boards
is at £6.10 hard mony so what to do God noes. The Jenteele
men that I expect to sell the Brig to say now thay have no
yous for a Vessell for they have nothing to put in them,
to brake my orders I darnt due and to stay here till August
and then only get a | Load of Lomber must sink every-
thing for Mr. Walker will not pay any Lomber becaus he
can sell that for hard mony. I no not what to due. I
woush I could have a Line from you. I am Your damd
onluckkey Sarvant.
I rot you by the way of Boston.
RoBT. Champlin
I have ben here ever sence the i day of June only had one
offer of the Brig £500 and that to be payd in tobacco in
October the man is good and my be depended upon but I
think the price too small.
To Mesures George Gybbs and Comp. Marchants in Rhode Island.
1784] rhode island 211
William Green to Christopher Champlin
Dear Sir,
As Thursday next is now determined to be the day of the
Active's saihng, I embrace the present opportunity by Mr.
Brattle, to bid you and your good family a temporary adieu;
and to wish you all imaginable happiness and success. If
the expectations you entertained of the time of your Mem-
bers return from Congress are just, you must ere now have
learnt from him the means by which a pass for the Hydra
is to be obtain'd, from that body, and I trust have put the
affair in a proper train to obtain it without any loss of
time; this pass is so indispensable an Instrument to cover
the real nature of the Voyage, that I cannot proceed without
it. I do not apprehend that any letter from you on this
subject is likely to reach me here, therefore if you write by
the June and July Packets, addressing me as usual in Harpur
Street, or under the cover of Mr. Wilkinson, I shall have
hopes of receiving your letters in good time, and without the
uncertainty of private Conveyance; I do not at this moment
see, why the Pass itself may not be sent by the July packet,
and a Duplicate or attested Copy should follow by the next
conveyance, which will obviate the Inconveniences that may
arise from the accidental miscarriage of the first. If a
Duplicate cannot be easily had, a Copy will do if publickly
attested by any State Officer. You must be sensible that
this form is of so much importance, that nothing can be done
without it, and I shall be put to terrible Inconveniences if
after having fitted and loaded my Ships I do not get it. It
will half ruin me, and totally destroy the whole plan of my
Voyage. Give a moment's scope to reflection and you will
see as I do the necessity of a prompt and decisive exertion.
The June Mail will be dispatcht the first Wednesday in
July from New York, and the succeeding Mail the same day
in August. I rely entirely on the pleasure of hearing from
you by every opportunity. There are two Vessels will sail
from this port for London early in July from the 1st to the
loth. I saw our friend Kit yesterday he is well.
212 COMMERCE OF [ 1784
Repeat my assurances of regard to my good Grandmama,
Mrs. C. and your dear Girls and believe me, with sincere
Esteem, Your Obliged and Most Humble Servant,
Will Green
Boston, 14 June, '84.
John Greene to Christopher Champlin
Gothenburg, June i6th, 1784.
Sir,
I have the pleasure to inform you of the arrival of your
Brig Richmond at Marstrand after a passage of thirty four
days, ware I lay one day and then proceeded to Gothenburg,
at my arrival I found by strick inquiry that Mr. Soderstrom
was adoing business and in good Creadit. he gives me in-
couragement of the sales of Tobacco, as he has lately sold a
cargo of Capt. Heagersons at about 5|^ Stg. and does not
in the least doubt but ours will fetch as much, the Candles
he is in hopes to sell as before, and promises me with great
Despash we shall begin to discharge to morrow.
Mr. Soderstrom has not received the Ballance of Mr.
Black for Mr. Gibbs as yet. I shall write more perticulars
by Capt. Skinner who sails for New York in about a fort-
night.
di'w*
P. S. The Captains Lane and Heagerson are arrived
hear and there cargoes sold as above. We are all well on
board.
Tea i per IL
1784] rhode island 213
Carl Soderstrom to Christopher Champlin
Gothenburg, i6th June, 1784.
Sir,
Referring you to my last Respects the 14th Aprill the
present serves to congratulate you on the safe arrival of
your Brig Richmond, Captain John Green who delivered me
the 14th Instant your esteemed Favours of the loth and 7th
ulto. the former accompanying Account Sales of my Hemp
and Junk the Neat Proceeds whereof £247.5 Lawful Money
or £185.8.9 Sterling I have placed to the debit of Richard
Soderstrom^ as you have ordered him to value on you for
the same. This adventure turns out but a losing one to
me, though I suppose you have done the best you could.
Respecting the Sales of your 106 Hogsheads Tobacco and 50
Boxes of Spermacetti Candles I can only say that no assidu-
ity shall be wanting on my part to render them as profitable
as possible, much will depend on the quality of the Tobacco,
but the demand is greatly slakened owing to a supply of
upwards of 400 Hhds which were sold by Auction last Week
and averaged a price of about 4/6: the Quality was as good
as what came by your Brig last Year.
I have noted the returns you wish to be made for the Neat
Proceeds of this Cargo which as closely as possible shall be
attended to. The Iron shall be ship'd agreeable to Assort-
ment, but of Pettersburg Hemp and Russia Duck there is
none at present in Town, an supply however may arrive
in time but the price of the latter will certainly go higher
than 8| R£ per piece, and as War was as much at end last
Year as this there is no ground to suppose that the price of
either article will be lower. Tea is also got a little up, and
no great deal on hand. I shall however be able to supply
you with the requisite quantity and at the lowest price,
though if not to be got at the price you limit the alternative
^ Richard Soderstrom was, in 1785, recognized by the governor of Massachu-
setts as Swedish consul at Boston, thus raising a question whether such recogni-
tion pertained to a State or to the Continent. See Life and Correspondence of
Rufus King, i. 75.
214 COMMERCEOF [ 1784
you propose is impracticable. If I detain your Brig 'till
the India Ships arrive I must also keep her 'till the Sales
commence, if she is to be loaded with part of their Cargoes
as it is impossible to get a single Chest from the Company
before hand. I shall therefore make the dispatch of the
Vessel the principal object of my attention, filling her up
with Bohea if there is a difficiency in any other articles. I
shall assist Captain Green in the purchase of a Trunk of
Copenhagen Callicoes as well as [in ev]ery other case wherein
my help may be necessary. With much Respect I remain.
Sir, Your most Obedient Servant,
Carl Soderstrom
William Green to Christopher Champlin
June 19th, 1784, Saturday 4 oclock.
My dear Sir,
I have this moment had the pleasure of receiving yours of
the 17th and Mrs. Champlin's of the loth Inst. The form
of the pass I request is general, and I apprehend may be
granted by the Comittee. It would be sufficient if agreeably
to their form, tho only signed by a Member of the Comittee.
My project must in a great degree be abortive of profit unless
I am enabled to sail before the Middle of October, and
I cannot pretend to load her, unless I have your assur-
ance that the pass may be procured from the Comittee of
Congress (who during the Vacation possess all their powers)
and forwarded to me so as to arrive by the ist of that Month
in England. If the Comittee decline to give it, which I
do not apprehend is hkely, a similar Instrument, under the
Signature and Seal of his Excellency my Namesake,^ will
answer my purpose, so as to enable me to proceed on my
Voyage. I authorize you to assure His Excellency that I
am half an American, but such Instrument must be counter-
signed by the State Secretary. The pass from Congress may
then follow me to India. I think you should give me
Introductions to Messrs. Franklin, Adams, and Jefferson
* William Greene, governor of Rhode Island.
1784] RHODE ISLAND 215
who are your Ministers in Europe, and these may be accom-
panied by letters from your Delegates in Congress. Per-
haps, your Assembly may be now sitting, and your powers
as a Corporate body ascertained. Do not fail, I pray you,
so soon as you can, to send me a Certificate, that I am a
Member of the American Union. ^ I continue to think the
object worth the expense of sending your Delegates Son to
Annapolis, and whatever may be the charge pray let me know
as soon as it is determined, and I w411 pay to your Corre-
spondent in London. Let him not lose a Moment for they
are precious at present.
You see my dear friend that I have thrown together a
few hints to exercise both your Imagination and Judgment,
I have not power to expatiate. With respect to a pass from
the Governor of Rhode Island, I am entirely serious, it may
answer all the effects of the other from the Congress or its
Comittee. And if we succeed in obtaining both they may
be of collateral service. The Brig Hope and the Ceres will
sail from here in about 8 days. Let me have your opinions
by them and by every opportunity. We shall certainly sail
tomorrow or Monday.
Mr. Powell talks of setting off tomorrow to see you. Kit
is well. I spent part of Thursday with him. I beg my
respects to your good family and that you will believe me
ever Yours
Will Green
Pray present my respects to Sir Peyton Skipwith.^
^ Not until May, 1786, did the Rhode Island General Assembly pass an act for
naturalizing William Greene, "a native of Great Britain, and a subject of His
Britannic Majesty." Rhode Island Col. Rec, x. 197.
2 He is mentioned in Hayden, Virginia Genealogies, 217. He lived at Prestwould,
Mecklenburg Co., Va., and was descended from Sir Gray Skipwith, who emigrated
to Virginia, from Prestwould, Leicesterhire, during the Protectorate. He mar-
ried sisters Anne and Jane Miller, daughters of Hugh and Jane (Boiling) Miller.
A daughter, Lillia Skipwith, was the second wife of St. George Tucker. fVilliam
and Mary Quarterly, xxiii. 281.
2l6 COMMERCE OF [ 1784
John Greene to Christopher Champlin
Gothenburg, June 25 th, 1784.
Sir,
I WROTE you of my Arrival by way of London wherein I
informd you of my arriving at Marstrand on the 14th Inst,
after a passage of thirty four days and the day following
arriv'd at Gothenburg, were I found the Captains Lane and
Heggerson from Virginia (the two Vessels I informd you of).
I made strick inquiry in regard to Mr, Soderstrom and found
he was doing business, and had Capt. Heggersons Cargo
which he sold before I arrived. Mr. Grieg had the other
which was allso sold at about 5^ Stg. our Tobacco turns
out very good and is to be sold the 6th of July. Mr. Soder-
strom informs me he has a cargo ready to put on board
which I shall begin to take in the first of next month, as
we are now at the key to clean the Cash I expect to exchange
Dollar for Dollar which is the most I can get for them and
shall lay them out to the best advantage, in Bohea tea which
is about 15J penc Stg. li. Mr. Soderstrom has wrote to
Copenhagen in regard to Mr. Gibbs callocoes but has not
an answer yet.
the India Ships arived on the 17th Inst, there sails begins
the 6th of September. I hope to be at home by the latter
end of August, but shall inform you by Capt. Heggerson who
only waits for hemp and duck which is expected every
moment, from Sir Your humble Servant
John Greene
[Endorsed,] Per Capt. Lane of Boston.
Memorial to the Continental Congress^
To etc.
The Memorial of Christopher Champlin of Newport in the
State of Rhode Island Merchant, Most Humbly Sheweth,
That your Memoriahst having obtained from the Hon-
orable Committee of Congress in the Month of July last
1 [Endorsed] " Sketch of a Memorial." The final form follows.
1784] RHODE ISLAND 217
Letters of Navigation from this Ship the Hydra then fitting in
the River Thames, whereof his Nephew Wm. Green was
Supercargo, and John Clark Master, and intended for
Bengal and China has since under its encouragement and
authority compleated her equipment and loading to a large
amount with the various articles of American and European
produce, and that she sailed from Great Britain for India
in the Month of January last.
That the object of this undertaking is to endeavor to open
an advantageous Trade between the United States and the
different Parts of India, as well as of China That the Captain
John Clark having been taken ill just before her sailing Mr.
Wm. Green the Supercargo was obliged on the part of your
Memorialist to put in Mr. John Haggey, to command her in
his stead.
Your Memorialist therefore prays most humbly that the
Honorable Congress will be pleased to furnish him with
Letters of Navigation similar to those granted to the Ship
Empress of Chi?ia, and that he may be enabled by the first
opportunity to expedite it after her to India. And your
Memorialist as in Duty bound etc.
Copy of the Sea Letters.
Most serene, serene, most puissant puissant high illustrious
noble honorable, venerable, wise and prudent Emperors
Kings RepubHcs, Princes, Dukes, Earls, Barons, Lords,
Burgo Masters Counsellors, as also Judges Officers Justici-
aries and Regents of all the good cities and places, whether
ecclesiastical or secular who shall see these presents or hear
them read.
We the United States of America in a Committee of the
States assembled make known that John Clark Captain of
the Ship called the Hydra and William Green Supercargo
on board her, are Citizens of the United States of America
and that the ship which the said John Clark commands,
belongs to Citizens of the said United States and as we
wish to see the said John Clark and Wm. Green prosper
in all their lawful affairs our prayer is to all the before-
Seal
of
the
States
2l8 COMMERCEOF [ 1784
mentioned and to each of them separately when the said
John Clark and Wm. Green shall arrive with their Vessel
and Cargo that they may please to receive them with good-
ness and treat them in a becoming manner, permitting them
upon the usual tolls and expences, in passing and repassing
to pass navigate and frequent their Seas, to the end to trans-
act their business where and in what manner they shall
judge proper, whereof we shall be willingly indebted.
In testimony whereof we have caused the Seal of the
United States of America to be hereunto affixt
Witness the Honorable Samuel Hardy Chairman this
8th day of July in the Year of our Lord, one thous-
and seven hundred and eighty four and of our
Sovereignty and Independance the ninth.
(Signed) S. Hardy
Countersigned
Chas. Thomson Secretary.
Memorial to the Congress
[July, 1784.]
To the Honorable the Committee of the States appointed
to sit in the recess of Congress.
The Memorial of Christopher ChampHn of Newport in
the State of Rhode-Island etc. Merchant. Humbly sheweth,
That he is at present the sole owner, and John Clark at
present master of the Ship called Hydra, and that she is of
the burthen of about three hundred tons, as appears by an
authenticated copy of the Register of said ship which accom-
panies this Memorial:
That WilHam Green is Super-cargo of said Ship; that she
is navigated with about twenty five men, and is bound to
the Kingdom of Bengal in India, and from thence to the
Port of Canton in China; That as your Memorialist wishes
to obtain every possible security for the said Ship during
her voyage, he earnestly requests your honorable body to
grant to the said supercargo, William Green, Sea letters of
the same form, or a form similar to those granted by Congress
[784]
RHODE ISLAND
219
the last January for the Ship United States belonging to
Philip Moore. ^ When your Memorialist considers the dis-
position which the Great Council of the United States
hath manifested to encourage, extend, and protect the
commerce of the United States, he confidently expects that
your honorable body will readily grant this request, a com-
pliance with which will induce him, if possible, more ardently
to pray for the prosperity of the United States.
If this memorial should suit him Mr. Champlin will tran-
scribe it fairly, and inclose it with the copy of the register in
a wrapper, directed in the following manner The Honorable
The Chairman of the Committee of the States appointed
to sit in the recess of Congress.
[Memo.] Copy of Memorial presented Committee of Congress, July, 1784.^
Carl Soderstrom to Christopher Champlin
Gothenburg, 29th July, 1784.
1S2V,
Deprived of your esteemed Favours since my last of 22nd
Ulto. the present serves solely to hand you Account Sales of
96 Hhds and a parcel of loose Tobacco received per the Brig
Richmond Capt. John Greene producing Specie Rp 8447.26.5
at your Credit. This though not so much as the last I hope
will not be dissatisfactory for I have been obliged to lay up
two Cargoes of my own which arrived since Captain Greene
as were they to be sold they would not sell nearly so high.
Inclosed are Bill of Lading for and Invoice of sundry Goods
ship'd you by the above Vessel amounting to Rp 9997.43.5
at your debit, all which are as conformable to your Orders
* Journals of the Continental Congress, January 2, 1784.
2 This memorial is in the writing of William Ellery.
220
COMMERCE OF
[ 1784
as possible and the lowest price charged for each Article,
therefore I hope the same will give as great satisfaction as
my exertions have been to render it for I have spared no
pains to procure the Goods ordered as soon as they could be
got and to give the Vessel all possible dispatch. I shall
therefore be glad to hear of their safe and quick arrival and
of their meeting your approbation.
The Spoermacoeti Candles could not be sold at any reason-
able price. I have therefore sent them to Amsterdam from
whence when I get Account Sales I shall transmit you the
same.
Inclosed is an Account of the disbursements for the Ship
being Rp 188.20.10 placed to your debit in Account Current
enclosed balancing in my favour with Rp 1890.27.9 which if
right please to note in conformity.
I have ship'd 4 Chests Bohea Tea No. 73 to 'jG on my own
Account which please to land and hold at the disposal of the
Bill of Lading. Wishing for a continuance of your Com-
mands I remain with thanks for those I have received most
respectfully, Sir,
P. S. I was obliged to allow 6 Months Credit on the
Tobacco or I should not have been able to have sold any
at all.
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin
AND Samuel Fowler and Son
Dublin, 31st July, 1784.
Gentlemen^
I wrote you the 30th ulto. adviseing of my having remit-
ted the Ballance of the Produce of your F:seed being
1784] RHODE ISLAND 221
£236.2.1 Sterling to Mrs. Mary Hayley of London, and
hearing this Lady is now in your Country, I beg leave to
trouble you with the inclosed letter for her which please
deliver or forward where ever she may be. There is a pros-
pect of a very fine Harvest all through the Kingdom. The
Bearer of this the Lord Charlemount for New York and two
other Vessels who sails in co: for Philadelphia are loaden
intirely with the Manufactures of this Country, which is
improving suprizeingly. Our Linens, all sorts; Stuffs
Flannells, Serges, Morains, Campblets and Durants and
Silk HandkerchiefFs excell any Country in Europe. We are
also greatly improved in Checks, all kinds of Cotton Goods,
Coarse Woolens, say Coatings, Blankets, and 6/4 wide
coarse Cloths at 5/ to 6/ per yard, and we have the annex'd
bounties on the Export of Linnens etc. which I mention for
your Government, should you want any. but our Manu-
facturers are too poor to give longer Credits then 2 Months
on Coarse Linens and 4 Months on fine Ditto and 4 and 6
Months on most other Goods, but many will not give any
Credits but take off a discount of 2| to 3 per Ct.
Our Glass Manufacture is cheaper then in England I
think, particularly Window-Glass, 7 by 9 is only 3^^ per
foot, 6 by 8, 3 J, and 10 by 8, 4^ per foot, being what offers.
I remain Gent., Your most humble Servant
Edward Forbes
1/2 per yd. Bounty on Buckram and all Linens 25 Inches broad under s,d per yd.
id per yd. on all do. under 6 1/2 per yd.
I 1/2 on all do. above 6 1/2 and under 1/7 1/2 per yd.
1/2 on Checks, Huccabacks and Sheetings 25 Inches broad not under jd per yd.
nor exceeding 1/7 1/2 per yd.
I 1/2 do. on do. on every square yard do. upwards of a yard in breadth.
Same on Linens and Cottons.
6 1/2 for every 3 ells of sail Canvas.
Instructions
Instructions for my Nephew Mr. William Green for
his Conduct as Supercargo of my Ship the Hydra, during
her present intended Voyage.
Having loaded and equipped my Ship the Hydra, agreeably
222
COMMERCEOF [1784
to the Invoices with which I have furnished you; and
manned her with as many able bodied Seamen, as you may
deem sufficient for her navigation from Great Britain to the
Indian Seas; you are to clear her out, or cause her to be
cleared out, at the Custom House of the Port of London, for
the Island of Madeira, in the Atlantic Ocean; and for this
Port; and upon your arrival at the former, you are to receive
on board of her, on my Account, as many pipes of the Wine
of the Island, as you may be able to stow, in addition to the
Cargo you will then have; and you are not to lose a moment,
after your outfit shall have been compleated in the River
Thames, in proceeding to that Island, making the best of
the winds and weather, and availing yourself of every
circumstance that may tend to accelerate your passage
thither.
You are to compose your Crew of as many Seamen as
you can procure, of the subjects of the United States; or of
the Nations, or States, with whome the United States have
concluded and agreed Treaties of Amity and Commerce.
You are to cause your Insurance to be done in the first
instance, agreeably to the terms of your Clearance, from
Madeira and Rhode Island; but you are to give instructions
to the Insurance broker you may employ, to continue it
upon the same Policies (if possible) as soon as he judges the
Hydra to have reached the Limits of the Channel of England ;
for the Port of Chinsurah, in the Kingdom of Bengal, in
India, for which Port you are to make the best of your way,
after you quit the Island of Madeira, touching only, for as
short a time as possible, for the necessary purpose of refresh-
ment at the Cape of Good Hope.
Upon your arrival in Bengal, you are to conduct yourself
in such manner, as may best avoid giving embrage to any
European power, who may have settlements there; and you
are to exercise the same precautions, with respect to the
Officers and Seamen under your direction, that they comport
themselves peaceably and humanely to all such persons, or
people, whether Indians, or others, with whom you or they
may have occasion to deal.
1784 ] RHODEISLAND 223
You are on your arrival at Chinsurah, to expose your
papers; if required, to the Chief of the Dutch Factory:
and endeavor to obtain his permission to sell your Cargo, or
at least such part thereof, as is best suited to that Market,
or for the Coin of the Country, or by way of barter, for the
Manufactures of Bengal; in doing which you are to exercise,
and exert, all the Judgment and Discretion you are possessed
of, to promote the advantage of the Concern: and you are
to avail yourself, in the prosecution thereof, of all, or any
of the stipulations contained in the Treaty of Commerce
concluded between these United States and their High
Mightinesses.
Having disposed of the Cargo you are intrusted with, to
the best advantage, and loaded the Hydra, with such returns
as you are able or permitted to purchase, and which are the
best calculated for consumption, and of course for sale, in
the American Market, and at the lowest prices, you are to
make the best of every circumstance of wind and weather
that will accelerate your speedy return therewith, to this
Port, touching however, at such friendly ports on your
homeward bound Passage, either in Asia, in Africa, or
America, as you may think necessary to refresh your crew
at, for the sake of preserving their Healths; or to which
stress of weather, or any unforeseen accident, or event, may
oblige you to have recourse.
But, in case you meet with any obstructions to your
Trading at Chinsurah, in the manner I have directed in the
foregoing, you are then to proceed with her to the Factory of
His Most Christian Majesty at Chandernagore, in the neigh-
borhood thereof, and availing yourself of the Treaties of
Alliance and of Commerce subsisting between America and
France, you are there to endeavor by every fair and legal
means, to carry the several purposes herein before directed
into full and compleat effect.
However at this distance of time it may be impossible to
guard by instruction, against all the events, that may happen
in the course of your Voyage; as many changes may take
place in the Commercial and Political World, before the
224 COMMERCEOF [ 1 784
final accomplishment thereof, therefore in any dilemma,
you are to consult your own Judgment and act for the best;
availing yourself of all the several powers vested in you, by
my Power of Attorney, bearing date in this City, the Twenty
ninth day of April last, and registered in the book of Land
Evidence in this State (No 2) since the Evacuation of the
British Forces, Pages the 142 and 143.
If a continuity of difficulties should prevent your trading
in either of the Factories above mentioned; you are to avail
yourself of any other Ports, that may be opened to you;
whether Indian, or European, in the Bay of Bengal, or Coast
of Coromandel; preferring however, in all cases the two I
have already named.
His Most Christian Majesty, in the benevolence of his
Royal Heart, having opened the Ports of the Isles of Bourbon
and Mauritius, to all the ships and vessels belonging to the
United States, which may be engaged in the purposes of
trade and commerce, in the Indian Seas; you are made
acquainted therewith, that in case of Necessity, you may
make your rendezvous there.
The affairs with which I intrust you, being happily accom-
plished at the Ports of Chinsurah, or Chandernagore; or at
any other Ports in the Bay of Bengal, and Coast of Coro-
mandel, and such of yout homeward bound cargo, as is to
consist of the Manufactures of that Country, laid in, you are
to proceed with all the dispatch consistent with your safety
to the River, and Port of Canton in China; where you are to
dispose of that part of your remaining Cargo, as may be laid
in, or best calculated for the Chinese Market; if at the expira-
tion of your time, upon the first part of your Voyage, any
should remain undisposed of in your hands, and you should
deem such a farther continuance of the Voyage Hkely to turn
out to advantage, so as upon the whole, taking into careful
estimate the profit and loss thereupon, a considerable
ballance is likely to accrue in my favor, and there, that is at
Canton, to sell and bargain for the same, in the most bene-
ficial manner for my Interests; and compleat your invest-
ment for your return, in the coarsest kinds of Bohea Teas,
1784 ] RHODEISLAND 225
Nankins, and such other of their coarser Stuffs for Cloath-
ing, as may best answer our market. You are, however,
at all times, to consider the continuation of your Voyage to
China, as collateral only to that to Bengal; under the above
circumstances; and at the regular accomplishment thereof,
you are to follow the Instructions contained in page the
third, and fourth, in the event of your voyage to Bengal;
and in the same manner from China; not to lose any time
in returning to this City and Port.
But whereas, I think it fitting that, in case your arrange-
ments for the outward bound Cargo, in respect of Bargain,
Sale, and Payment, should not be accomplished so soon, or
in so short a space of time, as you might otherways have
reason to expect, and the Expences of the Ship in the mean
time must necessarily be very considerable; you be, and
you are therefore authorized to let her upon freight, provided
you can do so upon terms sufficiently advantageous, and
also, in case that she is not to carry Merchandize, nor to be
employed in any European or American Seas, nor the period,
for which she is to be hired, to exceed Twelve Calendar
Months, from the date of her Sailing upon such Voyage
from the place of your Settlement, or Residence, until the
day of her return to the same Port. And you are previous
to her departure, to have her Hull, Masts etc. including all
her Equipage, appraised, estimated, and valued, by proper
and capable persons, so that in case of loss, or damage, the
necessary Compensation may be therefore made, on the part
of the Freighters, and upon her return, and discharge from
such adventure; you are to expedite your affairs as much as
possible, to the end, that no delay may be had in your final
return to Rhode Island.
In your correspondence with me, which you are to keep
up by every oppertunity, you are to be extreemly particular
in describing the reception you meet with, from the several
powers, whether native or foreign, in India, that I may regu-
larly lay the same before the Honorable Congress of the
united states, that they may be made acquainted with the
respect paid to their pass, and to the American Flag.
226 COMMERCEOF [ 1784
You are to take particular care, that all the subordinate
officers of the Hydra as well as the Captain, be punctually
obedient to all the orders and directions you may give them,
as far as may be agreeable to the Laws and customs which
regulate trade and trading vessels, and you are in all your
expences of stores, and other articles; as well as of provisions,
to be particularly frugal so that every thing be managed in
the best order, and with the greatest possible Acconomy.
and if all, or any of them, fail in either of these respects, you
are hereby particularly authorized and required to hire and
appoint others in their place, discharging the faulty and
incorrigible without delay.
In testimony of my desire and intentions in all the several
particulars herein before stated I have hereinto set my hand
and seal, this fifteenth day of August anno domini one
Thousand seven Hundred and Eighty four at the City of
Newport in the state of Rhode Island and Providence
plantation in North America.
Christopher Champlin
[Memo.] Copy of Instructions given William Green Esquire, August 1784.
Mary Hayley to Christopher Champlin
London, 26th August, 1784.
Sir,
Herewith you have Copies of my last since which I have
receivd your esteemd favour of nth July which came to
hand the 14th Inst, too late to counter order your India
Goods, however the greatest part you will have seen were
omitted.
I can give you no hope of the duty on Oil imported from
America being taken ofF, but on the contrary the Legislature
of this Country seem determined to continue it, for the
express purpose of encouraging the Fishery from Great
Britain in preference to that of America, which is now
become an Independent State, the same principle of
encouraging and strengthening our own Navy also operates
in preventing your Ships visiting our West India Islands.
1784 ] RHODEISLAND 227
I would therefore recommend you avoiding any speculation
in Oil, with the hope of its being imported here free of Duty.
Our Friend Mr. Rotch can explain this Business to you as I
have frequently wrote him my sentiments upon it.
Inclosed I now hand you Invoice and Bill of Loading of
the remainder of the Goods you ordered shipd on board the
Hope, Capt. Whipple for Rhode Island, amounting with
£315 Insurance thereon to £306.17.1 which sum is passd
to your Debit, and I hope they will arrive in season and to
your approbation. I am with respect, Sir, Your most
humble Servant Per procuration from Mary Hayley,
Alex. Champion, Jun.
Christopher Grant Champlin^ to
Christopher Champlin
Cambridge, Septemb. 6th, 1784.
Dear Sir,
After being detained two days at Providence and having
an agreeable Journey to Boston, I arrived at Cambridge
the Saturday after the Vacation was up. I have been in
College about a week.^ the room which I have got is in the
Southwest corner of Hollis College, the prospect is good and
the Chamber handsome with the addi[tion] we have made to
it of papering and painting, and you cannot imagine how
much preferable my Situation in College is, to what it was
when out not only with regard to many little Inconveniences,
but likewise with respect to my Studies, as I can now study,
with much more ease and Satisfaction than before. As to
the diet at Commons, though it is not quite so good as I
cou'd wish, yet there is always plenty, and — the goodness
of my Appetite amply compensates for it's deficiency in
Quality.
Mrs. Wendell set out for Barnstable last week upon a
^The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
2 He was of the class of 1786. Born at Newport, April 12, 1768, he was a Sena-
tor from Rhode Island, 18 10-16, and died March 28, 1840, He fought a duel
with James Asheton Bayard.
228 COMMERCE OF [ 1784
Visit to her Daughter, as she left her house entirely vacant,
except an old negro Woman to take care of it, and desired
me to let my bed and bedstead remain there until it was
convenient to remove them to Boston or elsewhere, or, if
I chose, to let them remain there all the time I was at College,
but at the same time refused taking any pay for the room
which they wou'd take up, I thought it best to let them stay
there, only for the pres[en]t until I cou'd get somebody
in Cambridge to keep them [for] me at some small considera-
tion, a Quarter, or Year, or else send them to Mrs. Leverett,
who will keep them as long as I please.
I shoud have wrote you before had I not been so entirely
engrossed with removing and geting my room in order, that
I have scarce had a Moment to myself, we have just began
our course of Mathematical Lectures and as this branch
includes arithmetic I mean to pay particular attention to it,
and consequently find my time pretty well employ'd with
this and reading the Books which I take out of the Library,
together with the other common exercises which we are
obliged to perform, therefore cannot always devote such a
share of my time to you as my inclination prompts me to,
and your paternal kindness demands from your affectionate
and dutiful Son,
C. C.
Mark Pringle to Christopher Champlin
Baltimore, the 7th September, 1784.
Dear Sir,
I HAVE your esteem'd favour of the 24th June, and, I
hope, in return for your indulgence, Mr. Hopkins will observe
punctuality in the discharge of his obligation. I shall take
care to remind him, and to receive Interest etc.
The late Accounts of the decline of Tobacco in England,
and Holland, and the favourable appearance of abundant
Crops, have had some effect on the price here, and I am per-
suaded, in the course of two months it will be considerably
lower. The Crop of Wheat has also been very plenty and
it is expected the price will be about 6/ to 6/6 per bushell.
CHRISTOPHER GRANT CHAMPLIN
\_ajteT St. Memin^
1784]
RHODE ISLAND
229
With respect to West India Goods etc. please to refer to
the inclosed price current. I am sorry the one promised in
my last was omitted. Fall Goods, from England, sell at
100 to no per Ct. advance. I am very sincerely. Dear
Sir,
.^^s^^'ip^^Si^^ts-^^
Benjamin Peirce to Christopher Champlin and
Samuel Fowler
St. Lucia, October 2d, 1784.
Gentlemen^
I WROTE the 28th September (via Martinica) of my
arrival at Barbados after a passage of 42 days of bad weather,
but could not get admitted with the Ship without delivering
my Cargo to every Merchant in that Island, for if I sold to
one the others wou'd inform against the Vessel, after laying
off and on part of two days I bore away for this place which
I prefer'd to Martinica on account of the sizures that were
made in that place eight days before I arrived here, the
difference of the port charges and the goodness of the Har-
bour. I have sold the lumber (Boards) for Sixteen Dollars
per M, the Shingles for twenty five livres per M. The
Staves are on hand yet. Expect to sail from this in six
days for Turks Island as there is no Salt at Bonaire, will
give every dispatch in my power, as I wrote fully the 28th
September 'tis needless now to enter into particulars again,
I am. Gentlemen, your Obedient Servant,
Benj. Peirce
Price Current
Boards 133 livres per M.
Shingles pine 20 to 24 Livres per M.
Staves
Horses 8 to 15 Johannes
Flour 56 Livres per bbl.
Rice 80 Livres per Ct.
Sugar 33 to 40 Livres per Ct.
Cotton 190 livres per Ct.
CofFee 20 Sols per li.
Melasses 20 Sols per Gal.
230 COMMERCE OF [ 1784
Please to communicate this to Messrs. Champlin and
Fowler with all possible Dispatch.
B. Peirce
William Green to Christopher Champlin
6 October, 1784.
My dear Sir,
I had the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 22d of
July and its duplicate on the nth ultimo, but the pass from
Congress for the Hydra did not reach my hand until the
29th, owing I presume to the packet having been detained
a more than ordinary time at New York.
From that moment however I have set seriously to work
and I have strong hopes of getting away by the beginning
of December, previous to her sailing I shall forward to
you Copies of the Invoices Accounts, Policy of Insurance,
and of all and several such other papers as may be deemed
necessary for your guidance in case of Accident.
The importance of the trust I repose in you, I know you
are well aware of, as all my property now is under your
Name, you may therefore openly avow your having fitted
and loaded a Ship for India, but keep her destination in other
respects a Secret, because, it yet depends on circumstances,
whether the Voyage will be extended to China, or whether
I shall return to Newport directly from Bengal, but of this
I will take care to apprize you in due time.
I have determined to abridge the amount of my out-
ward Investment which now will not exceed the amount of
£20.000.
It is in vain that I have endeavored to prevail on Mrs.
G. to remain behind me, she is determined to visit India and
has proposed to take Jenny Bell with her, but the thing is
not yet resolved upon. Mrs. Waugh has also thoughts of
going with her husband to her brothers but that also depends
on circumstances, and requires a little more time for deliber-
ation before he throws himself out of the Army.
My remembrance of Betsey will be signified by the piano
1784] RHODE ISLAND 23 1
forte, which is now making for her, and which with the
Music that accompanies it, she will have the kindness to
accept for my sake. If I have time I mean to write Peggy,
in particular to request she will have the goodness to accept
as a mark of my respect and esteem a gold Watch, Chain
and trinkets, which I have ordered to be made for her.
Many very pretty things might be said upon this occasion
by a Man of Words, but I will only recommend to them
briefly, but most aflPectionately, to diligent employment of
their time and a constant attention to the advantages of
Harmony in Life and Conversation. I cannot tell by what
Ship I shall send them, but it will be by the way of Boston
and to the care of Mr. David Sears.
I have not yet determined upon a Captain, a Captain
Clark is fitting her but does not go out in her.
You are not to imagine that Lforget Kit — he has a very
high rank in my esteem. I mean if I can lay my hand upon
them, to send him a compact edition of the best latin authors
but they are difficult to get and require time. I have written
to Glasgow for them.
I shall take care to comply with your desire by paying Mr.
Champion Mrs. Hayleys Attorney the Sum you mention to
have disbursed for me.
Robert Grant has been all the summer in Scotland and is
not yet returned. I shall be mindful of your commission.
With pleasure I often call to mind your hospitality and
kindness to me whilst at Newport, the attention and kind-
ness of your good Lady I shall always remember with respect,
as well as the warm regard of our venerable Grandmother.
Tempe joins me in every wish for both your happiness and
in our best regards to the Young Gentleman at College and
the Young Ladies her Cousins.
I am ever with great regard and true Esteem Your faithful
friend and servant
Will Green
P. S. Our little one is well and grows quite a Beauty.
232 commerceof [ 1784
Alexander Keith to Christopher Champlin
Nantes, 15th October, 1784.
Sir,
Now that peace is restored to the Continents of Europe
and America on a permanent footing and that trade begins
to recover from the many misfortunes that were the con-
sequence of the war and still more of the peace, in quality
of an old estabhshed Merchant in this flourishing City and
well acquainted with every one of the branches of its trade,
I take the liberty to make you a tender of my best services
here, assuring you that by my intimate Connections with
most of the principal manufactures in France, and my
experience in the disposal of every article of the produce
of your Continent, I have it in my power to serve you on the
most advantageous footing in every respect. This you will
acquire ample and sufficient proofs of when you may be
pleased to make a trial, and I think prudent Merchants
may venture now to do something with a fair prospect of
success, as the frenzy of many adventurers immediately
after the peace pouring immense quantities of goods into
your ports not at all adapted to their wants or con-
sumpt[ion] seems to their, cost, pretty well subsided. For
my part, I continually stood aloof till now that I look
upon trade as pretty well purged and as I confine my-
self entirely to the commission branch and have made it
an invariable rule to ship no goods for any quarter unless
with Funds in hands either in Consignments, good bills or
a confirmed credit on one of the principal cities in Europe.
I have it by that means in my power to serve my friends
on the very lowest terms and infinitely better than your
Countrymen have been since the commencement of their
connections with France. The considerable concern I hold
in one of the principal Callico and Chintz Manufactures
of this City enables me to serve you with that essential
article for your market in a manner respecting patterns,
taste, stuflF and price much superior to most others, being
1784] RHODE ISLAND 233
intimately acquainted with what is suitable for your
Consumpt[ion].
The moment I receive value either in goods, bills, freights,
vessels ordered for sale etc. I a[m re]ady to return the full
amount in such goods as may be ordered and with the
utmost Dispatch.
The present low prices of french manufactures in general
especially the remarkable low rates of brandies and wines
occasioned by a very plentiful vintage, still more so of all
sorts of teas and other East-India goods will I hope engage
you to do something this way and favour me with your
orders which I repeat to you will be executed to your utmost
satisfaction and in such a manner as to insure me their
Continuance, meanwhile, in expectation thereof, I enclosed
hand you the price current of our principal Exports and
Imports from your quarters and remain in all your com-
mands, Sir, Your most obedient Servant
Alex. Keith
Henry Greig to Hunter, Gibbs and Champlin
Gottenburg, the 23d [?] October, 1784.
SirSf
Being without any of your esteemed favours I embrace
this opportunity of transmitting you a price current of our
Imports and Exports at this market for your and friends
information, prices that will be found upon the whole more
encouraging than any in Europe, in case you should incline
to speculate the ensuing Winter or Spring, and if you are
pleased to favour me with your Commands I make no doubt
of rendering you so favourable an account of them as to
merit a continuance of your favours. A Cargo of the best
St. James or York River Tobacco, joined with 40: 50,000
li. good middling Domingo or Martinico Coffee small green
bean about as much rice, with 10: 20,000 li. of purple and
common Copper Carolina Indigo will next Spring, or indeed
in general, find a very good Market with us, and what is
singularly encouraging, our charges on every commodity
234 COMMERCEOF [ 1784
are remarkably low, being only 4: 5 per Cent Commission
included. I am in all your Commands, Sirs, Your most
obedient Servant,
Henry Greig
JosiAH Watson to Christopher Champlin
Alexandria, 31st Nov., 1784.
Sir,
I wrote you the loth and 17th instant to which please
refer. Your favour of the 9th instant I am to acknowledge
the receipt of and note the contents. Tobacco has not sold
under 28/ with us and little has yet been purchased at that
price, nor is there the quantity offered I had reason to expect,
indeed as high as 30/ has been given within these 8 days
past, however money is scarce and I flatter myself the cur-
rent cash price will not exceed 28/. during the winter I am
of opinion it will be under that price. As I before observed
doubt not but the business of your Brig will be transacted
by me in such a manner as to meet your approbation. In
reply to what you mention respecting the purchase of 100
Hogsheads on your own private a/c I can at any time draw
Bills on Philadelphia provided they are at sight and some
times at 20 or 30 days, but as the produce of the Southern
States draws a considerable sum of Money from the North-
ern, it very seldom happens that Bills can be negotiated
further North than Philadelphia.
Since Peace took place Tob'a has been a cash article, and
1 have found it impossible to purchase on any Credit without
giving 2 or 3/ per Ct. more than the current price, even for
2 months, therefore I think you would find it your interest
to make immediate payment. I will however purchase it
in any manner you think proper.
In my former letters I informed you of my Establishment
of Watson and Urquhart at Fredericksburg on the Rappa-
hannock. Should your Brig not have sailed before this
reaches you I should wish you would order her up that
River, where I can load her full as low if not lower than on
1784] RHODE ISLAND 235
this, as Tobacco seems to come in faster to the Inspection on
that River than ours, however on either I shall endeavour
to give you the necessary dispach. during the winter months
for several years past Tobacco and almost every kind of prud-
uce has fell and I think will this year, therefore it will be a
favourable time to purchase. Annexed you have our price
current. And am, Sir, Your Obedient Servant
JosiAH Watson
Tob'o 28/ W. I. Rum 3/ to 3/3
Flour 33/ Con'l do 2/ to 2/2
Wheat 5/6 to 6/ Molasses 18 to 2od
Corn 2/ to 3/ Bro Sugar 36/ to 45/
Coffee none at markett
John Burgwin to George Gibbs and
Champlin and Co.
Wilmington, No. Carolina, 25th December, 1784.
Gentlemen :
THE long and disagreable passage I had from your place
of 30 days put it out of my power to give you that early
intelligence you wished to receive respecting the Cargo you
depended on my House preparing for your Brigantine. On
my Arrival I made every enquiry and find our Market
extreamly high and Produce very scarce. Tobacco is as
high as 7 Dollars per 100 lb. and nothing but the Hard Cash
will command any quantity. Rice is not to be had at any
rate, N. E. Rum is a Drug and will not fetch but little more
than the first Cost, and the Dutys are exacted to a penny,
that is the Original Invoices must be exhibited at the Custom
House. Coffee and Molasses are the only articles that will
yield any profit and a small quantity of each will stock the
Market.
If my advice is taken it will be to send the Vessell to
Charles Ton or Virginia, where I think you will just now do
better than at this place, and I sincerely wish this may reach
you in time to prevent a disappointment which must un-
avoidably happen.
236 COMMERCEOF [ 1784
I shall write you again by some other oppertunity should
this miscarry, and am Gentlemen Your Most Obedient
Servant,
j. burgwin
William Green to Christopher Champlin
My dear Sir^
Being upon the point of embarking with my dear little
Woman, the Young one, and Jane Bell in the Hydra, I have
only to request in as few words as possible, that you, and
your good Lady will remember us constantly in your prayers
and endeavor to procure us at least by your good wishes all
the winds that will accelerate our passage to Bengal, and a
quick and happy return to Newport.
A variety of circumstances not necessary at present to
detail, induced me to prefer fitting out the Ship, and loading
her for you, in the manner agreed upon, by my Agent Mr,
William Robertson of Towerhill, than by myself, and I
have desired him to forward to you. Duplicates of the In-
voices, and of the policies of Insurance, which you may expect
to receive by the first opportunity. In the first instance, as
she is cleared out for Madeira and Rhode Island, the Insur-
ance extends no farther than that Island. She could not
be cleared out from Great Britain for India, but as soon
as I may be presumed to have reached the Limits of the
Channel, the Insurance will be continued (if possible) on
the same Policies to Chinsurah in Bengal which is a Dutch
Factory, within a few miles from Calcutta, where I shall
endeavor to enter her, or, at least, make such arrangements
with our friends as to get rid of my Cargo, by means of the
Country Ships, to advantage and to receive from them my
homeward bound Cargo.
At this period I do not imagine I shall extend my voyage
to China. The discretionary powers received from you,
leave me entirely at liberty, to act for our general welfare,
as circumstances may require and I shall avail myself of
them to the fullest. I shall subjoin at the end of this a
1784 ] RHODEISLAND 237
schedule of my Cargo, as it now stands in addition to which I
shall receive at Madeira about seventy pipes of the Wine
of the Island and then make the best of my way to the Cape
of Good Hope, where it will be necessary to stop for refresh-
ments a few days.
I shall during my absence correspond with you constantly,
from every place where there is a probability of my letters
reaching you so as to have any effect; from the Cape of
Good Hope, and from Chinsurah the moment of my arrival
there in particular. My letters will doubtless pass by way
of London, unless I have an oppertunity of addressing you
directly from India.
The jealousy of the English East India Company has been
excited upon occasion of this equipment, but I do not beleive
they suspect she is going for Bengal. All Companies, are,
however, so arbitrary in their measures, that upon any
opening, a great deal of trouble might be given us, and I
assure you there is a great deal of caution necessary but I
trust my judgment and experience will surmount all the
difficulties I may meet with.
If you chuse to hazard writing me in India, you must
write covertly to me; Direct your letters under cover to
Suetonius Heatly Esqr. Calcutta, Bengal and send them to
be forwarded to me, to the care of Mr. Wilkinson, London;
never failing to address me as your Supercargo, because if
the letters are intercepted no mischief can ensue. The late
Revolution has embittered the minds and spirits of many,
and made them attentive to all our motions. I say all our
motions, because Congress having pronounced me a Subject
of the United States, I am ipso facto become so, and look
forward with hope and with pleasure, to the many happy
days I am to spend with you at Rhode Island. If, however,
you can get a bill brought into your House, to naturalize
me more formally as a subject of your State, it will not be
amis. Indeed I think it will be better, and you may sign my
name to any Memorials, or in any manner, you may deem
proper to obtain it. You may urge that your own interest,
if you choose to make such a plea, is involved. Perhaps
238 COMMERCE OF [ 1784
Channing can assist you effectually in the business. If
money is wanting do not spare it, but use it with your wonted
skill and discretion, towards the attainment of the proposed
end. Perhaps all circumstances considered, the probability
of my remaining long enough in India to receive your letters
is not great. I think however you had better attempt it.
At my return I shall stop at the Cape of Good Hope for re-
freshment, or at St. Helena, but I think as the Spring Season
until after the month of April, renders the Coast difficult of
access, or at least is attended with danger, in America, I
shall put into St. Eustatia and remain there until the com-
mencement of May.
If my letters from India do not regularly reach you, you
must not accuse me of inattention because they may mis-
carry, and in case my letters reach any of my friends in Lon-
don, I shall desire them to let you know, how I am disposed
of The letters written by the Packet I shall direct to be sent
to the care of Isaac Sears Esqr. at New York, as I think I
have heard him spoken of, as a Correspondent of yours, and
therefore suppose it likely that he will charge himself with
the conveyance of your letters, and that you may the more
securely depend upon receiving them. But as I have already
mentioned, that you are avowed in London to be the Owner of
both Ship and Cargo, and that every thing relative to the one
or the other, and to the adventure in toto, is made absolutely
by you, or on your Account, and it may appear surprizing
that from the failure of letters, or any other cause, you may
be misinformed or ignorant of any circumstances, that may
be inquired of you, for there are impudent people who love to
question in every quarter of the world. You have only to
wrap yourself up in the air of Mysterj^, worn by all Great
Men in modern times, declare that secrets are sacred, and
that the affair is of that Nature, as cannot admit of discourse,
any more than any other affair of Commerce, That you de-
pend upon your Nephews prudence to do every thing for you,
that is right, and you flatter yourself, that you will not be dis-
appointed in the issue. I know your good sense, will excuse
my making these suggestions to you, because my name may
1784 ] RHODEISLAND 239
be used in authority to you, but I declare to you that I
never mentioned my intention to any person in America
except yourself and Wm. Powell, nor in Europe to any person
except Mr. Tracey; the first confidentially and to the latter,
I mentioned simply^ that I was going out Supercargo of
your Ship the Hydra to India, because as we have been
very much together of late, and very intimate, the con-
cealing a circumstance that must necessarily be notorious
in a few days, was a ridiculous piece of affectation. I
bound him however to privacy not chusing to have it
publickly spoken of.
It was an observation frequently made by you during my
stay at Rhode Island, that you were sure great changes would
take place in the regulation of trade in America before my
return. Of this I would have you advise me, by writing me
to St. Eustatia because it will be absolutely necessary for
my guidance, the moment of my arrival there, I shall let
you know of it by the first American Vessel that sails there,
and you may answer me accordingly, or indeed you may
lodge letters for me there, to the care of one of the best
Houses, and to be delivered on my arrival, or returned to you
agreeably to any directions, you may subsequently send
there, in case I should not get back so soon as I now hope
for, which is some time in the winter, or Spring of the year
1786, that is to the West Indies, for I would not near the
American Coast in these doubtful seasons, but remain there
until the approach of Summer, should it be the year after
you may recal easily your letters, or add from time to time
by the same means, any other information that may be
necessary to convey to me.
You may be sensible that the family connection which
unites us in a certain degree to one another, formed one prin-
cipal inducement for my application to you, in preference
to many other Merchants of capital influence, but, another
was the character that you have been happy enough to
preserve, from your youth to the present day, and which
I place the utmost reliance upon, as in fact I have given you
the most solid proof. I need not now indulge myself in any
240 COMMERCE OF [ 1784
flattering description of the pleasure, both me and Tempe
promise ourselves from the mutual improvement of this
beginning, but we both perfectly rely upon its having the
happiest effects.
It is rather unlucky that a Frost just now delays the last
shipping of our Goods, which has filled the River and put
an end to all Navigation by lighters or boats, but I trust it
Will not last long, for as there appears a prospect of a
Southerly wind I hope the business will go on as quickly as
possible.
I think the pass you have sent me from the Committee of
Congress is by no means explicit respecting the property of
the Cargo. Perhaps in the stage of the business when it
was given more could not be said, at least upon the grounds
of the Memorial, neither do I think myself accurately enough
described in the Pass, being stated to be a Subject of the
United States, which I cannot well comprehend unless calling
myself so, and having their affirmation of it in my pocket,
could make me so. Your power helps me out greatly in
this respect, because it is as explicit as possible, with re-
spect to the power of outfit and lading her myself or ap-
pointing any other to do it, but then it describes me as of
London in the Kingdom of Great Britain, which may be
said, by men disposed to quibble, to militate against the
Terms of the Committee's pass.
I have made these remarks to you my dear friend with
the view of letting you see clearly my situation with respect
to it. It is too late now I believe to procure any Identifica-
tion from Congress. If however you think necessary, or
prudent, to make the application to them, whether it reaches
me or not, so that it remains on record in their Journals,
will be of as much consequence. When you receive the
Copies of the Invoices the apphcation may be made to them,
and they will furnish you with a fresh variety of information
to state in your Memorials.
If as I have hinted in a former page it were possible to get
a Bill of Naturalization past during my stay in the prosecu-
tion of the Voyage, it will reconcile these seeming contra-
1784 ] RHODEISLAND 24I
dictions, set both me and you at ease, and save us the
apprehension of many inconveniences. It is at all times
more proper to guard against the consequences of any
mistakes, or neglects we may have committed in the begin-
ning than lament them hereafter. This indeed is so much
the more necessary, as the India Captains are as jealous of the
voyage of the Hydra as their Directors fearing that it may
militate against their profits and they do not scruple to say
that every possible obstruction will be thrown in our way.
My letters from Mr. Robertson state this as the curent talk
of the day but at the same time adds, that he does not think
there is any foundation in authority for it, but that it pro-
ceeds entirely from the India Captains, who are fearful of
being cut out in their private trade.
I reserve the list of the Officers and other matters to a
future letter.
The last two months I have spent at Paris being desirous
to shew Tempe a little of this celebrated Kingdom before
we bid a final adieu to Europe. She likes France much as
I do, and if I had time should like to have spent a year there.
The Hydra will hover off this Port, which is opposite the
Downs, and we shall embark upon her appearance, which is
hourly expected. The Watch and Fortepiano were shipt
in the Hero Captain Youngs the i6th of November.
I remain my dear Sir with the greatest regard and most
unlimited confidence Your most faithful and obliged Friend
and Servant Will Green
Boulogne Sur Mer in France, December the 26th, 1784.
WiNTHROP Tod and Winthrop ^ to
Christopher Champlin
o- Charleston, So. Carolina, December 31st, 1784.
Since our last respects to you, none of your esteemed
favours have reach'd us.
1 Joseph Winthrop (1757-1828) was born in New London, Conn., a son of John
Still Winthrop. He removed to Charleston, S. C, and married Mary, daughter
of Alexander Fraser, of that place.
242 COMMERCE OF I 1784
We give you the present interruption merely to hand the
prices current, to which we are to add, that Rice is at 12/6
per Ct. and on the decline: the few Vessels in port will
greatly operate in behalf of the Merchants to reduce it still
more. Indico (as in quality) is at 3 to 5/ and at these prices,
we presume it will continue without any sensible variation.
This being the season of congratulation, we are to offer
our best wishes for the prosperity of yourself and friends,
and that you and them may always be surrounded with
pleasing objects and the most solid happiness is the earnest
wish of, Sir, Your Most Obedient and respectful humble
Servants,
WiNTHROP, Tod and Winthrop
P. S. It is computed there are about 80,000 Barrels
Rice, 1 1000 hhds of Tobacco, and a \ Million pounds weight
of Indico of the last Crops made of which very little is yet
exported.
J-T.
John Green to Christopher Champlin
AND Company
Alexandria, January 4th, 1785.
GentlemeUy
I WROTE you of the 29th of last month informing you of
my Arrival at this place, of the dull Sale of our Cargo, of
Markets etc. our Cargo is still on board as there is no Vent
for it at presant. Mr. Watson informs me he has the
Quantity of Tobacco allready purchased that we shall want
to load us, and expects to store the Cargo we have on board
as he sees no Prospect of disposeing of it. the River last
Night froze over which perhaps may be of Advantage to us
as there can be no more Supplyes of those Articles whilst the
River remains shut up. but had not the Ice prevented Mr.
Watson informs me he would have got us away very soon,
but the Tobacco chiefly laying down the River it can not be
got up whilest the River remains froze, which in general is
not of long duration. So that we shall begin to take on
1784 ] RHODE ISLAND 243
board directly after the River breaks up. the Price of
Rum is 2/2 by the Hogshead but no buyers Molasses 1/6
per ditto. Coffee 1/3 quick Sale. Chocolate dull Sale.
Tobacco at 28/ per Ct. flour at 30/ a bb. Wheat at GIG
bush, and Pork at 40/6 per Ct. etc. from Gentlemen Your
Obedient Humble Servant,
John Green
[Endorsed,] Per Mr. James of Providence.
BuRGWiN, Jewkes and London ^ TO Christopher
CHAMPLIN AND Co.
North Carolina, Wilmington, nth March, 1785.
Gentlemen^
Our last (a Copy of which is on the other side) was by the
Sea flower Captain Dyer via New York, which we hope has
reached your hands.
The difficulty of procuring the Cargo wanted for the
Nancy, particularly Rice, has hitherto prevented us from
making any progress in loading her, but we shall begin in
three or four days, and hope to give her every dispatch that
the situation of our Market will permit, tho' it will be near
the middle of next Month before we shall compleat what
we expect to ship.
We have applied to Messrs. Malletts and Mumford^ and
are assured of their payment, unless any disappointment
arises about the proportion of Rice. They have offered us
the Turpentine, but as it is impossible to exchange it at this
time for Tobacco, we are not very anxious about receiving
it at present in hopes we may receive further directions from
you before the Nancy leaves this. Produce of all kinds
continue in demand, very little Rice is made in this State
for Exportation. Naval Stores will fall immediately tho
Tobacco will not. Lumber is a considerable export, and
we shall have both this Article and Naval Stores on hand to
supply our friends. We take the liberty to mention these
1 See State Records of North Carolina, xvi. 968. John Burgwin and John London.
2 Peter Mallett and Roberson (?) Mumford.
244 COMMERCE OF [1784
circumstances for your government should you incline to
favor us with any further commands. We shall at all times
be anxious to merit a continuance of your correspondence,
and Remain with great Respect, Gentlemen, Your most
humble Servants
BuRGWiN, Jewkes and London
Price Current
Tar 16/ 1 Tobacco 56/ per 100 lbs.
Turpentine 32/ \ per barrell Rice 32/ to 34/ per do.
Pitch 26/ J N. E. Rum 3/10 to 4/ per Gallon: very dull sale
Lumber 120/ per thousand Molasses 2/6 per Gallon.
22 inch Shingles 24/ Sugar according to quality 70/ and 80/ per 100
18 do. do. 20/ lb.
Charter of Vessell
The Owners of the Schooner Enterprize vizt. Stephen
Smith, Samuel Wardwell, and Shearjashub Bourne,^ of Bris-
tol, in the State of Rhode Island, Merchants, do agree to char-
ter the said Schooner to Christopher Champlin and Samuel
Fowler of Newport Merchants, on the following Conditions
— The Owners are to grave and caulk said Schooner and
equip her in a proper manner to perform a Voyage to Europe,
and deliver her at Newport by the tenth day of April next,
ready to take her Cargo on board. The Schooner to be
estimated at five hundred pounds Lawful mony, which sum
in case of a Loss said Champlin and Fowler are to pay to
the Owners of said Schooner, the Owners in that case to
relinquish all right and claim to the Charter party of the
Schooner previous to the loss, the Schooner to be at ninety
Spanish Mill'd Dollars per Month during the time she is
in said Champlin's and Fowler's service, the hire of the said
Schooner to commence the day she is delivered in Newport
and the Owners to take delivery of her in Bristol when she
returns, said Champlin and Fowler to appoint a Master,
victual and man her at their expence.
Notwithstanding the foregoing the Owners are to furnish
'The last two were in 1792 associated in distilling rum at Bristol, a product
which found a ready market in Africa.
1785] RHODE ISLAND 245
the said Schooner with a Mainsail fore sail jib and fore
topsail which sails are to be deem'd sufficient and the
Owners are also to furnish dishes and plates, knives and
forks, a teakettle, etc.
Bristol, March 29th, 1784.
Stephen Smith
Samu'll Wardwell
Dimensions: 48 feet Keel, i8| feet Beam, 7 feet 8 inches hold.
BuRGwiN, Jewkes and London to Christopher
Champlin and Co.
No. Carolina, Wilmington, April, 1785.
GentlemeUy
Our last was the 19th inst. per the Schooner Two Brothers
Captain Skinner, which we hope has reached your hands.
We have now the pleasure to inclose an Invoice and Bill of
Lading for Sundries shiped in your Brigantine Nancy amount
£2663.3.8 I our Currency, dollars at 8/. Inclosed is Messrs.
Malletts and Mumfords Account Sales for Captain Champ-
lins four Hhds. Rum, also our account sales for the Rum
and Molasses received per the Nancys Nett proceeds to your
Credit in account current £1070.17.7. We have made every
exertion in our power in the sale of this consignment for
your interest, but the scarcity of Money and the little
demand at this time for Rum, has kept the price down.
What remains unsold we have taken ourselves, in order to
close the Sales, and allowed the Owners 4/ per Gallon, which
is above the current price, and to the extent of what we
expect to gett for it, as we have no motive but a sincere
desire to give every possible encouragement to your cor-
respondence, it will be a great satisfaction to receive your
approbation. Our last informed you of the difficulty we
found to procure in time the quantity of Tobacco required
to load the Nancy, and we are very sorry your last Letter
did not come to hand sooner, which would lessen the Ship-
ment of Rice, but our apprehensions of your Market has
246 COMMERCE OF [ ly^S
occasioned us to withhold a part of what we have actually
purchased for the Brigantine and to prefer filling her up
with Naval Stores.
We refer you to Captain Cozens for the prices of our
produce at this place, which for your satisfaction we have
desired him to be particular in. We here inclose our account
current balance in our favour £[blank] Currency and shall
in our next advise you, in what manner we wish it to
be paid.
We have applied for the payment of Mr. Quinces Note,
but as he is at present in Europe, his Attorneys will not
settle it. they expect him here in two or 3 Months.
The prices charged in the Nancy's Invoice are the shipping
ones, in Gold and Silver or Bills of Exchange on Europe.
Malletts and Mumford are delivering to Captain Ross of
Salem, owned by Mr. Gray at the same. Sincerely wishing
the Nancy safe to you We remain very Respectfully, Gentle-
men, Your most Obedient Humble Servants
BuRGWiN, Jewkes and London
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin and
Samuel Fowler and Son
Dublin, 3 April, 1785.
Gent.,
I HAVE to refFer you to my last respects of the i6th March
and now to acknowledge receipt [of] your esteemed favor
of the 27th January delivered me yesterday per Captain
Sheffield who is arrived at Newry. its a pitty his owners
were so misinformed as to our Harbour. Vessels that are
American built and draw 15I feet water can come here, we
take out j in Lighters and then the Ships come into Poolbegg
and lye always afloat, and we are now laying down Mooreing
Chains, as in London. Had she come here I would have
sold the flaxseed in one week from £4.7.6. to £4.11. per hhd.
I have not now a Cask on hand having finished my last
Cargo from Newyork 6 days ago, and at Newry they have
not yet sold a Cask.
1785 ] RHODEISLAND 247
I send my Clerk there in the morning to ship ^ yours and
I Messrs. Casey & Co. Seed here, and I go to Newry myself
this day week to sell the remainder there if I find the Market
tollerable. I offerd Captain Sheffield 2/6 per hhd to come
here with his Ship, but he is in a hurry to go away to Lisbon.
I am in haste Gentlemen your most humble Servant,
E. Forbes
John Bulkeley and Son to Christopher Champlin
Lisbon, the 21st April, 1785.
Sir,
It is a long time since we had the pleasure of hearing from
you and fearing our last respects of 12th Jan'y 1776 with
the Account Sales of Flour per the Peggy Capt. Barron never
reached you, we now send you copies of the same with your
Account Current with our late society up to the 15th Novem-
ber 1777, and we now inclose you your Account Current of
this date with our present firm, by which you will find we
are in Cash on your Accounts Rs. 46^004. which we hold at
your disposal not knowing whether Messrs. Hayley and
Hopkins of London are now your Agents.
You will please observe both Flour and Rice are pro-
hibited in Portugal, so that nothing but Wheat Indian Corn
Fish, Lumber and Naval Stores are enterable from the
United States and only the three former articles at present
in demand.
We are expecting several Indiamen from Asia in the course
of three Months when all kinds of India Goods will be very
cheap. We have a large parcel of choice old Wine on hand,
should you incline to speculate to Lisbon we shall be happy
to receive your commands and refering you to our prices
at foot remain with sincere regard. Sir, Your obedient humble
Servants John Bulkeley and Son
Lisbon Wine 17^000 1 n P t Lemons 2$6oo per box
Carcavello Do. 20^000 J ^ ^ ' ' Bohea Tea 240 1 „
Salt 2$CXD per Moy Hyson Do. 850/
Exchange 645^ per $.
[Endorsed,] Per the Tyger, Capt. Pheneas Gilbert.
248 COMMERCEOF [ 1785
David Sears to Christopher Champlin
Boston, May ist, 1785.
Sify
I HAVE received your favours of the 25th ult. and note
the contents.
I have Hkewise the pleasure to inform you that Captain
Young has this day sent me a very small Box about | foot
square and a letter from Mr. Green dated Brighthelmstone
loth September wherein he says I have address'd to your
care a forte piano and a watch which I beg you'l forward
to our Newport friend, by first Conveyance.
Captain Young makes an apoligy for not delivering me
the Box (which is directed to Miss Margaret Champlin)
and the letter of Mr. Greens, by saying that they were at
the bottom of his Chest under his Cloths that he overlook'd
them.
Captain Young while in England loaded and unloaded
and loaded again some of his packages may have been
roughly handled, but the Box which contains the forte
piano seems to be in good order. It is in one of my dry
Stores where nothing shall be upon it or touch it untill I
receive Miss Betsy's orders or if you would chuse to have it
sent up to my house and there taken out of the Box and
examin'd by Mr. Selby and repack'd again it shall be done
carefully. The little box which is directed to Miss Peggy
is in perfect order and cannot have received any injury,
it is carefully lodg'd at my house. I shall be happy to receive
her orders respecting it, but if a good opportunity offers that I
can depend upon I shall hazard the Box for Miss Peggy.
Please make my best Compliments to Mrs. ChampHn and
the young ladies. I am Sir Your Humble Servant,
David Sears
P. S. My CompHments to Mrs. Grant.
1785 ] RHODEISLAND 249
Caspar Voght and Co. to Christopher Champlin
Hambourgh, the 24th May, 1785.
We have your much esteemed private Favor of the 5th
April, together with 40 Crowns handed us by Captain Green
which we shall convert in our Money as high as possible
and procure the desired set of blue and white China with the
most careful Choice, sending it packed up in Box by the
Brigs Return, all according to your Directions. We shall
at the same time in the best adapted Manner satisfy to
your Intents relating to the Article of Callicoes, which indeed
from this Market deserves much Reflexion for your Parts.
Good Pistol Powder we can allso procure you with the best
Conveniency; the superior kind of it rates at 34 R [ix dollars],
per cwt., equalling about 6j L sterling for 100 wt. Allmost
every European Article excepted English Manufactures and
the products of the Southern Countries of Europe, will
answer with you from hence, and we hope with the greatest
Reason our Intercourse to become consequent and useful.
Your kind Confidence enlivens out utmost Aims for cor-
responding to it and we shall be happy in cultivating your
worthy Friendship by all Means possible. We remain with
perfect Esteem, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servants
Caspar Voght and Co.
Caspar Voght and Co. to Christopher Champlin
AND Co.
Hamburgh, the 24th May, 1785.
GentlemeTiy
Your Brig Richmond, Captain John Green, safely arrived
here the 21st instant. Ship and Cargo in perfect good Estate.
It is with the greatest pleasure we red your much esteemed
favours of the 5th April, observing that by Recommendation
of Mr. Soderstrom, to whom we are highly obliged for this
Token of Friendship, you pleased to consign us Captain
250 COMMERCE OF [ 1785
Green's Cargo of 116 Hgshds, best Virginia Tobacco, to-
gether with Two Thousand Spanish Silver Dollars; ordering
Returns by the Vessel as per Memorandum, of which we
take due Note. The Captain allready handed us the 2000
Dollars, which we shall make Cash of to the best of your
Advantage and we are now discharging the Tobacco, in
Order readily to dispose of it at the highest Price the Quality
will bear; being sound and superior it won't fail to turn
profitably, as this Article is allways a very current one and
this Market the best for it in Europe, but very much depends
on good and fine Quality. You will see by the Current in-
closed how each kind stands in price, said Current allso
contains your Southern Productions, together with the
Prices of Linnen Wares and other Details for your Govern-
ment. The Prices of Teas generally have much raised since
about Six Months, there being no where abundance and
continual Purchases made by the English E. I. Company
pushing it up at every part: Common good Quality of
Bohea Tea now is paid i6| to 17 Sh. of our Currency which
equals about 16/ sterhng a li; the prices at Gothenburgh
stand in the same proportion, You may depend on our
acting for the best of your Interest with regard to this
Article as well as to all those of your Demand, giving a Dis-
patch to the Business as ready as possible. We shall exactly
advise you of the succeeding. We hope in full Assurance,
this Trial will turn so as to induce you to a lasting and
consequent Continuance. We dare say your Concerns will
be managed by our Hands to the greatest Advantage
possible, and all our Endeavours shall tend to deserve your
worthy Friendship and Confidence the more and more.
We are with great Truth and Esteem, Gentlemen, Your
most obedient humble Servants,
Caspar Voght and Co.
1785] rhode island 25i
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin and
Samuel Fowler and Son
Dublin, 24th May, 1785.
Genty
I wrote you the 3d ulto. adviseing the arrival of the Ship
Belle Captain Sheffieldat Newry Part of her Cargo address'd
to me by your Good selfe and Messes. Casey Son and Green
I brought round here, some I disposed of at Newry at 75/.
and the remainder I sent into the inland parts of the Country
to be disposed of when I get the sales and remittances shall
furnish you sales of your flaxseed, it was latterly so dull
owing to the arrival together of several vessels from America
that the price fell at Newry to £3.2.6 and here to £3.10. I
last year inform'd you that this was the earliest market
in the Kingdom and that what came early had in general
sold much better then that which came in late. My friends
Messrs. Jenkins and Gelston of New Hudson experienced
this in a small cargo I sold of theirs in March and early in
April having averaged above £4.6 per Hhd. Whereas yours
will not reach £3.16. I fear but cant yet tell untill I get
the sales from the Country. Your Seed was not near so
well cleaned as Mr. Gibbs's, and let me particularly recom-
mend it to you to pay more attention to this Matter, as
the Clean Seed always commands not only a prefFerence in
the Sale but often 2/. per Hhd more then the other, this was
experienced this year in a most astonishing degree, the
Dutch Seed that seldom sold for more then 10/ per Hhd more
then the America, this year fetch'd £5 and £5.15 per Hhd
when yours would only sell for £3.15 to £4. and many of the
Country Farmers preferd the Dutch even at this high price
as they had last year more then i /3d more of Good Flax from
a Hhd that Seed then they had from the America, this
should make your People exert themselves to send it as well
cleand as possible to Market.
No doubt Mrs. Haly's Attorney advised my having
already remitted him your Accounts £255.3. ^^id as fast as
I come in Cash depend it shall be remitted to London.
252 COMMERCE OF [ 1785
When I went to Newry I had several of your F:seed
Casks measured with those of Messrs. Casey Son and
Green's and realy found theirs as large as yours, so that no
surcharge of freight could be made against you, tho' let me
tell you the long flat bulge Casks the Country People are
not fond of buying immagining they do not contain the
Quantity of 7 Bushels, and the Round bulge Casks they
always prefFer. the more they are made so the better, as
the people here being more used to the New York and
Philadelphia made Hhds which are all round or high bulged,
they preff'er them, reffering you to my next I remain,
Gentlemen, Your most humble Servant,
Edward Forbes
Exchange on London 8| per Ct. and was lately up at 9 per Ct.
[Endorsed,] via N. York. New York Aug. 10. 1785, received under Cover and
forwarded by Gentlemen Y. M. H. S.
Nicholas Low.
Caspar Voght and Co. to Christopher Champlin and Co.
Hamburg, the 3d June, 1785.
Sirs,
Since our above gone in triplicate by way of London,
we sold your Spanish Dollars at 27 & 11/ banco per Mark
fine silver, for which as per inclosed account sales your ac-
count is credited with B'co Mks. 5674. — . — .
We unloaded your 116 Hhds Tobacco whose quality
unluckely disapointed our eager wishes to give you satis-
factory Account sales of them. We hoped to see fine, heavy,
sweet-scented Virginia, that would readily have sold 6 pence
sterl. per li. and we found it to be most comon Tobacco, not
cured at all, quite green and smelling like Grass. We
showed it to Capt. Green, who can tell you that at the same
time we showed him Tobacco that sells from 5 to 6d here,
and proved to him yours to be inferior to any common
Tobacco in town. So as it was no higher price then 3I/.
could possibly be obtained for this Cargo; we consulted
Capt. Green, who advised us to sell, as the expected arival
1785] RHODE ISLAND 253
of some other Cargo still would lessen the small prospect
of a better market.
In consequence we concluded the Sale as per inclosed
Account for which we credit you with B'co Mks.
16680.15. — .
Give us leave to tell you that we think you were very ill
served by your Corespondents in Virginia, who certainly
never should have admited such Tobacco to be charged for
your account.
We think it our duty to make you observe how unprofitable
it is to send to this, or indeed to any other Port in Europe,
comon sorts of tobacco, since the charges and expenses upon
good and bad are nearly the same, and the difference in the
proceeds so very material.
Your 116 Hhds. have neated ab't ii£stg. per Hhd.
if they had been of a tolerable good quality they would
have sold at least 5/. and neated i'j£ sterl. and you would
have got in return for £800 Sterl. more Goods. Please to
add to this reflection, that in Virginia the difference of the
best and common quality is at most 10 shl. currency per
hundred weight and makes no more then 2 or 3£ stg. per
Hhd.
We wish therefore that if you find any inducement to
continue your expeditions to our port, you might always
chose the best quality possible, and then we make bold to
assure you of an advantageous sale.
Rice from Charlestown is a very good article with us.
it's present price here at 16M per Cwt. makes good 18 sh'l
Sterl. The prime Cost at Charlestown now is 11 to 12s
Sterl.
All kind of furrs are equaly a very valuable article, and
sell readily according to quality from 10 to 30 per Ct. Profit;
the only unsaleable article are Deerskins, which you must
avoid sending.
Another material observation in regard to expeditions
to our port is that in order to meet a quick dispatch the
Vessel must not draw more then 12 feet water; for in the
contrary case, the unloading and loading part of the Cargo
254 COMMERCE OF [1785
30 Miles from hence makes aditional expences and ocasions
great loss of time.
You must farther never venture a Ship hither when you
cannot calculate its arival before the 15th October, for from
medio November till the Month of March our River is froze
up, and a Ship ariving later then at the mentioned 15th
Octob. runs great risk to freeze in here, and lose 6 Months
time at prodigeous Expences. This being the most impor-
tant points relating to importation here, we now have to
give you the necessary Explanations about our exportings
Good.
Being desirous to make up by the quickness of dispatch,
the bad price of your Tobacco, we used all our endeavours
to get the Cargo ready, and we are happy to tell you that
this moment all the Goods are on board of the Vessell, and
that she may sail with the first easterly wind. You'll see
the particulars by the inclosed Invoice for the amount of
of which your account is debited B'coM 21253.13.
The proceeds of the Tobacco falling so much short of your
expectations and even of ours too, by its inferior quality,
we have been obliged to make a proportional diminution
on several articles of the returns, in doing which we hope to
have met with your approbation.
We supressed ten Chests of Teas, because the price at i6d
is 3(i higher then you expected. The immense wants of the
english East india Company, since the smugling trade has
been so efFectualy destroyed, are the cause of this rise; but
it is thought that on the arival of their first large suplies,
and the first returns of the french and Spanish E. I. Com-
panys, which will be in 15 months hence. Tea will be as low
as ever, and then possibly Tea bohea may be had again at
a shiUing Sterling.
Rushia duck is indeed very cheap at this moment, and we
hope you'll be well satisfied with the parcel you receive.
We would not stick to the black mark, as there are but
two sorts of this mark in town, one too cours and one too
fine for your purpose. The best manufactures of all is
Gotcharoffs and of the blue mark; the prices this moment
1785] RHODE ISLAND 255
is 36 Mks., with all the rest this mark signifies nothing as
there are of every color good and bad qualities.
We sent you only 20 Reels of Ropeyarn, not being quite
sure if it is exactly the quality and the price you intended.
The Ravensduck and Tecklenburgs are of a regular price,
we expect to hear from you, if the quality of the latter did
answer, or if you want them of a coarser or finer sort equaly
to be had. The hemp is not dear now, and there is a more
comon quality called Outschott which is to be had at 45M.
The Iron you will find assorted according to your order.
The Chalets and Creas are dear this year. You may
expect a diminution of 10 per Ct. probably next year upon
this article and every other kind of Silesia linnens.
With the Diaper and Tablecloths we wish to have en-
countered your taste; it will be easier the second time,
when your observations upon the Invoice can point out
more exactly to us the very thing you would wish to
have.
Besides the Articles contained in our Invoice, all other
kinds of Linnens, Calicoes, coarse Cloth, and our very
cheap bohemia Glassware, may deserve your attention, and
it may perhaps not be amiss to make a tryal with them the
first time your ship comes here again.
The Port Charges of Capt. Greens Ship have been Mks
626.9. Current money, according to the inclosed Copy of
the Brokers note.
Your Tobacco is sold at 3 Months time, and will hardly
be paid before 4 or 5 months hence; all our purchases for
you are ready money, we thus remain in some months
disburse for about the Sum of B'co Mks. 17000, for which
we charge you only i per Ct. Interest with B' co Mks. 170,
and we doubt not but you'll find it reasonable.
All these Sums are brought in your account current in-
closed the ballance of which you will find on foot of this not
being able to state it before we know exactly how much
Capt. Green will want.
There is now nothing more left, then to express to you
Gentlemen our earnest wish, that we may have been happy
256 COMMERCE OF [^7^5
enough to give you Satisfaction, and so do honor to the
recommendation of our mutual friend Mr. Soderstrom. We
[Remainder of letter missing.]
Caspar Voght and Co. to Christopher Champlin
[Hamburg] the 3cl June, 1785.
Captain Green is now ready to sail, so you must own
we have made all possible dispatch. It merely now depends
upon on easterly wind that he may fall down our River, and
then we wish him a prosperous voyage. The cargo we dare
say you'll find quite to your liking and satisfactory, since we
endeavoured to pick and chuse all of the best.
As to your own private Commission, we are sorry it has
not been in our power to give you content; the blue and
white China being entirely out of fashion here and no demand
for it it has been impossible to compleat your order so as to
match, therefore by Capt. Greens advice we left it unexe-
cuted alltogether, and in lieu of it send you, for the amount
of the 40 Crowns, 5 pieces of choice Chintz and Calicoes, in a
Box markd C C of all which the Account inclosed.
You will also find in the same Box a parcel of Samples of
this kind, of which you'll have the measures at foot; however
its possible, that when you send us your orders for a particu-
lar pattern, not a piece of it may be left, but then it allways
may be matched as near as practicable, and very likely more
elegant, for we change our patterns here every six months,
and great pains are taken allways to bring them to greater
perfection.
We shall be very happy if this first tryal with Capt.
Greens cargo encourages you to enlarge the business this way,
and be an inducement to estabhsh a Lasting correspondence
between us of consequence, and to our mutual advantage.
We shall not fail at all times to use our utmost endeavours
to contribute towards it as much as in our power, and make
matters as easy as possible. A pitty it is your Tobacco did
not prove of better quahty, then if that had been the case,
1785] RHODE ISLAND 257
all would have been well; henceforward you must never
send such thrash to our market. Superior good Tobacco
will allways fetch a good price here, and somewhat more than
either in London or Amsterdam but yours is all green and of
a bad smell, so that we have been very glad to get rid of it
at that rate.
Your new Brigg will be very welcome to us, and you may
depend that upon all occasions we shall consider your
Interest as our own, and act accordingly, being very sincerely.
Sir, Your most obedient humble Servants.
The Width and Length of the Pieces of Callicoes is allways
the same and just so as the five pieces you receive per Capt.
Green, the prices from i to 4.5 shillings sterl. our Ell. We
shall be very happy to see you become a large Customer for
this comodity as our Manufacturs do exceedingly well and
are the cheapest in Europe — but even for that same reason
they can and do not give long Credits and must be paid
ready Money or in 4 weeks time. We expect your further
orders by your Brig and remain very sincerely, Sir, Your
most obedient humble Servant,
Benjamin Peirce to Samuel Fowler and Son
Gottenburg, June 8th, 1785.
Gentlemen,
I ARRIVED at Marstrand yesterday after a passage of 47
days bad weather, the Vessel appears strong but my sails
258 COMMERCE OF [ 178S
are in very bad order. As to Markets here I can say but
little not having had time to inform myself. Bohea Tea
sold at i^d Sterling per lb. at the salesi. there is no duck at
Market, Iron £12:10 per Ton. have Liberty to land rny
rum but there is no demand for it. shall do every thing in
my power. I expect to proceed to Copenhagen in 3 days
where I am inform'd Tea is scarce but can't learn the price.
Rice is 21S Stlg. per Cwt. Tobacco ^.d Stlg. per lb. I shall
write in a few days more particular. Shall give all the
dispatch possible. I am, Gentlemen, Servant,
B. Peirce
Benjamin Peirce to C. Champlin, Samuel Fowler
AND Son, and George Champlin
Copenhagen, June 20th, 1785.
Gentlemen,
I WROTE you from Sweeden of the State of the Markets
there which I imagine has prepared your minds for dis-
agreeable inteligence. I also wrote you at Elsinore that I
had sold 25 Hhds Rum at Marstrand for 2/3 Sterling per
Gal. and 19 Casks of Rice for 8 Stivers per H., that I was
bound to this place with the remainder, where I find Rice
at 20/ Stlg per Cwt. and Rum i/io per Gal. loaded with
every imposition that the Genious of the people are capable
of. there is not 20 Chests of Bohea tea in Copenhagen of
the last years importation, the last was sold for 1/8 per
li. Stlg. Iron is £14 Stlg per Ton Russia Duck 40/ to 48/
Stlg per piece. Ravens Duck 25/ to 30/ per piece, Hemp 28£
to 30 per ton.
They have four India men arrived within the last week
and their Cargoes are to be sold the 27th of August but think
the Tea's will go high as the Swedes India men did not arrive
at Canton the last year and one of the Danes fail'd.
Upon enquiry I found Messrs. J. J. Frolich and Comp'y
to be one of the best Houses in this place and have valued
myself upon them. Mr. FroHch has petition'd the India
Comp'y for the Tea we want but the result God knows, if
1785 ] RHODEISLAND 259
I shou'd be obliged to wait the Charter of the Vessel with
other expences will ruin my Voyage, if the Tea shou'd sell
for 1/6 per li which is the lowest price thought of here, except
Tea shou'd rise in America, if it shou'd rise (which I think
is probable as one of our India men fails) and I shou'd return
without I shou'd be liabel to censure. I shall determine
as soon as we know the result of the petition and inform
you by first conveyance if I stay, if I shou'd determine to
come without the tea I shall sail in 20 days. Capt. Gardner
has not arrived. I am Gentlemen in a disagreeable Situa-
tion. Your Obedient Servant,
Ben Peirce
June 2 1 St. P. S. Since the above have some faint
hopes of obtaining the Tea. shall take the greater part of
the Iron from Sweeden as it is lower in price and of a better
quality. I have a bad inflamation in my right hand which I
am afFraid will prevent my writing in a few days. I am as
before,
B. P.
Eberhard Christo and [Koll?] to Benjamin Peirce
' Libau in Courland, the i8th July, 1785.
I AM much obligated to Mr. John Gabriel Hay of Dantzick
for the particular Recommendation to your good selfs.
Your Commands shall at all times be executed with due
care and integrity beneficial to your Interest, untill I get
the honour to be personally acquainted with your good
self's: in order to make you an ample description of our
Place and its Trade, I am going to reply [to] your most
esteem'd favour of the ist instant.
Respecting the Article of Tobacco I am not able to en-
courage you to send any, because we don't know how to
dispose our Tobacco in leaves, besides are largely supplied
with ready cut Tobacco from Hambro' and Holland, but
small blew or green CofFe beans you may send as much as you
choose, as we can run the same of to advantage, concerning
26o COMMERCE OF [ 1785
the Other Spices as Rice, Indigo Tea Bohea etc. the Quan-
tity ought not to exceed above Five thousand pound weight,
to which you may add 6 per Ct. for duties. Relative our
Weight 115 Hb. our weight render 100 Hb. at Hamburg and
One Hundred Rixdollar our money ruling at present equal
to 100 Rixdollar Hamburger Banco. The price per CofFe
rules now 64 Rixd Alberts per Ship pound of 400 lib. Rice
Rx 20 Alberts per Ship pound. Indigo Rixdollar 100 till
200 per Ship pound.
We exporte from hence all kind of Grains, Flaxes, Lineseed,
Skins and Hemp, how the present Prices ruling now you'll
be pleased to take notice of the inclosed Account Current
of Prices for your Gouvernment. We have no material
Trade with Sail, Cloth, it being sold after the rate of Rx
7 a 10 a piece, according to the Quallity. Pass Hemp rules
Rx 9 a 10 Alberts per Ship pound. The Duties upon these
Articles are not above 6 per Cent. We have the Liberty to
importe all kind of Merchandize as well as to exporte it.
You may calculate our Port Charges at about 2/5 Rix-
dollars Alberts upon a Last.
When ever you are induced to make a tryal to our Port
with a small Cargoe, you'll be pleased to import different
kind of your produce by taking our Goods in return, in that
case you'll be a Judge iiow it will answer. We make 11
to 14 Feet water upon our Bar, according to what kind of
weather, our Port being reckoned of one of best Harbour's
in the whole Baltick. I conclude very Respectfully, Sir,
Your most Obedient and Humble Servant,
Eberhard Christo [and] Koll
Francis Rotch to Christopher Champlin
Providence, 25 July, 1785.
Dear Sir,
Your favor dated the 23rd inst. came to hand last even-
ing. The money mentioned therein Mrs. Hayley requests
you will be so good as to send to her here by some safe hand.
The papers respecting the business in Chancery are inclosed
1785 ] RHODEISLAND 261
in a box M H No. i by the Mentor Captain Nichols lately
arrived at New york directed to Mrs. Hayley to the care
of Murray, Mumford and Bowen at New york. I am sorry
to inform you the box has not yet come to hand. I have
seen Murray this morning here and he informs me it is
probable the Mentor will unload at Amboy in order to avoid
a double impost duty which has just taken place at N. York.
I shall write by the first opportunity to them about it. I
beg you will be so good to do the same if any packet should
happen to be going directly from Newport.
I regret the more the delay of this box from your having
so good an opportunity to return the papers by Crawford
in Messrs. Russells Ship who is to sail on Thursday next. I
hope it will come in time to save this conveyance, if you
should receive it in time pray open it and take out your
papers, and afterwards send it here to Mr. Nichols in Mrs.
H's absence.
Mrs. Hayley requests her Compliments to be presented
to you Mrs. Champlin and all the family. She is not yet
quite recovered from one of her most violent headacks. My
Compliments also. I am. Dear Sir, Yours,
F. ROTCH
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin and
Samuel Fowler and Son
Dublin, 27th July, 1785.
Gent.,
I BEG leave to refer you to my last of the 24th May advise-
ing my having remited Mr. Alexander Champion of London
your Account £255.3.10. Stg.
Have now to hand you Sales of your 190 Hhds Flaxseed
per the Ship Belle Capt. Sheffield neat proceeds £672.6.0.
at your Credit in Account Current and tho' the Cash is
not yet all rec'd yet have remited the Ballance of your
Account Current this day as you'l see by the same which is
now enclosed and which with the Sales on examining I hope
will be found free from error.
262 COMMERCEOF [ 1785
I have charged no freight on your Seed, as I think your bill
ladeing mentioned having been paid in Rhode Island and
when I was at Newry in my hurry I gave up the same to
Capt. Sheffield and paid him his Primage of ^^d per Hhd.
but if you have not already done it you can pay the freight
to Messrs. Casey and Son and Green, as Messrs. Casey and
Co. and your Seed was mixed and in one Vessel the sales
of the Whole were kept together and the averige setled in
proportion. There is no aditional Charge to you on account
of the Seed being consigned me at Newry. Indeed I am
sorry the Sales did not turn out better, assure yourselves
I did my utmost for your Interest therein as if it was my
own that up the Country did badly, but I charged no com-
mission on it.
Our Harvest on account of the great drought we had in
May June and part this month has been much injured as
well as the Flax Crop, and I apprehend there will be little
or none of the Seed saved so that I make no doubt this article
will answer equaly as well the ensuing year, and if you ship
any do it as early as you can and let the Casks be made
like those of Newyork round bulged and not so long as
yours, the people being so much more used to the Phila-
delphia and Newyork casks they do not like those made in
any other way, which I mention for your Goverment.
There is no new duties laid on any articles of American
products nor bounty given; good Barel Staves, square
Oak timber, inch boat boards. Ashes and all other your
products will do here, and if a glut of any should happen
they can always be exported to another market, inclosed
is an abstract of our Imports and Exports to and from your
ports for your goverment, but how the prices of your prod-
ucts may be, is impossible to determine at a future day,
and let me reccommend what ever article you ship here
let it be of the b[es]t kind, the Staves from your place are
the worst I ever saw, not worth 40/ per thousand. I sold
Newyork Staves in March last 50 M. and averiged £5.15.,
and Philadelphia which is still better at £6. and to £6.10
per M. and they would now fetch £6. Square Oak timber
1785] RHODE ISLAND 263
£5. per ton the longer and larger the better, let it be well
squared sound and clear of sap. Beaver Skins, Fox Skins
and Deer Skins in the hair also do well, Tobacco very dull
at 13 J per li and duty 10^, Rice also dull and little quantity
gluts this market, the duty is 8/ per Ct. the other duty
on your exports are very trifleing. Observe Barel Staves
must be all white Oak, 30 inches long 5 @ 6 broad and at
least half an inch thick on the small or fether edge and shaved
as the Phila. Staves are that is the roughness taken off. a
few large pipe Staves 7 inches broad and 2 thick would also
do, and some broad thick Barel heading, but as free from
Sap as possible and at least full half inch thick.
Shiping Goods of an inferior quality does not answer. I
am, Gent, Your mo: hu: Servt.
Edw'd Forbes
Fish Oil for Curriers and Lamps sell from 2/2 to 2/6 per
call, there is not much Spermacitie sells here. I have a
parcel and sells slow at 3/3 to 3/4 per Gallon, duty on
Oil only 13/ per Ton. Ship Treenels, a Guinea to 40/m
per thousand, as in quality.
DOHRMAN AND CoMPANY TO CHRISTOPHER ChAMPLIN
Lisbon, 23d August, 1785.
Hitherto we have not had the pleasure of paying you our
respects. We now take the Liberty to tender you an offer
of our best Services, whenever you find it eligible to speculate
to this place, simply assuring that we have it in our Power
and have always made it our study to give every Satisfaction,
of which a single Essay will convince you effectually, in
case you should be unacquainted with the Character of our
House. Your Fish is a very current article for this Market
and generally meets a speedy Sale, as the consumption
thereof is very great, the first Cargoes especially in fall
and spring of the year will do well, the Price had govern'd
here this Summer 4I to 5 Spanish Dollars per our Quintal
264 COMMERCEOF [ 1785
of 128 li. free from Board, but commonly in fall commands
a higher Price. Our Crops of Grain have also this Year
renderd but very poorly so that it may be expected our
Prices will get up very soon. If you could therefore ship
some Ind: Corn, or cause the same to be shipd or Wheat
from any of the Southern States, as has been this Year
frequently the case, we have no doubt but you would find
your Account by it provided it arrives good conditiond and
is laid in reasonable, the Wheat at farthest not higher then
a Spanish Dollar, and the Indian Corn about ^ Dollar
per Bushell with you on Board, however there is no stipu-
lation as to a little more or less. Our Crop of Oil looks very
promising, which may have some Influence on Staves, which
have been a great Drug of late, the last good Pipe Staves
from 55 to 56 inches we disposed of at 50^000 v.^ Barrel
ditto may be quoted about 20^000 and Hogsheads 30^000
V. per mil. Duties and Charges thereon are very high and
amount from 30 to 35 per Ct. The Prices of our India
Produce may be expected lower at the public Sales, which
are now commencing of those Ships which are come in of
late.
We refer you for more particulars to the annexed Prices
and at all times happy to render you or Friends agreeable
Services. We subscribe -with great Respect, Sir,
Late under the Firm of H. Cremervan Celler and Dohrman.
1 Vellon
785]
RHODE ISLAND
26s
Amsterdam 49
London 65!
Genoa 695
Paris 438
Lemons very scarce 3600 v. 1 per Box will be in Season
Oranges out of Season J and lower 6/w or i Mth. hence.
Lisbon White Wine per Pipe 70^000 v.
Carcavella do. 8o$ooo
Oil per Almud 2700 v.
Salt per Moy 2800. 3200 v.
put
free
on
board.
good American Wheat 400 to 420 v.
Indian Corn . . . 230. 260 v.
per Alquer free from Board
or clear of all Corn Market
Charges which are from 50 to
60 V. per Alquer.
N. B. 2^ Alquer are computed to a Bushell, but we experience the Measure
generally falls short from 2 to 3 per Ct.
This Day we had the first pubHc Sales of Teas, from one
of the Ships returnd of late, greatest part of which were
rebought by the Proprietors at the following Prices vizt.
Bohea Tea 200. 220 v. per li.
Canfu
400.
420.
Songlo
300.
320.
Souchon
500.
540.
Hysan
740.
760.
Tonkay
350-
370.
Pearl Tea 1600. 1700 v.
these and all other
India Goods have a
" Drawback of 8 per Ct.
on Exportation, if
ship'd from the
Lisbon River.
Nankeens stand yet at 900. 960 v per Piece.
Ginsang plenty here and dull Sales. Naval Stores the same.
One Spanish Dollar 800 v.
Premium for the Risk of Algereens to the Moorish Powers ij to 2 per Ct. and
probably will be lower yet during Winter.
[Endorsed,] favored by Capt. Wilson Jacobs.
John Bulkeley and Son to Christopher Champlin
Lisbon, the 14th October, 1785.
SlTf
We have now before us your esteemed favour of 22nd
June, and glad to find you had received the Account Sales
266 COMMERCEOF [ 1785
of the Peggy's Cargo of Flour, as also your Account Current,
which you have noted in our conformity.
We have remitted the Rs. 46^004 that we were in Cash for
your Account to your friend Mr. Alexander Champion of
London at the Exchange of 65^^ per $ and ordered him to
place the amount to your credit advising you thereof. We
are very glad to see Congress was going to regulate Foreign
Commerce and hope they will be able to settle a treaty with
Portugal to mutual advantage.^
Our Market promises to support good prices for Wheat
untill next Harvest and we believe the medium price will be
about 440 per Alquer on board.
Good dry Codfish sells at 4^200 to 4^400 per Quintal on
board and we think 4^000 per Do. will be supported till
Lent.
The Truce between Spain and the Algerines is now at
an end, so that our Coast will not be infested with their
Cruisers and your Colours may now navigate to Portugal
without any risk all which we mention for your government
and remain, Sir, Your obedient Humble Servants
John Bulkeley and Son
[Endorsed,] Per Captain Power, Q. D. C.
Caspar Voght and Company to Christopher Champlin
AND Company
-,. Hamburg, the i November, 1785.
bitrSy
Since our last of the 22d June which together with the
duplicates we hope are safely come to hand, we did not
think it worth while to trouble you with any of our advices,
but now having a direct oportunity per the George and Patty
Washington^ we embrace the same to give you some notice
of the present state of our market.
With common Sorts of Tobacco, we are abundantly over-
stockt, and is at 3/ in a manner unsaleable, and those of a
1 The first treaty between the United States and Portugal was made in 1840.
1785] RHODE ISLAND 267
somewhat better quality go hard at 3^ to 4. None but best
York River which would fetch 6| and fine yellow Maryland
7/ are in demand, but none of them in town.
Rice keeps up at 17 Mk which yields a reasonable profit.
Whale oil and finns are chief articles at present, and would
meet with an excellent market; if they could be provided
at reasonable prices you would find it worth while to consign
us such a Cargo. At all events we expect to see Captain
Green here again soon, or at least early in the Spring, with
a Cargo of some article or other, since we make no doubt
but the Returns by him must have met your approbation.
Should any thing have been amiss, it may be rectified in
future, and your perscriptions shall be allways punctually
obeyed, since we will every way strive to please you to the
utmost in our power.
In hopes of being soon favored with your commands, we
referr to the inclosed Price current, by which you'll see
Linnens are grown somewhat cheaper, and most sincerely
remain, Sirs, Your most obedient humble Servants,
Caspar Voght and Co.
Christopher Champlin to Waugh
Dear Mr, Waugh, ^^"^P""' November 3d, 1785.
About two months past Mrs. Grant delivered me your
letter inclosing your letter of Attorney, the want of which
prevented my applying in behalf of Mr. Bells ^ Heirs for
restoration of his Estate confiscated and sold by act of this
State, having employed Council and inquired into Facts,
find Mr. Bell is charged in the Libel filed by our State At-
torney against his Estate in 1779, December, of having
withdrawn himself from this Country after Hostilities were
commenced at Lexington 1775, and joining the King of
Great Britains Fleets and Armies, and levying War against
this Country, and dying in arms against the same, which
comes in the fullest Description under an Act made in 1777,
' Richard Beale. Rhode Island Col. Rec. ix, 139.
268 COMMERCEOF [ 1785
by this State, of confiscation, added to which Mr. Bell's
name is enroled in the journals of our Secretarys office as a
Free Citizen of this State, and did use that Privilege by
voting in our elections for our Civil officers, which effectually
forecloses any Plea we can establish to make a British
Subject of him. it therefore rests on the Clemency of our
General Assembly, my Counsel having applyed without any
hope, many others, whose Estates have been confiscated
and sold, have applyed in vain, and no charge coud be
exhibitted against them of being in arms against this Coun-
try, this was my opinion two years ago when I wrote you
to lay in your Claim, with others at London. Mr. Bells
Heirs having lost their Fathers Estate from his being in
arms for the King gives them the first Claim to His Majestys
Favour. your Claim upon the line of justice can be sup-
ported for £1200 Sterling being the sum it cost including
repairs etc. If you require proof it can be sent. You say
I am named in Mr. Bells Will as an Executor, this Country
being independent places me in the line of Forreigner with
respect to British Laws, of course incomparable to act. I
therefore, hereby utterly refuse to accept the Trust and
appointment of Executor as ordained by the last Will and
Testament of John Bell Esquire late of Newport Rhode
Island, in America Deceas'd, and renounce all pretention to
the same, as Witness my hand and seal at Newport Rhode
Island this third day of November A. D. 1785.
Christopher Champlin
CONOLLY McCaUSLAND AND RoBERT CaMPBELL TO
Christopher Champlin and Samuel Fowler and Son
Gentlemen,
Inclosed you have your Account Sales of 179 Hhds. of
flaxseed consigned to us per the Ship Faithful Steward the
Nt. Proceeds four hundred and thirty four pounds 1/6,
ballanced by our remittance to Mr. Alexander Champion
Atty to Mrs. Mary Hayley, as you directed, being four
1785 ] RHODEISLAND 269
hundred and four pounds fourteen shillings Brittish Money
Ex, 97j per Ct.
We apprehend on examination you will find the Sales
equal to your expectation and in amount more than many
who adventured in the trade this year and you have an
advantage in the remittance of upwards of one per Ct.
Our letters per the Stezvard being all lost when that vessel
was wrecked near the Delaware, prevented your being earlier
informd of these Sales or of the cause why you had not an
immediate remittance as you required but the large importa-
tion of flaxseed this season and the prospect in consequence
of a low price in the market induced us to sell on Credit
rather than run the chance of having the Seed lye over untill
next year and we were right in our opinion as large quantitys
are now on hand and in one House alone there is one thousand
Hhds. belonging to some American Speculators, which they
must feel and alltho you are remitted the whole amount we
can assure you with great truth considerable outstanding
Debts remain and which must remain for some time to come,
therefore we flatter ourselves that you will approve of our
conduct in as much as we have by giving time for the pay-
ment been enabled to close the transaction we believe equal
in point of amount to any Sales made here or in Ireland and
we can assure you that the closing sales of many who coud
not run oflF their parcels was as low as 38/ and some said to
be lower, we cannot avoid remarking your measure and
cask is smaller than the Philadelphia which proves highly
injurious to yourselves, but your flaxseed stands well in
repute and we recommend your attention to the foregoing
circumstance. Flaxseed, white oak plank, large knees,
keel pieces, or large lumber, pot and pearl ashes, a little
spermacaeti oyl, and a few boxes of spermacaeti candles
woud answer here; but never attempt Tobacco or Rum —
the former is imported in large quantitys from Virginia, the
quality of the latter will not aff'ord our high Duty and the
risk otherways is too great and in point of export we fear it
will not do in other markets.
Shoud this transaction meet your approbation we shall
270 COMMERCE OF [1785
be satisfied and with an offer of our best services remain,
Gentlemen, your most Humble Servants,
CONOLLY McCaUSLAND
Rob't Campble
Streen Hill near Newtown Limavady, izd December, 1785.
[Memo.] near London Derry.
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin and
Samuel Fowler and Son
Dublin, 24th December, 1785.
Gent,
I LAST wrote you the 27th July handing Sales of your
flaxseed per the Belle Captain Sheffield. By the Bearer
Captain Haynes of the Happy-return, I received your favour
of the 15th September and have duely noted its Contents,
I forwarded your Letter inclosed to the Gentlemen near
L: Derry who I hope has ere this forwarded your friends
in London remittances for proceeds your f:seed. The
Sale of this article in the Northern Ports was very late last
Season oweing to the long drought, and probably it was that
which occaisioned remittances not having been so soon made.
I have got the inclosed Paper Printed for the information
of my friends in America, and wish it may be usefull to you.
Oak Bark will if sent of a Good Quality and the rough rind
well paird off be an Article of considerable Consumption here
and our Dublin Society have granted a Premium of twenty
Shillings for the first One hundred Tons and Ten Shillings per
Ton for the next first Eight Hundred Tons imported into this
Kingdom, of which Information I wish you and your friends
may avail yourselves off by sending some here as early in
the Summer as you can, together with Pott Ashes of the
first Quality and some first White Pearl ashes, with which
and some Good Barel, Hhd and Pipe Staves a Vessel might
be soon loaded in June or July next. Pot Ashes are an
Article of great consumption here, as well as Staves. I
remain Gentlemen Your most humble Servant
Edward Forbes
1786] RHODE ISLAND 271
P. S. for your further Information I inclose you a printed
paper relative the Bounty on Bark, there are few Men in
Business here that can give their friends this information
but having a friend at the Society I get the earhest Inteli-
gence. Wishing you many happy returns of the Season,
we have also a considerable Consumption for fish and Train
Oil for Lighting Lamps and Curriers use and sells at 26 to
£29 per Ton, fine White Spermacitie Oil is worth 3/ to 3/6
per Gallon and hope next Winter there will be a good con-
sumption for it. I sincerely wish you many happy returns
of the season.
Nathaniel Russell to Christopher Champlin
Charleston, 21st January, 1786.
Dear Sir,
In consequence of your Letter and power of Attorney
from Messrs. J. J. Frolich and Company I waited on Mr.
Legare ^ and have received from him £100.9.6 which I have
invested in a bill of Exchange drawn by Messrs. Vose and
Graves on Messrs. Graves and Company at 60 days sight,
payable Messrs. J. J. Frolich and Company, for 1028
Guilders, exchange 10 Guilders 13 Stivers for one pound
sterling, which is the rate of exchange fixed here, and 2 per
Ct. Pem. as Accounts below. Mr. Legare returns the
Ballance outstanding and says he will pay it when received,
enclosed is a Letter from him to Messrs Frolich & Co.
I am exceeding sorry that it will not be in my power to
comply with your Request with respect to the shipping you
80 bbls. Rice. I have not received one shilling on your
Brother's Account, his Debt is due from the Estate of
Wm. Stitt and General Green,^ neither of which have paid
any thing, had not Stitt unfortunately died he would have
paid me this year punctually, and now I shall receive only
in proportion with the other bond Creditors which will be
^ Samuel Legare.
* Nathanael Greene, who had become security for the Mercantile house of
Hunter and Banks, and remained embarrassed until his death in June, 1786.
272 COMMERCEOF [ 1786
about £500 out of £2600 this year. General Green promised
to pay punctually the ist January, but his affairs are so
embarrassed that I am afraid I shall get but little from him
this Crop, and bills cannot be negotiated on you at sixty
days sight, my friends to the Eastward have given me
orders to pay here four times as much as I shall receive this
year. I am with great Regard, Dear Sir,^
Sterling.
Bill of Exchange 1028 Guilders at 10. G. 13 Stiv. is £96.10.7
2 per Ct. prem 1.18.7
Commissions for Receiving and Remitting 2.10.-
£100.19.2
Credit.
By Cash of S. Legare £100.9.6
Balance due N. R 9.8 100.19. 2
Protheroe and Claxton to Christopher Champlin
Bristol, 23d January, 1786.
SzV,
We are favored with yours of the ist November, enclosing
an Order for a few Articles to be shipped you by the first
opportunity, for New York, Boston or Philadelphia, at
present there is none offering for either of those Ports, but
whenever there is. We shall comply with your Orders, and
attend very particularly to the directions you have given
us. Numberless have been the Applications made to us
to ship Goods to different parts of America, but hitherto
we have declined executing a single Order, knowing the
difficulty people there must labour under of making their
Remittances, however well inclined they might be; but the
^ He married, in 1788, Sarah Hopson.
1786 ] RHODEISLAND 273
knowledge we have of Mr. Wright, and the great regard we
know he has for our Interest, will occasion our executing
with much pleasure the Order you have sent us. The pre-
mium of Insurance all through the last Year on American
Bottoms was from three guineas and a half to Six Guineas
per Cent.; on British Bottoms 2 per Cent.; much will depend
on the knowledge the Underwriters have of the Vessell and
Master, and whether many Captures have been made by the
Algerines about the time we may want your Insurance made;
but you may be assured that we shall take Care to get the
premium full as low as it can be done in London, and it is
possible we may be able to get it done at 3 Guineas per Cent.,
but we do not think it probable.
We wish you had favored us with the Names of your
Correspondents at the different Ports you have ordered us
to ship your Goods to, as we do no Business with any House
at either of the places you have mentioned, nor indeed at
any Port in America, Our Market is at present rather
bare of American Produce. At foot you have the Current
Prices, And We remain, Sir, Your very obedient Servants
Protheroe and Claxton
Pot Ashes 18/ to 25/ per C Free
Pearl Ashes 29/ to 32/ Do.
Bees Wax £8 to £8.15 per C Duty 2i<^ per C.
Pig Iron £5 to £7.10 Free
Bar Do £16 to £17 Do.
Carolina Indigo 2od to 5/ per C Do.
Cod Oil. £22. Seal £26 to £30 1 Spermaceti £36 to £41 per Ton. If taken by
Free if British Fishery. ... [ Natives and imported in British Bottoms,
J Duty 9/10 4/5 per Ton.
If in American Ships pays a Duty of 13/2 2/5 per Ton
Sassafrass 7/ to 8/ per C Duty 4/4 4/5 per C.
Tar 13/ to 14/ 1 per bbll i/. 3/8 per bbl
Turpentine 10/ to 10/6/ per C. J 2/2 2/5 per C.
Tobacco. . . igd. to zid. per C. Duty 1/3 per C.
274 commerce of [ 1786
Nathaniel Russell to Christopher Champlin
Charleston, 6th March, 1786.
Sir,
Enclosed you have Messrs. Vose and Graves third bill
of Exchange for 1028 Guilders and i Stiver in favor of Messrs.
J. J. Frolich & Co. of Copenhagen on Messrs. Graves and
Co. of Amsterdam at 60 days sight, the two first I forwarded
you by Captain Hull. I would have sent you the 80 bbs.
Rice by this opportunity, but could not sell a Bill of Ex-
change on any Terms, and Rice cannot be bought at one
days Credit, and no prospect of receiving a shilling on your
Brothers account, the Legislature are now sitting and have
continued to shut up the Courts until January next. I have
not received £200 for all his Cargoe of Negroes and I see
very little prospect of any payments, it will be out of my
power to ship you any Rice. I am with Respect, Sir, Your
most Obedient Servant,
Nathaniel Russell
Lane Son and Eraser to Christopher Champlin
London, 30 March, 1786.
Sir,
Our Friend Geo. Gibbs Esqr. of your place has acted
with so much integrity and punctuality in the course of his
business with us and has shewn himself so extremely ready
to do us any Service in his power that it is impossible for
us to refuse putting up the Goods you have ordered from
us, notwithstanding we have made a determination to Open
no new account with any person in America that requires
any Credit whatever and we actually wrote to Mr. Gibbs
sometime ago to recommend no new person to us. Your
Punctuality with the late Mr. Hayley's house we presume
was equal to his with us, or he no doubt would not have
written to us on the subject, if we find it so we shall think
ourselves under obligations to him for it and look upon it as
an additional mark of his Esteem. We have seen Mr. A.
1786] RHODE ISLAND 275
Champion, Jun'r. who confirms the whole of what you say
and tells us he has since received some of the Money you
speak of, so that the balance due from you to Mrs. Hayley
is less than you quote and will no doubt be intirely settled
in a few months, as we observe the Funds for that purpose
are all of this side the Atlantic. Your Friend Mr. Forbes has
also sent us word he shall remit us 5oo£ out of the proceeds
of the Flax Seed consigned to him and you may depend we
shall forward advice of the receipt of it as soon as it comes to
hand, and we shall immediately put your order for Goods in
hand and forward them to you via Boston or New York
in an American bottom, and shall in other respects follow
your directions as punctually as we can but do not think
we shall effect the Insurance you order on them on the
terms you mention but shall get it done as low as any one
will who pays equal attention to the goodness of the persons
who subscribe their policies, the Algerines have been very
troublesome and continue so unless the United States will
buy them off as all other powers are obligd to do that find
it their Interest to keep well with them.
We are very Respectfully, Sir, Your most humble Servants
Lane Son and Fraser
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin,
Samuel Fowler and Son
Dublin, 19 April, 1786.
Genty
I began the Sales of Flaxseed at £4.10 to £4.5 per hhd
and had sold about one half the Quantity consigned me last
week to my country Customers, when some Persons who
had Seed consigned them, finding they were not selling so
fast, or apprehending more would arrive, lowerd the price
to 82/6 and down at £4, at which I have been selling some
days and am now determind to stand rriy Ground, as our
whole Import of Dutch and American is not more than
6000 Hds which am certain we might have disposed of at
276 COMMERCEOF [ 1786
£4.5, had not Gentlemen who had Seed from your Place,
etc., been intimidated. For I am confident all thats im-
ported will be wanted. Its astonishing the People give such
a PrefFerance to the Dutch which keeps up at £5.2.6 to £5.5.
here we dont sell above 800 or 1000 Hhds of it, but in the
Ports of Derry, Newry, and Belfast, they have imported
1 1000 Hhds from Rotterdam this Year which has been mostly
all sold there before they began to buy the American Seed,
the prices of which by my letters this days post was £4 per
hhd at Derry and Newry, and at Belfast only 75/ per hhd
when the Dutch was £5. indeed the Dutch Seed is much
better cleand and a larger Grain than yours. I have the
Pleasure to tell you that what you sent me was cleaned as
well as any that came here and I hope you'll continue to do
so, but I do not think its so well fannd as it might be. the
running it thro' the Fann should be the last Operation as
it takes out all the Dust and faulty Seeds, which is the
Mode they pursue in New York and that Seed is remarkably
well cleand. if you can do yours better^ it will make it
command a prefFerance in the Market; I have dispatchd
some your Seed to my friends at Drogheda and some into
the inland Country about 50 Miles off, which I thought better
than to let it go at £4. upon the whole I hope to hand you
agreable Sales and you may both depend that your respective
orders shall be duly complyd with in making Remittances as
fast as I am in Cash for the Produce, indeed to support the
Price was obliged to give two and three Months Credit for
the greater Part of it but to safe good Men I think. I am
very respectfully, Gent, Your most obedient Servant,
Edward Forbes
I refFer you to the inclosd Printed Paper of our Imports
and Exports which I had purposely printed for the use of
my American friends, the directions if attended to will be
serviceable and at all times of the Year you may thereby
see how to assort a Cargo for this Market as all your products
are saleable here.
[Endorsed,! Per the Hope, Captain Gyles.
1786 ] rhodeisland 277
Agreement with Joseph Foster
It is agreed on by, and between Richard Downing
Jennings and Co. for and in behalf of William Green Esqr.
Super Cargo of the Ship Hydra on the one part and Joseph
Foster of the State of Mary Land on the other part,
to wit.
The said Joseph Foster engages to go on board the Ship
Hydra and to take the command of the same in Quality of
Captain and to manage, oversee and direct the said Ship
during her residence in the West Indies, and from thence
that is to say from one of the West India Islands as the said
William Green, or some one acting for him shall direct, to
conduct and navigate the same to the Port of New Port in
Rhode Island with out any deviation from such Destination
as by express orders for that purpose might be described
but what is rendered necessary and unavoidable by stress
of Weather, or any other of those accidents to which all
adventures by Sea are exposed, and that he will faithfully
and truly acquit himself of the Trust so reposed in him and
the said Richard Downing Jennings and Co. acting for the
said William Green, on their part do engage to pay the said
Joseph Foster for and in consideration of such service to be
performed by him, one hundred Spanish Dollars in Specie,
and further to allow him on board the said Ship Hydra all
the Room he might want or have occasion for under the
Description of Privilege and do further engage that the said
Ship shall sail wind, weather and unforseen accidents only
accepted, from the West Indies, on or before the tenth day
of June next ensuing, and that for all the time he the said
Joseph Foster might by accident or any other unforeseen
cause be detained on the said Ship beyond the sixth day of
July next, he shall be allowed at the Rate of two Dollars per
day always provided no new Agreement takes place between
the Parties in the mean time and it is further agreed to allow
the said Joseph Foster the usual and customary considera-
tion of one dollar per day for his expences while in the West
Indies.
278 COMMERCEOF [ 1786
Anno. 1786. St. Eustatius May the fifth, this Agreement
signed and interchangeably passed.
Joseph Foster
In presence of R. D. Jennings and Co
RoBT. Hodge
Jno. Cadell
Orders to Captain Foster from William Green
You are to proceed with the Ship Hydra under your com-
mand direct to Newport, Rhode Island, where upon your
arrival, you are to deliver her up to Christopher Champlin
Esqr. her Owner, and on whose account and risk she is laden.
You are to be extremely careful not to deviate from your
route, under any pretence and to take the utmost care of all
her Stores, of every denomination, which may be or are
committed to you, and to deliver the same, with the Ship in
good order.
You receive herewith the Ships Sea letters of Navigation
from the Honorable the Congress of the States, and her
Register, which you are to deliver upon your arrival to Mr.
Champlin.
And whereas a considerable article in the Ships Cargo is
Salt petre, Which is as dangerous as common Salt in case of
the Ships making any water, you are particularly advised
to sound her Pumps every four hours, and to pump her out
every watch, or four hours, that the cargo may not be Hable
to damage.
On your arrival at Newport it is understood that you see
the Ship cleared of all running Rigging, Sails, Topmasts,
Topsail and other yards, sparrs, boats, etc., etc., and every
thing of the kind quality, and denomination of Stores, with
which you are encharged, agreeable to the instructions you
may receive from the aforesaid Christopher Champlin
Esqr. before you quit her.
Wishing you a good Voyage I remain. Sir, Your most
humble Servant,
or- L ivyr o^ W. Green, Supercargo
St. Eustatius sth May, 86. > i' 6
1786 ] rhodeisland 2/9
Reuben Harvey to Christopher Champlin
Cork, 17th May, 1786.
Esteemed Friendy
I DULY received thy very acceptable letter dated the 6th
of December whereby I find that my advices respecting
Flaxseed were too late for thee to fix on a Plan the past
Season, which I am sorry for, as I believe Money wou'd
have been made by Seed sent here from your Place. I sold
500 to 600 hhds. this Spring at £4. to £4.8 per hhd., which
I believe exceeded the prices at most of the Northern
Markets; Have not yet heard how the Season closed in
Dublin. We have none left here. When thou finds it
convenient to ship a Cargoe to my adress I shall be willing
to accommodate thee by accepting thy Bills as before
mention'd, and am with regard Thy sincere Friend
Reuben Harvey
Staves are declined here in price owing to great quantitys lately landed from
Philadelphia. Barrel Staves sell at £7.10 to £6. per M as in quality. Pearl and
Potash 28/ to 30/ per Ct. Oak Timber £3.10 per Tun. Boat Boards 15/ per 100
feet.
William Green to Christopher Champlin
St. Eustatius, May 20, 1786.
Dear Sir,
It is to be understood that the Condition on which this
Consignment is made as to Commission; is, that it is not
to exceed on the Sales Two and a half per Cent, and Two
and a half per Cent, on the Receipts.
That no part of the Goods is to be transported out of the
place of your residence under any subordinate Consignment
and not at all without the best Guarantee.
That no longer Credit is to be given than Six months, and
that not without an ample security being given for the
accomplishment of the engagement.
The Charges of Merchandize to be added to the foot of
the Invoice. Whatever Articles they may consist of.
As Trade is carried on now a days, I am sure that no
280 COMMERCEOF [ 1786
Consignment will bear so great a Commission as five per
Cent. Nor any purchases, that the United States can pro-
duce, bear a Commission of five per Cent thereon. The
American Merchant will soon feel himself under the necessity
of conforming in this respect to the practice of Europe or he
must give up his profession. The Terms I have already
stated are those I have made here, with this Addition that
the Commission of Two and a half includes all Storage,
Porterage, boathire, etc. etc. and Terms which shall regulate
my business not only in Newport but in every part of
America.
Wishing you health and Prosperity I remain. Dear Sir,
Your most humble Servant,
Will Green
Bryan and Willcocks to Christopher Champlin
Cork, 20 June, 1786.
Sir,
We are favored with your address by our friend Captain
Aron Sheffield, and embrace this opportunity to make you a
tender of our services; as no House in this place is more
capable in all respects to serve their friends, we flatter our-
selves that in all your Commands we will be able to give
you Satisfaction. The prices of Lumber daily decline, we
sold Philadelphia Barrel Staves three Months ago for £8
to £8.15 per M. and are now selling a Cargo at £7 but we
think they can't come much lower. Oak Timber, plank, and
Boat boards, are very slow sale, at low prices.
What Flaxseed we had this spring from Boston sold at
saving prices, after paying Freight and Charges it neated
69/ per Hhd. on an average; that from Philadelphia, and
Baltimore, was not so well liked, and only neated 64/9 per
Hhd : Good Wheat 26/ per Barrel of 2^ Ct. Wt. Prime
James River Wrapper Tobacco 14J to i^^d per lb. Duty
lod; Pot Ashes 28/ per Ct. for first Quality. Our Revenue
OflScers seize vessels on the slightest appearances, you will
do well to warn all Captains of your acquaintance coming
1786] RHODE ISLAND 281
this way, against selling any goods on the Coast or they will
be seized as the Revenue Cruisers have a very sharp look
out. We remain very respectfully, Sir, Your Obedient
Servants,
Bryan and Willcocks
P. S. The dutch Flaxseed failing, this year will cause a
great demand for yours.
Thompson and Gordon to Christopher Champlin
Newry, 14th July, 1786.
Sir,
We wrote to you last Season respecting flaxseed and your
other exports, to which received no reply, yet expect the
present wont be unacceptable, all the flaxseed that arrived
here last year sold and averaged about £4. a hhd. of which
our house sold above three thousand hhds. shoud you
adventure next season hence, be assured of our attention to
your Interest.
Ashes and Oil as last quoted, and we advise your dennaging
only with Barrell Staves, all other kinds of Lumber being,
overdone here, of Linens plain and printed. Cotton and
Linen mixed Corderoys, flannells, and other kinds of coarse
Woolens with Sail Cloth, you can have cheaper here than in
En[gland] and situated so contiguous to Liverpool can ship
Salt and C[ ] thence at a mere trifling extra expence,
all of these goods, we shall ship to the estimated amount of
any Consignments you may make our house, by return
of the vessell without waiting sales, or on arrival of such,
shall advance Bills on London for half value and on event
of Sales, remaining half. Flaxseed is an article that gen-
erally proves a good remittance, by your ordering insurance
thro us, it may be saved, by arrival of the property before such
gets to hand, if you prefer a freight to loading on your own
account, tis very likely we can get one of passengers and
servants to some part of the Continent. We remain truly,
Your Obedient Servants,
Thompson and Gordon
282 COMMERCEOF [ 1786
Silas Talbot^ to Christopher Champlin
Philadelphia, 21st July, 1786.
Sir,
Messrs. Hews and Anthony called on me this day and
made a demand of seventy Guineas on your account. I
told them you must be very much mistaken and that I did
not at any rate stand indebted to you in so large a some.
Theirfore request you will recollect your agrement with me
and give them orders accordingly. When I left Providence
in consequence of a vile and wicked persecution and which
was as unprovoked as it was cruel and malitious, I desird
a friend of mine to pay you the mony at the time it should
become due and I was not a Httle supprised to find by your
letter this day that it was not dun, as I lodged the money
with him for that purpose. I have wrote to him by this
post and if you do not receive it in a fiew days plese to for-
ward me a letter and the money shall be paid imediately
say twenty guineas to your order. I have the honor to be,
Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant,
Silas Talbot
Bartholomew Horace Burges to Christopher Champlin
Ipswich, 5th August, 1786.
Gentlemen,
Recommended by Lord Clive to the Court of Directors
in London for an Establishment in the Honorable East
India Company's Service abroad I went in the Northington
to Fort William in Bengali, and remain'd in the Country
7 or 8 years in which time I acquir'd a Fortune of 70,000
pound Sterling, but my Fortunes fluctuating (without
entering into any further Minutia) after having been at
the Reduction of Pondicherry ^ on the Coast of Coromandel
I return'd to Europe in the Valentine, and what I had was
1 Silas Talbot (1751-1813), well known for his long and capable service in the
American Navy. Towards the end of the War for Independence, he became in-
volved in litigation over some prizes, and removed to Philadelphia.
2 In 1778.
1786] RHODE ISLAND 283
lost in her on the Sark Rock in the Channel of England
coming home, etc., etc., etc., and at present here I am; but
finding the Country destitute of Cash and no Trade or open-
ing for an Enterprising Genius and willing to try my luck
in India again, and hearing that your Folks had left your
Ship in Bengali, and that She had returned with Lascares
to America I determined on writing to you on the occasion
to know Gentlemen from you whether you will give me a
Station on board your [ship] to India again.
I can speak the Indostan Language as well as English and
work a Ship in the Lascar Tongue. Can likewise Write
Read and Speak the French currently having learnt it from
Professors, and by a long residence in the Country have
acquir'd a Local and Competent knowledge of India in
general being acquainted both on the Mallabar Coast and
the Bay of Bengali and been at most of the Settlements
from the River Sinde down to Tillecherry and Ceylon and
up to the Northward again to Chellagan, etc., etc.
Should you think then I might be useful to you in your
present undertaking, favor me with a Line by the Return
of the Post and I will regulate my self accordingly having
the pleasure to Remain Gentlemen, Your most Obedient
Servant,
B. H. BURGES
p. S. Brought up to the Sea and having commanded
Ships exclusive of his having learnt regularly Navigation,
it may be presumd Mr. Burges is capable of a Station in
an Indiaman.
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin
Dublin, 20th August, [1786.]
Sir,
I NOW am to acknowledge receipt of your sundry favors of
the loth and 17th April and 29th May, the latter only came
to hand a few days past, their respective contents have
made due not of.
284 COMMERCEOF [ 1786
I refer you to my letter this date to self and Mr. Samuel
Fowler and Son handing Sales of the Flaxseed consigned me
per the Ship Hope Captain Gyles for your one half Neat
proceeds being £1611.6. i| you have Credit in the inclosed
Account Current which is Ballanced by my remittance to
Messrs. Protheroe and Claxton of Bristol, on examining
whereof I hope it will be found free from Error and entered
accordingly in your Books. Your bill to Captain Pierce
was duly honored.
I shall have no Objection to honor your bills for three or
four hundred pounds Sterling at 40 days sight, on giving me
orders to make insurance on the Flaxseed you intended to
ship here. We have an insurance Company with a Capital
of above One hundred and twenty thousand pounds Sterling
who has manner of insurance on the like terms of the Royal
Exchange insurance Co. in London and have made it for
several Houses in America this spring and winter at 3I to
3I per Ct. on American Ships without passes. It is usual
to charge 1/2 per Ct. Common on eflPecting the insurances,
as in London and Policies cost only 5/6J Irish in the Winter
I really think there is very little risk of the Algerines, but
its said there are many Renegadoes now in their Vessels of
all Countries, so that for the small additional premium, its
more adviseable to be covered against those Pirates, when
there is Bills drawn on Europe for Property consigned it's
usual to accompany them with Bills of ladeing that in case
of loss the Acceptor may be enabled to recover the loss, in
my joint letter you'l find a price current, the article of
Bark if attended to will be a considerable object, having
lately sold America Bark at £5 and it now would fetch
£5.10 /or £6, so much is it liked, but it must be well dried
and the outer rhind paired ofF. the consumption of
Potashes is considerable in this place, but of Pearl ashes
not near so much. I have a very large Parcel of white
Pearls on hand, and little demanded. I am with the
Greatest Respect and Esteem, Sir, Your most humble
Servant
Edward Forbes
1786] rhode island 285
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin and
Samuel Fowler and Son
Dublin, 20th August, 1786.
Gentlemefiy
I BEG leave to refer you to my last respects of the 19th
April. Since none of your esteemed favors.
Having got Sales from the Country of some Flaxseed sent
there to sell, annexed you have Sales of that consigned me
per the Hope Captain Gyles. Neat proceeds £3222.12.3
the half of which being £1611.6.1^ is placed at the Credit
of your respective accounts, youl see these Sales are reduced
by the Robbery of an unfortunate man who had bought 25
of them. The Statute has been taken out against him, but
I do not think he will pay a Shilling in the pound whatever
is received your respective Accounts shall receive Credit for
the same, by accounts from the Country there is a most
plentiful crop of all sorts of Grain, as well as of Flax and the
Growers of it I am informed has not been able to save any of
the seed, so that I make no doubt this article will turn out
well the ensuing spring, referring you to the inclosed price
current, I remain most Respectfully, Gent, Your most
humble Servant, Edward Forbes
Certificate
I DO hereby certify to all whom it may Concern that the
Gross Amount of the Ship Hydra s Cargo, from London in
the Kingdom of Great Britain to Bengal and shipt by Wil-
liam Robertson Esqr. of the said City, on the apparent
account of Christopher Champlin Esqr. of Newport in the
State of Rhode Island in North America, under a Consign-
ment to Mr. William Green as Super Cargo, is Twenty one
Thousand, Two hundred and Eighty six Pounds one shilling
and seven pence halfpenny Sterling Money of Great Britain.
Witness my hand in the State aforesaid this 23d day of
August 1786. William Green ^
' From an account of disbursements on account of the Hydra, June-August, 1786,
some interesting items may be drawn. Import duties on the cargo were paid at
286 COMMERCE OF [ 1786
Sailing Orders
Having chartered the Brigantine Betsey whereof you are
present Master at the Island of St. Eustatius to proceed in
case I should think it fitting to this Port and from hence to
any Port or Ports in Europe, if I should deem it inexpedient
to discharge her here, and whereas I have determined that
she should proceed on with the Cargo she has now on board
to Ostend in Flanders, you are therefore with the first fair
Wind to proceed with the said Brigantine from this Port to
that at Ostend aforesaid. But having resolved for the
better Security of the Cargo, and for the discharge thereof
to its due Consignment, to put on board Mr. William
Greene at this place as Super-Cargo, you are to take care in
all things so long as the said William Greene shall remain on
board in that Quality to obey him in all things, but more
particular upon your arrival at the said Port of Ostend, and
untill your final delivery of the Cargo.
Upon your Arrival in the Downs you will please to write
your Owner Mr William Robertson of London to acquaint
him thereof, and take a Pilot on board to take charge of the
Brigantine untill she shall safely be moored at her destined
Port, where you are to wait on the house of Messrs. William
Herries, George Keith and Co., where Mr. William Robert-
son will lodge directions for your farther proceedings.
Chris. Champlin
Newport, Rhode Island, 23rd of August, 1786.
I acknowledge the foregoing to be a Copy of my Instruc-
tions receivd from Christopher [Champlin] Esquire.
John Adamson
Newport to the amount of £330.17.7, but the nature of the cargo was not stated.
In addition duties of £11.18 were paid on pepper, arrack and shrub, valued at
£474; and on salt petre of £187.10.0, which was reexported. Payment was made
in the paper medium of the state, which then bore a discount of three for one. Fif-
teen "China seamen" were paid wages at the rate of 25/ sterling a month, and the
boatswain received wages of £4 sterling a month.
1786] RHODE ISLAND 287
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin and
Samuel Fowler and Son
Dublin, 2 September, 1786.
Genty
Above you have copy of what I had the Pleasure to write
you the 20th ulto. it is with much Satisfaction I have now
the pleasure to inform you that I have received advice from
several Parts of the Kingdom and from my country friends
that your flaxseed grew exceedingly well and in many Parts
better than the Dutch and in general full as well so that I
have no doubt of the American Seed being in as great demand
here next Spring as ever it was known and I hope it will com-
mand as good a price as the Dutch which since the Peace
sold on an Average from 20/ to 30/ per hhd higher. I
am, Gent. Your most humble Servant
Edward Forbes
[Endorsed] Per Happy Return, via Providence.
Joseph Russell, Junior, to Christopher Champlin
Boston, September 17th, 1786.
I received your Favour of the nth Instant, am happy
to hear your Goods came to hand in good order the several
Letters which you inclosed I will forward per first opportu-
nity. I have seen Captain Smith he tells me Captain Peirce
had not arived at St. Petersburg, but had passed Elsenore
before he came down,^ therefore you have no Letters, your
Arrack I think will not sell here, the Pepper will fetch i /lo per
li. by the Quantity, the Impost is only 2| per Cent, this
Price can be obtained redely for the Quantity you mention,
do you mean Perce should come to this Town with his hemp
and Duck? the Cash might be had for the Hemp and Duck,
if I knew that she would come I would prevent several of
^A letter from Russell, dated October 2 states: "Captain Hodge tells us he
[Peirce] was to sail in a day or two for Copenhagen, where he intended waiting for
the India sales."
288
COMMERCE OF
[ 1786
the Rope makers from purchasing elsewhare. Please to
give me a Line and let me know if you shall want any seed
at 6/ per Bushell. I am with due regard your assured
Friend and Very Humble Servant
Joseph Russell, Jun.
S
HIPPED, in good Order and well-conditioned, JjvMurray,
MuMFORD 6? BowEy, in and upon the good ©s^^^j^ called the
^^;f^^ whereof is Mailer for the prefent Voyage
^^ now riding at Anchor in the Harbour of iVtw-
nd bound for v-^J^j^^jjiJ^k^
Being marked and numbered as per Margin, and are to be deliver^ in the^ y'
like good Order and well-conditioned at the aforefaid Port of < — ^^jij-'^^^^^r^^r-^
'. — «.._-. (theDangeppf the Seas only excepted) yiXi\o/^ii^^^^~/^^j>,y/C^J^0/^
. Of to jC*^ Afligns, he of they paying Freight for faid Goods
rith Primage andAverage accu^jomed. In Witnefa whereof the fakl
»daftcr has figaed AU^-^ , Bills of Lading of the fame Tenor and Date,
with
Maftcrl _^ ,, ,
one of which ^'C^ Bills being accomplilhed the other
toftandVoid. ^^,7.*^" ^
Dated in L-^^^^^-^ ^^/^y^^^-
Year of our Ikdxpendencs the L^^*'^^^^^:^
-and in the
il^cJ
DeBauque Brothers to Christopher Champlin
Dunkirk, 5 October, 1786.
Sir :
From a confidence in the recommandation of our par-
ticular friend Mr. Francis Rotch we take the liberty to
apprise you of our intention to send our large ship called
1786 ] RHODEISLAND 289
Le Dauphin under the command of Cap. William Haydon
from this port to St. Ubes, there to load salt and from thence
to proceed to Rhode Island, where on her safe arrival we
desire to commit the cargo to your care to be sold to the
best advantage and to request your assistance to Cap.
Haydon in all such objects of his expedition as he may stand
in need of. we shall give to said Captain our most particular
directions in all things relating to the present undertaking
amoung which will be to give you the earliest intelligence
of his progress in the voyage before his arrival if possible,
in order that you may be able to make such preparations
for his reception and dispatch as the necessity of the voyage
may require. This ship being destined for the Fishery in
the greenland seas and wanting much preparation for that
purpose, we have been induced to follow the advice of our
friend before mentioned to send her to America as the least
expensive mode of compleating what is wanted, and we
rely much on the judgment and exertion of capt. Haydon
with your kind assistance to effect in proper season every
thing necessary for her intended expedition that may be
wanted in America, we must therefore beg leave to refer
you to the foot of this letter for an enumaration of the
articles we may want, to be engaged only on condition of
the safe arrival of the ship with you.
Our house is a long established in Dunkirk and we trust
your and our Friend Mr. Rotch will satisfy you that you
are perfectly safe in whatever you may do for us in the
reparation and outfit of Le Dauphin.
We shall also add a price current of sundry articles the
produce of America at our market, that if you or your
friends should see a prospect of advantage in any consign-
ments by return of our ship that you may have an oppor-
tunity of benefitting by it. We shall be happy on all
occasions to render your Service and are, Sir, Your obedient
and most humble Servants,
Brothers DeBauque
Tobacco 3 to 3|j- per Pound ]
Rice 15 to 16/ per Hundred. \ sterling Money.
Potash 17 to 19/ per do. J
290 COMMERCEOF [ 1786
2000 feet of three inch Oak plank for doubling the Ship under her wales.
50 thousand good white oak staves of all sorts chiefly hogshead, and large
staves thick.
50 barrels, best Connecticut Pork.
20 thousand feet cedar boat boards.
timbers and kiels for 20 boats.
2 Whale boats built in the best manner.
20 thousand inch pine boards half eastern and half other kinds.
5 thousand hogshead hoops in bundles.
50 Barrels Cyder of the best quaUty.
small spars assorted.
50 Setts of best ash whale boat oars.
ICX3 hoop Poles.
10000 feet of best white oak plank from 2| to three inches.
200 Bushels Indian Corn.
100 bbls. tar \ .. , , , ,
, . , , > u to be had cheap.
100 bbls. patch j ^
Agreement with Captain Jeremiah Clarke
Whereas Captain Jeremiah Clarke having agreed to
command the Ship Hydra on a Voyage from Newport to
Ostend in Flanders and from thence to the India Seas —
It is therefore understood and agreed too, that shoud any
unforseeen Event take place after said Ships Arrival at
Ostend or before whereby she does not proceed to India as
intended, and the Agent at Ostend shoud discharge the
Captain Officers, and Seamen from any further Service on
board said Ship and not make Provision for employing them
in any other Vessel for India in that case its understood that
Captain Clarke shall be paid his full Wages up to the day
of discharge with the addition of One hundred pounds
Sterling as a Compensation for his Expences and return
home without any further Claim upon said Ship or the Owner
of her.
It is also understood that Edward Dillingham Chief Mate
of said Ship shall be paid his Wages that may be due to the
day of his discharge at Ostend, or account for what may be
overpaid, with the addition of Thirty Pounds Sterling as a
Compensation for his Expences to return home etc. without
any further Claim upon said Ship or her Owners. It is
likewise understood that all the other officers and Searnen
1786] RHODE ISLAND 29I
belonging to said Ship of every description shall be paid
their Wages at Ostend to the day of their discharge with an
addition of three Months Wages to each of them as a Com-
pensation for their Expences to return home without having
any further Claim upon said Ship or her Owners.
Its further understood that neither the officers or the
Seamen shall be entitled to any of the aforementiond Gratu-
itys provided they quit the Service of said Ship at Ostend out
of their own free will or Choice, or refuse to proceed in said
Ship to India or some other Vessell that may be appointed
for that Service to sail from Ostend under the Command of
said Captain Clarke.
It is furthermore agreed that Captain Clarke shall receive
over and above his Wages four Shillings and Sixpence Sterling
money per day during the Ships being in the Port of Ostend,
to support his Pocket Expences.
And its finally understood and agreed too that the Owners
or Agents of said Ship shall not charge Captain Clarke or his
Mate any Freight for whatever they have shipped on board
the Hydra, to all which Christopher Champlin in behalf of
the Owners or Agents for said Ship at Ostend, promises on
his part shall be complyed with, and Captain Jeremiah
Clarke on his part agrees to comply with and promises to
carry into execution as far as lays in his power as respecting
said Ship, all the aforesaid agreement of which. In Testimony
each of us has at Newport Rhode Island this 6th day of
October 1786. have affixed our hands,
Chris : Champlin
Jer'h Clark
N. B. Its also understood that the Conditions upon
which Captain Clarke is to perform the Voyage from Ostend
to India in the Hydra, or any other Vessell appointed for
that purpose, are to be settled between him and William
Greene Esqr. before his departure from Ostend.
Chris Champlin
Jer'h Clark
292 commerce of [ 1786
DeBauque Brothers to Christopher Champlin
Dunkerque, 9 8ber, 1786.
Sir:
We have the honour to forward the inclosed our letter of
the 5th Inst, since having received advices from St. Ubes
that Salt was very scarce there, we have determined to fitt
out the Dauphin directly to your port, and have loaded on
board of her the following goods according to the annexed
bill of Loading :
15CX) pounds clean Hemp.
25,000 do. second sort.
24,200 do. Iron by assortiment.
3,000 do. or there about Cordages.
of which goods, all insured, we beg the favour of your utmost
care for the best disposal : the proceeds of which you'll
be so kind as to apply to the repairs of our vessell and cargo
back. We have the honour to be, Sir : Your most obedient
Servants,
Brothers DeBauque
Francis Rotch to Christopher Champlin
Dunkirk, 9th October, 1786.
Dear Sir,
My Friends Messrs. DeBauques of this Town having
bought the Ship United States, that was Mrs. Hayley's,
and meaning to repair her in order to go into the Greenland
Fishery, I have advised them to send her to America for
that purpose. They have given the Command of her to
Captain William Haydon and at my recommendation she
goes to your address. You will receive from them a small
quantity of Hemp and Iron which is to be sold and the
proceeds applied to the repairs and Cargo back. If it should
not be sufficient, or if Captain Haydon should be short of
money, either your or his draft on Messes. DeBauques
freres here made payable in Paris you may be sure will be
1786 ] RHODEISLAND 293
punctually paid. The Exchange between London and
Paris is almost as much above par in Paris as 'tis in America
or at least from 5 to 6 per Cent and sometimes more just as
the fluctuations are. If a premium of 8 per cent can be
obtained by drawing on them payable in London there will
be no objection to it in that way. the time it will take for
the Bills to come here, to be accepted and sent back to
London is but one week in the ordinary course of Post, it
will not be worth their while to pay in London at a less
premium. I mention this for your government knowing
you like to have all matters of business made clear. The
article of Hemp has risen in London to the enormous price
of £35 Sterling per ton and is still rising. The exportation
from Russia has failed in quantity five thousand tons this
year so that Hemp must inevitably be very high till the
next years exportation. I know not from what cause this
has happened but I understand the fact is so.
In regard to the repairing and fitting the ship for her
intended purpose Captain Haydon I believe is well
acquainted with the usual method in such cases and his
activity I have no doubt will be shewn in a manner adequate
to the occasion. The time allowed him to stay abroad is
very short and should you find a difficulty in providing a
return Cargo of Lumber in season for him to leave America
by the middle of January it will not do for him to wait for
it. If by any unforeseen accident we should be deprived
of the services of Captain Haydon I must recommend it to
you to give the earliest notice of it to my Brother William
Rotch at Nantucket if he should arrive safe otherwise to
his sons or to the former Captain of this Ship Benjamin
Hussey requesting them to provide a suitable Captain and
men for the Fishery if possible in time to save the season
for Greenland, should any accident happen to the ship of
consequence enough to make an application to the Under-
writers you will be so good to have the vouchers well ar-
ranged authenticated and sent by two conveyances to
Messrs. Alexander and Benjamin Champion New Lloyds
London who are the Agents of my Friends Messrs.
294 COMMERCEOF [ 1786
DeBauques and who have done the Insurance on Ship and
Cargo to the amount of £3500, say £2500 on Ship and £1000
on Cargo in the office of the London Assurance Company,
these Gentlemen or rather this Company are rather particular
in respect to vouchers either for an average or loss. I
mention this only as a trait of their Character well knowing
it is not necessary to be mentioned to you in any other light.
Captain Haydon's time after his arrival at Rhodeisland will
most likely be much taken up in seeking and collecting such
men as will best answer his purpose, the burthen of the
repairs, etc. I fear will fall heavier upon you from this cause
than it otherwise would do. I would recommend as the
first step to heave the ship out as soon as possible to examine
her bottom and if necessary nail the Sheathing over again
and to get her upon her legs again as soon as can be in order
for the doubling and other strengthnings to go on. this
I fear will be the most difficult part of the business, it being
absolutely necessary she should be kept afloat and by no
means suff'ered to touch the ground upon her side. I have
no doubt that every possible care will be taken according to
circumstances. I shall have the pleasure of writing to you
again soon, in the mean time, I am Dear Sir, with my
best Compliments to Mrs. Champlin the young Ladies and
Gentleman your Sincere Friend and obedient Servant,
F. ROTCH
I have put on board Captain Haydon 12 Westphalia
Hams and 20 doz. of Burgundy which I wish may be divided
into four parts one of which I beg you to keep, two to be
sent to Mrs. Jeffrey without her knowing of their coming
from me and the other at the disposal of Captain Haydon.
pray write to Messrs. DeBauques freres here by all oppor-
tunities advising them of the progress from time to time
you make with the Ship and inclose any Letter you may have
for me to them.
1786] RHODE ISLAND 295
Lane Son and Fraser to Christopher Champlin
London, the 16 October, 1786.
SzV,
Your favor of the 28th July is before us, note the contents
and are sorry to find the Legislature of your State had
pass'd a Law which would infallibly hurt the credit of it.
it was a wise measure in you in preventing your Goods from
being sent to Newport whilst the Paper Money was circulat-
ing, in the mean time we thank you for your kind promise
of sending us a Remittance by way of Ireland and remain
Respectfully, Sir, Your most humble Servants
Lane Son and Fraser
William Green to Christopher Champlin
Dear Sir,
I shall not detain your patience with any dull detail of
the length and nature of my passage here. It was lucky I
came, my affairs requiring very much my presence to keep
them in order. What think you of a public sale here, of a
part of the goods I sent home in a schooner from St. Eustatia
having taken place, so very irregular and unprofitably, as,
tho all bear the same comparative value, some of them were
sold at a loss of Twenty per Cent, while others retain a
profit of Forty on the first price. By the first price I must
be supposed to mean the Calcutta price, without any Charge
of freight or Insurance etc.
I am hourly impatient for the arrival of the Hydra, the
season for her outfit approaches fast. I am not yet however
absolutely bent on sending her, in case a plan of association
for the Voyage, with some others, which I have now upon the
tapis does not take place.
I have since paid my Compliments to all my friends in
London, and have since brought some of them here to render
the time light and easy while I am away from my family.
Pray make my Compliments to your good Lady, and my
charming Cousins, and I beg you will make a thousand
296 COMMERCEOF [ 1786
efforts to remit as much as possible to Mr. Wilkinson early
in the spring. I am much prest to accomplish my engage-
ments and rely on your doing every thing in your power to
assist me.
I mean to write you again soon. I cannot be particular
just now, but as the South West winds prevail much at this
Season and the packets are sometimes detained here a
fortnight, I send this off, that it may be certain of reaching
you by the November packet.
Continue to believe me always faithfully yours,
yvV<rj/fyLAA.^i^>^^~^'^^'^^ /i^-y-'tMX^tx^
Ostend, the 19th October, '86.
Francis Rotch to Christopher Champlin
London, ist November, 1786.
Dear Sir,
My last Letter to you was dated the loth of last month
by Captain Wm. Haydon in Le Dauphin who sailed the day
after from Dunkirk Roads for Rhode island to your address
with a small parcel of Hemp and some Iron and a few Cur-
rants. My friends at Dunkirk have at my recommendation
sent this Ship to you to be doubled and otherwise prepared
for an expedition to Greenland. Should Captain Haydon
not arrive no notice is to be taken or provision made on
this account, if he comes to you safe he is possessed of all
necessary instructions for the purpose, which aided by your
kind assistance I have not the smallest doubt will fully
answer the expectations of his Owners, dispatch is the most
essential point to be aimed at, and to gain this point I am
sure no time will be lost or exertion be wanting.
1786 ] RHODEISLAND 297
Hemp has risen very much here, the price is not less than
£36 Stg per Ton and is still rising.
I must beg the favor of you to forward the inclosed Letters,
one to my Brother at Nantucket and the other to Captain
Haydon wherever he may be, if he should not arrive safe
pray return it to me here, there is nothing new here except
a Commercial treaty with France, which will not take place
before it comes under the consideration of Parliament. I
hope it may lead to a treaty with America but I see no
ground for such a hope in the disposition of the present
Administration of this Country. I beg Mrs. Champlin's
and the young Ladies to accept my best Compliments and
you to believe me your sincere friend and obedient Servant, ^
F. RoTCH ,.-J^
John Collier to Samuel Fowler and Son
November the 2d, 1786.
Gentlemen^
You together with Mr. Christopher Champlin, I give my
Respects to, and am to acquaint you. Gentlemen, that I
have been lately made many Offers for my Flaxseed, but as
Gratitude always obliges every thinking person to be sacred
to their Word the same Obligation takes hold of me Gentle-
men towards you, and therefore am willing to let you know
that I have been offer'd Seven Shilling and Six pence Sterling
deliver'd at my House from the Liver Pool Vessel that went
up the River for Providence the last Week past, and also
have been ofFerd Seven and Six pence from Captain Sheffield
who trades from Connecticutt to New Yorke. [Ho]wever
Gentlemen you will let me know the most you will give
taking the Seed at my House and makeing prompt payment
therefor the Bearer Mr. Nathan Tucker will receive your
Answer for me. Which is all from. Gentlemen, Your most
Obedient and Humble Servant
John Collier
298 COMMERCE OF [1786
Harrison G. Otis and Thomas English to
Christopher Champlin
Boston, November 8, 1786.
I PRESUME upon my acquaintance with you to request
your attention to a power of attorny forwarded you herewith.
The Circumstances which give Rise to it are the following :
Mr. Geoghegan charter'd a vessell, the Sloop Friendship,
belonging to Ebenezer Smith of Taunton; she was to be
subject to Geoghegan's orders, and saild for the West Indies,
Geoghegan and Smith being on Board. Smith contrary
to Geoghegan's Command carried the Vessell into Eustatia,
and afterwards ran away with her and Cargo leaving the
Freighter on Shore, who has not yet been able to detect the
Villain. Should he put in to Newport or Providence I shall
place much dependence on your kind attention to employ
some Gentleman of the law, (Mr. Channing is mention'd)
and to have him arrested, and his Vessell detaind, untill
you can give me Intelligence, at which time you shall be
furnish'd with all the Documents and powers relative to the
transaction. The Cargo is valuable, to the amount of £500
or £600, besides the Damages and Expences undergone in
pursuing the fugitive. The Lawyer you employ may think
proper to commence an action for "mony had and receiv'd,"
merely to detain him untill further and more precise measures
may be adopted. I have the honor to be. Sir, Your most
obedient Servant Harrison G. Otis
You will please to keep the matter, as much within your
own Breast [as] possible. Perhaps an AppHcation to the
naval Officer might ensure success.
Sir,
Thro' the Introduction of Mr. Otis (in the absence of
Lowell,) I take the liberty to request your friendly attention
to the inclos'd Power of Attorney. Shou'd Smith or his
Vessell fall in your way I shall immediately forward you
full Powers and every necessary paper relative to this trans-
1786] RHODE ISLAND 299
action, in the Interim remain with CompHments to your
Son and Daughter, Your most obedient Servant
Tho. English
William Green to Christopher Champlin
Dear Sir:
I HAVE very little to add to my Letter by the October
packet, except the expression of my wishes for your health
and happiness and that the good Citizens of Rhode Island
may have come to a sense of their interest which they were
murdering at so cruel a rate when I left you.
I must press you for a remittance to Mr. Wilkinson in the
spring in order to support effectually my Credit. I hope
my goods will come to a good sale in particular the Chintzes,
as Cottons since the conclusion of the Commercial Treaty
with France have risen in the white Fifty per Cent., the
coarsest white Manchester Cottons which formerly sold,
and indeed sold four months since at i^^d per yard, having
risen to 2od. Cotton is at four shillings the pound.
I beg my Compliments to Christo., and the Ladies and
am, Dear Sir, Yours most faithfully
Will Green
London, 17 November, '86.
Joseph Russell, Junior, to Christopher Champlin
Boston, November 26th, 1786.
Sir,
I received your Favour of the 23d Instant, give you
Joye on the arival of Captain Peirce, hope he has made you a
good Voyage, the Muslins and Hyson Tea are not yet sold,
they complain of the formers being to great a Price and the
latter I do not think is of so good a Quality as is now selling
in Boston, but hope to get the Tea of some how or other the
Muslins I wish your Direction respecting, Mrs. Jones has
not taken any — Mr. Jones think them too extravigant for
the times. Please to give my best respects to your amiable
Family in which Mrs. Russell joins and likewise that good
300 COMMERCEOF [ 1786
Mrs. Green comes in for my good wishes and believe me to
be with Sentiments of Esteem your assured Friend and Very
Humble Servant Jos. Russell. Jun.
Francis Rotch to Christopher Champlin
London, 6 December, 1786.
Dear Sir,
I hope Le Dauphin Captain Haydon belonging to my
Friends Messrs. DeBauques is 'ere this safe arrived with
you and that she will meet with every possible dispatch
back again. My Friends have requested me to communi-
cate to you and Captain Haydon whatever may occur to
me as being benefitial to their Interest, but I know of nothing
material which has not been written by them or me by
Captain Haydon and since by the November packet. I
fear his passage has been long, two ships bound to Halifax
and Newfoundland have been obliged to return to England
after being at sea 10 and 11 weeks without being able to
gain their passage and a ship is also lately arrived from
Philadelphia in 25 days, other ships have been obliged to
lay too with strong westerly winds in coming this way.
these accounts alarm me not only for Le Dauphin, but for
my Brother William Rotch and his son who left England on
the 14th of October in the Penelope Captain Mores for Boston
and I am much afraid must have had a distressing passage.
I shall be glad to hear any account of these ships from you.
I am sorry to find things in America proceeding so rapidly
to a state of Confusion, whatever may be the event I hope my
Friends may be among the least sufferers. Pray give my
Complements to Captain Haydon and inform him I have
received Mr. Vignerons money of Mrs. Williams at Dunkirk
which I beg of him to account with Mr. Vigneron for. the
sum I think was 58 Crowns but my papers being at Dunkirk
I am not sure, both Captain Haydon and Mr. Vigneron
know. I shall be obliged to you to forward the inclosed
to my Brother at Nantucket. . . .
Your sincere friend and obedient Servant,
F. Rotch
1787] rhode island 3oi
William Green to Christopher Champlin
Dear Sir,
I HAVE received your Favor dated the 14 of November,
and give its contents every needful attention;
What Mr. Jennings says requires great allowances, nor
shall I even pay the smallest attention to the sense of that
House, where their Interest is concerned when it militates
with my own Judgement.
You will think my demurring against Newport as a Depot
for any sort of Merchandize, extreemly natural, so long as
by our present Laws, the late paper emission shall continue
to be a legal tender in payment of Debts, or discharge of
obligations of any kind. However I will give your Proposi-
tion due attention in the mean time. At present I have
thought it is true, of withdrawing part of my Goods from
St. Eustatias to Wilmington on the Delaware, which is a
free port and consigning a small parcel for sale to Phila-
delphia, and I beg you will lodge there for me under cover
to Mr. Thomas Fitzsimons an exact account of my Sales,
and remains as far down as you have made any, and let me
know the probabilities conserning your Sales of the remain-
der, and if there is any Chance of having Newport made a
free Port.
I dont think the Prices you mention for Bandannas, any
encouragement for Importation, as at the East-India Com-
pany's Sales in December, they sold of a similar quality for
Thirty Shillings;
I beg my Compliments and Regards to Mrs. C. and my
young Friends, and desire you be persuaded of the Regard
and Esteem of. Dear Sir, Your most Humble Servant.
W. Green
London, 24 January, 1787.
P. S. I would have you sell the Hyson if you can get
6/6 sterling per pound.
302 COMMERCE OF I 17^7
William and Jno. P. Jones to Christopher Champlin
Sify
Your favour of the i8th we have before us and in reply-
thereto just observe that as our Wilham Jones has very
latly been both at N. York and Boston we are sufficiently
acquainted with the state of Hemp and know the quantity
at Market as well as the demand for it, and you may rest
assured Sir that we can yet obtain it at £45 and under;
but calculating the difference of freight etc. it will bring
yours to £46 per ton almost which is our ultimate and we
will furnish you what melasses we have at ijd taking the
amount in Hemp now and for the ballance of what Hemp
you mention particularly as you urge the falling of the
Melasses we should chuse it might remain at our Option
when we take the Hemp either to pay you in Melasses at
i6d or the Cash, probably we may make up sufficient for
two tons now and the other by the time you mention we
beg you will be kind enough to let us know by the first con-
veyance if you agree to these terms as we shall purchase
other ways if we do not contract with you. We are Sir
very respectfully Your Humble Servants
William and Jno. P. Jones
Providence, January 24th, 1787.
Nathaniel Russell to Christopher Champlin
Charleston, 12th February, 1787.
I rec'd your favor of the 28th December and am sorry to
tell you I have not received one shilling from Stitts or
General Greene's Estates this year, the former has sent about
60 barrels of Rice to market but not any of it has come into
my hands, the person who has the Administration of that
Estate in his hands has been a long time sick, it was for
some time expected he would die, but am informed he is
getting better, if he had died I should have again taken
the Administration and would have immediately sold the
Negroes and not subjected myself to any further disappoint-
1787] RHODE ISLAND 303
ment. I am in expectation of receiving a payment and when
I do I will remit your Brothers proportion of it. I cannot
give you any information with respect to General Greene's
Estate her Brother is in Georgia but do not know what he
is doing. I do not learn that any part of the Debts have
been paid nor what they mean to do with the Estate. I
am very Respectfully, Sir, Your most Obedient Servant,
Nath'l Russell
DeBauque Brothers to Christopher Champlin
Dunkirk, 27 February, 1787.
Sir:
Your very esteemed of the 30 Xber last came us to hand
on the 18. Inst, by which we see the arrival of the Ship Le
Dauphin, in a very wrecked condition by a tedious passage
and continual gales of wind which hurted the vessell in all
points. We hope that you shall have been soo kind as to
have the necessary protests dressed to make the Insurance
Compagny liable to pay if it happen to be the case: we
further observe what you are pleased to mention concern-
ing the prices of hemp and Iron, as the first article has
extraordinary advanced in Russia and in London being now
at 38 lb. Ster. per ton, we hope that the prices shall equally
increase at your market and that you shall be able to render
pleasant accounts.
Having considered the state of Le Dauphin you describe,
and your further observations, we think it more adviseable
to request you to forego all the expenses of doubling and
preparing the Ship for Greenland but to repair her as much
as may be necessary of her damage particularly if it was
received by the breaking in of the Sea upon her or in any
extraordinary way so as to make the Insurance Compagny
liable to pay otherwise the most Economy must be used in
every kind of repair; when they are finished captain Haydon
must proceed to the most convenient port, and load the
Ship with all kind of staves particularly of that kind which
are the cheapest and return as soon as possible to Dunkirk.
304 COMMERCEOF [ 1787
we hope that the proceeds of the Iron and hemp shall be
sufficient to pay the repairs and procure the necessary quan-
tity of Staves.
You'll be so obliging as to keep us exactly advised of every
deviation that may take place from the old project by any
new arrangement in order to keep up the validity of the
Insurance with the Compagny. We are respectfully, Sir:
/a^^TtS^X/ . ^e^^yV
A^fc/^w-e^^^e^ ^e^^v^'Lyty^v'yS^
'^T/yir?j -<X^/^^:Z^^.
r^^^UZ^'
Francis Rotch to Christopher Champlin
London, ist March, 1787.
Dear Sir,
I HAVE received your Letter giving an Account of the
arrival of Captain Haydon and the awkward circumstances
the Ship is in. The Object of his expedition so far as relates
to the Voyage to Greenland this Season being defeated; it
will require consideration how far it will be proper to proceed
upon the original Instructions given to Captain Haydon and
you.
I have recommended it to my Friends Messrs. DeBauques,
to forego all the intended preparations for Greenland for
the present; and you will receive their Directions to this
purpose: but all other Repairs necessary to put the ship in a
proper State to return may go on, and when compleated,
I know it will be their wish and directions for you to provide
no other part of the Cargo already order'd, but such articles
as shall be decidedly cheap with you, but that the ship may
not return empty, Captain Haydon will receive Orders to
proceed to the best port for White Oak Staves, there to fill
up with all kinds of this article, giving a preference to that
sort which are cheapest; provided there is not too great an
inferiority in the Quality: should the consideration of what
1787] RHODE ISLAND 305
port may be best direct your Attention to Virginia, it is
possible to guard against a Disappointment in some Degree
by taking on board Tobacco on Freight for the Farmers
General in France; which may be an Object not unworthy
your attention. I do not mean positively to direct it but
to leave it at your Discretion and the Captains only request-
ing in a very particular manner that whatever port the ship
proceeds to or whatever Deviation may take place from the
original Instructions may be made known to my Friends
Messrs. DeBauques at Dunkirk and Messrs. Alexander
and Benjamin Champion in London in order that everything
may be perfectly understood by the Company of Insurers
on this Ship in proper Season. I have met with an Accident
which deprives me at present of the [use of m]y right Hand
in writing, a Friend is so obliging as to write this for me
to which I shall subscribe and very truly, Dear Sir, Your
sincere Friend and obedient Servant,
F. ROTCH
Pray inform Capt. Haydon I have received his Letter and
approve much of his consulting with my Brother in all such
matters as are not attended to in this Letter. -^
[Endorsed,] Per Mary, Capt. Barnard.
DeBauque Brothers to Christopher Champlin
Dunkirk, 6th March, 1787.
Above Copy of what we had the honour to write you the
27th past forwarded by the ship Mary Captain Barnard
bound from London to Boston; we have nothing to add, but
to desire you to be soo kind as to employ all means if neces-
sary to procure to the ship Dauphin a freight of tobacco for
Europe on account of the french Farmers and in the event
of success, or what ever deviation may take place from the
original instruction we may directly be informed of it in
order that every thing should perfectly be understood by
the Company of Insurers on said ship in proper Season: we
306 COMMERCE OF [ 1787
have the Honour to be, Gentlemen, Your most obedient
Servants,
Brothers DeBauque
[Endorsed,] London 8 March 1787, received and forwarded by, Sir, Your most
obedient Servant, Alex. Champion Jun.
Hewes and Anthony to Christopher Champlin
Philadelphia, 9th, March 1787.
Dear Sir,
Your favor of the 28th ultimo came safe to hand, with the
Arrack and Schrub agreable to Invoice, we lament you did
not consult us before you ship'd them, because we think
we never shall be able to dispose of them for a price that
will give Satisfaction, or near it, and we are unhappy when
we receive such a consignment. Old Cogniac Brandy (of
which we have plenty and cheap) makes such an excellent
substitute, they seldom make use of Arrack, We know
a quantity of the best kind, in Casks of 20 Gallons each, that
has been two years in this City, which the Gentleman offers
at 12/6, and can get no offer, and the Schrub is never
made use of, when fruit can be got, which in time of Peace
is plenty enough, therefore upon the best information we
can get, you will be under the necessity of ordering them
back or to some more promising Market.
Inclos'd you have Invoice of the Flour and wine, both
which we think excellent, we give you a price current, and
remain your Obedient Humble Servants,
J. Hewes and Anthony
Brothers DeBauque to Christopher Champlin
Dunkirk, 20 March, 1787.
Gentlemen :
We beg leave to refer to our precedent Letters dated
the 27th past and 6th instant : we have only to add that in
case the proceeds of the goods ship'd per the Dauphin should
balance her repairs, our intentions are always that you
1787] RHODE ISLAND 307
should be soo kind as to fill her up with hhds. and pipes
staves at the cheapest price possible to draw the amount of
your advances on us paiable in London : in case her whole
cargo can be procured in such kind of staves as mentionned,
the greatest share in hhds. sort and at low rate, we think it
more convenient to load her entirely for our account than
to take any freight, to which success, several deviations to
the original policy should be indispensable : we rely on all
your care and hope that you shall favour us with your exact
advises, that we may timely be informed of your further
transactions. We have the honour to be, Gentlemen :
Your most obedient Servants
Brothers DeBauque
Nathaniel Russell to Christopher Champlin
Charleston, 5th April, 1787.
Enclosed you have Invoice and bill Lading of 25 bbl. Rice
on board the Sloop Rainbow John Bissell Master for Newport
on Account of Capt. Robt. Champlin amounting to £106.10.9
which is £50 more than I have rec'd on his Account. Gen-
eral Greene's Estate has not paid a shilling nor I do not know
when it will and I have only received 70 Barrels of Rice from
Stitts Estate out of £2600 Stlg. The Legislature have
passed a Law obliging Debtors to pay their Debts by three
installments, the first third part in March '88 the next in
March '89 the remainder in March '90, and at the same time
prohibited the importation of Negroes for three years. I
am very apprehensive your Brother will not get any thing
more this Crop, but should I unexpectedly receive any thing
further I will remit by first opportunity. I am with Respect,
Sir, Your most Obedient Servant,
Nath'l Russell
Your Rice is marked W No. 25 to 49.
308 commerce of [ 1787
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin and
Samuel Fowler and Son
Dublin, 5th April, 1787,
Gentlemen,
I BEG leave to refer you to my last of the 27th February
per Ship to Philadelphia under covers of Messrs. Hews and
Anthony adviseing of the progress I had then made in the
sale of your Flaxseed, since which received your favour of
the 24th January with Bill Lading for 200 Hhds and 6
barels F[lax] Seed per the Fame Captain Sheffield who
arrived here safe the 8th ulto. Altho you observe I have a
larger quantity of seed addressed me this season yet it has
been my good fortune to have disposed of more than any
other House here, and had I had treble the quantity I could
have sold them with equal facility, and no more remains in
my warehouses than about 160 Hhds and 96 of them belongs
to your Neighbour Mr. Handy remainder yours and other
friends so that you need not fear of any of yours remaining
over year, as I am certain from my country connexions I need
never fear of having any left on my hands. If I sell as others
do as I can command a prefFerence from many good Country
Customers provided the seed is good, and I could have sold
every grain I have yesterday if I had taken 3£, the price
others were selling at, but held off selling in hopes of geting
£3.2.6, but the arrival last night of a Brig from London with
650 Hhds will now oblige me to sell for 60s and I have reason
to expect a Vessel from Hudson (formerly Cleverack) a port
in the north river. Upon the arrival of Captain Sheffield
I proposed to Mr. Norris to send her to Londonderry but
the accounts he had from thence did not incourage him to
agree with me in sending her there, however I thought it
for your Interest to ship 125 Hhds of yours to Sligo a port
that has usually been supplied from Derry and hope it will
do well, have also at Drogheda 195I Hhds. when the
sale begins there, which will be next week, I shall go there to
sell it among my Customers there and its vicinity where
I hope it will do as well as here, if it should not, as I have
1787 J RHODE ISLAND 309
done it purely for your Interest I hope you'l not censure me
as it is your good I have in view. By the unfortunate acci-
dent which happened to the Hope there were 85 Hhds much
wet. however upon opening them and separateing the
wet from the dry there were 63 of dry seed and the twenty
two filled 25^ Hhds which I sold at ^2s per Cask payable in
4 Months to one of our Oil Mills. Indeed what seed I have
sold is payable 3 and 4 Months and it went at £3. to £3.5 per
Hhd as by our PoHcys F[lax] Seed pays no averige under 5
per Ct. I did not therefore sell the damaged at auction as
is usualy done, but took with it the method I have mentioned
by so doing I served you, or the underwriters if you are
insured. I had the 85 Casks survey'd by Captain Rathbone
and Mr. Norris that in case of need they can certifie it. the
Protest Captain Gyles carries with him. there would not
have been any [of] your Seed unsold, had it been as well
cleaned as what I had from Providence, or what Captain
Handy brought, which the Country people run upon in
prefFerence : this circumstance should induce you to be
exceedingly careful to have the Flaxseed well cleaned nor
did yours look so bright, and upon enquiry I find the reason
is, that you fann your Seed before you run it through the
Bolt which is very rong, as the Fann should be the last
operation, to this I request your attention, it is the
method they practice in Newyork and it is the cleanest that
comes here. I remain most respectfully, Gentlemen, Your
Most Humble Servant,
Edward Forbes
P. S. Captain Gyles delivered a barrel more then was
in his bill ladeing.
My advices from Newry today is they continue selling
there at 60/ and at Derry their Sales have not yet com-
menced they however arrived there 10,400 Hhds which is
1000 Hhds more then their annual sales tho have no doubt
they will sell all as I am certain the Country will sow more
this year by 4 or 5000 Hhds then they did the last.
April 1 2th. All the Seed I had here is sold and on Satur-
310 COMMERCE OF [ 1787
day I go for to spend a few days in the Vicinity of Droghed
when I shall attend to the sale of hats there. I am truely
yours
E. Forbes
[Endorsed,] Per the Happy Return Captain Iring.
Hewes and Anthony to Christopher Champlin
Philadelphia, 9th April, 1787.
Dear Sir^
Your esteemed favors of the 19th and 24th ultimo are
to hand, when our People begin to drink Punch, we will
try what can be done with the Arrack and Schrub, as yet
we have no Encouragement.
We have been with Mr. Morris respecting the ship, he
will agree to load her with Tobacco, on the same Terms, he
has taken up several others, vizt. 36 Livers per hhd Freight,
and one Liver per hhd to the Captain in lieu of Primage,
he has a large quantity of Tobacco ready in Virginnia and
has no doubt of giving her immediate dispatch, tho he will
not subject himself to pay Demurage, and you must allow
thirty working days for the delivery of the Tobacco in
France, if you conclude to send the ship, Mr. M. wishes
to have the earliest Notice, and you must instruct the Cap-
tain to call on Messrs. Harrison Nicolls & Co. at Portsmouth;
for orders, it is probable she will load there, this being
the needful we conclude Your Obedient Servants
Hewes and Anthony
Lanchon Freres et Ce. to Christopher Champlin
L'Orient, 25th April, 1787.
Siff
On the 20th December last we had the honor of addressing
you by Circular in giving you the prices of our Market,
which have varied but little since that time, except in the
Articles of Teas and peper that have rais'd about 10 per Ct.
the first of them, owing to one of the Company's Ships having
missed last Year her Voyage to China, which will cause a
1787] RHODE ISLAND 3II.
less Quantity to arive this. And there has also arived less
peper this year in Europe than was expected.
Although we have since the above none of your esteem'd
Letters, we will not let any Opportunity escape us whereby
we can recall ourselves to your remembrance, and repeat
that we are ever devoted to your and your friends Com-
mands. In expectation of them we remain with dis-
tinguished Sentiments of regard and respectfully, Sir,
P. S. Should Captain Rathbone Commander of the
Ship Mary, owned by George Gibbs Esqr. of your port,
stay's a day or two longer we shall furnish you with fresh
prices current.
William Willcocks to Christopher Champlin
Cork, 28th April, 1787.
Sir,
I REFER you to the Circular letter of my late Partnership,
adviseing its dissolution, am about forming another, and my
Son is to be one of the House, which he justly merits, from
his long experience and attention, when finally agreed on,
you shall be informed, in the interim I do business under
my present firm, and will be extremely thankful for the favor
of your Commands, which shall be attended to with all
diligence, good Barrel Staves are worth £7 per M. a Cargo
arrived to my late firm yesterday from Philadelphia, for
which I expect that price, the same Vessel brought in about
40 Tuns of Pitch, Tar and turpentine, which will be tedious
312 COMMERCE OF [ 17^7
in the sale. Flaxseed 58 to 60/ per hhd. first quality Pot-
Ashes 30/ per Ct. Virginia Tobacco 13I to 15^ per lb. Deer
skins about 15^, in little demand, and Oak Timber 60 to
70/ per Tun, slow sale. I am respectfully. Sir, Your humble
Servant
Will : Willcocks
When I was in Dublin the begining of last Month, I had
the pleasure of meeting Captain Sheffield, Captain Rathbone
and other Gentlemen from your Neighborhood, at my good
friend Mr. Edward Forbes'.
Moses M. Hays to Christopher Champlin
Boston, April 30th, 1787.
Sir,
Your favor of the 26th lays now before me. I have
communicated its contents to the underwriters, who would
sign a Policy were it now before them at 6 per cent,
for the risque you mentioned on the Brig Elizabeth, and
not under, and if nothing happens to alter their opinion,
by the time I may here from you again the Premium will
I suppose be the same, tho' underwriters never hold them-
selves bound to write at any certain Premium unless the
Policy is immediately filled up. I feel much for your situa-
tion, respecting publick matters. Perhaps they may mend
soon; We have no Paper money underwriters. No Business
is done at the Treasury occasioned by the death of our late
Treasurer.^ a new one is appointed, and Business will soon
take place, when I shall be able to tell you, how your Interest
on Consolidated notes can be obtained, I am with respect
Your Hble Servant,
M. M. Hays
1 Thomas I vers was Treasurer of the Commonwealth in 1787 and Alexander
Hodgdon in 1787-88.
1787] rhode island 313
Brothers DeBauque to Christopher Champlin
Dunkirk, 8 May, 1787.
Gentlemen:
We are favoured with your esteemed of loth March, since
our last respects of the 20th do. to which we refer : we are
sorry to observe the bad state of your Market for our hemp
and iron, that it had not been in your power to command any
Money for either; the Prices in Russia and through the whole
Baltic are soo greatly advanced for the Hemp, that we have
a great expectation to hear from you soon in much better
terms, we desire the favour to clear that shipment with all
speed :
We have honoured your Draft for £120 St. and it shall
timely be paid, the amount carried to your debit.
We observe the Carpenters were to begin the Repair of
the Dauphin, we shall be glad to receive your further
advises concerning her situation and the Period you esteem
the ship shall be ready to return : we are well persuaded that
you shall care our interests as your own and we rely entirely
on you for all the Particulars concerning that Matter, we
are respectfully, Gentlemen : Your most obedient Servants,
Brothers DeBauque
Edward Forbes to Samuel Fowler and
Christopher Champlin
Dublin, 15 May, 1787.
Gentlemen,
To close a most unfortunate Concern in the Brig Fame,
Aaron Sheffield, Master, (formerly the Queen of France)
inclosed you have my Power of Attorney to dispose of my
one fourth of her on arrival after discharging her Cargo from
Copenhagen at Rhode Island, and in Conjunction with the
other Owners in Rhode Island namely Mr. Welcome Arnold,
Coll Samuel Ward and Samuel Vernon Junior, finally to
settle all accounts with Captain Sheffield, and you'll be
pleased to concur with the said Gentlemen in sending the
314 COMMERCE OF [ 1787
vessell to discharge at Providence or for sale there should
they desire it, as I would wish her to be disposed of to the
best advantage for the Benefit of all concernd. hitherto
we have been unlucky in the Plans that have been pursued,
and my not agreeing with them in the voyage they had
proposed for her to Copenhagen has made the Business
very unpleasant indeed, as you'll see by the inclosed Protest,
the Copy of my letter to Mr. Ryberg, and the note sent Cap-
tain Sheffield from Drogheda in reply to a letter he wrote
me to that Place, you'll also please to receive from the other
f Owners my Quarter of the Vessells freight from hence to
Copenhagen, and thence to Rhode Island, which they must
pay as they sent the vessell on said voyage without my
Approbation. I askd Captain Sheffield what he thought it
would be worth, who told me £6 Eng per ton for Hemp and
in proportion for Iron, and the Gentlemen with you wrote
me they thought she would carry 72 tons Hemp and about
25 or 30 of Iron, however this Matter may be easily
settled by two intelligent and indifferent Persons to be
chosen by you and them, wishing for what is fair and just
only, and all Matters settled in an amicable Manner if its
possible. You'll likewise be pleased to adjust and settle
with Captain Sheffield my account for the cost of the Ship,
he not having furnished me with the Particulars thereof
untill his arrival here this Voyage, having only given me
the amount lump'd in the Account Current he furnished
me, of which you have Copy herewith, together with the
Account he produced me this Voyage from Messrs. Mason
and Malbone. my reason with troubling you therewith is,
that Mr. Arnold wrote me his reason for breaking with him
for a vessell that he and Coll Ward had agreed for, was that
he paid for the half of the Fame in dry Goods, and indeed
Mr. Vernon in a letter I had lately from him informs me he
thought she might have been purchased for £250 less had
she been paid for in Cash, and I do presume this is agreable
to the Practice with you as well as throughout all America,
if it is so its but fair, that as my \ was drawn for in favor of
his London correspondents, that I should be allowed a
1787] RHODE ISLAND 315
proportionable Part of what Profit he had on the dry Goods
he gave Messrs. Mason and Malbone in Payment. I spoke
to him on this Subject, and all the Satisfaction he gave me
was that the Vessell would not have been purchased for less
had the Money been paid for her, but into this I must request
you'll be so good to enquire, and if Mr. Arnold and Mr.
Vernon are right you'll please to oblige Captain Sheffield to
make me a proper Allowance for the same, the Persons from
whom she was bought would be proper to enquire of and
Coll Ward.
By the inclosed Copy of my Letter to Messrs. Arnold,
Ward and Vernon you'll perceive the footing Captain Shef-
field and I parted upon, the Morning of the day of the
Protest being made say the 20th April, I told Captain
Sheffield in presence of the Notary I would go to Drogheda
that Evening, and requested he would determine where he
would go to with the Vessell. his Answer was he would
consult some Persons, the next day the 21st he protested
against me for going out of town and not leaving any Letters
for him, tho' the same day he wrote me to Drogheda that
I should return as soon as possible that he might take the
Opinion of two Persons where he should proceed to. his
Behaviour to me obliged me to write him the Note I did from
Drogheda, and on my Return to Dublin I told him I could
have no Conversation with him but in Presence of a third
Person, but he never afterwards came to speak to me, and
sail'd without letting me know where he would proceed to
which I afterwards found out was to Copenhagen, as you'll
see by my Letter to Mr. N. Ryberg; sorry and concerned I
am to have Occasion to trouble you on so very disagreeable a
Business, but as I would do the same and more to serve you, I
hope you'll act in this Affair for me as if it was your own,
which will truly oblige, Gentlemen, Your most humble
Servant,
Edward Forbes
I will send you next Opportunity the Copy of my letter
to the other Owners if I have not time to do it now, to whom
3l6 COMMERCE OF I ^7^7
I have wrote that Captain Sheffield being purchased out I
should hold my Concern in her with them, which you'll
please to observe, for really Captain Sheffields Conduct has
been such that it gives me pain to be forced to be explicit,
and have no more Connection in ships with him, hopeing
he will be more fortunate in his future Pursuits.
Edward Forbes to Welcome Arnold, Samuel Ward
AND Samuel Vernon, Junior
Dublin, 15 May, 1787.
Gentlemen,
I refer you to the Letter I wrote you the 2nd Ulto. with
Copy of one of same date which I then intended to have
sent per the Fame to Mr. Ryberg of Copenhagen, but did
not, having, a few days previous to the Wind coming fair
for either Captain Handy or Captain Sheffield to depart
for that Place, received Information that Hemp was scarce
at St. Petersburgh and advanced in Price, so that there
was no Prospect of making a Freight for the Ship if she
loaded this article for Dublin for Owners account, as was
proposed by Captain Sheffield and mentioned to you in my
said Letter, but on the contrary had the Appearance of
leaving a loss to the concerned and the great Improbability
from the same cause of being able to procure a freight for the
Ship for any Port in Europe, determined me not to concur
in sending her on the said proposed plan to St. Petersburgh
from Copenhagen, provided Mr. Ryberg should not have
loaded her. there were Letters from London to Captain
Handy as well as to Captain Sheffield also informing of the
Scarcity of Hemp at Copenhagen, and even if any could be
got there it would be at such a high price as must have left
a loss at Rhode Island, which with the Circumstance of
Captain Sheffields informing me that he would not have
wherewithal to pay for so much goods as would load his
Part of the vessell, made me use all the influence I could to
persuade him from proceeding to Copenhagen, and strongly
recommending his proceeding to L'Orient to load Salt for
1787] RHODE ISLAND 317
Newport. In consequence of his and my disagreeing on this
point I entered the Protest which I now send to Messrs.
Samuel Fowler and Christopher ChampHn, to the former of
whom Mr. Vernon in a Letter I lately received from him
recommended my sending a Power of Attorney in order that
an End may be put to this unfortunate Concern, which I
now more than ever see the Necessity of doing, and have
accordingly empower'd said friends to dispose of my Share
of her and concur with you if you desire it in letting the
Vessell be sent to Providence, either to sell or discharge,
and the sooner the better, as I am resolved to be no longer
connected with Captain Sheffield, whose Conduct I before in-
formed you I was perfectly dissatisfied with, and his recent
Behaviour obliged me to communicate to him my Sentiments
very freely, as you'll see by the Copies of a letter I received
from him at Drogheda and my Note to him in reply, you'll
also see by the Copy of my letter 25th ulto. to Mr. Ryberg,
that he left this without acquainting me where he intended
to proceed with the vessell. Mr. Vernon in his Letter to me
very properly notices the loss of a Cable and Anchor, the
Circumstance of their being stole is rather extraordinary
as they were not of so light Carriage, the Charge of Coll.
Wards Expences at Virginia he has given me Credit for,
as well as for a short Credit in Exchange, which when I
formerly complained of he absolutely refus'd to allow me
for, and likewise obliged me to give him Credit for the one
half of 750 Bushells of Salt at f amount £84.7.6, stopt from
him by Mr. Arnold for Breach of Contract made by Coll.
Ward and Captain Sheffield for a vessell they had bargained
with him for, and upon my telling him this Voyage that I
could only be liable for a fourth of this Sum we left it to a
refference, which was given against me by the Refferees,
before whom and in the Presence of Captain Handy Junior,
he made use of the most improper Language respecting Mr.
Arnolds conduct, and declared that tho' he had exonerated
both Coll Ward and himself from their Agreement yet he
retained the amount of the Salt from him. I askd him to
give me a letter to Mr. Arnold on this subject, that if it
3l8 COMMERCEOF [ 1787
was a fact that he releas'd him from said agreement I might
apply to have the half of the above Sum of £84.7,6 repaid
me by that Gentleman, he did accordingly write the draft
of a letter and told me he would make a fair Copy and leave
it with me, but did not; on the said Subject have only to
remark that from the high Character Captain Sheffield (on
asking me to be concerned in a vessell) gave me of Mr.
Arnold and Coll Ward, made me conclude they and him in
Conjunction would have purchased a vessell on the cheapest
and best Terms from the mutual Benefit of all concerned,
but I find from Captain Sheffields Language he has changed
his opinion of Mr. Arnold, tho' its probable his Vindication
of himself on the Occasion made him say what he afterwards
was sorry for, however be this as it may, I must unless Mr.
Arnold considers me, be a further Loser of £42.3.9 in addition
to the other large Sums lost by the Imprudence of Captain
Sheffield, who seems to me determined (let his Owners sink
or swim) to make all the Money he can out of them, and what
evinces this is his attempt to make them pay his Son 2nd
Mates Wages, a boy that had not been a Month from School,
and was only fit to be put an Apprentice, his other Appren-
tice he makes act as chief Mate, which from his Youth and
inexperience is very improper, and am surprized you allowd
it, his wages should be but small, on looking into his
Account of Overcharges you sent me he has given me Credit
for my Part of them, except those Charges for Expences in
Virginia Cove and St, Eustatius amounting to £15.2.4!
which he absolutely refus'd saying he would have a Refi^er-
ence with you on the same at his Return, when I trust and
hope you'll oblige him to settle all accounts in a fair and
proper Manner, and act with Messrs. Fowler and Champlin
for my j Ballance, my Part should be deducted as he
charged me Commission on every Transaction at each
place; the Staves sent to Waterford remain unsold, would
not bring more there than here from their indifferent Quality
and plenty at Market, herein is the Ships disbursements
and the Freight account, if possible you shall have the Sales
of flaxseed.
1787] RHODE ISLAND 319
Mr. Reuben Harvey of Cork a few days ago wrote me that
the Solicitor of the Revenue had appHed to him for Payment
for £100 the amount of the Bill of Costs for the Crowns
Expences in the Condemnation of the Fame and Goods, for
which amount he joined Captain Sheffield in a Bond. I
wrote him in answer to petition the Commissioners of the
Revenue setting forthe the Hardship of his being obliged to
pay the same, when Captain Sheffield lost his all etc. and
hope it will have a proper effect, tho' from what the Solicitor
told me I beheve it will be insisted on, if so I shall not have
sufficient in my hands out of the Proceeds of the Staves to
pay Mr. Harvey, the difficulty of course must be made
good by all concerned, you will please settle for my \ of the
vessells freight on Voyage to Copenhagen and Rhode Island
with Messrs. Fowler and Champion, wishing for nothing
more than is just and all matters be settled in an amicable
manner; I can have no Objection to continue concernd with
you in this vessell (provided Captain Sheffield is purchased
out) if continued in Trade between this Place and yours or
Providence, and as freight of Ashes are generally to be had
there or to be purchased with red Oak Bark etc. on Owners
account, she might make two Voyages in the year if we are
active on both sides, it has given me great Concern that
we should differ in Opinion about the Copenhagen Voyage
which I dare say were you here you would disapprove of.
I am Gentlemen Your most humble Servant,
Edward Forbes
Christopher Champlin to Brothers DeBauque
Newport, May 30, 1787.
Gentlemen^
I have had the pleasure to receive several of your Favours
and in particular that of March 20th. it gives me pleasure
that the mode pursued in repairing the Dauphm is conform-
able to your request as the Greenland Voyage was at an
end for the Season, and that the articles purchased for your
a/c are such as will afford great profit and intirely useful
320 COMMERCEOF [ 1787
in the whale fishery. Inclosed you have account sales of
your Hemp, Iron, Cordage and Currants net amount
£1012.4.8 to your Credit also Invoice of sundry articles
shiped per the Dauphin on your a/c amounting to £792.12.7,
and likewise my account of expenditure for repairing the
Ship and equiping her for her Voyage to Dunkirk including
money advanced to Captain Haydon amounting to £1351.7.6
both sums to your Debit, my account current is also
inclosed ballanced by sundry Draughts on you vizt.
I. in favour of Murray Mumford and Bowin £120.
I. ditto fav. Benjamin Peirce 250.
I. ditto fav. Alexander Champion 100.
I. ditto fav. Prothero and Claxton 200.
I. ditto fav. Lane Son and Fraser 147.8.8
Sterling £817.8.8
which bills I flatter myself you will duly honour, the
situation our public affairs are under and the Paper Cur-
rency emitted having operated much against commercial
matters has rendered your business very difficult to nego-
tiate. I am happy to have closed it without having any
outstanding Debt at risk, and I flatter self to your satis-
faction, as we have not deviated from your Policy of
Insurance and Captain -Haydon having his Protest and
Survey of the Ship duly authenticated, I doubt not of your
adjusting the Damages with the Underwriters amicably.
Captain Haydon merits your thanks for his very great
attention to your business throughout the whole equipment,
and to him I beg leave to refer you for a number of Particu-
lars. I am with Tenders of my future Service and Esteem,
Gentlemen, Your most humble Servant,
C. C.
[Memo.] Rough Copy of letter to Messrs. Brothers DeBauque at Dunkirk.
1787] RHODE ISLAND 32I
Brothers DeBauque to Christopher Champlin
Dunkirk, 3 July, 1787.
Sir:
We received timely your esteemed favour of i6th april
24th and 30th may contents duely observed : the last handed
by captain Wm. Haydon safe arrived after a short passage
of 22 days; we have found inclosed the several documents
of sales, repairs and Invoice of sundry articles shipped per
the Dauphin, which after examination shall be written in
conformity so as your account current balanced by your
five drafts together £817.8.8 in order several which have
meet with due acceptance; we say you much thanks for
your great attention to our business, which we claim again
as we intend to send back said Ship in about three weeks
when we shall have the pleasure to write you more fully in
the mean while we are with all regard, Sir: Your most
obedient Servants
Brothers DeBauque
Anto. Fr. Thiringk to Benjamin Peirce
, St. Petersburgh, 6th July, 1787.
Sir:
It was a particular pleasure to me, to be informed of your
safe arrival at Copenhagen, wishing that your return home
may be like successfull.
From Mr. Ryberg you'll have learned, that the Sailcloths
and Ravenducks intended on board of your Ship, had been
shipt of already, like I am buisy to do with the hemp, upon
which I hope to be able to inlarge next post and I hope that
both these Consignments will arrive in time so as to make a
sutable Stowage for your Ship. But a pitty 'tis, that from
our great distance, we are prevented of a regular Correspond-
ence to America, which becomes a detriment to trade, like
'tis the present case that on the arrival of several ships from
that part, the prices of the russ Goods have got up amazingly
high, that of clean hemp advanced to Ro. 21 and is held at
322 COMMERCE OF [ 1787
present upon Ro. 22. which by all probability it will come to,
as we are rather short of that article, the inferior sorts of
hemp are rather more reasonable outschott Ro. i8| to 19
and half clean Ro. 17^ to 18. Tallow has been driven up
likewise very high and for the best candle Ro. 37. has been
paid. Iron stands from 112 to 115 Co. the new Sable and
115 to 122 Co. the old Sable. The linnen manufactories
have been greadily bought up of late, by which the price
of Flems went up to Ro. ii| to 12 and the Ravenducks from
Ro. 7 J to 7f Drillings 18 Co. Sailcloths are the only ones
that continue on their former rate from Ro. 7 to 10, according
to Quality.
Both Capt. Simmons of the JViU'in and Henry, as well as
Capt. Benjamin Hodges of the Active, are safe arrived at
this port and are loading for Salem. I expect also the Hind
Capt. McComb, on board of whom I am orderd to ship a
Cargo of Goods on account of Mr. WiUiam Gray Junior,^
and being told by Capt. Simmons, that Mr. Gray addressing
himself to my house, was to be attributed to your friendly
recommendation in favour of the same, I thought it therefore
incumbent upon me, to accept of the earliest opportunity,
to return you my warmest thanks for this kind mark of
friendship, assuring you at the same time, that I'll in
particular exert my best. Endeavours to do honour to your
friendly recommendation and shall be happy in the oppor-
tunity of making you sutable returns.
I inclose within a List of our last years Exports by which
you'll find all the articles specified that are to be had from
hence, which may serve for your Govern and begging to
be remembred to both Mr. Christo. Champlin and Mr.
George Champlin as well as Messrs. Sam'l Fowler and Son I
remain with the most perfect Regard, Sir : Your most
obedient humble Servant,
Anto. Fr. Thiringk
1 Of Salem.
1787] RHODE ISLAND 323
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin and
Samuel Fowler and Son
Dublin, 20th July, 1787.
GentSy
I wrote you last the 15th May relative my concern in the
Brigantine Fame and to settle accounts with her Master
Aaron Sheffield to which please be referr'd. Inclosed you
have sales of F. Seed per the Ship Hope Nt. Proceeds
£2455.17.9 the ^ being £1227.18.10! is placed at the
Credit your respective Accounts holding you accountable
should any of the Outstanding debts prove bad. I have
not yet received Sales of the 125 Hhds. f. seed sent to Sligo
tho am in daily expectation of them but have as yet rec'd
only 7o£ in part of their proceeds, as soon as them sales
come to hand you shall have the Account Sales of the 203
Hhds. per the Fame Capt. Sheffield, it gives me real con-
cern these sales have not returned out so profitable to you
as I could have wish'd tho every exertion on my part was
made to render them on my part as advantageous as possible.
Our crop of Grain promises well; from the accounts received
from the country there will be no f : seed saved. The
unsettled state of Holland does not promise that we shall
have much seed from that country but the price of it here
depends upon the Quantity imported from your Continent.
Pot Ashes have advanced to 32 per Ct. Pearl Ashes 38/ to
40 per Ct. referring you to my letter to you and respectfully
I remain Gent., Your most humble Servant,
Edw'd Forbes
[Endorsed,] Per the Dublin Packett, via Philadelphia.
Hewes and Anthony to Christopher Champlin
Philadelphia, 27th August, 1787.
Dear Sir,
We have labour'd in vain through the Summer to dispose
of the Arrack and Schrub. Limes and Lemmons have been
so plenty, that the latter will not sell at any price and the
324 COMMERCE OF [^7^7
former is so little made use of here that we have only been
able to dispose of about 30 Gallons at a low price, the
Casks are old and rather leakey; the hoops some times
start, being rusty and rotten, that they often call our
attention for fear of great and sudden Loss, we wish you
could direct us what to do with them, for from the Tryal
we have had they will not sell here, we remain affection-
ately, your Friends,
J. Hewes and Anthony
Certificate relating to the Paper Medium
OF this State
We the Underwritten Merchants and Traders of Newport
and State of Rhode Island do hereby certify to Whom it
may Concern that the late paper Emission of Money issued
by this State hath depreciated in the proportion set against
each Month, in which paper Money all Duties and Imposts
of every kind of Imports either by Citizens or Foreigners
is customarily paid at the specified values on the face of
the bill altho depreciated vizt.
1786. July 8j- to I2J for I Spanish Milled Dollar.
August dull at 12. for i do.
Sept '. . . 3 Dollars for i do.
Oct 3 and 4 for i do.
Nov 4 and 5 for i do.
Dec 5 for I do.
1787. January 5 and 6 for i do.
February
March .
April . .
May . .
June . .
July . .
Aug.
> 6 for I do.
6 and 7 for i do.
No. B. Most Current at six for one of late supposed
owing to the demand for a Tax just finishing the Collection.
Jno. L. Bass
Thos. Rowland
Jos'h Bass, Jun.
1787] RHODE ISLAND 325
Brothers DeBauque to Christopher Champlin
Dunkirk, 28th August, 1787.
Sir:
Since our last respects of the 3d past the destination of
the Dauphin has been changed and she proceeded for the
whale fishery at the Brazils coast under the command of
Uriah Swain. Your very esteemed letter of the 14th July
by the Dunkirk safe to harbour directed to F. Rotch esqr.
has been handed to us by said friend who intends to sett off
for America in very short days, he shall have the pleasure
to satisfy him self upon your several demands and inform
you fully of all articles which might be imported and exported
from both places at mutual advantage, at the foot you shall
find the price current of the tobacco, Rice, Molassis etc.
for your regulation. We are Respectfully, Sir : Your most
obedient Servant,
Brothers DeBauque
Tobacco from £33 to £45 [i. e. livres^ per centum according to the quality.
Rice £21 per Centum.
Molasses £18 per Centum. Our Weight is almost the same as yours, we allow
17 per Ct. deduction upon the Tobacco, for the Cask, Nails, good weight etc. 13
per Ct. upon the Rice, 18 per Ct. upon Molasses, all charges Commission in-
cluded does not exceed 8 per Ct. We shall write you per the Hope Captain
Gyles, who intends to sail for Newport in about ten days.
Edward Forbes to Welcome Arnold, Samuel Ward
AND Samuel Vernon, Jr.
Dublin, 30 August, 1787.
Gentlemen,
I had the Pleasure to write you fully the 15 May per the
Brownlow via New York who I find arrived safe. I am since
favor'd with yours of the 21st June its Contents have made
due Note of. You'll find the Fame Captain Sheffield in
pursuance of your Orders proceeded to Copenhagen, and
left that Place the 17th May for Newport where I hope she
has long since arrived, am concerned to see by your letter
that you were much disappointed as well as dissatisfied,
326 COMMERCE OF [178?
that I did not agree to load my 4 of the Fame at Copen-
hagen with Hemp agreeable to the Plan you had laid down,
however when you come to be informed that none could be
procured and that the vessell was obliged to return without,
you'll find my Information respecting that article was not
premature as you alledge but too well founded, and cannot
doubt upon reflection you will blame yourselves for having
plann'd that Voyage, without leaving me at liberty in
Concurrence with the Captain to have sent her upon some
other; with Respect to what you say of the remoteness of
my situation at the time you planned said Voyage, that it
was out of your Power to consult me on her future Employ-
ment without loosing the Freight of flaxseed that then ofFer'd
for Dublin, yet surely as she was to come here, it must have
been supposd altho' so distant from America, that I was
nearer at hand to procure the necessary Information of the
price of Hemp at Copenhagen, and consequently be left to
judge for the mutual benefit of the concerned whether the
Voyage was eligable or likely to leave a profit, supposing
Hemp to be generally sold with you at £42 Currency per
ton, nor did you say this price was to be paid in Specie as
your Letter will shew, besides with much defferance to your
greater Experience, I conceive that I was to be intitled to
an Option whether I would pursue such a Scheme or not,
particularly when my Interest was so materially concerned.
I do however find a Majority of Owners hath a Power to
fix upon a Voyage, yet they are bound to make the dissenting
Owner proper Recompence for his Share of the Vessells
Freight, which you never propos'd to me in case that I did
not choose for to load my part at Copenhagen, tho' am
pleased to find by your last letter that in this Point you agree
with me, as you say you expected I should be benefited my
part of the Freight whether I was a shipper or not, and
sincerely hope the Goods shipt by Mr. Ryberg for your
accounts will make you a good Voyage; as I cannot doubt of
your getting a freight of Seed for the Fame to this place if
you should incline to do it, apprehend she would fetch a
better price here than with you, as a Mediteranean Pass
1787] RHODE ISLAND 327
could be procured for her if owned by Residents in conse-
quence of her unfortunate Condemnation.
I have not been informed by Mr. Harvey if he has paid the
Bond he was join'd in by Captain Sheffield, but suppose at
November Courts it will be enforced, when the Sales of the
Staves are made they will fall far short of paying Messrs.
Arnold and Wards Part, as the deduction for the Deficiency
in their flaxseed (which has fallen short half a bushell in
each Cask) will be considerable, besides attended with
heavy Expences of Affidavits and Measuring, and I must
add such Practices are not only a Discredit to the Seller but
also to your State, and greatly hurt its Reputation and makes
it difficult to sell. If Complaints are made to our Linen
Board a Law may be pass'd to confiscate such as may be
found difficient of proper Measure, or else Officers will be
appointed to measure it on arrival, which will be attended
with a heavy Expence, therefore am to intreat that you will
inform your friends, and desire them not to ship any flaxseed
in future that hath not its full Compliment in each Cask, as
well as being properly cleand, which was not the Case with
what came here last Season, the New York Seed by its being
so well cleand, Neatness of Casks and having good Measure
has always commanded a preff'erance in every Port in the
Kingdom. Our Crop of Flax and Grain is good and plenti-
fuU, but do not learn there will be any of the Flaxseed saved,
the price of which next Spring will depend upon the Quantity
that may come to Market. I do not think we shall have
any from Holland, at least it will be very little. Pot Ash
1st Quality 30/ to 32/, best white Pearl Ashes 38/ to 40/,
Oils in plenty and poor prices. I am, Gentlemen, Your
most humble Servant
E. Forbes
328 commerceof [ 1787
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin and
Samuel Fowler and Son
Dublin, August 31st, 1787.
Gents,
Since my last respects of the 20th ulto. handing sales of
your Flaxseed per the Hope, have not received any of your
favors. Having at last received Sales of that shipt to Sligo,
above you have the account Sales of what you shipt per the
Fame Captain Sheffield, Neat proceeds £427.11.11 the |
being £213.15.11!, is placed at your respective Credits,
in Account Current, it gives me much concern that this
adventure has turned out so very poorly, in shipping what
I did, however for Sligo was done with the best intention
for your Interest, and flatter myself you will view it in that
light, it would certainly have neated you £3.10/ there
but for the immense Quantity poured in from all parts of the
Kingdom.
Your having suffered by this article should induce you to
purchase it this Season with caution, I mean as to price, keep-
ing in view that the Consumption of this Kingdom should
be estimated at 32 m to 35.000 Hhds, allowing for what may
miscarry for Losses at Sea in coming from America, last
spring about 2400 Hhds were lost; and our prices are regu-
lated by the Quantity tliat comes to Market, as it should
yours by the Quantum of the Crops which I hear is very
considerable with you. Our oil mills have given from 45/
to 50/ for such seed as they have hitherto purchased which
I mention for your government. Mr. Norris told me he had
several complaints of his seed not holding out the usual
Measure of 7 bushells. I had also of some from Messrs.
Arnold and Ward, whose casks were deficient ^ a bushel
each and of course deductions and charges etc. is the
consequence, besides the discredit to the Seller as well as to
the province from whence it is imported, such very im-
proper practices will I fear if continued cause our Legislature
to pass severe laws — if not to confiscate, they will appoint
Officers to measure it at importation, which will be adding
1787] RHODE ISLAND 329
to the heavy expences already laid on it; I hope I shall have
no complaints of any of yours, however let me intreat your
attention in having what you ship better cleaned, a good
Measure in each and the Cask made to a proper guage,
such as are made at New York and providence. What I
had from Mr. Handy and Messrs. Russels were the best
cleaned brightest seed and neatest casks that came from
your state, the casks are made to the New York size to
which assure you our country people are often very attentive.
you should discourage your Country Coopers from con-
tinuing to make their Casks so long as they do, and brand
your Name on the head of the Cask with Rhode Island.
The New Yorkers have so well supported their character
in all these respects that their seed in general is preferred in
every port in Ireland, and as I am persuaded what comes
from your place and New England States to be equal if not
prefferable, am convinced if its properly attended to in the
beforementioned matters it will be as much sought after
as any other; having often mentioned to you before these
circumstances that you should be attentive thereto, excuse
me for I have no view in it but your good and remain most
respectfully, Gent., Your most humble Servant,
Edw'd Forbes
P. S. Capt. Sheffield inform'd me Mr. Ward and Arnold's
seed was cleaned at Newport, so that in fact they are not
to blame. Indeed it would be well done to have your friends
inform'd of the necessity of putting good Measure into the
Casks, and have it better cleaned and remember the Fann
should be the last operation, of which circumstance you'll
oblige me to communicate to Mrs. Cath. Easton and Mr.
Handy, as I should to your Neighbour Mr. Gibbs were I
in correspondance with him. I am perswaded he will take
it kind in you to inform him about the Fann. It will make
the seed look a great deal brighter which should be attended
to as it is in N. York. The Fame Capt. Sheffield sail'd
from Copenhagen for your place the 17th May, and hope
she is long since arrived safe, have by this packet wrote
330 COMMERCEOF [ 1787
Messrs. Arnold, Ward and Vernon in answer to a letter of
theirs dated 21st June, by next opportunity will send you
the Copy, as she is a fast sailer hope these Gent have
bought her in for their and my Account as a Medittareanen
Pass could be procured for her if owned here, think she
would sell as well if not better than at Newport, you no
doubt received my letter of the 15th May via New York.
September nth, 1787.
P. S. I do not send Copy of my Letter to Messrs. Arnold,
Ward and Vernon. The only matter in theirs worth com-
municating is. That they write me "That they expected me
to be benifited my part of the Freight whether I was a Ship-
per or not," which Sentiments corroborates the Opinion
I've of those friends and no doubt they will pay you a
reasonable freight for the Copenhagen Voyage. Most
respectfully I remain Gent, your obedient Servant
Edw'd Forbes
[Endorsed,] Per the Phenix, via New London.
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin
Dublin, 1st September, 1787.
Sir^
I HAD this pleasure the 3d Ulto advising you of Captain
Pierces bill on me from Copenhagen for your account for
£250 in part of your bill on me in his favor for £425 Brit:
By the Ship Hope Capt. Gyles lately arriv'd at London I
received your always esteem'd favor of the 7th July repeating
your request that I would honor your bill before mentioned
in favor of Captain Pierce, which I once more beg leave to
inform you I should have done at the time of its presentation
were it not that I was then under some heavy engagements
and Advances for consignments from America which drained
me of all my ready cash, the Credits given on its products
being generally 4 and 6 Months and the sale often so tedious
that its a considerable time frequently before the Money
comes round. However tho it's even now exceedingly
1787] RHODE ISLAND 33I
inconvenient I have this post written to Mr. Ryberg if he
shipt you goods per Capt. Pierce's Vessel for Amount of the
remainder of said bill being £175 that I would honor his
draft for the same, wishing thereby to convince you that
I would strain a point to serve and oblige you, all in my
power. I must however remark, it is not here as it is in
London where the Bankers and monied men are glad of
opportunitys to lend money on goods or other securities,
here no Bankers will lend a shilling to any person in trade
or otherwise. Undeniable good bills only at 60 days will
they discount; from this circumstance together with the
long Credits they get on dry goods the Merchants in London
have it more effectually in their power to serve their friends
than we in this kingdom can do, from the great scarcity of
cash as well as the short credit obtained for our dry goods
owing to the poverty of our Manufacturers, and tho I have
wrote Mr. Ryberg I would honor the remainder of your
bill yet I believe its very unusual for Merchants in America
to ask their correspondents here to advance Money for them
when they have no effects in their hands, and when you
come to reflect also upon the Scarcity of Cash in this King-
dom and that people in trade can make double Interest upon
their Capitals you will I am persuaded think it unreasonable
to expect Money can be advanced to Persons so remote for
bare Interest, in fact I always charge 2| per Ct. Commission
besides, where even by accident that I have been obliged to
do the like as is the case at present with Messrs. Fowlers
and Mr. Handy by reason of my having shipt them goods
exceeding the value of their property put in my hands in
estimating of which I find I overrated what they produced,
nor do I make it a practice to do so in any case where I
have not property in my hands and I have the vanity to
say no person here hath done more for to serve their cor-
respondants by my punctuality and attention to their
concerns. You will please also to observe I am now in
advance for Messrs. Fowler's sales and yours above £230
notwithstanding I remitted your London friends the sums
you respectively desired even without waiting to be in cash
332 COMMERCE OF [1787
for the same, (which indeed them friends are general very
pressing for and for which Messrs. Lane Son and Frazer re-
turned me their thanks) exclusive of which you will find
by the inclosed abstract of your Account Current that you
are now indebted to me £70.10.6 without any charge being
made for the Interest. It gives me much satisfaction to
find the Linens shipt you by the Hope met with your appro-
bation so much as that you say you will be induced to order
larger Quantities next year, you may rest assured of my best
attention to your Interest in all your commands and hope
as opportunity offers to experience your kind influence with
such of your acquaintances as may be sending consignments
here, with the greatest truth and sincerity I remain, Sir,
Your most Obedient Servant,
Edward Forbes
P. S. If Mr. Ryberg advanced the Amount of the
beforementioned sum of £175 Stg. you'll of course not remit
him but me referring you to my letter to your good self
and Messrs. Fowlers and Son per packet with sales of your
Flaxseed per Fame.
Thompson and Gordon to Christopher Champlin
Newry [Ireland], 9th September, 1787.
Sir
The present serves to advise you that pot ashes have
been demanded price 30/ per Ct. flaxseed sold last Season
from 60/ to 65/ and tis now certain We shall require full as
great a Supply ensuing one, as then, on sending any hence
advise dinnaging [dunnaging] with Barrell Staves, we
confirm that [on] arrival of such Consignments, we shall
advance [in] full supposd value in our Manufactures by
return of vessell without waiting Sale of f by bill on Lon-
don, remitting balance on event of Sale, our Linens are
rather cheaper than last year, are respectfully Your
Obedient Servants,
Thompson and Gordon
1787 ] RHODEISLAND 333
Francis Rotch to Christopher Champlin
Dunkirk, nth September, 1787.
Dear Sir,
I have received your several favors relating to the
Dauphin, you must 'ere this reaches you be informed of her
safe arrival after a short passage of 22 days. She is since
sailed upon the Southern Fishery from this port. Your
bills for the repairs of that ship have all been duly honored.
I expected more premium in the Exchange, there being
but the course of post which makes only one weeks difference
of time on bills drawn on this place or London, which if
payable in London, ought to fetch the highest premium.
My friends have written to you occasionally, to their
advices respecting the markets here, I beg leave to refer you,
being with great esteem, Dear Sir, Your sincere friend and
obedient Servant,
F. Rotch
I beg your care of the inclosed to my Brothers house at
Nantucket.
[Endorsed,] Per the Hope, Captain Giles.
Anto. Fr. Thiringk to Christopher Champlin
St. Petersburgh, ist October, 1787.
Sir:
Having been favourd with a Letter of worthy Capt. Ben
Peirce from Copenhagen in date the 9th August last, by
which this friend desired of me, to be inform'd of the State
of our market for russ products, I accept of this opportunity
to pay you my respects at the same time, and flatter myself
you'll be pleased with my Advices concerning matters of
trade, that you may be the better ineabled to take your
direction accordingly next season.
Our this years prices for russ products, have been driven
up extravagantly high and still continues that of clean hemp
upon Ro. 25. Outshott hemp Ro. 21. half clean hemp Ro.
334 COMMERCEOF [ 1787
19. and hemp codilla Ro. 9 to 10 per Berq't Tallow from Ro.
40 to 41, and notwithstanding the season is pasd thus far,
nevertheless there is all likelyhood that the Stock remaining
upon the spot will be exported intirely, the same being but
of little consequence.
The like case is it with the russ Linnen manufactories,
particularly the Flems and Ravenducks that have been
greadily bought up, the former at Ro. 12, and the latter
from Ro. 7j to Ro. 7I per piece Drillings 18 Cop. per Arschin,
our Market has been swept likewise of 15000. pieces Sail
cloths that were bought by order of Goverment and by this
prices have advanc'd about a half ruble per piece.
Regarding our contracting business for the insuing Season,
the same will be much influenced by the affairs in Holland
that has such a dangerous appearance but of late and
t[h]reatened a rupture to all Europe, but tydings being come
in by the last mail, that by the assistance of the King of
Prussia, the Stadholder had been reinstated and installd
again, there are great hopes that matters will remain quiet
and easy on that score, and as to the war with the Turks,
that has been declared, but of late 'tis thought that the two
imperial powers only will have their hands therein. In
case matters remain in this Situation one should think that
the prices of naval Stores must undergo a decline and as far
as there is to be judged of present appearance, my opinion is
that clean hemp may be contracted at about Nineteen
Rubles per Berqowitz all the money advanced before hands
and the hemp deliverable in June and July next, in propor-
tion of which, the price of Cordage may run from 220. to
230. Copecks per pud duty comprehended. But Tallow
and of course the like Candles 'tis thought to continue dear
in price for some time to come, as the very dry weather in
one part and the heavy rains in others, that have had this
season, have destroyed the Grass, by which the Catties have
sufFer'd very much, like we fall short of corn throughout this
Impire, the price of which is run up to a hight never experi-
enced before. For these very reason the prices of Iron may
maintain also, as the works in the mines have been stopd
1787] RHODE ISLAND 335
for want of sufficiency of water, the present rates run from
112. to 125. Co. per pud according to quality and as to the
russ Linnens, I do not suppose that their prices will lower,
particularly as a great deal of Flems and Ravenducks is
wanted for the Army, which on the present occasion is
much augmenting.
My only wish being to become of service to your good
selves and to incourage your trade as much as possible I
beg leave to observe further, that as you lay so near to the
West Indies, your Ships could be imployd that way during
the winter to fetch from thence those Goods sutable for this
markett, which I am told to be made practicable and by
which not only a duble freight may be gaind, but this trade
become lucrative to you in some other respects, as this
meight form a direct Importation, when hitherto all West
Indigo Goods are come hither by a second hand.
The most properest articles from thence sutable at this
market, are St. Domingo Sugars of a bright and white grain
that's substancial, also small blew beamd Coffee and
best St. Domingo Indigo, which sells readily here and I
would have no objections to make you direct returns for
the same in russ products. Cochineal of a darkisch
colour is likewise an important article imported hither and
some boards of Mahogany wood would do likewise for a
tryall. Rice is also made use of here and about twenty
Casks on board of a Ship would do at a time, from the
bay of Hunduras [Hudson] we are used to get furrs by the
way of London, such as beavers, wolves and sable skins or
small fox skins, if you have a chance of getting at them,
they may sell likewise and on your having once tryd these
articles, a scheme could be laid for increasing these branches,
as any Goods which you are able to give in return for your
wants of russ products, must be more to your Interest, than
the providing of Cash. But on the first occasion I would
not advice you to extend the value of your Consignment
to more than four to five thousand Pounds Sterling and
even that to consist of a variety of the articles mentioned,
till you experience the success thereof, and whatever Goods
336 COMMERCEOF [ 1787
you destine for this place, I must recommand in particular,
that they may be of the very best sorts in their respective
kind, as our people are very nice and wont touch at any
indifferent ones.
I hope this detail will be agreeable to you, to which I add
the List of our this years exports for America, by which you'll
find in what manner trade to your parts is increasing. I
have said already and beg leave to repeat, that it will be a
particular satisfaction to me to become of service to you
and the trade to your country, to which I am the more apt
from the capacity I am in and being a subject to this
Empire I enjoy all the prerogatives and priviledges of a
Native, which 111 gladly make my friends partake of, to
forward their interest as much as there lays in my
power, our mutual good friend Mr. Ryberg at Copenhagen
will confirm this to you, and on your writing me by
the packetts over London, I should be glad if you would
inclose your letters by Messrs. John Wm. Anderson and
Comp'y at that place, which is likewise a capital house
and may become of service to you. like I should be glad
to know before hands, what kind of Goods you'll stand in
need of next season, that preparations may be made for the
same, which is chiefly the case when cordage and tallow
candles are wanted. Recommanding myself to your favours
and friendship I remain with the most perfect regard, Sir:
Your most obedient humble Servant
Anto. Fr. Thiringk
Amsterdam 37J. London 39^.
Frolich and Co. to Christopher Champlin
[Copenhagen,] the 6th of October, 1787.
Sir,
We crave your reference to what our Mr. Frolich did him-
self the Honor to write per Captain Pierce and have now
the pleasure to wait on you with the annexed Circular re-
questing at the same time a renewal of our former Connec-
tions, which by our facultys we are able to maintain, your
78?
RHODE ISLAND
337
^^^.^-^ C^^ Cofenfiagtn tit i{* of Offolier 1787
Sir
^
he poytinrtlilp bilwecn me (ind Mi . ENf ANUEL BOZENHARD under ihe Urm
of J. J. FRCJLICH & Comp. hecams di/iolvcd tie 3 Dili of /ipnll last Tear, jtnc^
which the j^ffairs of said Estabtishinerit aye so far arranged, that ^ am now enablti'
to take the Liquidation upon my sett ""d fettle thesame undlr my private Sipnatiire.
Bein^ thus in Capacity to continue the Euf/uicft of my House , which during
the last seventeen JIffontfif f.cnie been cnrried on in Siiccefsiun by Mefrj_ FALKNEH
& MEYER. ^' J beg leave to aeqiutint Ton, that 1 hat/e formed a Partnerswp with
snid friends which from this day begins wider the Firm o/FROLTCK & Comp.
ff^e intend chiefly to confine ounelces in executing, Commlfsions and shall
jointly enforce our zeal for the Interest of our Employers, which on every Occasion
shall be handled with the stri£lest Honour and Integrety.
Please to take Notice of our respeSitve Signatures as at foot, Retommending
my Rouse to Tour favors andfrtendsjiip I remain with the most perfeSi Consideration:
Sir
Tmr most obedient humble Servant
Who will subscribe in future.
Sigiiature of ToHr oh* h'' Scrv^
EMANUEL FALKNER.
Signature of Tour ob* h'^ Serv*
J. R. MEYER.
338 COMMERCEOF [ 1787
Interest with that Ardour as any other House here.
Notwithstanding our prior partner mentioned to you that
the Sale for the Teas here upon the Spot would not be held
till next Spring; yet the same has since been published to
take place the 17th Instant, but it is still probable that the
Vendue may be put of till next Year, as the Troubles in
Holland are now come to their utmost Crises and unless
decided by that time, no Auction will be held of said Article
this Season. We expect another Vessell from China dayly,
but dread some Accident has happened to her, which detains
her in some port or other. Hemp and Sail Cloth maintains
their prices in Petersburg and as a declaration of War is
issued by the Turks against the Russians, there is very little
prospect that the prices will be lower in the course of next
year, particularly Hemp we have reason to believe will
advance, as the Theater of War will be near the Ukraine,
from whence the greatest part is brought down to Peters-
burg. Should you resolve to have any of those articles
next year we request your timely orders, that our friend
may watch the best Opportunity to provide what may be
wanted.
We remain respectfully, Sir, Your obedient humble
Servants
Frolich & Co.
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin and
Samuel Fowler
Dublin, 22d October, 1787.
Gentlemen^
By this conveyance who is still detain'd, I had the pleasure
of writing Messrs. Samuel Fowler and Son in reply to a letter
I had lately from them and the greater part relateing to my
unfortunate concern in the Fame^ take leave to refer you
thereto with the inclosures. This day I received via Cork
your esteem'd favor of the 12th September, of its contents
have made due note. Am satisfied with your having con-
firmd the Sale of my Share of that Vessel tho' sold for so
1787 ] RHODEISLAND 339
small a price, sincerely hopeing Captain Sheffield and his
new Connections may be more fortunate then his late Owners
were. Better had it been for me to have presented him
with 600 Guineas the day I first saw him and have had noth-
ing further to say to him, for exclusive of the Loss should
have been saved an immensity of pleague and trouble for
which have had only ungratefull returns from him.
Observe the settlement you have made of the Vessels
freight for the Copenhagen Voyage, whereby you have paid
£21.17.3^ for my j of the Portige bill and am to receive
only £9.0.11 Sterling for my Share of the freight, without
takeing notice of my Part of her Outfitt from hence for that
Place, consequently am a considerable looser. From this
mode of settlement the custom in the like case under simular
circumstances would have been done in a different manner
here; as I am inform'd I should have been if settled in this
place awarded, if not full freight for my Fourth at least
have had that much of what freight she should have made
as if the other Owners had actually laden the f of the Vessel
— for this reason, that she was sent on the Voyage contrary
to my approbation (as my protest with you will shew) the
other owners having done so with a View of loading her on
their own Accounts (and not to look for a freight as none
could be expected there), with an article that one of them
the Master was well informd before he proceeded could not
be procured, and if it was, he declared he had not wherewith-
all to pay for his own. Neither did the other Owners send
sufficient funds to load their respective parts, which in such
a Case they ought to have provided for. their not doing so
would here subject them to pay the dissenting Owners part
of what they were bound to have laden in her. But I
presume you did not see the affair in this light, or I must
have got more.
Previous to the receipt of your letter and by this Opor-
tunity I furnished Messrs. Arnold, Ward and Vernon with
their respective Accounts Current of which Copies are
inclosed, by which you will see they owe me the Ballances
following: Mr. Arnold £7.1.8; Mr. Ward . .
340 COMMERCEOF [ 1787
. . . £14.14.10!; and Mr. Vernon £0.18.9.
which I wrote them to remit me by some of the Flaxseed
Ships bound to this Kingdom, which be so good to know from
them if they intend doing, if they do not, then please to
receive from them said Ballances with their proportion of
the Sum of £9.0.11 Brit. Stg. my part of the Ships freight.
Captain Sheffield's Account Current is inclosed in my letter
to Messrs. Fowler ballance due to me thereby is £1.5.1
Irish exclusive of the £4.7.8! received of my Candles per
your letter, also j freight for the lof Hhds Flaxseed being
£5.19.7! Irish with j of £2.6.8 received from Mrs. Cooke
all which you'l be pleased to receive from him with any other
sums you may think me intitled to receive from him as I
have no Correspondance with him.
In mine to Messrs. Fowlers I requested you to dispose of
my share of the Candles and invest their produce in new
well cleaned flaxseed and in case you cannot barter them
for this article in time to ship the same early in the Season,
then endeavour to barter them for Pot Ash fds in first
Quality and 3 in the Second Sort, or in best white Pearl-
ashes, but if you cannot do either then please to dispose of
them to best advantage as if they were your own (Tobacco
excepted.) There is still £68.15 debt due by Wm. Edgar
on Sales your flaxseed, tho have his draft accepted by
another person from the two hope to be paid, very truely
I remain, Gentlemen Your obedient Servant,
Edward Forbes
Anto. Fr. Thiringk to Christopher Champlin
St. Petersburgh, 29th October, 1787.
Sir:
I had the honour of paying you my respects the first
Inst., which I doubt not will be come safe to hands, and by
the present I think it as needful to inform you, that the
news of a rupture betwixt Great Brittain and France being
apprehended, has occasioned some revolutions in our trade
likewise.
1787 ] RHODEISLAND 34I
The principal effect which this has had, has been upon the
new prices of hemp for next season, which have broke as
early as high; clean hemp being contracted at Ro. 23. with
all the money advanced before hands, the hemp to be de-
livered in June and July next, as also at Ro. 25. with Ro.
5 per Berk'z down the remainder payable at the delivery,
which is likewise about midsummer. Sailcloths continue
to be looked for, several thousand pieces have been laid in
to answer any future demand, by which the prices of the
same are advanced from 10. to 15. per Cent. The other
russ Linnen manufacturies are almost ingaged, the Flems
from Ro. 11^ to 12. Ravenducks from Ro. 7^ to 7! per
piece and Drillings from 18. to 18^ Cop. per Arschin. Flax
has also been contracted at Ro. 24. with all the money
advanced before hands. Iron maintains its price likewise
from 112 to 125. Co. per pood; notwithstanding the parcell
laying upon the spot may be computed at a milHon and a
half of poods.
As uncertain as matters are, from the many clouds
gathering in the political hemisphere, nevertheless 'tis not
to be supposed, that the prices of these Goods will undergo
any decline for the time to come, as the first purchases of
the same in the interial parts of the country, have been made
extraordinary high, besides carriage and Labourage are
become so very dear, on account of the scarcity of all kinds
of food, which has its natural effect upon every article in
trade; and so all the clean hemp that's laying upon the
spot, has been ingaged at Ro. 24I per B'z to be deliver'd
either at present, or early next Spring. Tallow is the only
article that's undergone a rapid decline, the price of the
same being fallen to Ro. 35. per B'z owing to the intire stop
of any further purchases on brittish account.
I thought it the more needful to give you this timely
information, that you may be the better ineabled to take
you directions accordingly, with what Goods you may
happen to have upon hands, which from the prices they have
been laid in at may offer'd you the more advantage.
Both Coffee and Sugars are likewise rising, particularly
342 COMMERCEOF [ 1787
the former, upon which great Speculation is made, our
whole stock being laid hold of by almost one hand, by which
the price is advanc'd to Ro. 15. per pood, good substantial
white St. Domingo Sugar of a bright grain may fetch from
Ro. 6| to 7. per pood. Cochineal is demanded hkewise at
Ro. 190. to 200. per pood, with Indigo our markett is rather
provided yet. whosoever any of the first class early in
Spring will always obtain its price. I should be glad if
you could get at these articles, as according to what I wrote
you before, they may leave a good profitt. within I inclose
a dupplicat of the List of our this years Exports for America
that you may become the better judge of the nature of your
trade and recommanding myself to your favours and friend-
ship I remain most respectfully. Sir :
Amsterdam 38/, London \o\d.
F. Baudin to Ethan Clarke and Co.
St. Martin's, Isle of Rhe, November 2d, 1787.
I AM indebted to Captain Joseph Gardiner of your Sloop
Industry for the honour of an Introduction to you. he
came here from Rochelle for a Cargo of Salt which I supply'd
him with together with four pipes of our common low proof
Brandy and 18 Casks of prime quality white wine Vinegar,
the amount of which he pay'd me in Cash and in the pro-
ceeds of a parcel of hhds. Staves he had on board, the
Invoice of the Cargo and Sales of the Staves he is bearer of
and will communicate both to you. the Staves were sold
at a high price and Liv : 50 per Thousand more than the
1787 ] RHODEISLAND 343
like could sell again unless there was a great scarcity. I
shall be happy if this begining would induce you to more
considerable dealings in our quarters, especially in sending
back Captain Gardiner with an assorted Cargo of the same
produce he brought this Voyage, the Tar fetch 'd a good
price and will keep up if as it is very likely we have war
with England. Pipe and Barril Staves have more demand
here than the hhd. but the other kinds will sell in preffer-
ence. if you were to send the Industry to Carolina for such
an other Cargo, she might take some Buck and deer Skins,
the last imported from Mississipy fetch'd Liv. 3 to 3I per
lb. Some Casks of Rice, a small parcell of Indigo and other
products from Carolina but no Tobacco as all our Marlets
are now glutted with that Commodity which the holders
can find no Sale for tho' they offer it at £28. Liquors
and wines are much higher in price on account of the bad
wine Crop we have had. the Augumentation has been of
30 per Ct. on Brandys within three months, which must
undoubtedly influence on the prices with you. Captain
Gardiner has taken the cheapest in prefFerence. he could
have had some of a higher proof but the price rises in pro-
portion from £4.10 per velt for the common sort to £6 for
the London Standard Cognac. The price of Salt is also in
proportion to the quality from £360 per 28 Moys to £500
for the whitest kind, that which Mr. Gardiner loaded at
£430 is of a good quality and clear colour'd large grain no
doubt answerable for your market. You may Gentlemen
if you think proper keep the Industry constantly employ'd
to this port, being a small vessell you will always be sure of
a good and quick Sale for her imports which as much as
possible must be assorted in the different articles your Coun-
try affords.
Should any of your friends have dealings to transact here
in the Salt, wine or Liquor Branches, I beg you will recom-
mend my house to 'em and be assur'd that your or their
Interests will be taken care of as my own. I most sincerely
am, Sirs, Your very humble Servant,
F. Baudin
344 commerceof [ 1787
John Freebody to Christopher Champlin
Newbern, 12th November, 1787
Sify
These will inform you with my safe arrival here, but find
markets exceedingly dull, as yet have not dispos'd of any
of your Goods, excepting about 50 Lbs. of Nails, which I
have sold at 2/6 per lb. your goods I cannot sell as low as
the Merchants from Philadelphia and New York sell theirs,
their Goods are laid in lower than yours, and they sell at 4.
for one from the Sterling Cost, the most I have been ofFer'd
for the Rum is 7/. per Gallon you may be assur'd that I
do the utmost in my power to dispose of them to the best
advantage, should be glad of a Line from you, respecting
them. I am, Sir, Your most Obedient Humble Servant,
John Freebody
W. India Rum 6/6 to 7/ N. E. Do. 5/6 to 5/9
Molasses 3/4 to 3/6. Brow [n] Sugar 100/ to 120 per Cwt.
Loaf Sugar 3/ per lb. CofFe 4/ Chocolate 3/.
Corn 25/ per bbl. Tarr 12/ Turpentine 12/ Pitch 14.
Tobacco 57/6 to 60/ Tallow 1/6 Beeswax ^/Sd.
Flaxseed 12/ per bushel. Exchange from 14/ to 16/ per Dollar.
Terms For Covering Freight
It is to be engaged to procure American registers and other
essential documents to establish compleatly and effectually
not only the property of the vessel or vessels so covered,
but also the Cargo or Cargoes, they may be laden with, as
American property altho' they may bona fide, belong to
individuals of the British or French nation, and the Vessel
or Vessels, and also their Cargoes be British or French
property during their navigation, in the American, European
or other Seas.
This business is performed compleatly in the Neutral
Governments of Europe for a small Commission on the
freight, the bona fide proprietors paying exclusively the
expence of fees, and other expances officially incurred in
America. W. Green
Norfolk, Virginia, 21 November, 1787.
1787 ] RHODEISLAND 345
I have fully considered the business above stated and
unless there should be more difficulties, for the future in
procuring the necessary papers and Documents for this
purpose than we have hitherto experienced or than I at
present foresee, I will engage to comply fully with the above
for the undermentioned rates vixt.
If the freight the vessel makes be one 1 ^ ,
, 11-1 r ^ne and a
thousand pounds without any rererence \ ^ ^
. 1 ri r^ Uuarter per Lent,
to the value ot her Largo J
If freight be above Two thousand 1 Two and a half per
pounds or two thousand pounds . . J Cent.
and this without any other charge unless for expences bona
fide in America and paid by me.
And in case in the course of her voyage it should be
necessary to adopt any other Cover, and to relinquish the
American no charge shall be made at all.
Patrick Macau lay
Norfolk (Virginia) 20 November 1787.
In case any business should come into my hands in con-
sequence of the above, I agree to charge no more than Two
and a Half per Cent Commission.
P. Macaulayi
1
Nathaniel Russell to Christopher Champlin
Charleston, 30th November, 1787.
Sify
I RECEIVED your favor of the 12th Instant covering
Captain Grants bill on Messrs. Lawson Price and Co. for
610 Spanish Mill'd dollars at Twenty days sight which was
accepted the 26th Instant. The price of New Rice is not
yet broke they ask 13/6 I imagine it will break at about
12/6. I will make the purchase for you when I think
it at the Lowest and endeavour to ship it agreable to your
directions, the premium on Specie is from 10 to 12^ per
Ct^
^ A similar agreement was signed with Thomas Fitzsimons in Philadelphia, De-
cember 7, 1787.
346 COMMERCEOF [ 1787
I hope to receive part of Stitt's Debt this winter, whatever
I do receive I shall remit in proportion on Account of your
Brothers Estate, not one shilling has been paid on Account
of General Green's Bond. I am with Respect, Sir, Your
most Obedient Servant,
Nathaniel Russell
Rice 13/6 Muscovado Sugar. . .38/1045/
Tobacco 21/ Load do lod
Indico bests/ Coffee 1/4
Northern Rum 2/
Anto. Fr. Thiringk to Christopher Champlin
St. Petersburgh, 30th November, 1787.
Sir:
I CRAVE referrence to my respects of the 29th ultimo when
I advised you the occurrences of our Markett and the present
being meant for that same purpose, as such I have to inform
you that since the news of a pacific convention being con-
cluded upon betwixt Great Brittain and France reached
this place, our contracting business have been put to
almost an intire stop and there has nothing been going
forward in the Article of hemp, the price of which however,
the Russes are endeavoring to maintain, by keeping the
same upon Ro. 22. all the money advanced before hands
and Ro. 24. with Ro. 4. per Berkowitz down the remainder
payable at the delivery in June and July, at which rate
however nothing has been bought yet, and untill a certain
price is fix'd for that comodity, none can take place for that
of Cordage. The Russ Linnen manufactories are also at a
stand, however having perfect Winter and sledge way, we
may soon expect fresh supplies, when the new prices will be
open'd. Tallow maintains its price upon Ro. 35. and no
further decline likely to be expected, as that article is rather
scarce in the interial parts of the country, where prices have
been driven up very high. Iron seems also to maintain its
rate from 112 to 125 Co. per pood according to quality, which
all may serve for your govern.
1787 ] RHODEISLAND 347
I had a Letter of late from our mutual good friend Mr.
Niels Ryberg of Copenhagen and upon further considering
of the proposal which I made you in regard to the sending of
West India products to this place, it will be most needful,
that you direct the Captains to touch at Copenhagen to
have their cargoes landed there, particularly the Sugars as
there is a clause in our Toll ordinance, that all rough Sugars
imported hither must be accompanied with a Certificate
that they are the real produce of the West Indies, upon which
a duty of 20 Co. per pood is laid, but in want of such an
attestation the Sugars are liable to 100 Co. per pood duty.
As such a Certificate can't be procured by you, above that
any Importation from the French West Indies in american
bottoms occasioning some reflections, (our Court having a
Treaty of Commerce with that of France : ) to prevent this
and what might prejudice you in some other respects, the
best would be to have your Goods landed at Copenhagen,
where they will be weight and reshipt on board of your
own Vessells again, and provided with the necessary Cer-
tificates, by which they will be freed of all reflections what-
soever. This will at the same time serve another end yet
and prevent any Article to come hither, that perhaps is
not fit for our markett, which Mr. Ryberg is perfect Master
to judge of, particularly as great care ought to be taken in
respect to the quality of the Sugars as well as of that of the
Indigo, upon all of which I have inlarged to said friend and
who will join with me in promoting your Interest, which
being my only View and wish, I beg leave to assure you
anew that I am most respectfully. Sir, Your most obedient
humble Servant Anto. Fr. Thiringk
Amsterdam 375J". London 39|i.
Anto. Fr. Thiringk to Christopher Champlin
St. Petersburgh, 2ist December, 1787.
Sir:
The 30th Ulto. I had the honour to wait upon you, to
which beg leave to be referred, and by the present I have to
348 COMMERCEOF [ 1788
inform you, that at last the contracting prices of clean hemp
for the insuing Season have been broke a new, both at Ro.
21. all money advanced before hands and at Ro. 23. with
Ro. 2 per Berkowitz down, the remainder payable at the
delivery in May and June, at which rates considerable pur-
chases have been made both for England as well as France
and 'tis computed that till this time near one third of the
whole quantity of hemp has been contracted, that may be
expected next Season, with Tallow it is rather slackening,
since prices are declining on the foreign markets and may
be bought at present the Candle Tallow for Ro. 32, and the
Soap Tallow for Ro. 30 per Berq't. all money advanced
before hands. Flax maintains its rate from Ro. 26 to 26^
all money down, like 'tis with Iron from 115 @ 125 Co. per
pood, our winter continues with frost and perfect Sledge
way, so that we may soon expect fresh Supplies of the russ
Linnen manufactories. I inclose within a List of our this
years Exports and remain with true Regard, Sir : Your
most obedient humble Servant,
Anto. Fr. Thiringk
Amsterdam 38/. London 39fi.
Hary Grant to Christopher Champlin
Charleston, 23 January, 1788.
Dear Sir,
I have to acknowledge your favors of the 8 Ulto; I am
obliged to go in the Country for 10 days and I understand
a Vessel will be going for your place before my return. I
shall leave Orders to ship you 20 Tierces Rice with the 40
Mr. Russel sends will answer your demands for the present.
Were I in Cash for you I should decline laying it out at
present, for Rice must fall. I am sory to find the goods you
sent by me will not answer, at present the Town is full of
every species of Goods. I have only sold the Candles and
part of the Rusia duck. The India Goods I have shewn to
most of the merchants in Town zvho all agree they are too
high by ^o to 50 per Ct. how fortunate I was I made no pur-
1788 ] RHODEISLAND 349
chase from our friend Green : I have sent them to Vendue
to give them a fair chance and sell them off. when sold the
Account Sales shall be sent you. Our Legislator is now
setting debating on our New Government which will cer-
tainly be adopted, No Soul paying a farthing of their
debts till they see whether the Asembly will not prolong
the Installment Act. I shall not be surprized if they do,
the 1st March 1st payment becomes due. I long much for
it, bad as you think R. Island we are as bad.
We have made great Crops shiping will be scairse. the
new ship sails for London next week with a freight from 8 to
900 Guineas.
You may rely I will do the best with your goods and would
have pincht my own remittance to have sent you 50 Bll had
Mr. R. not been sending them rather then sacrifice your
goods at present.
Please make my affectionate Compliments to Mrs.
Champlin and your family in which Mrs. Grant unites. I
wish it may be in my power to spend a few weeks next sum-
mer with you. I am with great Esteem, Dear Sir,
Rice 12/ Ct. Rusia duck 63/ 65/
Tobacco 20/ Ct. Oil Sper. 3/ Gall.
Indigo 2/ 5/ li. Candles Do. 2/10 lb.
Bohea Tea 1/8 i/io lb.
Silas Brenton is here with me. I am giving him a Cargo
Lumber etc. for the Cape, his sister Mrs. McClahlan is
quite recoverd.
My Compliments to Ben Brenton and family.
Be so good as [to] tell Mr. Bourse I have wrote to New
Providence concerning Keiths Affairs. Nothing can be
done till Answers from their.
350 commerceof [ 1788
Ant*o. Fr. Thiringk to Benjamin Pierce
St. Petersburgh, 4th February, 1788,
Sir:
My last respects to you was the 21st December l[ast]
y[ear] and by the present I have the honour to inform you,
that since that time the contracts of hemp have continually
been carry'd on brisklly, so that 'tis computed near one
million and three hundred thousand puds to be bought
already, the prices have continued very steady the clean
hemp from Ro. 21 to 2o| all money down and from Ro. 23
to 22I with Ro. 3 per Berkovitz advanc'd, the remainder
payable at the deHvery in June and July, upon which very
conditions Outschott hemp has fetch'd Ro. i8| and 20,
and half clean hemp Ro. i6| and 18, and there appears at
present a particular demand for these inferior sorts of
hemp for France, where the Marketts are quite drained of
that Article by a demand for their Navy board, which seems
to make great preparations, hke a considerable quantity
of clean hemp has been contracted for the same at this
place. The quality of hemp that's to be expected this season
being reported to be so very good, I should think you would
do as well, to have your wants supplied with Outschot
hemp, as the same stands in so much lower in price and will
sute the better for your light Cables, from the high prices
of hemp our ropemakers have advanc'd that of cordage to
250. Cop: per pud duty comprehended and whenever you
do stand in need of any I'll be glad to have your orders in
time, that proper preparations can be made for the same,
our wharfs being almost empty at present. Iron maintains
its price from 115 to 125 Cop. per pud according to quality,
but Tallow is slackening and ofFerd out the candle at Ro. 3 1
and the Soap Tallow at Ro. 29 per Berkovitz all money
advanc'd beforehands and the Tallow deliverable in May
and June. The prices of the russ Linnen manufactories
have not broke yet, the supplies thereof having been rather
scantly till this time, 'tis supposed however, that the flems
Linnens will come upon Ro. 1 1 Ravenducks upon Ro. 7 to
1788] RHODE ISLAND 35I
7I per piece and the drillings at about 17^ to 18 Cop. per
Arschin, Sailcloths may run from 7I to 11 Ro. per piece
according to quality.
Our winter is rather mild but lasting, now and than there
are very cold days and a great quantity of Snow is fallen,
by which the roads are become rather heavy. I shall be
glad to be favour'd with your Commands and remain very
truely, Sir : Your most obedient humble Servant
Ant'o. Fr. Thiringk
Amsterdam 365^. London 38I to ^d.
Douce and Rivington to Christopher Champlin
Fenchurch Buildings, [London,] 13th February, 1788.
Suf
Owing to the various Claims of different Parties to the
Money received by Mr. Brymer from Goverment, for the
Cargo of the Peggy seized by Order of General Gage,
the Cause in the Court of Chancery relating to that Affair,
has experienced uncommon delay. But there is at length a
certain prospect, of its receiving the decision of the Court,
in the ensuing Term, which will begin early in February
next; when we have every reason to hope, that ample
Justice will be done to your demand. We have made use
of every exertion to hasten the Progress of the Cause, and
no pains shall be spared to secure a favorable termination
of it. We are. Sir, Your very humble Servants
Douce and Rivington
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin and
Samuel Fowler and Son
Dublin, 2Sth February, 1788.
Gentlemen,
I WROTE Messrs. Samuel Fowler and Son the 30th Ulto.
and 4th inst. since received your favor of the 31st Decem-
ber per the Hope Captain Wall handing bill lading for 770
whole and 200 half hhds. of Flaxseed on your joint Account,
352 COMMERCE OF [ 1788
which you may be assur'd I shall dispose of to the best
advantage the Market will admit, and your respective orders
shall be duly attended to. the Ship is about § discharged
and is up at the Quays, depend I shall give her every
possible dispatch having a ship ready to go alongside with
the coals and hope by the loth March to get her away at
furthest. I am sorry to inform you the very great quantity
of Seed expected from America with what is arriv'd has
induc'd many people to attempt forcing a Sale at Auction,
when the Proprietors for want of Bidders kept the price
to 50/ and 51/ and bought it in. this Step has been the
means of keeping down the price and it is now selling at
50/ and some say it has gone so low as 48/, which indeed
am not surprized at and do not doubt it will be yet so low
as 45/6, especially if all arives from New York that is
expected. Wherefore I have been induced to miss no
offer from any of my Customers above 50/ and have disposed
about 850 Hhds of different friends at 51/ to 54/, very few
at the latter price, and am shipping 250 of yours to Drogheda
in expectation of selling them to my friends in that Neigh-
borhood. My letters from Cork say the price there is 45/6
and at Newry they have commenced at 49/. you may be
assur'd I shall do all in my power to sell yours, for there must
be a deal left over yearr Our Oil Mills now offer only 30/
to 40/ per Cask for it and many even talk of less. Am
concerned I have not a more pleasing account to give you
of that article and am, very sincerely and respectfully,
Gentlemen, Your most humble Servant.
Edward Forbes
P. S. There has been very little sold yet to the farmers
in the Country it will be a most miserable trade indeed to
all concerned. I am unfortunate I think in having sold so
much as I did and am sorry yours did not arrive as soon as
Captain Rathbone indeed I never knew the ships to come
in so early as this year. I am just inform'd Seed has been
sold this day at 47/.
788]
RHODE ISLAND
353
Account No. 2
Christopher Champlin Esqr. in account with William Green
To Conditional Credit in Account
No. 3 £354- 174
£354i7-4
1784.
May
to
1786
Nov.
By an allowance to Christopher Cham-
plin Esqr. for services rendered by him
in the affairs of the Ship Hydra, ex-
ceeding in amount the terms offered
Mr. Green by several American Mer-
chants of the first Credit, and being
also agreeable to the stipulations be-
tween them: Mr. Champlin on the
one hand, having declared that he did
not think himself able, and did not
affect to cover more than her block, as
American property: and Mr. Green
on the other, having found it expedient
to relinquish the American Cover in
India and assume the French (at the
expence of 2500 Sicca ^ Rupees).
£354i7-4
£3S4-I74
Newport, Rhode Island, March the 1st, 1788.
Errors Excepted, W. Green.
William Green to Christopher Champlin
Dear Sir,
Herewith you receive the modification of our account,
with various documents connected with it, and on which a
ballance may be struck, when Mr. Russel remits the proceeds
of his Boston Sales.
A Commission of Two and a half per Cent is allowed on
your Sales and SuppHes, as well to Mrs. Green as to the
Ship and Brig, that being a stipulation with you and the
rate at which my business has hitherto been done on every
part of the Continent, and in the West Indies.
There is a considerable difference between my account and
yours, as to the proportionate value of Public Securities,
and specie, at the time the Hydra s duties were payable,
but my estimate is founded, and the amount of that charge
^ Newly carried.
354 COMMERCE OF [ 1788
Stated in your Credit, upon a Certificate, of which a Copy
is inclosed, as after the emission of paper Money, every
State Security became graduated in its value by that Scale
of Depreciation.
You have also the terms of Cover, upon which my
business has been volunteered not only here but in various
parts of America, the Originals are at your inspection at
pleasure, and you will then observe, that independant of
my shifting my Colours in India, and taking those of France,
your Conditional Credit in Account No. 2, is much higher,
than the service might have been done for elsewhere.
At any moment after your examination I shall be ready
to come to an amicable Settlement, being with great regard.
Dear Sir, Most truly yours, W. Green
10 March, 1788.
William Green to Christopher Champlin
Dear Sir,
Since receiving your note of yesterday evening, I have
been engaged in tracing the difference between your account
and mine, that I might communicate my observations.
The three first articles to your debit in account No. I,
differ only from yours in the charge of Commission, mine
giving it according to the present custom of the Continent,
at two and a half per Cent, at which rate your Commission
business is done at New York, and mine everywhere; and
it would indeed be singular, were I to pay you more than
a stranger, or that agreeably to your doctrine, the poverty
of the place should operate as an Argument in your favor,
for where there is little Trade, the charges should be low
to encourage its increase, and if your choice is to take all
the trouble of your business on yourself, without the ex-
pence of a Clerk, that circumstance ought not to enhance
the value of your labor, the other Articles to your debit,
agree with your own Account excepting Daniel Pearce's
note, which I presume you have received at least it ought
to have been stopt out of his Wages.
1788] RHODE ISLAND 355
A Commission of 2| per Cent is also allowed in this account
on the gross amount of all your supplies to the Ship the
Brig and to Mrs. Green, and that is certainly a reasonable
Commission since most of your charges to my debit, it is
to be presumed were taken out at your Store, agreeable to
the Custom of the place at your own price, and of course
to your own considerable advantage, and the Alterations
in diminution of your Credits proceed from the difference
in our estimate of the discount to be allowed on paper
Money or public Securities, paid at the Impost office.
In my account No. 2 a gross Sum is placed to your Credit
for the various Services you profess to have rendered in the
affairs of the Ship Hydra, and thence carried on to your
Credit in Account No. 3, in which the debits and Credits
are founded on your own documents, for it is to be imagined
you regulated your price of pepper here by your own Sales
at New York. I shall forbear on this occasion to dwell on
the misconduct, with which she was managed, in consequence
of your letters and advice, for doubtless had she gone either
to New York or Philadelphia, I should have avoided a dead
loss of at least Five Thousand pounds Sterling.
The constant tenor of your language haveing ever been,
to avoid a reference and that the account should be left to
my own Settlement has little prepared me for such a proposi-
tion, particularly at so late a period, and when you knew
that the divided and embarrassed State of my affairs compels
me to an immediate absence, which renders it impossible
to give my personal attendance upon the referees, yet having
now traced what I conceive to be the main difference between
your claims and my allowance in my Account No. i and 3,
I am willing on these points vizt. the rate of Commission
and that of the Discounts upon any paper Medium payable
at the Impost office, to yield to Arbitration, you chusing one
Merchant of Character and I another, and if the two cannot
agree upon the Case, they to chuse a third whose award
shall be final, but I will not submit my Account No. 2 to
any reference or Arbitration whatever.
I have hitherto carefully avoided giving any Character
356 COMMERCE OF [ 1788
of the Accounts you have tendered me, and it is with regret
I am now compelled to observe, that I believe it is the first
instance in North America, where the Charges of Com-
mission and Duties upon an importation of East India Goods
exceed the amount of Sales it was to have covered. I
remain. Dear Sir, Your most humble Servant,
TVT L A/r u 00 W. Green
Newport, 1 2th March, 1788.
Christopher Champlin to William Green
Dear Sir^
Your letter of yesterday I received in the Evening, as
to my commission of five per Cent it is no more than I have
charged others for negotiating business far less complicated,
and more profitable than yours; and without advancing
monies in the first instance and waiting the event of the Sale
to reimburse me, till the commissions were sunk, it is also
a commission that the Merchants of this Town have generally
charged, and with propriety: because in other places where
business is done upon a large scale 2| per Ct. is better than
7I at Newport. From S. Carolina have just receiv'd an
Invoice of Rice with 5 per Ct. at the bottom. My terms
at an early period were given you — if you did not approve,
you were not compelled- to consign me any goods, nor did
I solicit any. Had you ordered the ship and goods reported
for N. York or Philadelphia and ordered her to your
Consignee, most surely I should have done it.
As to Peirce's note, which you charge me with, viz. in
Account No. I £26: 13 : 4, it remains unpaid, except the
nine pounds Sterling to your credit in my Account, nor was
it possible to obtain any more from him, unless I had
arrested him, and taken paper money in the event. And
he might have libelled the ship for his wages. You deduct
from my Account against Brigantine Betsey, the light
money and office fees for clearing at the Intendant's office
which I paid in hard cash, as per Certificate from said
office. As to the price of goods out of my Store, they are
charged to you, as to others I deal with. Your presumptive
1788] RHODE ISLAND 357
charge against me of fifty pounds 2/ in your Account No. 3
is very extraordinary, when you have actual credit for it
in the Account Sales, at the price I disposed of twenty casks
to Mr. Deblois of said pepper; from whom I have, under his
hand, the price he gave for it. And above all, that you
should wish to destroy your stipulation of two and half
per Cent on the Hydra s outward bound cargo, made in your
own writing, under your hand and Seal, by a misterious
Account you have stated, viz. No. 2 which Account you
positively refuse to submit to any reference whatever. As
to the impost duty upon entering the Hydra s cargo etc., I
shall not find it impossible to prove that I paid it in impost
orders, and have given you the credit for the medium of
discount on those orders, at the period I bought them. As
to the reflection on me for conducting the business, I shall
presume to say, it cou'd not be better done under the
embarrassed situation of every man of business at that
period, with penal Laws hanging over his head to work his
ruin. And if you try me by events, I presume you are not
free of error by the same rule. It would have given me great
pleasure to have closed the business to our mutual satis-
faction; but from the statement of your Account (if adhered
to) I see no probability of it; unless I sacrifice every claim
of right to my commission on the Hydra s outward bound
cargo, by excluding it from the reference, which you cannot
expect from. Sir, Your most humble Servant
Chris. Champlin
Thursday Evening, March 13, 1788.
William Green to Christopher Champlin
Dear Sir,
It is not with any degree of pleasure that I have engaged
with you in Commercial Discussions, nor without a deep
regret that I have thought myself compelled to object to
your accounts, but I have hitherto suflPered so much from
the indulgence of a liberal spirit in business, that now,
almost too late, I am obliged to retrench and reform it;
358 COMMERCE OF [ 1788
and having offered to submit what I conceive to be the main
points in our dispute to Arbitration, I shall cease, on such
any farther animadversion.
My mind is open to the force of your remark on my account
No. 2. I acknowledge the stipulation agreed upon between
us, at a period when the American Flag was looked up to as
a Cover of a free and independent Commerce, by Individuals
of every Nation : but in the progress of my voyage and its
event, so very far from that flag being useful to any purpose
of mine, that in India I was constrained to relinquish it
entirely: and at the instance of my friends, and by the
exertion of their interest in that Country I was permitted
as a special favor, and even then at a heavy expense to
assume the French. What then became of your Cover
and Commissions. Was it of any avail in St. Eustatius,
where I was obliged to smuggle my Cargo, being formally
prohibited from any open traflSc. Has it been of any
material service here, since independent of you or me,
Mrs. Green in her own right could have introduced infi-
nitely many more Goods than appear to have been adequate
to the demands of the market.
I am persuaded you are too reasonable not to agree, that
the stipulation which you very properly dwell upon, was
to have been a reward- for correspondent services, but if
the nature of your Government, or a combination of foreign
powers, destroy the sources from whence these services were
to have been drawn, do they not at the same time annihilate
the eventual profits.
It would be easy to me to prove by fifty testimonies, that
my entry in Bengal was as a Frenchman, that measure was
dictated by necessity not by choice. Would not that proof
dissipate your Commission claim in toto, for it certainly
in case of an accident would have removed your possibihty
of Cover. Here then and only here, were you in the capacity
of utility to me, and I think you have very reasonably es-
timated the value of that to be one hundred and thirty three
pounds, in lieu of which my account No. 2 gives you a Credit
of Three hundred and fifty.
1788] RHODE ISLAND 359
I doubt not that what I have urged herein, will have a
proper [weight] and influence upon your mind, which will
then be divested of its present prejudices respecting the
accounts now pending with, Dear Sir, Your faithful Humble
Servant,
W. Green
Newport, 14 March, 1788.
Hary Grant to Christopher Champlin
Charleston, 14 March, 1788.
Dear Sir,
I HAVE to acknowledge both your favors. I was in the
Country a dunning, when Hulls Schooner left this, but to
little purpose, since ever I knew this place, people never was
so backward in their payments, nor trade at such a stand.
You may believe me, when I tell you that for ether old or
new debts I have not received the Value of One Hundred
H Your Tea remains unsold, and cannot get above 1/8 for
it, and cannot think of parting with it. Since I wrote you
last I have sold nothing but a few peaces Russia duck, as
to the India Goods nobody would touch them. I tried
them at every Vendue in Town. You will see by the
Account Sales the horid Prices they brought. I wish I
had returnd them but never had an Idea they would be so
very far under the mark.
I am thankful I had nothing to do with Mr. Green with
respect to purchases.
By the return of Captain Hulls Schooner shall endeavour
to close the sales, as much for your advantage as possible,
and I do asure you it gives me pain our first Conection in
Business will not prove so fortunate as I wish. I go for
Savanah in a few days, but will be return'd by Hulls arrival.
Pray make my best respects to your good family in which
Mrs. Grant joins. I am with Esteem, Dear Sir, Your
most obedient Servant,
Hary Grant
1 Illegible.
360 COMMERCEOF [ 1788
Anto. Fr. Thiringk to Benjamin Pierce
St. Petersburgh, 21st March, 1788.
Sir:
I HAD the pleasure of writing you last the 4th Ulto. since
which no great variations have happened in the prices of
the russ products, but of late the demand for hemp has
been increasing, so that for clean hemp has been paid Ro.
2i§ to 22 all money down and Ro. 22| ro 23 with Ro. 2 per
Berkowitz advanced, the inferior sorts of hemp are likewise
much demanded and have fetchd the outschott hemp Ro.
19 all money down and Ro. 20 to 2o| with Ro. 2 per Berko-
witz advanced, as also the half clean hemp Ro. 18 and 19 per
Berkowitz. the price of Iron continues also from 115 to
125 Co. per pud, but those of the russ Linnen manufactories
have got up very high, and the whole Stock that was brought
hither this winter, has been ingaged already, flems Linnen
from Ro. II I to 12. Ravenducks from Ro. 7I to 8 per piece
and Drillings from 17I to i8| Co. per Arschin, and there is
no decline from prices to be expected of those parcells that
may come by the Barks, as the Supply will be but scantly,
great quantities being ingaged for the use of our Army and
fleet. Sailcloths however continue from Ro. 7I to 11 per
piece according to quality and there is rather less demand for
the same. Tallow is the only Article that underwent a
further decline, the price of which being falln to Ro. 28 per
Berkowitz without any demand, and may go yet lower
if matters continue in the present Situation.
Our Courses of Exchange stand low and there is no
particular Rise of the same to be foreseen as the maintaining
of our Army and fleet abroad will require large supplies of
money that are partly provided for with Remittances from
hence. The weather is at present very mild and if it con-
tinues so, our Rivers may be navigable in about three Weeks
time. I have not had the pleasure yet of hearing from you.
I flatter myself however to be favourd with your Commands
by some or an other ship thats coming our way this Season,
and you may depend upon that my utmost endeavours will
1788] RHODE ISLAND 361
be excerted to serve you to full Satisfaction like I remain
with the most perfect Regard, Sir : Your most obedient
humble Servant,
Anto. Fr. Thiringk
Amsterdam 35! to 36/. London 37I to fi.
Niels Ryberg to Christopher Champlin
r- • . Copenhagen, the 25th March, 1788.
I AM honoured with your much esteemed favour of the
28th December 1. y. of which I observed with great pleasure
that Capt. Peirce was safe arrived and his Cargoe found in
good order. I hope same met a favourable Markett, and
that the Expedition on the whole turn'd out satisfactory,
altho' I must allow the high Price of Hemp and duty on the
Rice lessened the Profit you may have reaped.
I am much obliged to you for your kindness in again load-
ing the Elisabeth Capt. Peirce and intending to address
same to me. you may rely upon that I in return shall do
my utmost to procure you agreable Sales on arrivall. I have
made repeated Applications to our College of Commerce
for procuring an Abatement of the Dutyes but same is not
yet agreed upon, and the Reason which has hindered this is,
that a commercial Treaty must be made betwixt you and
this Kingdom for to bring same on the lowest footing,
yet I flatter meself that before Capt. Peirces arrival some
Alteration and Resolution will have taken place.
The Letter you inclosed for Messrs. Edward James Smith
& Co. in St. Petersburg have forwarded and at the same
time recommended them your Interest in the best manner,
the Prices of Hemp being so very high at present 21 Ro. per
B'w'z and no Signs of declining I have intirely left it to their
own Consideration to act in consequence of your order as
they might think it most advantageous for your Interest,
informing them at the same time, that as you expected the
price of Hemp to be low and it being now the reverse it was
a question if you chused to have so large a Parcell purchased
as if the Price had been moderate; to buy now and sell after-
362 COMMERCEOF [ 1788
wards may be as well connected with Loss as Profit, as the
Prices are very high at present, and such instances as you
are pleased to mention where the Price with the advance
of the year increased so considerable, is very rare to meet
with and sometimes the contrary, depending of the great
or small Purchases and Speculations in spring and occur-
rences afterwards happening unforseeen. I will now be
informed of Mess. Smiths Resolution and on Capt. Peirces
arrival know how to act in consequence, not doubting these
Friends will observe your Interest in the best manner.
I have reason to hope your Comodities will sell as well
this as last year, and in regard of Rice our dealers in that
Comodity will surely order none from abroad when they can
purchase here, and this will occasion a ready demand: at
present no Prices can be noted of your Commodities our
navigation being still shut by Ice.
By Letters sent you the 14th November and to which
desire your referance you'll have observed that Mr. Thiringk
is no more in Partnership with Mess. E. J. Smith and Co.
but as your letter was directed to Mr. Smiths Firm I for-
warded same to him, and if in future you should be willing
to favour Mr. Thiringk with your Commands, you'll know
by his own informations his Establishment.
I recommend meself-to your Favour and remain respect-
fully. Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant,
Exchange
Hamburg 43I per Ct.
Amsterdam 35^ per Ct.
London 6.26/ per £
1788 ] RHODEISLAND 363
P. S. Sail Cloth has no great Demand yet at Petersburg
and no fixed Prices, a Ro. is 37 st. holl[and] Cry.
William Willcocks to Christopher Champlin
Cork, sth April, 1788.
Gentlemen,
Your much esteemed favor of 29th February was handed
me the 21st ult. by Capt. Wardwell of the brig Patty for
which am much obliged, by it I perceive you have ordered
Messrs. Hewes and Anthony of Philadelphia to ship to my
address 100 Hhds. of Flaxseed per ship Hannibal Capt.
Conynham who is not yet arrived but daily expected. I
am sorry to inform you, that this Market is greatly overdone
with Flaxseed already near 5,000 Hhds arrived but being
divided into many hands has reduced the price so low as
41/6 per Hhd. which some sold for at auction the 2d Inst.
I have written to Belfast and if the Hannibal soon arrives
and goes thither I think it best to let your seed go if the
price is any thing tolerable. I am exceedingly vex'd that
this beginning that you are pleased to make with me promises
so little advantage to you, another time I hope it will be
otherwise when I will be happy to be honoured with your
commands. Pot Ashes is in great demand and none at
Market, they'd readily sell for 34/ to 35/ per Ct. Barrel
Staves £6.10 Hhd £9 to £9.10 and Oak boards white 16/
per 100 feet. I remain with respect Your Obedient Servant,
Will : Willcocks
None but White Oak Staves will sell here.
Protheroe and Claxton to Christopher Champlin
Bristol, 9th April, 1788.
Sir,
We did ourselves this pleasure the 6th February last,
since which we have not received any of your esteemed
Favors; We now hand you Invoice and Bill of Lading for
sundry Goods shipped on your Account by the Bristol,
364 COMMERCEOF [ 1788
the amount of which £236.15.6 is to your debit. Notwith-
standing this Ship has been detained so long, we have not
been able to get near the quantity of Crown Glass you
ordered; indeed it has been with very great difficulty we
have got what is shipped. The remainder is getting ready
and shall be sent you by the first opportunity that offers
after we get it. We gave the Shot Maker your Order with
your limit of 18/ per C. but you will observe that it is charged
at 24/. per C. without attending to the limit we gave him,
he put the Shot on board, and charged it at the current
price, but we have objected to it, and he says he is contented
to submit it to you, and if you are not perfectly satisfied,
he will lose his trouble of making, or more. The Lead
cost him we know 21/. per C. besides the expence of bringing
from Wales, and all the Shot we have shipped by this
Vessell is charged at 24/. per C. but as you gave a limit, we
should not have thought ourselves justified in exceeding it.
We have got the Freight of these Goods considerably
under the usual rate. Many articles are at half freight.
We hope the whole will arrive safe and afford you satisfac-
tion, the premium of Insurance we have also got lower.
We are with Esteem, Sir, Your very obedient Servants
Protheroe and Claxton
Eliz'a Jenkins to Christopher Champlin
Charlestown, April loth, 1788.
Dear Brother,
I HAVE lately received a letter from Congo, and he informs
me his troubles are so great that they are not to be bourn
with any lounger, occationed by his being sepperated from
his Wife. I ever intended to give him his freedom and the
reason why I have not done it before, was the fear of not
haveing enought to support me, without his Labour, my
Infermity rendering me unable to do but little towards it
my self. And these objections still remain, but as I am very
sencable all self intrust ought to be given up in points of
Duty, have come to a fixed resolution to make the trial
1788 ] RHODEISLAND 365
and set him at Liberty. Accordingly have wrote him when
his year is out he is his own Man. as he is so uneasy I
suppose he will have a mind to quit your service, if that
shoud be the case have desir'd him to stay till you git
other help (if you want him).
from your Affectionate Sister
E. Jenkins
Hary Grant to Christopher Champlin
Charleston, i6th April, 1788.
Dear Sir,
I HAVE to acknowledge the receipt of your favor, of the
29 february by Cahoon, and inclose you prices current
acording to your desire. I could have wisht to [have] acom-
panied this with a remittance for your Tea, but cannot get
it off at near the Mark: I shall indeavour to get small empty
Chests, etc. started into for they never will sell in the present
pacages — by far too large. Indeed every thing at present
is dull, and for payments worse this year then I ever experi-
enced. You may believe me when I tell you, that out of
60 to 70 Thousand Sterling my friends in London have out
here, I have not yet received one Thousand this year. I
have given over all hopes untill we have a Government will
not do justice till compeld. I wish I may be able to spend
a few Weeks this Sumer with you. Mrs. Grant joins me
in best respects to you and family. She begs Mrs. Champlin
and Mrs. Greens Acceptance of Cask Grow Nuts and some
Vinison Hams. I am with respect. Dear Sir, Your Most
Obedient Servant,
Hary Grant
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin and
Samuel Forbes and Son
Dublin, 17 April, 1788.
Gentlemefiy
I BEG leave to refer you to the preceding Copy of my
Letters of the 25 February and 4th ulto. which I confirm.
366 COMMERCEOF [ 1788
The detention of the Hope enables me to inform you I have
disposed of all your flaxseed by her except about 30 hhds.
and a few half Barrels, indeed it would have been all sold
long since if it had been well cleaned, but there was a deal
of it that had much black Grains in them and many false
seeds and chaff owing to its not being well cleaned. I never
experienced so much difficulty in disposing of this article
as this year, such an immense Quantity as 14,400 hhds
arrived here (exclusive of two Ships with 1800 hhds from
Philadelphia missing but now supposed to be lost) and in
so many different Hands who had People retailing it in all
parts of the City and underselling each other that the Price
has been for some days past down to 45/ per hhd and still
looking down. I assure you I miss'd no Opportunity of
putting off yours, many of my old country Customers
after bargaining for Parcells and giving a shilling earnest
(as is usual) were inveigled away and bought at a cheaper
rate. Notwithstanding I have sold more than any other
House here and have no doubt of putting off the Remainder
of yours, altho' above 3000 Hhds must remain after the sow-
ing season and its thought above 10,000 hhds will remain
unsold throughout the Kingdom, at Newry the price is
42/, Belfast 47/, and at L'Derry 2 Guineas, indeed a ship
belonging to Boston came from thence yesterday with 600
Casks that would not be landed so much have they [at]
Market, its a shocking bad Trade and am truly sorry you
are heavy Sufferers, that of yours which I sent to Drogheda
not yet all sold; the Newry and Cork People sent several
parcells there which retarded the Sale and reduced the price,
have press'd my friends in that Vicinity to take from my
friend there what they may want, which they have promised
me to do but indeed they complain of its being the dirtiest
Seed at that Market, nothing else I am perswaded will
retard its Sale, and in a glutted Market as is the Case every
where this Season its very difficult to put off indifferently
cleaned Seed. I shall go there next week and use my utmost
endeavours to close the Sale, I am sincerely. Gentlemen,
Your most obedient Servant Edward Forbes
1788 ] RHODEISLAND 367
P. S. 18th. Flaxseed has been sold today at 44/ the
Arrival this Boston Vessell has made a great alarm on
account of her coming from Derry.
April 23d. My Advices from Newry yesterday F: seed
was at 38/ to 40/, same at Cork, in short every place glutted
and two Coasters have come in here from Derry and Newry
which has reduced the price at 42/6 and it will be lower.
Shocking work.
Christopher and George Champlin to
Anthony F. Thiringk ^
Newport, Rhode Island, April 22nd, 1788.
Sir,
Having been favour'd with your letters of October 29th
and November 30th last conveying to us sundry useful
informations respecting Russian Exports and Imports for
which we are much oblidged and shall take occasion to
write you more particular upon those heads. We wrote
your late house of Smith and Co., December 28th under
Cover to Nicholas Ryberg Esqr. of Copenhagen, requesting
they wou'd procure a quantity of clean Hemp on our Account
against the Arrival of our Brigantine. We therefore have
the pleasure of confirming said letter to you as the remaining
Branch of said house by our Brigantine Elizabeth Captain
Benjamin Peirce who will wait upon you with a letter of
Credit from Mr. Nicholas Ryberg to furnish him for our
Account with Forty Tons clean Hemp, Three hundred
Pieces of Russia duck and Forty eight Pieces of Ravens
Duck all good in kind and such as Capt. Peirce shall approve
of as suitable to our Market. At Writing 28th December
we had no Idea of Hemp rising to the extravagant price
you noticed but are happy to find by your letter to Capt'n
Peirce of December, it has fell and we flatter our selves it
may still be lower at the hour you purchase ours as all the
speculation had ceas'd oweing to the expected Warr. We
* The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
368 COMMERCEOF [ 1788
place the utmost confidence you will purchase the goods
we require on the lowest terms possible and give Capt'n
Pierce the utmost dispatch, handing us the State of your
Markets and your opinion what they may be another year
to come, and which is the best method for us to proceed in
fixing a Credit that you may buy in for us Forty Tons of
hemp next Winter at the lowest price in like manner as the
London Merchants do. With Sentiments of Respect, We
are, Sir, Your most humble Servants
Chris: Champlin
Geo: Champlin
Benjamin Peirce to Christopher and
George Champlin
Copenhagen, June 2d, 1788.
Gentlemen,
I arrived here the last day of May having a passage of
36 days of very disagreeable weather, the Brigantine is
certainly a good vessel or she never cou'd supported the
sail I carried without complaint, the old sails brought me
here and expect they will carry me half the way home, have
expended i| bbls. meat and 3 Cwt. Bread, the running
rigging fail'd more than expected which am affraid will
oblige me to buy some. I found Mr. Ryberg in as good credit
as any man in Europe as a Merchant and have accordingly
deliver'd the letters and shall the Cargo in 3 days. I find
Tea at 30^/ Danish per lb. the Chinaman mention'd by
Mr. Ryberg arrived two days before me but the Sales of her
Cargo is not announced and it is generally thought it will
be in September, they expect two more this season, there
is no tea at Gottenburg, but they expect two ships. Rum
is from 32I Rxd. to 33 for the Hhd of 63 Gal. Rice 7 Rxd.
per Cwt. Tobacco los to 12 Danish if the Quality be good.
Hemp at St. Petersburg 22 Rubles per Burkovitz, but they
were in expectation of its falling in consequence Mr. Ryberg
has advised Mr. Thiringk not to purchase 'till I arrive in
1788 ] RHODEISLAND 369
Russia for which place I expect to sail in ten days. The
Swedes have twelve ships of the line and six frigates ready
for Sea the expence of which is paid by the Porte. The
Danes are also equiping a fleet of the same force. I shall
write you again before I leave this, there has no vessel
arrived from St. Croix this Season, Please to inform Mrs.
Peirce. I am, Gentlemen, your obedient Servant,
Ben Peirce
Exchange with London Rxd. 6.22^ per £ Sterling.
Nicholas Ryberg to Christopher and
George Champlin
Copenhagen, the 3 June, 1788.
Gentlemen:
I BEG your Referance to my respects of the 25th March
via London and had yesterday the pleasure to receive your
Favour of the 22d April, by Capt. B. Peirce who arrived safe.
I am much obliged to you for your kindness in addressing
him to me, and assure you of my greatest Care for your In-
terest in disposing of his Cargoe, Bills and Cash; he has
begun to unload to day. About the end of this week he will
be ready for going to Petersburg when I shall furnish him
with the needfull letters, if Messrs. Smith and Co. in conse-
quence of your request have purchased the ordered Goods
will be difficult to transfer the order on Mr. Thiringk, there-
fore shall furnish Capt. Peirce with such papers as either case
may require. Hemp by the last accounts was still Ro. 22^.
I realy wish it may be declined against his arrival. Agreable
to your order I shall on his return from Russia supply him
with Bohea one box Hyson and i ditto Souchong for
the remainder of the effects, and a Chinese cargoe being
already arrived and two yet expected I hope the Sales will
come on before his return and that the Purchase may be made
at a moderate price. When the Sales are held of his Cargoe
shall have the honor to inform you of the obtained Prices.
A great Armament is made at Sweden in favour of the
Turks and said to hinder the Russien fleet passing the Sound
370 COMMERCEOF [ 1788
on the way to the mediteranean, but as this is expected by
the Russiens, accounts from Stockholm and Gottenburg say
it looks very warlike, and that there prevails a Rapport, that
hostilities will be or are declared by the Russiens against
the Swedes if a disarmament be not directly agreed to by the
latter. My next shall acquaint you of the result, and [in]
Denmark we hope to enjoy Peace. I recommend meself
to your favour and am with great Regard, Gentlemen, Your
most obedient humble Servant,
N. Ryberg
Hamburg Bo. 43^ ]
Amsterdam Cy. 34 }
London per £6 rxd 22 J
F. Baudin to Ethan Clarke and Company
St. Martin's Isle of Rhe, 6 June, 1788.
Sirs,
Deprived of your favours since mine of 2 gbre inclosing
Invoice of Salt and Brandy per Captain Gardiner this serves
to repeat my offers of best Services and to inform you that
our wine crop has a beautiful prospect, the actual Cur-
rency of Brandy is L. 115 per 27 Velts. it was L. 135, 3
weeks ago and it is expected to be under L. 90 in the fall and
perhaps L.70, so that you can't have a better opportunity
to be cheaply supply'd with that Commodity than this year.
Our Salt Season has begun pretty favourable and if we
have two months of fair weather without interruption that
Comodity now at L. 370 per 28 Moys may come down to
L. 300 or L. 320.
A Velt of Brandy is much about 2 English Gallons and a
Moy of Salt nigh equal to one English Tun.
If you send Capt. Gardiner or any other vessal this way
you might load 'em with assorted Oak and Firr Timber,
Staves, 2 inch Planck, i| inch Pine boards, floor Timbers
and others for small 40 to 50 Tuns Vessalls, a parcell of Pitch
and Tar and other such Lumber, these articles will fetch a
good price here and the returns will be made in Salt and
1788] RHODE ISLAND 371
Brandy. I shall be happy in yours or your friends Com-
mands due attention to which will be payed by, Sirs,
'j:U-\^<j
Benjamin Peirce to Christopher Champlin
Copenhagen, June nth, 1788.
Gentlemen,
I HAD the pleasure of addressing you the 3d instant over
London as above, since which nothing material has turned
up. the cargo come out in exceeding good order and think
the prospect of the market is more favorable than when I
wrote and will continue to mend 'till the sales (if no vesel
arrives with the like goods) which is the 25 of this month,
it cou'd not be sooner and allow time for the Merchants to
write their correspondents in the trading towns to get orders
to purchase as no Dane seems to be willing to speculate.
The sales of the Tea Ships cargo is not yet advertised for
sale nor no other ship arrived but daily expected, and there
is a scarcity of that article at present to be bought here.
'Tis the opinion of my friends here the Tea will go much
lower at the auction than 30I Danish which has induced me
to omit purchaseing 'till my return from Russia for which
place I am now ready to sail. Russia goods continues the
same. I shall give every dispatch in my power and expect
on my arrival at Cronstadt to have an opportunity to write
you by some of the American Vessels there being several
there, the warHke preparations continue the same, the
372 COMMERCEOF [ 1788
Swedish fleet have left Carlscroon [Carlscrona] and gone
up the Gulf of finland. I am Gentlemen your Obedient
Servant r> r>
Ben Peirce
N. B. the Spanish Dollars sold for 8 marks 4 skillings
or 5/6 Danish; Exchange Rxd 6.20s per £ Sterling.
Edward James Smith and Co. to Christopher and
George Champlin
St. Petersburg, the 23CI June, 1788.
Gentlemen:
We had the honour to waite upon you the 4th April last
under cover of Messrs. Lane Son and Eraser of London and
in Reply to your esteemed Favour of the 28th December last
year. We have now to confirm the Contents of said our
Letter, beg leave to refer to it and the pleasure to acquaint
you with the safe arrival here of your Brig the Elizabeth,
Captain Benjamin Peirce, which was yesterday at Cronstadt.
Said Captain is not come up yet, when does, shall consult
with him about the Cargo and acquaint you further.
Clean Hemp stands upon Ro. 23 1 and 23 per Berkovitz,
Outshott Ro. 23, and half clean Ro. 22, 12 heads Novgorod
Flax Ro. 30 per Berkovitz, Candle Tallow Ro. 29 to 30, and
Soap Tallow Ro. 27 to 28 per Berkovitz, Sail Cloth from Ro.
7 to io|, Ravenduck from Ro. 7I to 8, Flems Linnen Ro. 11^
to Ro. 12.30 Co. per piece. Drillings 18 to i8| Co. per arsheen,
first Sort Bristles Ro. 12.85 Co., 2d Sort Ro. 6| per pood,
Yellow Wax Ro. 15I per pd. Tarred Cordage Ro. 2f per pd.
Our next will acquaint you what we have determined with
Captain Peirce, in the meantime we are most respectfully.
Gentlemen : Your most Obedient humble Servants,
Edward James Smith and Co.
Ams[terdam] 34 to 33jj. London 34! to 34^^.
1788 ] RHODEISLAND 373
Hewes and Anthony to Christopher Champlin
Philadelphia, 23d June, 1788.
Dear Sir,
We received your favor of the 23d ultimo by your worthy
son, who we esteem, sensible, discreet, and agreahle; and it
affords pleasure to tell you that all who was so happy as to
be acquainted with him, was much pleas'd with his Society,
we made him a Tender of what money he requir'd, but he
accepted of only Forty Dollars, and set out on Wednesday
last for Baltimore, Alexandria, and perhaps Richmond,
on his Return we hope for more of his pleasing conversation,
and shall then tender him what further sum he may require,
we hope before this reaches you that you will have Accounts
of the New Constitution ratified by the Commonwealth of
Virginnia; but by late accounts from thence, it appears more
douhtfull then we once expected, with an anxious desire to
see this Federal Government once organiz'd (which promises
much Happiness to Posterity,) we Remain with Esteem and
Respect, Your Very Obedient Humble Servants,
Hewes and Anthony
Edward James Smith and Co. to Christopher and
George Champlin
St. Petersburg, the 27th June, 1788.
Gentlemen:
Last Post we only advised the safe arrival of the Elizabethy
Captain Benjamin Pierce at Cronstadt, to which refer.
Since Captain Pierce is come up, of whom we understand,
that on account of said Captains having received some
Letters of our former Partner Mr. Anthony Frederic Thiringk
in his private Name, mentioning nothing of our Partnership
to be disolved and afterwards by the last of being, by which
as well you as Captain Pierce (who knowing him as our Part-
ner) either thought of our having left Trade or departed
this Life, that in consequence of not hearing any thing of our
firm you had given said Captain Orders to apply for the
374 COMMERCEOF [ 1788
Goods he is to take at present from this Place, to our former
Partner Mr. Thiringk. The Reason of your not receiving
any Circular Letters about the Dissolution of our Society,
was : that as we had not the honour before to correspond
with you direct and the Goods you received from us last
year, were through the Management of our mutual Friend
Nicholas Ryberg Esqr. at Copenhagen, we did not know
how to address direct to your good selves, nor a safe way to
conduct our Letters, till we received your Favour of the
28th December last year which answered the very day it
came to out hands Vizt. the 4th April last, by the way
you've ordered us, which is under Cover of Messrs. Lane
Son and Fraser of London. Our partnership with Mr.
Thiringk was dissolved in Harmony the 30th September last
year not expecting he would have wrote any thing beforehand
in his own Behalf without mentioning of our Dissolution to
be. But all this now being past, we wont enter into any
more and further particulars, and only acquaint, that on
account these Circumstances, Captain Peirce has resolved
to divide the Shipment of the Goods now to be loaden per
the Elizabeth, between our former Partner and us. Mr.
Thiringk is to provide the Iron and the Sail Cloth, and we
the Clean Hemp, the quantity of the Hemp to be about poods
2300.
In consequence hereof we have purchased for your account
said quantity of the best clean Hemp at Ro. 23 per Berkowitz
in Bank Notes and shall send the same down to Cronstadt
as soon as possible to be loaden on board the Elizabeth, and
when done all the Vouchers will be made up and conducted
in the same manner as last year and our Reimboursement
we take upon our mutual Friend Ryberg Esqr. at Copen-
hagen, of all which we shall not miss to advise you in course.
Now knowing the Channel perfectly to conduct our
Letters, we shall take the Liberty of waiting oftener upon
you and to keep you advised from time to time with what
passes, in the meantime we recommend ourselves in the
favour of your future Commands, wherein you may allways
depend on our Zeal and our utmost Care for your Interest,
1788 ] RHODEISLAND 375
not doubting to give you in every thing full Satisfaction and
to serve you as well as any house in this place.
Though we had your prior orders for the present Cargo
per the Elizabeth we don't blame Captain Pierce in the least
for having shared the same, nor do we in the least envy our
late Partner; on the contrary we approve very much of the
Steps taken by Captain Pierce and agreed to it without any
hesitation like we are glad the other share is fallen to Mr.
Thiringk, who we dare say will serve you well. For the
Future leave it to your own Discretion whom of us you will
please to favour with your worthy Commands, should
esteem ourselves very glad if the Scale would turn on our
side and happy to receive your Commands, wherein you
will allways find us ready devoted and most respectfully,
Gentlemen :
lo
Nicholas Ryberg to Christopher and
George Champlin
Copenhagen, the 28th June, 1788.
Gentlemen:
I DESIRE your referance to my respects of the 3d inst. by
which I had the pleasure to acquaint you of Capt. Peirces
safe arrival. He sailed from here the 12th and would have
proceeded sooner on his Voyage to St. Petersburg, but calms
prevented him. I furnished him with two letters of Credit
one for Messrs. Edward James Smith and Co. and the other
for Mr. A. F. Thiringk, that he according to circumstances
may make use thereof. His Cargo was sold the 25th and I
am glad to inform you of having received agreable Prices,
376 COMMERCE OF [ 1788
the Rice being paid with 7 rx : 52/ to 8 rx : 92, per medium above 8 rx
" Rum " " " 32 rx " to 33 : 24 per 60 Gallon
" Tobacco " " " 10/ to 13/ per li
with which Prices I flatter meselt you'll be pleased. I can
likewise have the pleasure to inform you that the Price of
Hemp at St. Petersburg is expected to decline and likely
Capt. Peirce may be supplyed at R 20 Exchange ^^d St. per
Ro. The day after the mentioned Sales, Capt. Handy and
Lawton arrived.
I recommend meself to your favour and am with great
Regard, Gentlemen, Your most obedient humble Servant
By Proc. of N's Ryberg,
Saabye
Benjamin Peirce to Christopher and
George Champlin
St. Petersburg, July 6th, 1788.
Gentlemen,
I arrived here 2 days ago after a tedious passage of 22
days. I find the Hemp ready purchased by Mr. Smith in
consequence of your letter over Ireland last winter, which
I must take, the duck and Iron I shall take from Mr.
Thiringk, Hemp (of which article there is a large crop and
of an excellent quality)- is at 23 Rubles per Bur'z Sailcloth
and Iron the same as when Mr. Thiringk wrote. But the
Exchange is 35*^ sterling per Ruble, so much in our favor
that it reduces the price of Hemp free on board at Cronstadt
to £24 per ton. I hope to be at Copenhagen by the first
of August and shall give every dispatch in my power. Hemp
will undoubtedly fall in autumn after the contracts are
fulfill'd, unless there shou'd be a war between the maritime
powers of Europe, the Swedes have 15 sail of the line
cruizing in the Gulf about 150 miles from this and yesterday
the Russ fleet of the same force left Cronstadt. there is
no declaration yet and it is expected that the Swedes will
not commence hostilities.
Paul Jones is made a Vice Admiral and a Compte of Russia
and gone to take a Command on the Black Sea. if another
1788 ] RHODEISLAND 377
Vessel shou'd sail before me I shall inform you of my progress.
Capt. Page is here in Mr. Brown's Brig't. I am Gentlemen
your Obedient Servant,
Ben Peirce
[Endorsed,] Per the Good hope Capt. Forester.
Invoice
St. Petersburgh, the 7th July, 1788.
Invoice of Two Bales with Forty-five pieces Ravenducks shipt on board the
Brig Elizabeth Captain Benjamin Peirce for Newport in Rhode Island America, to
the Consignment and for Account and Risk of Messrs. Christopher and George
Champlin of said place, vizt.
2 Bales containing
No. I. I Bale 20 pieces measuring 1000. Arshins
2. I do. 25 " " 1250 do.
2 Bales 45 pieces measuring 2250 Arshins
Ravenducks at Ro. 8 per ps Ro. 360.
Charges:
Duty at 40 Co. per piece
Town duty. . . . at 1 p Ct
Customehouse Charges. . . .at4pCt
24 Arshins Crash for wrappers with duty at 4 Co. . . .
receiving Matts ropes, packing and shipping at 8 Co. per
piece
Lighterage to Cronstadt
Brokerage and Extra Charges . . .at I5 p Ct
Commission at 2 p Ct
Ro.
18.--
.18.
Ro.
18.18.
--•73-
- -.96.
3.60.
1.50.
5.50.
30.37-
Ro.
390.37.
7.81
Amount in Bank Notes Ro. 398.18.
Errors Excepted
Anto. Fr. Thiringk.
Edward James Smith and Co. to Christopher and
George Champlin
St. Petersburg, the 8th July, 1788.
Gentlemen:
This goes by Captain Benjamin Peirce of your Brig the
Elizabeth, in which have loaden and sent for your Account
378 COMMERCE OF [ 1788
and Risk as per inclosed duplicate Bill of Loading and
Invoice, forty Bundles Clean Hemp weighing pds. [poods]
2425.20 lb. and amounting to Ro. 6346.47 Copecks, which
sum shall draw on our mutual Friend Nicholas Ryberg
Esqr. at Copenhagen and advise you off by post, whereby
you will receive also duplicate Bill of Loading and Invoice
with further Advices. We doubt not this Hemp will give
Satisfaction, also that Captain Pierce w411 be intirely con-
tented with the dispatch he met with from our part and we
flatter ourselves to be favoured next year again with your
worthy and wellcome Commands, in which and your Friend-
ship we recommend ourselves. We beg leave to refer you
to our Letter of the 27th past by Post under Cover and
Care of Messrs. Lane Son and Fraser at London, wherein
explained you fully how it is come, that we ship only your
Hemp and our late Partner Mr. Anthony Frederic Thiringk
the Iron and other Goods.
The price of good Hemp keeps yet on Ro. 23 per Berkowitz
and may remain so for a while, old Sable Iron from 123 to
127 Co. and new Sable from 115 to 122 Col per pd. assorted
Iron in proportion higher according to their Sorts and
Dimensions, Sail Cloth from Ro. 7 to Ro. io|, Ravenducks
Ro. 8^ to f, Flems Ro. I2| to | per piece. Outshott and half
Clean Hemp are this year above their usual Proportion to
the clean, so high in prices that the Outshott is paid with
Ro. 22| to 23, and the half clean with Ro. 2i| to 22 per
Berkowitz. The reason for it is : that these two Sorts are
very much sought for France.
We wish Captain Peirce a happy and quick passage and
the Hemp well to receive and to a good Market, being in all
your further Commands most respectfully. Gentlemen :
Your most obedient humble Servants,
Edward James Smith and Co.
We have advanced Captain Peirce for Ships Use Ro.
380. for which shall forward his Receipt to Mr. Ryberg and
draw for also on him.
1788 ] RHODEISLAND 379
Edward James Smith and Co. to Christopher and
George Champlin
St. Petersburg, the lith July, 1788.
Gentlemen:
On the 27th past we had the Honour to waite upon you
last with ample Advices about your Ship the Elizabethy
Captain Benjamin Peirce and the Goods to go by the same
for your Account, which confirm and to which beg leave to
refer. Herewith have the pleasure to advise, that said your
Ship is intirely dispatched from hence and will sail with first
fair Wind for Copenhagen.
Of the 40 Bundles Clean Hemp loaden by us for your Ac-
count we inclose hereby Bill of Loading and Invoice, amount-
ing to Ro. 6346.47 Co. We have advanced Capt. Benjamin
Peirce for the use of the Ship as per inclosed Receipt the
Sum of Ro. 380. Of course our advances are vizt.
above Amount of Invoice Ro. 6346.47.
and the Money furnished for Ships use 380. —
to which comes yet
Postage Ro. 11.24.
Commission and Brokerage of Drafts f p Ct. . . . S°-9^- o^-^5
in all ■ ■ Ro. 6788.62
for which we have debited your account; to ballance the
same, we have drawn this day said Sum of Ro. 6788.62 Co.
on our mutual Friend Nicholas Ryberg Esqr. at Copenhagen
at 65 days date payable in Amsterdam, Exchange 33
Stuyvers holland Currency per Ruble making f. 11 201. 4 s.
half Currency, wherewith closed your account and doubt
not our Draft will meet with punctual honour; we beg you
will note every thing with us in Conformity.
By the Dates of the Bills of Loading and Invoice you will
please to observe we have dispatched Captain Peirce from
Town the 8th Instant. We have given him that day a letter
for you containing duplicate Bill of Loading and Invoice,
to which we beg also to referr.
We flatter ourselves you will be satisfied with our man-
agement in all this piece of Business as Captain Peirce we
380 COMMERCEOF [ 1788
dare say is, and we hope to be favoured next year again with
your worthy and welcome Commands assuring you of our
utmost Care, Attachment and Attention to your Interest
and being intirely devoted to the same, we subscribe with
the greatest Regard and Esteem, Gentlemen : Your most
obedient humble Servants
Edward James Smith and Co.
We shant fail to advise you when great alterations happen
in the prices of Goods, at present none.
Thompson and Gordon to Christopher Champlin
Newry, 12 July, 1788.
It may not be unacceptable to inform you how our flax-
seed market turn'd out, which proved a miserable one indeed,
above 50 M hhds, arrived in this Kingdom, of which about
20 M hhds. remain on hand, our House sold about 4 M
hhds. at 40/ and were fortunate enough to close so. what
remains is now selling to the Oyl mills from 30/ to 34/ and
demand sufficient for all that remains, when your quantity
exceeds 35 M hhds. it ought not to stand you more than
40/ a hhd. Pot and Pearl ashes have both been demanded,
and we have made considerable sales of each at 35/ prices
will rate according to the quantity thrown in from America.
We cou'd make ready sale of a Cargo of best Pot ashes, and
doubtless produce for them as much as any other market
wou'd, at present they are scarce. We sell and guarantee
Debts at 4 per Ct., and on arrival shall advance half Value
in London bills, remainder on sale, or by return of Vessell
remit full value in Linen Cloth, which is very cheap, none
can export the article on better terms, being situated in the
center of the manufacture, neither loaded with carriage or
factorage as those bought in London and Dublin are, and
being confined to the sale of these articles on Commission
have nothing to interfere. Barrell Staves serve best for
Dennage, boat boards being 2d per foot square oak 80/ a
1788] RHODE ISLAND 381
ton but no considerable quantity of either wou'd sell here,
not exceeding forty Tons.
Remain Respectfully Your Obedient Servants
Thompson and Gordon
Messrs. Lane Son and Frazer, London can satisfie you as to
our House as can Mr. George Gibbs Newport.
Anto. Fr. Thiringk to Christopher and
George Champlin
St. Petersburg, 28th July, 1788.
Gentlemen:
This day three weeks I had the honour of writing you by
the post over England when provided you with Bills of
Loading and Invoices of my Shipment by the Brig Elizabeth,
Capt. Ben Peirce amounting to £558. Sterling which at the
same time advised to have reimbursed myself for upon
Mr. Nich. Ryberg at Copenhagen, which by this confirm and
crave your kind referrance to.
Captain Peirce being sail'd on the 15th I hope he will have
made Copenhagen road by this time, the winds having been
fair ever since and having an opportunity of shipping to
Mr. Ryberg I would not fail to inclose within the dupplicates
of said Shipment by Captain Peirce and to inform you at
the same time that our trade is become very dull within
these ten days, by starting up the prices of most of our
staple commodities, that of Hemp has advanced to Ro.
25§ to 26, Tallow to Ro. 34 to 35, and Flax to Ro. 38. the
reason for these sudden risings may be attributed, to some of
the winter speculatores falling short of the quantity of Hemp
they had contracted for and which they are now under the
necessity to supply from the market, besides several pur-
chases being made for Ships that have dropt in of late.
Tallow has advanced on account of the dry Season in Eng-
land and of Flax we really fall short, a particular demand
offering for the same from Scotland, how prices will rule
382 COMMERCEOF [ 1788
towards the close of our Navigation, and what further
passes in trade, shall have the honour to keep you informd
of at its time.
I have conversed with good Captain Peirce about the mode
of stricking out a Line of business with your country and in
particular upon those articles that may be imported from
America to this country, but to my knowledge there are
but few whereto any attention can be paid it be[tter] than
Furrs Leather and Cotton, the former we import from
England and this being second hand, I think might do best
from your port, we chiefly do take black Canada Bear
Skins, the lighter the better, Canada Fishers Skins, large
Canada Racoon Skins and dark sprin[g] coney Skins, all to
be well dressed when they will meet with a ready Sale. We
get also from London Calf and Seal Skins besides Butts
Leather and your Cattle being so good I should think this
would become likewise an object worth reflecting provided
the Leather is properly dressed. Cotton I hear is likewise
to be got with you, in case the same is in any way like with
that which comes from Smirna, it will do very well.
The quality of your Treacle or Molasses being unknown
here, I would advise to have but a few Casks sent for tryal,
like I would recommend to be rather limitted by sending
Cotton, Indigo CoflFe and Sugar, till these articles are first
try'd and experience acquired for the future, a matter of
about one thousand hundred weights English of good Rice
in small Barrills would likewise do at a time. I inclose for
your further speculation a List of our last Years Imports
that was published but of late and at the fall shall give you
my opinion, which articles may be the most promissing for
next Season.
Recommanding myself to the continuance of your favours
and friendship I remain most respectfully, Gentlemen,
Your most obedient humble Servant,
Anto. Fr. Thiringk
The opportunity by which this was intended to you having
been detaind untill the ist August, I find needful to add, that
1788] RHODE ISLAND 383
the price of clean hemp has started up to Ro. 26f and is now
held at Ro. 27. The taking of Trinconomale by the French
affords great Speculations and many are of opinion that a
war amongst the maritime powers is avoidable. I'll have
the pleasure of writing you further at the fall.
William Willcocks to Christopher Champlin and
Samuel Fowler and Son
Cork, 1st August, 1788.
Gentlemen,
Annexed is Copy of what I had the pleasure of writing to
you the 5th of April, the i8th of the same Month arrived
the Hannibal which brought me a letter with bill of Lading
for 100 Hhds. of Flaxseed shipt for your Account by Messrs.
Hewes and Anthony, a few of which were damaged by Salt
Water, but not much. Previous to the Ships arrival, I had
collected information from Dublin and several parts of the
North, where I fou'd there was as great a glut of Flaxseed if
not greater than here, which determined me in landing yours,
to avoid a greater loss and additional expence. I since
engaged them at 40/ per hhd. and six months Credit, the
price fell so rapidly that he drew away only a few, and seeks
an abatement on the remainder, which I will not give him.
Agreeable to order, as soon as I am in Cash I will remit the
Net Proceeds to Messrs. Lane Son and Frazer, and Mr. Alex-
ander Champion Junior, of London.
Pot Ashes have been a good article. I lately run off a
parcel all at 37/ per Ct. Pearl Ashes are not much used in
these parts. The Polly from Hudson, in the North River,
arrived here about a fortnight ago with 127 barrels Pot
Ashes and 60 M very good barrel Staves, the Pot Ashes
sold at 33/ per Ct. and the Staves at £6.10. per M. a few
days before arrived to me the Ship Donnegal from Baltimore
with 150 M Hhd. and barrel Staves, and 429 barrels Tar.
the Staves I have mostly sold at £6.12 to £6.16.6 the barrel,
and £11 per M the Hhd. but am only offered 11/4^ per
384 COMMERCEOF [ 1788
barrel for the Tar. Oak plank and boards are worth about
16/. per 100 feet. I respectfully am, Gentlemen,
Benjamin Peirce to Christopher Champlin
Copenhagen, August 8th, 1788.
Gentlemen^
I THIS day arrived here after a passage of 13 days from
St. Petersburg having procured the goods you order'd the
Sail Cloth at 29/ Stlg. per piece the Hemp £22.15 ^tlg. per
ton, the Iron at £12.15 P^^ ton all good in quality, have
had a consultation with Mr. Saabye upon the article of Tea
and shall determine in the morning whether I give the same
price that Handy and Lawton give or not, if shou'd shall
be soon after them if not you must not look for me 'till the
last of November as the Sales are the loth September, upon
the whole I shall be governed by the judgement of Mr.
Ryberg who I am sure is my friend. I am, Gentlemen,
your obedient Servant, Ben Peirce
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin and
Samuel Fowler and Sons
Dublin, I2th August, 1788.
Gentlemen,
Having none of your esteem'd favors unanswered, the
present is to hand you Sales of the Flaxseed received per
1788] RHODE ISLAND 385
the Hope Captain Wall. Neat proceeds when in Cash
£1895.10.5 the one half whereof is carried to the Credit of
your respective Accounts Current without my prejudice
in case any of the outstanding debts proove bad; at same
time lament truely this Adventure has not turn'd out more
profitable to you, tho' think myself very fortunate that I
got it all sold so soon as I did, the price having fallen the
latter end of the Season down to 32/6, and a deal is left on
hand both here and in all the out ports particularly at Derry
and Newry; The Oil Mills in this Vicinity has bought up
a good deal from 30/ and 32/ and now give £34/ i\d per
Hhd for it. upon the whole flater myself yours will turn out
as well as your Neighbours and the Quantity I sold was
much more then any other House here. Our Harvest prom-
ises a most abundant Crop of all kinds of Corn, of Flaxseed
do not apprehend any will be saved; its impossible to form
any Idea how this Article will rule next Season, the price
always is govern'd by the Quantity that comes to Market,
so that if there is an abundant Crop with you, you should
buy it in proportion Cheap, and you may calculate the
Consumption of this Kingdom to be 36,000 Hhds tho' believe
from the Great Parliamentary Bounty given for sowing
this Article, that nearer 40,000 Hhds were sown, and its
expected the same Encouragement will be continued the
ensueing Spring.
There is a bad Debt made on the Sales of your Seed last
year. I have had the Man William Edgar in Geoal these
10 Months, I've now some prospect of geting his Father in
Law to join in Security to pay half the debt in one, two and
three years, all that prevents its being compleated is waiting
to hear from a friend in the Country if he is a Solvent Man.
I dont know what effect the War between Sweden and Rusia
may have on the Politicks of the other European Powers,
but if matters are not accommodated during the Winter I
fear others will be brought into the Quarrell.
In the letter which I had the pleasure to write you the
4th of March I requested you to ship me Pot ashes of first
quality for the proceeds of the Spermacitie Candles etc.
386 COMMERCEOF [ 1788
which you'l be so good as to attend to. I am most respect-
fully, Gentlemen, Your obedient Servant,
Edward Forbes
P. S. If the Northern Powers continue the War next
Summer Your Naval Stores will be wanted; I think Pitch
and Tar must answer if bought cheap. Pot ashes 34/
White Pearl ashes 33/ to 34/ per Ct. both of first Quality.
Joseph Lawrence to Christopher Champlin
Providence, August 19th, 1788.
Sir,
I HAVE been apply'd to by one of the Committee for Build-
ing a Meeting house in Franklin (State of Massachusetts)^
for 10 Boxes of 8 by 10 Window Glass, and Painters Colours
sufficient to paint the same for which he ofi^ers to pay in
good merchantable Flaxseed at the going price when he re-
ceives the Glass which he wants in September, if you have
the Glass and Painters Colors and the pay will suit please to
let me know by the boat, the price of Seed is not broke
here a small Quantity has been brought in and sold at 3/6
and the last at 3/. I am Sir yours,
Joseph Lawrence
Benjamin Peirce to Christopher and
George Champlin
Copenhagen, August, 20th, 1788.
Gentlemen,
I sail this day in company with Capt. Page, I have
on board 40 tons clean hemp 300 pieces Sail Cloth, 45 do.
Ravens duck 58 Chests Bohea, 2 Boxes Green Tea and 8|
tons of Iron as cargo which fills the Elizabeth full, there is
a ballance of 16 Chests of tea due which will be shipp'd in
the Ship Hope Capt. Jacob Westcot for providence. She
will sail in all September. I am. Gentlemen, Your Obedient
^^"='"' Ben Peirce
^ See Blake, History of Franklin, 54.
1788]
RHODE ISLAND
387
388 COMMERCE OF [ 1788
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin
Dublin, 29th August, 1788.
Sir,
I REFER you to my letter of the 12th instant via New
York. Since received your always esteem'd of the i6th
ulto. via Cork handing Sales of the Spermaceti Candles in
which account you debit me £4.7.8! ballance of Candles
returned per Captain Sheffield out of my part of the Candles
received for the | of the Ship, in your and Messrs.
Fowlers letter of 12 September (last,) you desire me for to
charge Captain Sheffield with that Sum which I did with
other Items and sent the account to his wife and if I recollect
under cover and open to you fully persuaded the Amount
or Ballance you would of course have received for me so that
if you have repaid this Sum to her its against me having no
property of his in my hands to have stopt that Sum and
wrote her to pay the whole Amount as furnished into your
and Mr. Fowlers hands — so that I think you should at least
receive the same back. I made a mistake in debiting Mr.
Ward Arnold and Vernon for the | of the Copenhagen freight
as Currency in place of British Money tho indeed your Letter
was very explicit on this point, you have my thanks for
settling my account so properly with Mr. Ward and have
charged the other Gentlemen with the difference, and you
have both my best thanks for your good Sales of the Candles
as well as for the Settlement of that unfortunate Vessels
accounts. In my letter of the 12th instant to you and
Messrs. Fowlers I sent Sales of your Flaxseed per the Hope
and tho there are some of the debts yet due shall take them
all on myself to ease your minds and this post remitted
Messrs. Lane Son and Frazer £110 Brit: which will nearly
ballance your accounts, and by a ship to sail for New York
in a few days your Account Current will be furnished, with
respect to the unfortunate bad debt made on Sales of youre
Neighbours, Mr. Handys Flaxseed, it was not my fault, for
I did enquire the Mans Character before I delivered him the
same and was inform'd he was safe and if your Seed has been
1788] RHODE ISLAND 389
as clean and as well looking as youre Neighbours probably
he would have had more of yours. My making this and
another bad debt made me use every precaution possible
this Spring and it gives me inexpressible pleasure on your and
other friends Accounts that I am not likely to make any
this year at least tho all is not received yet as I before wrote
you I take them on myself and flatter myself upon a review
of the whole of the Sales and bad debts they will appear as
good and the bad ones as few as my Neighbours. If they do
not turn out so I can only assure you its not my fault con-
vinced no man endeavours to do more in every sense of the
word to serve his friends than I do. were the property my
own I could not do more. I am told that in consequence
of a bad debt made for Mr. Gibbs that he has got Mr.
Norris to guarantee the Sales of his goods, if you desire it
I shall do yours on the like terms. I know two Years ago
a Gentlemen who had Flaxseed consigned him from New
York was so unlucky as to have made two or three heavy
ones and his friends afterwards agreed to allow him 4 per
cent. Commission and for insuring debts this Commission
he tells me he has charged ever since and I can have no
objection to act by you and other friends as my Neighbours
do; and then you'll be on a certainty that the produce of
your goods will be secured.
The bad debt made on your Sales by Thomas Dungan who
was robb'd I expect a dividend next November it will be
about 15^ per pound. I cannot help it as you mentioned
Mr. Handys name to say that he has treated me very ungen-
erously after the promise [his] Son made me of punctual
Remittance. I sent his account to Messrs. Russells of
Providence as I knew one [of] their Daughters married his
Son, so I thought they would have been more likely to influ-
ence him to remit me. Its such behaviour sours Men from
assisting their friends and tends to destroy confidence
between Man and Man. I am, Sir, Your most humble
Servant
Edward Forbes
390 commerceof [ 1788
Edward James Smith and Co. to Christopher and
George Champlin
St. Petersburg, the 5th September, 1788.
Gentlemen:
It was the 21st July we had the Pleasure to write you last,
when we chiefly advised that your Brig the Elizabeth^
Captain Benjamin Peirce was sailed from hence for Copen-
hagen. We have got now lately the News from our mutual
Friend Nicholas Ryberg Esqr. of Copenhagen, that said your
Brigg is not only dispatched there, but sailed also from
thence, of which doubt not our mutual Friend has advised
you. We have likewise very gladly observed in the Sound
Lists he is safely passed Elsineur and we hope will be safe
arrived with you before receipt of this, which we heartily
wish, and then we flatter ourselves the Hemp we shipt for
your account will give satisfaction, also as Capt. Peirce was
satisfied with our Management, that we shall have the honour
of executing all your Commands at this place in the next
year, for which purpose we recommend ourselves in your
favours and Friendship, requesting to be assured of our
utmost Endeavours for your Interest and to merit the
Continuance of your Commands. The inclosed for Captain
Benja Peirce beg to -deliver. By his Recommandation
we dispatched from hence a Brig the Hope^ commanded
by Captain Benjamin Page belonging to Messrs. Brown
and Francis of Providence, and upon a Letter of Credit
supplied this Captain with what Goods he wanted from
hence for account said Gentlemen; But as this Captain did
not take" his full Cargo here and wanted yet Goods from
Copenhagen, for which he had no Credit with him, we
furnished him with a Letter of Credit for that purpose on
our Friend N. Ryberg Esqr. and recommended said Gentle-
man to provide Captain Page with the Goods he might want,
which has been done to the Amount of £1050. Sterling, for
which said Captain passed his Drafts upon his Owners
Messrs. Brown and Francis at Providence Rhode Island,
at 6 Months date in favour of our Friends Messrs. John
1788 J RHODE ISLAND 39I
William Anderson and Co. payable in London. Mr. Ryberg
acquaints us of having sent you said Draft to procure the
acceptance and domiciliation and afterwards to forward it
Messrs Anderson and Co. of London; also that he forwarded
through your hands the Bills of Loading and Invoices for
which this Draft is passed and desired you in case the Draft
should not be properly accepted to take in your possession
the Goods and to dispose of them for our account remitting
afterwards the Net proceeds to said our London Friends.
We hope all these precautions will have proved unnecessary,
as we gott the best intelligence about the Solidity and
Character of Messrs. Brown and Francis, and as no doubt
these Gentlemen will be well known to you, we beg you will
kmdly interfere with them in our favour for their further
Business at this Place, in which you will greatly oblige us,
also our mutual Friend N. Ryberg Esqr. of Copenhagen,
whom we recommend them for their Business at that place.
Clean Hemp is now already as high as Ro. 29 per Berko-
witz, Outshott or 2d Sort Ro. 25, and half clean or 3rd Sort
Ro. 24, 12 heads white Flax Ro. 39 and 40, — all monstrous
high prices, and whether they will be as high next year or
how they are likely to be, is not possible to judge as yet, but
we shall not fail to advise you in its time how the first Con-
tracts will open, also to provide you at the close of shipping
with a List of the Goods exported from hence to America.
Sail Cloth from Ro. 7 to Ro. ii| Ravenducks Ro. 8| to |,
Flems Ro. izj to I2| per piece. Drillings 2o| to 21 Co. per
arsheen. Candle Tallow from Ro. 33 to Ro. 35, and Soap
Tallow from Ro. 26 to 30 per Berkowitz, but no good Tallow
more at Market. The prices of Iron stand, old Sable from
123 to 125 Co., new Sable from 115 to 120 Co. per pd, the
assorted sorts in proportion to their demensions dearer.
We are in all your Commands most respectfully. Gentlemen:
Your most obedient humble Servants,
Edward James Smith and Co.
Amsterdam 33 to 32fj. London 34 to 33|i.
392 commerceof [ 1788
Memorandum ^
Memorandum upon what conditions Chris : ChampHn
will furnish Messrs. Lawson, Price and Co. with Sundry
articles for Equiping and putting to Sea their new Schooner
now in this Harbour, vizt.
For Russha Duck, Ravens Duck and Cordage, Barr Iron,
for the Smith, Provisions, including every other Article
where money is paid either to Tradesmen, Labourers, Capt.
and Seamen, Clearing at the Custom house etc. shall be con-
sidered as Solid Coin, which said Price and Co. shall stipulate
to pay said Champlin or his order in Solid Coin at Charleston
South Carolina, by the Fifteenth of January, 1789, or in
Rice at the Market Price at said Charleston, on January
15th, 1789, Allowing and Creditting said Champlin in
Account with the difference of Exchange between the paper
Currency of said Charleston, Carolina, and Solid Coin,
provided the Amount is paid in Rice. But for the Amount
of such parts of Tradesmens Bills and all other articles fur-
nished for said Equipment without money being paid, said
Champlin will receive of said Price and Co., at said Charles-
ton on January 15th, 1789, in good Rice at the Market
price for which said Price and Co. must stipulate to pay.
A Commission of three per Cent must be allow'd said
Champlin upon the Advance for contexting with the different
persons — collecting, paying, and adjusting — the whole
Accounts. A like Commission of three per Cent said Price
Co. agrees to charge said Champlin upon any Merchandize
which said Champlin may ship to their Address also they
agree to charge said Champlin three per Cent upon any
Merchandize which they may purchase and ship for his
Account at Charleston aforesaid.
Newport, September i8th, 1788.
N. B. Shoud said Champlin ship to our adress at Charles-
ton per our new Schooner aforesaid, it is agreed the Freight
thereof shall be at one Silver Dollar per Hhhd.
Lawson Price and Co.
Chris. Champlin
^ The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
1788 ] RHODEISLAND 393
VOGHT AND SlEVEKING TO CHRISTOPHER ChAMPLIN
Hamburg, the 7 October, 1788.
Sify
Favored with your much esteemed of the zzd July, we
have the pleasure to wait on you with the desired informa-
tion relating to the East india Cotton wool.
This article may be imported here without any restraint,
but as the Cotton trade commonly depends on the Wool
imported from Smirna and there adjaicent quarters, which
together with the West india Cotton generaly supply the
European Manufactures, we find them from East india to
be little known. However parcels of whatever consequence
may be run off at a price adequate to quality compared with
the Smirna Cotton. Here a parcel of Surate Wool was im-
ported some Years ago, the quality of which was like to the
inferior Smirna Cotton, and then sold at 22 to 2/\.d, Smirna
Cotton of common quality standing at the same price. This
price since rose up, and is now at 27. to zSd. but with appear-
ance of a fall again, demand having remarkably relapsed
some Time since. Thus it appears that the East india Wool
alike in quality to the common Smirna, such as the above
mentioned might fetch between 24 and 2yd Banco a li, with
8f per Ct. Discount, any unforeseen revolution excepted.
This price of 24 to 2yd is equal Exchange at 35 Shil. a £
sterling, to I2f to 141V pence Sterling a pound.
Inclosed a performa Account Sales, which will further
enable you to make an exact Calculation. You will easily
conceive that without seeing the quality of the Wool, we
cannot be fully possitif to the price, but what we said will
be sufficient to give you an Idea of the market. We may
add that ours must allways offer better Sales then the Dutch,
as this place is nearer to provide the Northern manufactories,
which are our constant Customers, and this article will
allways command a ready sale in as much as the price of
what you send can sustain an equality with the Cottons
before mentioned. Depend upon our activity and care for
your interest, and remain fully assured that they will be
managed to the best advantage possible.
394 COMMERCEOF [ 1788
We are sorry to have been deprived of your worthy com-
mands ever since your Brigg Richmond Captain Green was
here. It would aford us a deal of pleasure to see you dispose
of our Services on more frequent Ocasions.
Tobaccos allways command a current sale; prices running
at 3 to 3I/ the common young Maryland, sound brown 3! to
4I/ colored 4I to f/. Yellow 5 to 5I/. fine yellow 6/.
sweet scent 3I to 5/. according to quality. Hemp is in
demand; Petersburg clean 71 to 72 M. Outcast 65 to 66 M.
half clean 61 to 62 M. per 280 H. Tea Bohea 14I to |, with
some apearance of rising. Further particulars please to be
referred to the inclosed Price current. We most respectfully
remain, Sir, Your most obedient and humble Servants
VOGHT AND SlEVEKING
[Endorsed,] Per Captain Whippy.
Edward James Smith and Co. to Christopher and
George Champlin
St. Petersburg, the 28th November, 1788.
Gentlemen:
On the 5th September we had the honour to waite upon
you last, and at large; all which confirm and are in expecta-
tion of your kind reply-, hoping the Draft of Captain Ben-
jamin Page for £1050 upon Messrs. Brown and Francis at
Providence has been duely accepted and forwarded to
London before receipt of this. We also hope to hear soon,
that Captain Benjamin Peirce is safe arrived with you and
flatter ourselves, the Hemp sent you by him has given
Contentment as likewise that we shall be honoured with
your worthy Commands next year, in which you may depend
on our utmost Endeavours for your Interest and to gain
your satisfaction. Herewith take the Liberty to waite upon
you with List of this years Exports by British and American
Ships for your Amusement and Speculations, and as soon
as the general Exports are to be had shall not fail to
provide you with it.
Since the 6th Instant our Rivers are shutt up with Ice. In
1788 ] RHODEISLAND 395
Trade and Contracts of Russ Goods not very brisk yet;
The price of Clean Hemp on Contract stands at Ro. 2o|
with all the Money down now, and at Ro. 22| with Ro. 2|
per Berkowitz beforehand the Hemp deliverable in June
and July next; For Clean Hemp remaining after shipping
and laying on the Spot is paid Ro. 23I per Berkowitz and
all the Money now. If any stronger demand should appear,
it is very likely the prices may rise. Twelve heads Flax
has been bought on Contract at Ro. 29, with all the Money
beforehand, but no more Sellers at this price. Of the other
Sorts Hemp and Flax cannot be said any thing as no pur-
chases nor offers have been made yet. For Candle Tallow
on Contract is paid Ro. 35 and for Soap Tallow Ro. 31 per
Berkowitz all the Money beforehand. Of Yellow Wax,
Wax and Tallow Candles no prices yet. Old Sable Iron
from 130 Co. to 133 Co. and new Sable Iron from 118 to 125
Co. per pood. We have here no Manufactory Goods left
at Market after shipping. New Supplies will come by Sledge
Way, but no prices to be noted, it is however not to be
expected they will be lower as the last at Shipping which
have been for Flems from Ro. 11 to I2f, for Ravenducks from
Ro. 8 to 9 per piece, for Drillings from 19 to 21 Co. per
arsheen for broad plain Linnen from Ro. 120 to Ro. 180,
for narrow plain Linnen from Ro. 80 to 95, for broad
Diaper from Ro. no to 125, and for narrow Diaper from Ro.
85 to 95, for Crash Ro. 42 to 50, all per 1000 arsheens. Of
Sail Cloth we have 7300 pieces at Market of sundry sorts,
the last prices have been from Ro. 8 to 1 1 per piece, how the
prices of all these Linnens and Manufactory Goods may be
when we gett supplies and against and during next year,
is not possible to tell, but hardly to be expected lower than
the above mentioned. We shall not fail to waite upon you
with our further Advices, in the mean time recommend
ourselves in the Continuances of your Favours and Friend-
ship and remain in all your Commands most respectfully.
Gentlemen, Your most obedient humble Servants,
Edward James Smith and Co.
Amsterdam 31 to 3IjJ. London 32 to ^ild.
396 COMMERCEOF [ 1789
The inclosed for Captain Benjamin Peirce beg to deliver
with our best Compliments.
Edward James Smith and Co. to Christopher and
George Champlin
St. Petersburg, the i6th February, 1789.
Gentlemen:
We had the honour to waite upon you last the 28th
November last year the Contents of which confirm and beg
leave to refer to.
Last British mail brought us your much esteemed Favour
of the 15th December last with Copys of your Letter to our
mutual Friend Nicholas Ryberg Esqr. at Copenhagen, and
of the acceptance made by Messrs. Brown and Francis at
Providence upon the Drafts for £1050. Sterling of Captain
Benjamin Page on them; We have duely observed all you
please to mention with regard this Business as well in your
Letter to said our Copenhagen Friend, as in that to us. We
are very sorry for the Trouble you have had with this
Affair, and not only approve intirely your management and
the care for our Interest, but beg you will also accept of our
sincerest thanks for all; we hope the acceptance of Messrs.
Brown and Francis will be punctually respected by Peter
Whiteside Esqr. at Lontlon, and in its time the Money paid
there to our Friends Messrs. John William Anderson and Co.
of whom expect by the next mail their Advice and whether
the Drafts are accepted by P. Whiteside Esqr., by which
then every thing will run off in good order.
It gives us much pleasure to observe in your favour, the
Hemp we sent you last year by Captain Benjamin Peirce
reached you in good condition, has given satisfaction and is
come to a good Market. We flatter ourselves to give you
allways the same in any Commands you will please to favour
us with, as also that Captain Peirce will come next summer to
our house and we shall have to execute all your Commands
per your Brig the Elizabeth^ which we observe you are pre-
paring sending out again; You may depend, we shall observe
1789 ] RHODEISLAND 397
your Interest in every respect as our own, as nothing gives
us more pleasure than serving our Friends to their satis-
faction to which we spare no pains nor trouble of which we
hope Captain Peirce has fully convinced you. We are glad
our Advices of Trade have been of Service and we shall not
miss continuing giving you the same further from time to
time. Herewith for your Curiosity and Speculations a
List of last years Exports from hence by American and
British ships, also a List of general Exports. And as to the
prices of Russ Goods, great Quantities of Iron are bought
up; old Sable Iron from 130 to 135 Copecks and new Sable
from 118 to 125 Co. per pood; the assorted Iron of each
sort, is according to their Dimensions dearer in proportion.
Clean Hemp on Contract deliverable in June and July next,
stands now at Ro. 20 per Berkowitz with all the Money
beforehand, and at Ro. 2i| with Ro. 2 per Berkowitz down
the remainder on delivery. If no great demands from Great
Britain should come, which according to present circum-
stances seems not to be the case, this article won't rise and in
summer then to be expected not higher, if not lower, how-
ever much will depend what turn political affairs may take,
as yet not to be said, whether Peace will be in the Baltic
Sea. Outshott and half clean Hemp are much demanded,
and contracted for France above their proportion to the
Clean; Outshott at Ro. 19^ all the Money and half clean
on the same condition at Ro. i8|, and the former at Ro.
20^ with Ro. 5, and the latter at Ro. 19I with Ro. 4^ per
Berkowitz beforehand. Flax is also in great demand and
on Contract paid 12 heads with Ro. 36 all money and Ro.
39 with Ro. 3 per Berkowitz down. Bristles first sort con-
tracted last at Ro. i6| per pood all Money advanced,
Tarred Cordage will not be had next Summer under Ro.
2.80 Co. per pood. All Linnens and Manufactory Goods
not cheap expected next shipping season, as there is paid
for Goods of midhng qualities on the spot, vizt. for Flems
Linnen Ro. I2| and Ravenducks Ro. 8.90 Co. to Ro. 9, Sail
Cloth from Ro. 8 to 11 per piece. Drillings at 21 Co. per
arsheen; broad plain Linnen from Ro. 120 to Ro. 180, nar-
398 COMMERCEOF [ 1789
row from Ro. 81 to 95, broad Diaper from Ro. 128 to 130,
narrow from Ro. 88 to 90, and Crash from Ro. 45 to 55, all
per 1000 arsheens. When this reaches you most surely
Captain Peirce will be saild, think it needless to write him
and hope to see him in our house next Summer. Recom-
mending ourselves in the Continuance of your Friendship,
we remain very respectfully, Gentlemen: Your most Obe-
dient Humble Servants,
Edward James Smith and Co.
Amsterdam 31/. London 31 !«/•
We find you have got already the Exportations by Ameri-
can and British ships, of course only herewith the general
Exports. Messrs. Brown and Francis have not wrote us
yet.
Samuel Spragg for Patrick Jeffrey to
Christopher Champlin
London, 19th February, 1789.
I duely received your favor of the 26th November last
via Ireland, and in consequence I appHed to Mr. Douce, who
informs me, the Money for your Claim is paid in to the
Accountant General of the Bank hands, and invested in
the 3 per Ct. Consols, b'earing an interest of 3 per Ct. from
the time it was ordered in by the Chancellor, which he
thinks is about 6 years ago, so that you will receive an interest
from that time, but the sum is not absolutely fixed, so as to
tell you with a certainty, the greater part of the Lawyers
bill paid will be returned you; when the Cause of the differ-
ent Claimants is tryed at Comon Law, which am told by
one of the Attorneys claiming will be heard the Sitting after
the present term, of which he will inform me, when this
is settled it will be referred back to the Master in Chancery
to settle the whole with the Costs, which apprehend will
cause a delay of receiving what you may be entitled to full
12 months longer; respecting any further charge in the
matter of Law, there will arise some but not much; but what
1789 ] RHODEISLAND 399
can't say, which will be fully compensated when the Master
ascertains the accounts. You will not be any more money
out of pocket. I truely wish could afford you greater satis-
faction, but really cannot be done at present; it shall have
my due attention, and when settled and received you may
depend shall advise you; I feel myself much obliged in your
intentions of investing what may be received in articles you
may order.
Inclosed is your Account Current made up to the 31st
december last Balance due to me £88.0.9 is placed to your
debit in a new account and doubt not you will find right and
am with due respect. Your most Humble Servant
Sam'l Spragg
per procuration from Patrick Jeffrey
[Endorsed,] Per Capt. Barnard via Boston.
Moses M. Hays to Christopher Champlin
Boston, February the 23d, 1789.
Dear Sir^
I should have replied to your favor of the 21st Ulto.
before this, had you not apprised me, that you was not in
haste on the subject, for I could as well at that moment
given you my sentiments as now, on the articles that I pre-
sume will best accommodate such a Vessell as you speak of,
and not endanger an over stock of the Market.
10 Hhds good Tobacco
30 Casks Rice
SM Pipe 1
5M- Barrell > Staves best white oak.
SfftHhds J
Some small Sparrs and Merchantable Boards for Dunnage.
Spermaceti Candles are inadmissable.
100 Barrells Naval Stores.
800 Kentalls good merchantable dry Fish, well cured and dry.
30 Barrells beef. No Pork.
10 Kegs Hogs Lard
1000 C. Tried Tallow.
4 Tons Pot ashes.
American oyl, we are told, and I believe with Certainty is at
present prohibited in France. Indeed all foreign oyls; but
400 COMMERCEOF [ 1789
if the Importation was free, that Article never affords much
advantage. I cannot with propriety recommend any
particular Port for a market for you, but presume Lorient
or any of the Free Ports would be most illegible.
Bayonne is a market that would not promise you much
Advantage, it is a small Port, its Inhabitants chiefly Fisher-
man and very little frequented. If I receive any advices
that indicate any thing worth your Notice will inform you,
and am with Regard, Dear Sir, Your most obedient Humble
Servant
M. M. Hays
N. E. Rum sells 1/6 and perhaps 1/5I per Gn.
Bohea Tea, 1/7 per lb. 4 Months Credit.
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin and
Samuel Fowler and Son ^
Dublin, 25th February, 1789.
Gentlemen^
The above is copy of my letter of the 30th Ulto. It
gives me great concern to inform you the Hope owing to the
insufficiency of her Cables, which she parted, was drove on
a Sand Bank in Poolbeg^and tho' she has got off apparently
without much damage yet she must go into Dock to be
examined and get such repairs as may be necessary. She
came to the Quay yesterday and will have the remainder of
her Cargo discharged as soon as possible and Messrs. Fowlers
may be assured she shall be dispatch'd with all expedition,
but the expence of New Cables, etc., will come heavy, very
luckily the Insurance was effected as the Underwriters will
bear a part thereof. Have commenced Sales of the Flaxseed
at 44/. to 45/6 per Hhd. at which price hope if we have not
an overglut to sell the remainder; There are two Vessels
missing from Newyork bound here which has given some of
the Holders more Courage, for there has been a quantity
sold as low as 42/. Newyork Seed; Depend I will act in
^ The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
1789 ] RHODEISLAND 4OI
lent. I am Gem
Edw'd Forbes
the Sale of yours to the best of my Judgement. I am Gent.,
Your mo : humble Servant,
[Endorsed,] Per Two Brothers via Philadelphia.
Clark and Nightingale to Christopher Champlin
Providence, March 4, 1789.
Dear Sir,
Your favour of the 24th ulto. did not reach us till last
evening when we immediately sent your letter to Captain
Graves; but he being out of town can give no answer to that
part of your letter till he returns which we expect will be
the last of the week, the articles you propose in barter for
New England rum will not suit in payment, as they are to be
had on rather better terms here, and indeed do not find so
quick a market as the rum, which at this season appears
in demand.
We have set up a new Manufactory of Geneva should you
be in want of any of this article for your trade to the West-
ward, we should be glad to supply you with some equal
to any imported. So soon as Captain Graves returns we
will again apply to him and let you know the result thereof
by the first opportunity, we are in the mean time. Sir,
Your most Obedient Servants,
Clark and Nightingale
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin
Dublin, 4th April, 1789.
Sir,
I AM this moment favored with your always esteem'd
of the 17th February per Captain Wood with Bill Ladeing
for 169 Hhds Flaxseed, which I shall dispose of to best
advantage, and if I find it will yeild more in Newry then
here will send the whole or a part there. Have already sold
near 2000 Hhds from 43/6 to 45/6, but the arrival of the
William and three others expected from New- York will
overstock this Market I fear. I followed your reccom-
402 COMMERCEOF [ 1789
mendation in selling as fast as I could and think it has turn'd
out lucky for you and other friends that I did so.
At Newry the Price have been pritty much the same as
here, yet I fear it will be overstockt likewise, at Derry
price is 40/ to 42/6. Belfast it has broke at 42/6 to 44/
and at Cork little yet sold I hear. Your letter will be
forwarded to Bristol this nights Post and will write the
Gentlem[a]n there what you desire. I remitted Lane and
Co. £400 your account exchange 8| is £432.10/ at your debit.
The Bearer is bound for Newyork, is cleard out and sails
in an hour, which prevents my sending your Linens by him.
had I got Captain Woods letters last night your Linens
would have been sent by this conveyance. I remain with
great regard. Sir, Your most humble Servant,
Edward Forbes
[Endorsed,] Per Revolution, via New York.
Samuel Rodman to Christopher Champlin
N. Bedford, 5 month, 19th, 1789.
Respected Friend, Christopher Champlin,
Agreeable to the encouragement I gave thee, at my
leaving Nport, I embrace the first opportunity that has
presented, since my geting here and my brother's return
from Boston, to acquaint thee that, we shall not have
occasion for the Hemp upon the terms, thou ofFer'd it. As
we have a sufficiency on hand to supply our demand, until
we can furnish ourselves from Europe.
Thou hast no doubt received information by the late
London arrivals, that, that Article can or could be had there
at the time the Ships saild, at £30 per Ton, which with the
draw back, will reduce it to about £27. Its lower than we
expected it would be, probably owing to the great quantities
that have been stor'd, to qualify that provident government
to take a part in the European War, should their treaties
impel that Measure. The apprehension of which having
subsided for the present, its now selling perhaps as low as
the Russia price.
1789 ] RHODEISLAND 4O3
Should'st thou wish a bill for Specie, my brother WiUiam
Rotch, Junior will draw, for £100 Sterling or 2400 Livres
60 days at par, which thou may have by applying to him
here, which will be a more speedy [way] of geting it than
through our house at Nantucket. With much respect, I
am Sir, Thy Assurd friend, ^^^^^^ ^^^^^^
TiLLEY AND MiLLER TO CHRISTOPHER ChAMPLIN
New London, June 15th, 1789.
Your favour of the 9th Inst, wee have received covering
Capt. Culver Receipt's for Twenty four Certificates signd
Oliver Wolcott amount One hundred and Sixty three pounds
Seven shillings and five pence L. Money, also for five Chests
Bohea Tea. Your orders respecting the Certificates will
be attended to, but are sorry to advise that wee were under
the Nessisity of refusing to receive the Tea as by misconduct
it was damaged as by the inclosed Certificate will appear,
wee withold Culvers Bill Loading untill he makes his Peace
with you. at the same time your future orders resspecting
this matter shall be duly attended to. the Tea I indulged
Culver to put in our Store for separating the damaged, where
it now remains on his Account. Wee are Your Most humble
Servants, t^ ,-^
' ilLLEY AND MiLLER
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin
Dublin, 3d August, 1789,
Sir,
My last Respects was the 6th April via N. York with In-
voice of a Box Linens addressed Messrs. Murray, Mumford
and Bowen which I find had arrived there. Since I received
your Favour of the 28th March advising your draft in favour
of Captain Benj. Pierce for £170 Eng. which is placed to
your Debit, as is £200 English remitted Messrs. Protheroe
and Claxton Bristol, Hkewise £100 remitted this day to
Messrs. Lane, Son and Frazer. Inclosed is Sales of your
404 COMMERCEOF [ 1789
Flaxseed per the William Capt. Wood neat proceeds when in
Cash £230.11.9 at your Credit. I also credit you for fds
Proceeds of Flaxseed per the Hope £1083.15.8. you have
likewise herein your Account Current. Ballance in your
favour £26.2.6 is carried to your New Account holding you
accountable in case any of the outstanding Debts shou'd
prove bad. the seed sold Jno. Classon for Oil is not payable
till the end of October, so that I am in advance for you
which I don't mind as I think the Debts will prove good.
I was very cautious indeed of the Persons I dealt with. I
averaged your Seed per Captain Wood with the General
Sales tho' did not sell for so much, and it will give me very
great pleasure if my Sales meet your Approbation, as I assure
you I made every [effort] in my power for the Interest of
my Friends. The Settlement of the g[eneral] Averige on
the Hope's Cargo with Copy of Protest shall be sent Lane
Son and Co. as they wrote me they made Insurance on
your Part of her Cargo, you'll therefore have to pay
Messrs. S. Fowler and Son your Part thereof.
You demand my best Thanks for the Trouble you have
had with my very unlucky Concern in the Fame, the Ashes
proved very good have debited your private Account with
the little ballance of 9/4 and assure yourself shou'd I ever
have any Business to do in your place I shall trouble you
therewith and no other Person, and it will give me Pleasure
on all occasions to serve you or your Friends, and am with
great Regard and Esteem, Sir, Your most obedient Servant,
Edward Forbes
P. S. I debit your new account £6.15.9 for your Propor-
tion of ship Hope's General Averige on the Cargo.
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin and
Samuel Fowler and Son
Dublin, 3 August, 1789.
GentlemeUy
Inclosed you have Sales of the Ship Hope's Cargo of Flax-
seed Neat proceeds £1625.13.6 which is carried to the Credit
1789 ] RHODEISLAND 405
of your respective accounts, holding you accountable shou'd
any of the Debts prove bad, which I do not expect looking
upon all very safe as I was very cautious about whom I
trusted, the few that remained I sold to a proprietor of
one of the Oil Mills payment 3 Months at 36/ per hhd.
which I thought better to do than keep in expectation of
getting more for. there is about 2500 hhds left on hands and
am apprehensive will not fetch more. I fully expected at
the beginning of the Sales I should have averiged your
Seed at above 43/ per hhd. but a much greater Quantity
having arrived than was expected the Price fell rapidly,
which affected the Sales at Drogheda and other out ports.
However upon the whole, flatter myself I did full as well as
my Neighbours, tho' I sold double the Quantity of any one
here and at the end had only 97 hhds — the refuse of all
left. Assure yourselves I m[ade every] exertion [to prjomote
the Interest of my Employers in the Sales, w[hich] make me
very happy to hear meets your Approbation.
The continued Rains we have had ever since the beginning
of July, has greatly injured the Crop of Flax, no Seed will
be saved, which makes me hope more will be sown next year
and the article prove more profitable than it has done this,
indeed the Seed in general was very faulty and badly cleaned.
Your Accounts are credited your proportion of the dividend
coming from the Estate of Thos. Dungan £2.2.4 each, as
to Wm. Edgars Debt it is total Loss, having sworn himself
not worth a Groat, he got the Benefit of the insolvent Act
and was liberated from Gaol. I have debited Messrs.
Fowler and credited Mr. Champlins Account for the differ-
ence in the Freight of Flaxseed per the Hope £19.19.5. I
remain with great Regard and Esteem, Gentlemen, Your
most humble Servant, t? t?
' Edward Forbes
Prices Current.
first Pot Ash 29/
Pearl. 38 to 40/ but expected lower when new arrives.
Spermaceti Oil, fine white sort and free from smell and sediment 4/ a Gallon.
Common Whale Oil .... £17 per Ton. 1 Duty on all
Cod or Liver Oil £20 per do. <. oils i8j per
Seal Oil 2/3 to 2/6 per Gallon J Ton only.
4o6 COMMERCE OF [ I790
Rice 24/ per Ct. Duty 8 per Ct.
Beeswax iSd per lb.
Winter Deer Skins in hair .... 22d per lb.
Carrolina Indigo Copper . . . . 3/ to 4/6 per lb. as in Quality.
French 6 to 7/6 per do.
Tar 11/ to 12/ per Barrel Pitch 13/ to 14/ per Barrel.
Red Oak Bark £4.6 per Ton.
Newyork and Philadelphia Barrel Staves £5.10 to £5.13.9.
Lanchon Freres et Cie to Christopher Champlin*
L'Orient, 15 Mais, 1790.
Sir,
The effect of our late glorious revolution, Operating on
Commerce as well as politicks, and some material Changes
having already taken place in consequence; We embrace
this as a favorable moment to renew our respects, and
acknowledgments, to our Correspondents at large, when
we can have any interesting information to give them, as
well concerning the general trade of the Kingdom, as what
relates to this port in particular, whose superior Advantages
justly entitle it to a preference over others, from its Vicinity
to the main Ocean, the Convenience and safety of its harbour,
and the trifling Charges Vessels are liable to on entry, as
mentioned in our Price Current which we annex for your
information and government.
The Changes we have to announce are,
The Suppression of our East India Company,
The Abolition of the freedom of this Port, and,
The Emission of Government notes.
The first met with much Opposition, but was notwith-
standing Decreed; so that the trade to India is now laid
Open, to the general benefit of the Nation, and we think the
particular advantage of this town, which, joining to its other
Conveniences, that of having the proper Warehouses and
offices compleatly established, and the face of that trade
already turned towards it, must command a preference, and
continue the fixed mart for the sale of East India Goods,
^ A printed circular letter.
I790 ] RHODEISLAND 407
which we presume will be more reasonable in future than
heretofore.
The Abolition of the Freedom of this Port met with less
Opposition, as it was a measure sought for by the inhabitants,
who found it only served as an encouragement to smugling,
to the prejudice of the fair Trader, whose intercourse with the
rest of the Kingdom was restrained, as no article that once
came into the town, could return by land, or be received at
any other of our ports, without paying duties, as tho' the
town were foreign; and here we must observe, lest an Idea
should go abroad to the contrary, that the taking away this
freedom does not at all prejudice our trade with America
your Resident at our Court was consulted on the Business,
and nothing being altered respecting the treaty of 1778,
our intercourse with you will be carried on as usual, without
any encrease of duties or Charges, the only difference is the
Goods must now be as it were Bonded.
The Emission of Government Notes, or Assignats as they
are called, was to supply the want of the Circulation of
Specie, which was either hoarded up by the monied people,
or sent out of the Kingdom from interested Motives, to the
great prejudice and even Stagnation of trade; the amount is
limited to four hundred millions of livres, and they are so
much preferable to Bank Notes, that they bear interest at
the rate of 3 p^. p. An. are equally transferable, being pay-
able to Bearer, and are guarantied by, and to be paid from,
a property of above eight hundred millions, late belonging to
the Clergy, and wich is now on sale.
Our illustrious National Assembly, to perfect the great
work it has begun, has many other improvements in agita-
tion, one in particular, to fix a common standard for Weights
and Measures, in which the Cooperation of England is
sought for; but these are the most interesting Changes that
have as yet taken place; there is however another in the
restrictions they laboured under, being taken off the Tan-
neries; Soap, and Starch manufactories, which tho, seem-
ingly of little consequence to you, we mention, in the hope
that it may encrease our Connection with your states, by
408 COMMERCEOF [ 1790
Opening a new Branch of Commerce, in the exportation of
Bark, Green-hides, Tallow, and Kelp, if those articles abound
with you; it may also encrease the Consumption of Fish
Oil, which, as well as Whale, are at present of very slow
demand, owing to the quantities Imported last season, and
every Port being over stocked, Whale bone is likewise slack
from the same reason, but Pot and Pearl Ashes on the
contrary are in high demand, nor can we get enough for the
Consumption; Tabacco, Rice, Wheat, Flour, and good
Ship timber are also good articles here, and we hope next
season your flax seed will sell currently, as essays have been
made this year, and the last; but your provisions, Pitch,
Tar, or Turpentine, have not as yet recovered the disrepute
they fell into by being badly made up, very foul, and short
in weight.
After this detail which we hope will not be unacceptable,
it only remains for us to express the ardent wish we form,
that in this new arrangement of things, and from the regula-
tions which we understand are taking place in your Con-
stitution; the result may insure the freedom and happiness
of each, and perfectly cement the union of both Countries;
in this wish, and one for your particular prosperity, with
reiterated offers of service, to wich we beg leave to add those
of our house in Havre, we remain truly and Sincerely, Sir,
Your Obedient humble Servants,
Lanchon freres et Cie
Committee on Convention
Providence, January 12, 1790.
12 oClock A.M.
Gentlemen,
We have not as yet made a Lower house and are doubtfull
wheather we shall 'till tomorrow.
We are informed that Messrs. Haszard Champlin and Til.
Almey of the Lower house, and Joseph Tweedy Esqr. of
the Upper house, are not like to attend this Session. We
think we can carry the Question for a Convention if the
i79o]
RHODE ISLAND
409
above Gentlemen attend in season; if not we are afraid all
will be lost.
We hope you will not omit any Exertions to get the above
Gentlemen to come on so as to be hear on Thursday Fore-
noon; on which day we expect the important Question will
be taken.
We are Gentlemen with Esteem your most Humble
Servants,
^^^^
To Messrs. Christopher Champlin and Geo. Gibbs.
Benjamin Bailey to Christopher Champlin
Cape franfols, February 13 th, 1790.
This will give you the earliest Information of my arrival
which was on the 5th of this month, meeting with no material
accident on my passage but had very hard Southerly winds
untill I past bermudas. on my arrival I enquired particular
into the merchants characters here and found I could not
connect myself with a better than the house of Forrest where
I have accordingly fixed, giving him 5 per Cent on the Grose
4IO COMMERCEOF [ 1790
Sales of my Cargo. They have keept the duty on fish untill
yesterday. I made matters very easy and did not enter
a single fish but gave the Searchers six Joes to keep clear of
[m]e. You would be surprized was you here to see how
exceedingly the markets are fluctuated with Provisions,
Beef and pork, in a particular manner with flour and fish.
Not a Store but what is fiU'd with those articles. There
is about fifty Sail of american Vessels now lying here and
others arriving daily, this day a Vessel arriv'd of the har-
bour with a load of flour, but I dont think she will come in.
I have here inclos'd a price current as likewise a copy of what
part of my Cargo is already sold. I am in hopes that flour
and mackerel will be in better demand in a few days, and
expect that molasses will fall from the present price it now
sells for, as it begins to grow more plenty. I shall make the
greatest dispatch I possibly can to get away from here, and
shall write you more minutely of my departure by Capt.
Hicks who sails in a fortnight for Newport while I remain.
Sir, Your most Obedient Servant
Ben : Bailey
P. S. Yesterday Capt. Read of Providence arriv'd from
Martinico with part of his Cargo, who informs me that
markets are much lower there than at Cape fran9ois.
I hurry'd the sales of my dry fish, more on account of the
hogsheads being very damp, owing to the Staves being not
season'd.
Benjamin Bailey to Christopher Champlin
Cape franfois, February 23d, 1790.
This comes by Capt. Bernard of Newyork, to advise you
of my proceedings since I wrote by Capt. Simmons of Provi-
dence. I began my loading on the 20th of this month with
14 Hhds of molasses, purchased at 55 Souce per Velt deliv-
ered along side, on the 21st took in 30 Hhds. purchas'd at
52 Souce per Velt at the plantation, and shall continue to go
on as fast as circumstances will admit of. The Goods of
I790 ] RHODE ISLAND 4II
my Cargo remaining for Sale are as follows, vizt. 50 Barrels
of mackerel, 15 of beef, 33 of flour, 62 boxes of Candles, the
Sales of which I flatter myself will be compleated by the
loth of next month. The markets appear to be more
fluctuated at present than at my arrival, 25 sail of americans
have arriv'd within 18 days. Dry fish sells at present for
20 Livres per 100 Ct., Pork may be purchas'd at 7 dollars per
Barrel, and Beef at 6, by the Quantity. I cannot inform
you any thing about political affairs, here they seem to
imitate our majority of members at the assembly by making
Laws this week and on the next anulling the same, which
makes the business of the town very much stagnated. You
may depend on my utmost exertion to make the greatest
Dispatch thats possible while I remain, Sir, Your most
Obedient Servant
Ben : Bailey
[Endorsed,] Via New York. To the care of Messrs. Murray, Mumford and
Bowen. By Capt. Bernard.
Benjamin Peirce to Christopher Champlin
London, February 26th, 1790.
Sir,
after a passage of 28 days I arrived at Falmouth 270
miles from this place which we travel'd in two days, the
county of Cornwall is badly cultivated the farm houses
miserably poor, and the countenances of the farmers declare
extreem indigence. Nearer the Capital the face of country
grows better but the Situation of the Husbandman is not
desireable in any part of the Kingdom. The winter has
been uncommonly mild, pease and beans are up in the gar-
dens and the lots as green as in May with us.
Wheat is 7/ per Bushel, Beef and mutton ^jd per li Pork
and Veal 6d per li. from Copenhagen and Russia we have
favorable accounts as to markets, at Russia Hemp is 23
Rubles per Berkowitz Sail Cloth 20 per Ct. cheaper than last
year and the Winter so favorable that the canals have not
been froze which will enable them to get their Hemp early
to market and of consequence prevent the arrival of Spring
412 COMMERCEOF [ 1790
Ships from raising the price. Iron is very high. Messrs.
Lane Son & Fraser can better in[form] you of the markets
here than I and will no doubt do it. Russia and Sweeden are
making every preparation for war and it seems there will
be another Campaign.
Francisco C. Sarmento and Co. to
Christopher Champlin ^
New Port, April 4th, 1790.
Dear Sir,
I HAVE looked over your Memorandum and at Foot have
set down the most proper Articles for the Teneriffe Market,
and should you send a Cargoe composed of such as is there
marked consigned to our House in Teneriffe, I will engage
that on their Arrivel there, my Partner Mr. Wm. Mahony,
shall immediately advance to the Amount of the cargoe at
the current whole sale prices then going for such articles when
the same may arrive in good Cargoe Wines at the current
shipen price of £12 St. per Pipe and Particular Wine a £15
St. free of expence on board. Altho it is customary to take
the Cargoes to our own Act. at the current whole sale prices
on their Arrival, yet to oblige you and encorage a farther
Connextion I agree to leave it at your Option, either to direct
us to do so, or we will sell your Cargo out on your Act. and
retail it so as to bring the highest Current Prices that can
be got and give you Credit for the Nt. proceeds and only
charge the customary Commission of 4 per Ct. on the Sales
but none on the Shipment of the wines.
If Advice is given in time of the Vessel and Cargoe that
you may think proper to send by the present Opp'y of Mr.
Gibbs Vessel, the wines will be ready and your vessel may
^ The original is in the Newport Historical Society.
1790 ] RHODEISLAND 413
be dispatched in Eight Days after her arrival at TenerifFe
and if no Advice is given it seldom takes more tha[n] a fort-
night to unload and load as we always keep a stock of wines
on hands. I am, Dear Sir, Your Most Obedient Servants
Fran'co C. Sarmento and Co.
Memorandum of the Cargo
India Corn as much as posible.
Rye . . do do.
Some Common Flour.
About 20 bar'ls Pork.
Do. . . 12 do . . Beef.
Do. . .12 Tierces Rise.
Do. . . 20 Boxes of sperma Candles.
30 Boxes of Mould Tallow Candles.
Bar Iron flat and wide is the best.
Russia Cordage from i to 5 inches.
Do. a few Hawsers.
Do. Duck and all kind of Brown and Corse Linens, this last Articles are very
saleable all times.
Jacob Dohrman and Co. to Christopher Champlin
Lisbon, 8th June, 1790.
Sir:
We hope the Liberty we take in availing ourselves of an
opportunity which now offers of transmitting you inclosed
a price current, will not prove disagreeable, for altho' the
prices of Grain with you are such as to put a stop to all
speculation at present yet whenever they shall come down
to the accustomed rate you will find that there is no Market
in Europe where that article will in general answer better
than in Lisbon, The last Wheat sold free from board at
520 rs. per Alquer equal to a Dollar per Bushel, and 2 Cargoes
of Indian Corn which we have had to our address in the
course of the last Month were disposed of at the very high
price of 320 rs. per Alquer equal to a Dollar per Bushel and
which left a neat proceed of | of a Dollar after deducting all
expences. It is true it is hardly to be expected these prices
will continue longer than until our ensuing Harvest, but
nevertheless whenever Wheat can be shipt with you for a
414 COMMERCEOF [ 1790
Dollar and Indian Corn for a trifle more than one third of a
Dollar per Bushel we are enabled to assert from a long course
of experience that they will seldom fail to render here pleas-
ing Accounts. We always hold ourselves ready to advance
in Cash the Value of such Cargos immediately upon their
Arrival here, and we trust you will judge favorably of our
Mode of dispatching Business when we assure you that of
the above 2 Vessels with Corn the one was entirely dis-
patched, with the Balance of her Account on board in Dollars
in six and the other in eight days after their arrival.
White Oak Pipe Staves to fetch the price quoted ought
to be of the full length of 58 inches, 4 to 5 inches broad and
f to I inch thick.
Should you have no Connections in Cadiz we beg leave
to recommend our very good Friends Maurice Roberts and
Co. who we can assert are capable of executing in the best
manner any business you may have there.
Whenever you should have occasion to speculate this
way and think proper to intrust us with the Management
of your business you may rest assured of our exerting our-
selves for your Interest in such a manner as may insure a
continuance of your favors. We are, Sir : Your obedient
humble Servants,
Jacob Dohrman and Company
Amsterdam 52. London 67.
Received and forwarded by Sir Your obedient humble Servant,
Chs. Augs. Busch.
St. Ubes, 17th June, 1790.
Samuel Lawton to Christopher and
George Champlin
Cronstad, July 9th, 1790.
Gentlemeiif
THIS may inform you of my safe arivel here from Copen-
hagen in seven days, the wind has blown a long time from
the westward that has detaind us some but notwithstanding
we have got on board all our Iron and half the hemp likewise
and the rest is along side. I came from petersbourg yester-
I790 ] RHODE ISLAND 415
day and the Duck was all shipt and the first fair wind I shall
exspect it down, if the [weajther should prove good I
exspect to sail for Copenhagen by the i8th of July at furdest.
I shall make all the dispach possible you may depend on.
I write this by Capt. Pirce who will be able to inform you
more perticaler concerning the market here, as for my
hemp it cost 25 Rubels and half Berkowitz and the freights
down from Petersbourg here is five and five and half Rubels
per Tun. my Ducks cost Ten Ru. and 70 and 10 and 75
per Bolt, the Letter I wrote at Copenhagen informing you
of my arivel in 54 days I hope has come to hand. Sir I
Remain your humble servant g^^,^ Lawton
Account
Negro Congo to Chris Champlin, Dr.
1790.
July loth. To Cash in full of Six months Wages £7. 10.
Aug. 31st. To Castor hat i. —
Sept. 3d. To 4 Yds Fustian at 2/6 10
thread 6d buttons 10^ 1.4
1791.
Jan. 21st. To John Remingtons Account Shoes up to October 14th 1790. .19. —
£10. 0.4
1791.
Jan. 2ist. To Cash in full of your Account of Wages up to December
3d 1790 .... 4. 19.8
£15—.--
Supra Cr.
1791.
Jan. 2ist. By one years Wages due December 3d 1790 £15. — . —
Newport, Jan. 21st 1791
Reed of Mr. Chris. Champlin four pounds Nineteen Shillings and eight pence in
full of my monthly wages up to December 3d 1790.
Congo.
£4.19.8.
Benjamin Bailey to Christopher Champlin
TenerifFe, July 23d, 1790.
1 arriv'd here on the 8th Inst, after a very tedious passage
attended with light winds and calms for the most part of
4l6 COMMERCE OF [ 1790
the time. I was very uneasy for fear the corn would be
damag'd, but it was landed in good order as likewise the
remainder part of the Cargo all of which was landed at Port
Orotava by the choice of Mr. Mahony. It was very unlucky
your not writing expressly by Capt. Fry what gauge I was
to take whether that of this Island or the madeira gauge,
the consequence was they had no Pipes ready made of the
Madeira gauge which is the only size that are ship'd for the
India Market. Mr. Mahony purposes to load me with 120
Pipes of genuine wine 75 of which I have on board and
expect to be compleated by the 27th when I shall im-
mediately proceed as directed. I cannot inform you any
particular price current of Goods at this Island, the mar-
kets are very dull to appearance and prices variable accord-
ingly. I shall advise you all opportunities. In the mean
time I remain Sir your most
P. S. They have been making great preparations in Spain
for a war with England and are putting their forts in the best
defence in all the Canary Islands. Mr. Sarmento and Co.
has a brig laying here ready for Sea but dare not send her out
untill the next Packet arrives from the Groyne which will
be by the 15th of next month.
[Endorsed,] Via Philadelphia. To the care of Messrs. Hughes and Anthony
Merchants. By Capt. Kitts. Rec'd per Gladding from Philadelphia. Sept.
27, 1790.
Francisco C. Sarmento and Co. to
Christopher Champlin
Tenerife, 29 July, 1790.
Sir,
My Uncle Mr. Wm. Mahony being confined to his bed for
some days past of a slight fever, and prevented of course
from attending to business, has directed me to address you
1790] RHODE ISLAND 417
these few lines, the purport of which is to inclose you Bill
of Lading and Invoice of 80 pipes 40 Hoggshds. and 80
Quarter Casks making together 120 pipes of choice Vidonia
Wine, shipp'd on the Brigg Baione Capt. Benjamin Bailey
in virtue of your order at £12 Stg. per pipe, also 2 Quarter
Casks of particular wine at £15 per pipe and 2 Quarter
Casks of sweet Mamzy £40 per pipe for all which you are
debitted in Account with Messrs. Francisco C. Sarmento
and Co. £ Stg. 1467.10. as you are also with [£] 15.12.5I
amount of sundry disburses and Port Charges of said Brigg
as per Account deliver'd Capt. Bailey.
The Abocado you call'd for is not to be found at present:
the heavy rains we had all last Vintage made it impossible for
the Planters to make any, consequently the sweet Mamzy
goes as a substitute, tho' superior in quality, and my Uncle
hopes you'll approve of the same.
The moment my said Uncle is recover'd in his health, he
will embrace the first opportunity to write you at large;
being what offers I remain very respectfully etc.
[William McDaniell.]
Francisco C. Sarmento and Co. to
Christopher Champlin
Tenerife, 13 August, 1790.
Sify
We had the pleasure of addressing you under 22 and 29
of last month whereof the foregoing are Copys. On the 30
ulto. Capt. Bailey saild for L'Orient with 121 pipes wine
we ship'd on his Brigg Bayonne agreeable to your directions
as per duplicate Invoice and Bill of Lading herewith, for
whose amount you are debitted £1467.10 Stg. as mention'd
in said last letter and £15.12.5! for supplys made said Ves-
sell. As for the quality of the wine we have no doubt it will
be liked, having selected the whole quantity from some
hundreds of pipes we had purchased from the best growths.
Capt. Bailey had some few days delay on account of the
Madeira Casks, with which we were not provided, for want
4l8 COMMERCE OF [ I790
of previous advice; bating this circumstance he had every
other dispatch that cou'd possibly be given him. He
flatter'd us with returning hither on our encouraging him to
bring 15 to 20 pipes French Brandy for which we ofFer'd him
2 Gallons wine for i of Brandy.
His Cargo as already hinted will not begin to sell before
the fall, as yet it remains untouched; however you may rely
upon our utmost exertions in disposing of it for the most the
Market will afford, and allowing you every advantage that
circumstances will permitt, being equally desirous with our
F. C. S. to render your dealings to this Island as encourag-
ing as possible. We cou'd wish however that the Assortment
had been better chosen : a quarter part at least of the Iron
shou'd have been square Barrs, less Beef, and more Pork
wou'd have answer'd better; the Corn as already mention'd
to you has a bad collour, a larger quantity of pipe staves
wou'd have also answer'd well; but above all, the Assortment
of Cordage is the worse that cou'd have been thought on;
of this article Hawsers from 4 to 6| in. are the most vendible,
and you sent only 2, so that the remaining 94 ps. are all run-
ning rigging from i| to 3 inches, so very unsaleable here that
years may pass over before they can be disposed of. its
our wish therefore you woud order said parcell back (the
greatest part at least) by first Vessell you may order this way
and send in their stead Hawsers of the dimensions pointed
above.
We have at present a great scarcity of Butter. 60 Casks
of a good quality to arrive here in November or December
next wou'd sell readily and to advantage, as wou'd also a
dozen Casks Hoggs Lard, Rye and Rye Meal are good
articles, as is also flax if you cou'd hit upon the dutch method
of dressing and packing it up.
We remain very truely.
[Unsigned]
1790] RHODE ISLAND 419
TO Christopher Champlin
Charleston, August 19th, 1790.
Sir
The duplicate of your esteemed favour of 28th June last
was duly handed by Captain Haskell, the Original (owing
to the Betseys long passage from New York) came to hand
but yesterday.
Madeira Wine of the London Market quality has been
sold from £32 to £40 but is not a ready sale as there is
sufficient here to supply our Markets for a long time to
come; it is sometimes sold on a short Credit say i to 6
months, but is so slow a sale in general that it would be
inconvenient to advance Rice or other Cash articles on re-
ceipt of it. TenerifFe in general is more saleable altho'
seldom a quick sale, it is usually sold £15 to £18 and some-
times £20. but seldom higher than £18. a few say 10 or
12 pipes if very good might sell but not a large Quantity
unless it should wait a Market. Northward Rum has been
scarce and in great demand but is now more plenty, this
article is in great demand with the Planters in Autumn when
the Crops come in, but the prices of this and other Goods
are governed by the quantity in Market, we think it prob-
able it will be 1/8 to i/io yet if there is not an over supply
it will keep its present price say 2/2 to 2/3. there is a con-
siderable Sale of Train Oil to the Indigo Planters but their
season for purchasing is nearly over as they are now about
cutting, they generally lay in their supplies by the first
of August after which the sales are very slow thro' the year.
Spermaceti Oil is at present 3/6, Spermaceti Candles usually
sell I /id to 2/. and except the Market is much over stocked
meet a ready sale, they are in demand at present and sell
at 2/4. W. India goods in general are high and will we
imagine answer well between this and Christmas, after which
the Country trade slackens, loaf Sugar is now very scarce
and in great demand, Exchange on Specie (which is regarded
here as an article of Merchandize all business being trans-
acted in Paper) is at present 10 to I2| per % but when the
420 COMMERCEOF [ 1790
crops come, it will probably be as low as five. Exchange
on London or other ports in England and France is usually
at par for specie and seldom over 5 per %. Northward
produce in general sells well when it is scarce, but the articles
being mostly perishable are very dull sale when they are
plenty and there is perhaps no principal Market in America
where the prices of goods are so entirely governed by the
quantity as in this. We enclose the present state of our
Markets and are Sir respectfully Your Most Obedient
Servants.
[Unsigned]
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin
Dublin, 26th August, 1790.
Sir
I REFER you to my letter of the 9th April per the Mary
Captain Davis for Providence with Invoice of a Bundle
Linens. Since am without any of your favors.
The present hands Abstract of your Account Current
Ballance due me to your debit in a new account £0 : 10 : lod.
Our Crop of Corn and Flax prooves good, all Idea of
saving the Seed is given up in this country, its impossible
to say at this distance what the price of this Article may be
next Spring, that will depend on the Quantity [that] arrives.
I must beg leave to inform you that the [seed from] Rhode
Island was complained of as being very dirty, when that
from Philadelphia (that formerly sold for 2/ to 2/6 per Hhd
less then either the Newyork Seed or yours) sold for 2/
more by reason of it's being so much better cleand. If I
thought the Pot and Pearl ashes of the first Quality could be
purchased as cheap with you as at Boston I would give you
an order for two or three hundred Barels next Summer. I
am, Sir, Your most humble Servant,
Edward Forbes
1790 ] rhodeisland 421
Benjamin Bailey to Christopher Champlin
L'Orient, September loth, 1790.
Sir,
I arriv'd here from TenerifFe on the 5th Inst, after a long
tedious Passage of 37 days, on my arrival received your
favour of the 19th of July. I am very sorry to inform you
that my Cargo of wine cannot be sold at L'Orient, although
it is of an excellent quality. Mr. Lanchon has effectually ap-
ply'd to every person whom he thought would purchase but
without the least success, the last an only alternative he
has immediately wrote to his Correspondents at Paris and St.
Maloes offering the wine for sale requesting an answer by
the next Posts which will be here in the course of six days,
when if nothing proves favorable towards the Sale of the wine
I shall immediately depart for the West India Islands. I
imagine you have not been inform'd of all private Companys
of Merchants being dissolv'd in France since the Revolution,
which is really the case, there is now only one Ship a fitting
for India at this Port, and they have not any Inclination to
buy wine, the four hogsheads of Tobacco would have been
sold yesterday at 42 Livres per 100 li. if it had suited the Irish
market but the Quality did not suit the purchaser.
I advised Mr. Christopher Grant Champlin immediately
after my arrival, and expect an answer by next Post if he
does not come himself. Brandy cannot be bought at
L'Orient for less than 7 li. los per Velt as they import it
from Bordeaux. I have inclos'd a Price Current for your
Government and shall by the next Opportunity advise you
of my future Proceedings from this date. In the Interim
I am, Sir, Your most Obedient Servant,
Benjamin Bailey
P. S. They have received orders from Government, at
Brest to equip 45 Ships of war ready for sea. their destina-
tion remains a profound Secret, there are 36 English men
of war of[f] Ushant and 38 Spanish men of war of Cape St.
Vincent, by a Vessel just arriv'd from the Baltic I am
422 COMMERCEOF [ 1790
inform'd the Russian fleet have captur'd 7 Swedish men of
war of[f] Hoogland among which was the Swedish Admiral.
Lanchon Freres et Cie. to Christopher Champlin
L'Orient, loth September, 1790.
StTy
The 5th Inst. Captain Bailey in your Brigantine the
Bayonne arrived safe here and handed us your much esteemed
favour of 17th May last consigning said Brig and her Cargo
to our care for which preference we beg you will accept our
sincere acknowledgements. We could wish to add that we
succeeded in the Sale of the Wine but our best endeavours
are frustrated for want of a demand for that article at the
moment and we are afraid Captain Bailey must try a better
market. The late Suppression of our India Company which
we did ourselves the pleasure of informing you by Circular
under the date of 15th May, has deranged that trade, and
the Individuals have not as yet taken it up here, so that we
have at present no Armaments, had Captain Bailey been
more fortunate in his Voyage, and arrived about six weeks
sooner we should have had an opportunity of disposing
of his entire Cargo to a friend who fitted out a Vessel and
was obliged to send Ker to TenerifFe for a Cargo for the
India Market, but regrets that cannot be remedied are
useless, however as there may be a demand in some of
our neighboring Ports and in hopes of having an answer
before the Captain can be ready to leave this, we have written
to our friends in Nantes, St. Malos, etc., in hopes of doing
something, we have even written to Paris to a house late
in the direction of the Company and who still continues its
Connections in India and fitts out Vessels on its own account
Messrs. Monneron Brothers, Bankers, making them an offer
of the Cargo and we mention very moderate terms to tempt
their acceptance, this Letter we have inclosed to your good
Son as he sent us his address some time ago, and we request
of him to deliver it himself that he may have the opportunity
of backing our proposals and if possible encouraging a
I790 ] RHODEISLAND 423
bargain. We hope this will have effect and that the return
of the Post will bring us a favourable answer, we expect
at same time that Mr. Grant ChampHn will fix the time of
his departure for this place, that we may be expecting the
pleasure of seeing him, be assured it will be a sincere one to
us and to render him every Service in our power. We have
landed the four hhds of Tobacco, which we have no doubt
of selling tho' they are far from being a best Quality, did
the whole Cargo consist of prime Tobacco we could easily
dispose of it as the demand is brisk for the Irish Market and
none to be had. however the Scarcity will sell yours. The
Pot ashes we shall also place without difficulty and we are
only sorry there were not 200 instead of two Barrels for the
Consumption is great for that article above the Import,
the price we expect for it is 38 li per % and for the Tobacco
36 li to 38 li per % . for the Net Proceeds of those we shall
account with your Son Mr. G. C. when sold, and shall ad-
vance him the [sum of ] hundred Livres you direct us
whether we sell them immediately or not. Inclosed you will
find a Price Current of our articles of import and export for
Information and Government by which you will observe
the articles most likely to sell well and to encourage Specula-
tion we hope it may induce you to extend your Concerns
this way and give us many opportunities of shewing you our
attention to your Interest and proving how much we are,
Sir, Your obedient humble Servants,
Lanchon Freres et Cie.
We have sold 2 Hhds of the Tobacco at 40 li per % usual
term of 4 Mo.
Francisco C. Sarmento and Co. to
Christopher Champlin
Tenerife, 17 September, 1790.
Sir,
The foregoing is copy of our last 13 August, to whose
contents pray be referr'd.
We now have the pleasure to acquaint you of the arrival
424 COMMERCEOF [ 1790
of our F. C. S. the 20 ulto. at Santo Cruz, with his family
all in good health, and returns you many thanks for the civil-
itys you shew'd him whilst there. Since his arrival every
exertion has been used to run off the Bayons Cargo, which
we at length effected at such prices as we flatter our selves
you'll not be displeased with, at least we can assure you
none better cou'd possibly be obtain'd. The Nt. proceeds
£1195.2.9 as per Account Sales herewith are pass'd to your
credit in Account. You'll find also inclosed an Abstract
of y/a current ballanced by £287.19 in our favour, both
which you'll please to examine, and if without error note in
in conformity. We were excessively glad to get rid of the
Cordage and Corn, expecially the former article, of which
kind very little is used here a circumstance that obliged us
to lower somewhat of the current price : the Corn tho'
sound, had a dark collour, which is bad recommendation,
and considering the great quantitys at Market, think it
did not sell amiss.
As you mean to continue this trade, the only articles we
wou'd recommend you to send here are those mention'd
in our last, to which may be added 80 ps. Russia Sail duck,
800 to 1000 bushells round Corn, 40 barrels Pork and fill up
with pipe Staves. A small Cargo of such articles to arrive
here in all the present year, or begginning of next, wou'd
we doubt [not] answer your account especially if the price
of wines, as we expect, from the appearance of the present
Vintage, lowers in price.
You may rely we shall on all occasions consult your interest
the same we wou'd our own, and shew you the sincere esteem
with which we are. Gentlemen Your Most Obedient
Servants, Francisco C. Sarmento and Co.
Assortment of Hawsers
8 .
. 6| inches .
. 120 fathom
16 .
. si do. . .
. do.
8 .
. 5 do. . .
. do.
8 .
. 4I do. . .
. do.
5 •
. 4 do. . .
. 60.
45
I790 ] RHODEISLAND 425
Benjamin Bailey to Christopher Champlin
L'Orient, September 22nd, 1790.
Sir,
Since I wrote you by Capt. DIckason via Boston Mr.
Lanchon has receiv'd answer from the Letters he wrote for
St. Maloes and Nantz offering my Cargo for sale wherein
no offers are made for any part of it. In the interim three
mails have arriv'd from Paris and no answer to the Letter
we have wrote Mr. Christopher Grant Champlin, which
makes us suppose your Son must certainly be in the Country,
as Mr. Lanchon inclos'd the letter directed to his Correspond-
ent in one for Mr. Christopher G : Champlin, thinking his
offer for the sale of the wine with the Letter would have more
effect, there has been an offer made at this Port at 320
Livres the Pipe, payable in three and six months, which by
the first Cost of the wine freight and Commission of 4 per
Cent, which Mr. Lanchon requires to furnish the Brandy,
and the uncommonly high price of Brandy at Bordeaux,
makes Mr. Lanchon think it will be sacrifising too great a
part to indulge so unreasonable an offer, therefore if the
wind proves favorable to morrow I shall leave this port for
the Islands. I have been detain'd by winds this six days,
am in hopes to morrow to meet with a fair gale. By the last
accounts from Bordeaux Brandy is up to 220 Livres the 32
Velts and soon was like to be as high as 250 li. to 270 li.
owing to the great Scarcity and bad vintages for wine for
this two years past. I shall advise you immediately on my
arrival in the Islands. In the Interim, Remain Sir Your
most Obedient Servant,
Benjamin Bailey
P. S. I have sent by Capt. Sheffield those six Charts I
had belonging to Capt. Benjamin Pierce.
426 commerceof [ 1790
Lanchon Freres et Cie. to Christopher Champlin
L'Orient, 29th September, 1790.
Siry
Our last respects were of the 20th Inst, per Captain Bailey
who sailed from hence the 24th with fair Wind and Weather,
as we could not dispose of the Wine to advantage, the only
offer we had being 320 Livres per pipe payable in 3 and 6
Mo. which Captain Bailey thought too low particularly as
Brandy could not be got less than from 8 li to 8 li los per
Velt. we sincerely hope that he will meet with better Success
where he is going to and that your further Consignments
to this place will be more fortunate, which they cannot fail
of being if you send us Pot and Pearl ashes, good Tobacco,
or good Ship Timber lit for Men of War, a few Barrels of
good Tar and good Provisions may also sell, but we would
not advise you to send much as they are not yet in the best
repute. In our said Letter was the Account of disburse-
ments for the Bayonne, amount £440.17.6 to your debit
as per duplicate inclosed, to which we must add £3.8 for
Surplus of Outward Pilotage, paid since Captain Bailey's
departure and per his order, which Surplus appears to be
occasioned by the extra attendance of the Pilot by contrary
Winds.
We mentioned having sold two of the Hhds of Tobacco
No. 2 and 3 and 40 li per % and that we should have sold the
other two had they been of equal Quality, we also informed
you of the two Barrels of Pot ash being damaged, all which
we confirm. We have not as yet had an answer to a letter
we had the pleasure of writing to Mr. Grant Champlin at
Paris, on arrival of Captain Bailey. We therefore suppose
him to have left that City, and we indulge ourselves in the
hope of soon seeing him here. We remain very truly. Sir,
Your obedient humble Servants
Lanchon Freres et Cie.
i790 ] rhodeisland 427
Fenwick Mason and Co. to Christopher Champlin
Bordeaux, i November, 1790.
Sir,
In complyance with the promise made you by our J. F.
who had the pleasure to make your acquaintance last summer
and who now begs to repeat his thanks for your civihty to
him while in Newport. This covers a letter from your Son
whose address you was kind enough to give us and we with
pleasure announce to you the satisfaction we have had in
making his acquaintance, were we not afFraid of the im-
putation of flattery as it is Father and Son in question we
coud say much more than assure you that we think no Ameri-
can ever travelled in Europe to more advantage and with
more credit to himself than he has. It gives us pleasure to
have it [in] our power to show him some attention and sorry
his stay here is intended so short — he proposing to go for
Nantes in a few days.
Whale oil is now worth here 30 li per Ct. a gallon will net
about 7 pounds wight, sperm oil 50 li per Ct. Cod fish Oil
in demand at 170 to 175 per hhd of 64 gallons, it is impos-
sible to see how long these prices will last but latterly our
Market has been scantily supplyed with them. Beef is
dull sale at 33 to 40 li per barrel, American pork in high
repute and demand at 65 to 70 li per barrel. Tallow also at
70 to 78 li per Ct. There is very little Pot and Perl ash and
flaxseed consumed here therefore cannot recommend ship-
ment of those articles. Grain is demanded tho' no scarcity,
and we are satisfyed if wheat can be shiped at 5/. your
Currency per Bushel, Rye 2/. and Indian Corn 1/6 and Flour
24/. They may be sent to this market to a very good
account.
We are in daily expectations of having our new system of
commerce published which from its freedom and liberality
we have reason to expect our market and port will have
resources in trade equal at least to any in Europe for the
products of America.
Preparations for war are going on with vigor and alacrity
428 COMMERCEOF [ 1790
a little time must certainly unfold their issue, should war
take place which is now thought inevitable it will greatly
enhance the price of American produce particularly grain
and provisions, we cover you a price current and remain
with assurances of attention to any commands you may
please to impose on us, Sir, Your most Obedient and Humble
Servants Fenwick Mason and Co.
[Endorsed,] Per Mary Davis, Q. D. C.
Ebenezer Shearman to Christopher Champlin
AND Thomas Wickham
Charleston, South Carolina, November 1st, 1790.
Gentelmen
This my first Opertunity may serve to inform you of the
saif arrival of Sloop Peggy, at this Port, the 22nd of October
without receiving aney Axedent. have disposed of the
greatest part of my Cargo as follows Rum all sold at 2/4
per Gallon Strained Oile 2/ do. Common Oil at 1/6 Loaf
Shugar at i/id. per lb Mainhaden from 9/ per bbl to 11 /8
Apples from 4/8 per bbl. to 9/ Potatoes at 2/ per bushel
Mackril at 20/ per bbl Spr. Candles at 2/3 to 2/4 per lb.
Cyder from 8/4 to 11 /8 to 14/ Cheese at 4^ to 6d.
Have on hand the following articles, viz. 15 bbr Cyder
dull Sail, 63 Cheeses do., 11 Boxis Spr. Candles do. 5 Barrils
Mainhaden and Tenn of the smalles Cask of Oile. the Oile
Candles and Cheese I mean to carrey to the Westindias
if not sold in 3 or 4 days. I expect to sail for the Windward
Islans by that time, with Rice and Tobacco for Cargo.
Rice is at 11/ per 100 lb Tobacco at 15/ per 100 ditto at this
Poart; it would have given me great Pleasure to have dun
better, but we shall be on the rite sid of Pounds Shillings and
Pence at this Markit; Westindia Produce is high and very
little at Markit at my return here I'm in hopes to give you
a better Account of Markits. Pleas to except of my best
Wishis for your Helth hapiness and Prosperity. I'm with
due Respect Your Most Humbel Servant,
,^ , „ ^ . , ^,,. , Ebenezer Shearman
[Endorsed,] Per Captain I. Tillinghast,
I79I ] RHODE ISLAND 429
Ebenezer Shearman to Christopher Champlin and
Thomas Wickham
Charleston, So. Carolina, November 4th, 1790.
Gentelmeriy
This my second opertunity per Captain Burden the other
per Tillinghast will serve to inform you the Sloop Peggy is
reedey for the Seas. Shall imbrace the first fair Wind for
the Westindia Windward Islands, with a Cargo now on board
on account of C. Champlin Tho. Wickham and Eben Shear-
man, one third eaquil Consern, viz.
Tenn hhds. Tobaco N 5 to N 14 at 15/ per 100 Sterling
mo[ney]
Eighty five Tearsis Rice . . . at 11/ . .do. do. mo.
10 bbl. Common Oil at35/perbbl. do. mo.
43 Cheesis of the best resurved out of them I brought here
Freight 5 Tearsis Rice only. Could have carrey'd about
twenty moar freight, but could not git them without wating
some time. Shall make all possable Dispatch to return to
this Port; I mean to make St. Eustatia my Port for Sailes, if
answerable, as the Chargis there is light, and the french
Ports high, and all in Confewtion. Since my last per
Tillinghast have sold viz.
13 bbl. Cyder at 5/4 to 6/ per bbl.
5 bbl. Mainhaden at 10/ to 10/6 per bbl.
342 \h.\ Cheese at 3I per lb to /[\d do.
II Boxis Spr. Candles at 2\d per lb.
Should have sent you an account of Sailes and an Invoice
of the Cargo, the Time cant be spaird unless I let my other
buisness suffer. Adue my good friends. Fm with due Re-
spect Your Most Humbel Servant
Ebenezer Shearman
430 commerceof [ 1790
Ebenezer Shearman to Christopher Champlin
AND Co.
St. Eustatia, November 24th, 1790.
Gentelmetif
This my firs opertunity from St. Eustatia may serve to
inform you of my Arrival at this Poart the 19th Instant
had an agreable Pasage of 13 days, but had the Misfortin
to Carrey away two of my Shrouds on said Pasage. finding
them not sufficient to perform my voige, without great risk,
have purchas'd Roap for new Shrouds, which will detain me
two or three days to fix, and put my Vessil in order for
sailing, the detention of doing this Jobb is not agreable
to me, nither will the Expence be to you, Rigin at tenn
Dollars per C. have sold my Rice at 3 dollars per C Tobacco
at 3 and | do. Oile at 12 dollars per bbl. Cheese at one bitt
and J to i§ bit per lb. have purchas'd Salt at 4 bits per 3
Bushels or bbl Powderd Sugars from 10 to 11 1 Ps Eight per
C. Coffee at 1 1 bit per lb. Shall take some Genneva if
my money holds out. I have been so crouded with buisness
at Charleston and this Port pervented me from giveing
pertickeler accounts, but at my arrival at Charleston shall.
shall sail by the 27th or 28 Instant. I flater myself the Penn
will come right. Adue t? c
^ Ebenezer Shearman
Captain Baly has arriv'd at St. Bartolee was on bord me
yesterday. Ship is under sail. Adue.
Lanchon Freres et Cie. to Christopher Champlin
L'Orient, 15 January, 1791.
Sify
We had the pleasure of writing to you the 29th September
a. p. per the States Captain Sheffield, confirming the de-
parture of Captain Bailey the 24th of same month to a better
market, and inclosing you Duplicate Accounts of his dis-
bursements here amount L. 444. 5.6 to which beg to refer.
Your good Son Mr. C. Grant Champlin has since, say the
1791 RHODE ISLAND 43 1
1st December relieved our long expectation of seeing him,
but the stay of a few days which he made here was too short
to leave it in our power to pay him in its full extent the
Civility we could have wished and which his engaging man-
ner, independent of his connection to you would have de-
manded at our hands, we acquitted ourselves however as
well as we could and furnish'd him with our draft on Paris at
Sight for L.800. Tour[noi]s to your debit agreeable to his
desire and with Letters of introduction to our different friends
in the several towns he meant to pass thro' on the Road he
took to Dunkirk where we understand he means to take
Shipping for Holland, he was much disappointed in not
meeting Captain Bailey here, as was the Captain in not
seeing him, but his having left Paris previous to our letters
reaching there and going to Bordeaux before he came here
was the cause, we hope he is by this time at, or near, his
Journey's end, say Dunkirk, tho' we have not heard from
him since he left this, he delivered us your letter of 8th
May.
Your two Hhds of inferior Tobacco remain yet on hands
and are likely to do so for some time on account of the
Quality and as the farmers General are stocked, but the Pot
ashes tho' damaged are disposed of at Nants at [blank] per
% this shows you how that article is sought for when even
what's damaged goes off so well, our demand is very consid-
erable for it here and none to be had, nor is there a danger of
glutting the Market by over importation therefore we stren-
uously recommend it to you to extend your Speculations in
that article and send a Cargo as soon as possible, of which
we engage you a good account, this and Pearl ashes which
is equally sought after and scarce, and good Tobacco are the
best articles for this Market. Rice would also sell well, so
would good ship Timber and Staves, a few Barrels of cleane
well inspected Tar, and a few of good Provisions might also
sell, but we cannot recommend deep Speculation in those
articles as they are not (say the American) in good repute
here. Whale and Fish Oil and whale fins are articles of our
consumption likewise and generally of good account, for
432 COMMERCEOF [ 1791
your further Government we inclose you a price current, to
which craving reference it only remains for us to wish you
the Compliments of [the] Season which we do very sincerely
and many happy returns of this new year, assuring you of
the perfect attachment with which we are. Sir, Your most
obedient humble Servant, t t? - r>
Lanchon treres et Cie.
Our National Assembly has just passed a Law prohibiting
the importation of all foreign oils except American, which
may be imported under a Duty of 12 li per % wt. We hope
this may encourage your fisheries as the french are as yet
incompitent for the Consumption.
21 February, 1791.
By the delay of the packet we have the opportunity of
informing you that the farmers General are suppressed and
the importation of Tobacco made free without any duty if
reexported within a year otherwise or if used in the Country
to pay a duty of 25 per % Wt. which is not half what the
farmers General heretofore imposed on the consumer. We
had a letter from your good Son dated at Dunkirk 29th ulto.
by which it appears he was then well and preparing for his
Trip to Holland.
Samuel Lawton to Christopher and
George Champlin
Cape franfois, February i8th, 1791.
Gentlemen,
These may inform you of my safe arivel in 16 days three
days before Capt. Engs. I find here a great number of Amer-
icans and every thing very lowe. I had some thoughts of
going to Porterprince, but on inquiring find it as bad there as
here, fish is much lower there, as for my Oil I could do
nothing with it there such a quantity going down in one
Vessel. I had some prospect here at first but after I had
enterd there was two sail come in the next day chiefly with
Candels and Oil and flower, there is no end to it this day
the best of Philadelphia superfine is sold for six Dol. what I
I79I ] RHODE ISLAND 433
shall do with my Oil I no not, the People from the eastward
would be glad to get 40 sue per gal for 20 Cask together. I
have got mine all on board yet. I have sold my fish for 33
Liver, my flower I was glad to get 55 Livers being stoad
among the [Oil?] the Barrels was as black as if they had
bin stoad in a oil house in the midst of summer. I have
sold some of my candels at 3 Liv. 5 sous hering what I have
sold from 28 to 30 Liv. rice very dul here I have sold a few
Cask at 20 to 22 Liver per mound .f* Long staves 190 Liver
mackril going from 4I to 4I Dol. sammon 8^ Dol. dull,
minhaden no price fixt. the Onions sold at 10 sue per
Bunch, molasses very scarce and high so much rains up as
high as 78 and 80 sue. I expect it will be something lower,
sugers very high. Tis not in my power to make dispatch.
Capt. Shearman saild a few days ago for Porterprince with
90 Cask of rice. Dennis likewise with 100 besides flower
and Vessels going down every day and coming in here. I
shall write again soon by Capt. Arnold or Minro bound for
Providence. I remain yours.
Plese to acquaint my family of my arivel.
[Endorsed,] favoured by Capt. Deming.
Samuel Lawton to Christopher and
George Champlin
Cape Francois, March 4th, 1791.
Gentlemen^
Sir this my second letter the first by Captain Deming by
the way of Newlondon informing you of my arivel in 16 days
days and likewise of the markets here, they still remain
much the same. I have sold of all my fish as I wrote you
before for 33 Livers flower at 55 Livers sence that I have sold
434 COMMERCEOF [ 1791
about third of my Oil at 45 Livers and about half of my
Candels from 3 Livers five to 3 Livers ten. I have got on
hand now the remainder of the Oils and Candels the two
thirds of the minhaden and about one third of my salmon.
the herings sold from 28 to 30 Livers Salmon from 8 Dol to
8| mackrel very musty from 4I to 4^ minhaden what sold
from i^ Dol. to 2 Dol. very dull sail, molasses keepes up
to eighty sue per Velt yet the first quality of sugers at 8
Dollers. I am in hopes Molasses will be some thing lower
but it is very uncertain so many Vessels comeing in. Capt.
Engs and my self will wait a few weekes longer before we
shall begin t[o buy] it for if it comes plentier it will be better
then [now.] Mr. Stonsong and Shafre are the_merchants
I have aply['d to] to assist me with my Cargo, so I remain
Your humble servant. c > t
Sam l Lawton
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin
Dublin, 15 April, 1791.
Sir,
The bearer being bound for your place, giving me an
opportunity of paying my respects, and acquaint you that
Flaxseed has been sold here this Season at various prices,
from 42/6 to 62/6 per Hhd. and this day 66/. and £3.8.3 is
is asked^ but believe not given; the rise has been owing to
the quantity of Flaxseed lost from America, not less than
from 4000 to 5000 Hhds. Early this Month, a Ship bound
here from Philadelphia with near 1000 Hhds on board was
wrecked near Limerick, which with two other Vessels now
kept out by the Easterly Winds, (which generally I think
prevails about this Season) hath occasioned it. The prepara-
tions making in England to send a large Fleet into the Baltic,
against the Russians, has occasioned a rise in Naval Stores,
etc. Lumber has also advanced, as well as every other
article imported from the Baltic. Respectfully I remain.
Sir, Your obedient Servant, ^^^^^^ P^^^^^
[Endorsed,] Per Patty Capt. Mosher.
i79i ] rhode island 435
Fenwick Mason and Co. to Christopher Champlin ^
Bordeaux, le 30 April, 1791.
Sir,
Not doubting it of sufficient consequence to be interesting,
we make it a duty to give you the earliest information of
the important reform just made in the tobacco trade to this
kingdom, by a late decree of the national asembly.
The Farme, and all exclusive priveledges and abuses, in
purchase, sale and manufacture of Tobacco, are from the
15 day of this month abolished; since which date all Ameri-
can Tobaccoes are admissable as before, (coming in leaf and
in Cask directly from America in French or American Bottoms
only) and stored in the national magazines, where they have
the right of entrepot for 12 months, without duty; and may
at any time during that period, be reshipped equally free :
When taken out for consumption, they are subject to a duty
of 25 1. p. cwt : imported on American, of 18 1. 15 s. p. cwt. :
on French bottoms.
We beg leave to remark that this article is sold as before in
the stores of Entrepot; and as it is the consumer who pays
the duty on taking it out, it is not felt by the Importer;
that the number of private manufactures, establishing all
over the country and beginning their purchases, has already
occasioned a competition favorable to the sellerr, and before
unknown here, which has considerably augmented the price
of Tobacco (for this refer to our current adjoind); that in
future the natural consequence of individual emulation,
will make our market much more nice in qualities : those
prefered and most demanded, will be the large, strong,
black scented Tobacco, proper for snuff, which forms a very
great proportion of our consumption.
We must not omit to advise, that the same decree permits
the cultivation of Tobacco throughout the Kingdom, but are
of opinion that so little land can be spared from the present
culture, and that our soil is so improper for the one in ques-
tion, little is to be feared by the American planter from any
^ A printed circular letter.
436 COMMERCEOF [ 1791
rivalship in this country; at all events nothing for some years
to come.
The great difference made between french and American
Bottoms, we can but lament; But are given to hope by M.
Short, charge des affaires, of the U. S. at Paris, the question
will be reconsidered, and the two nations more equally taxed.
We flatter ourselves our port will offer a more advan-
tageous general Market than any in the Kingdom, as well
from its water communication with the interior country,
quite to the medeterannean; as from the orders that may
result from the north of Europe, in consequence of the great
commerce that is done with that quarter. And we beg to
assure you of our unremitted attention to your interest and
greatest exertions to give satisfaction when ever you may be
pleased to intrust any thing to us.
Hoping this very favourable change may influence happily,
in general, on so important a Branch of American commerce,
and give you, in particular, room to many, and profitable
adventures. With the greatest respect. We are. Sir, Your
most obedient and very humble servants.
Fenwick Mason and Co.
Below is a tariff of the other new duties as yet passed by
our Government and which we suppose may be acceptable.
Whale and all other fish oil directly from America on French or American bot-
toms 6 1. p. cwt. (all other foreign oil prohibited). Whale bone 15 1. p. cwt. — Bees
wax yellow 3 1. p. cwt. — Indigoe ij 1. p. cwt. — Flax seed 7 s. p. cwt. — Butter
50 s. p. cwt. — Turpentine 35 s. p. cwt. — Tar p. barril of 240 a 300 pounds 15 s.
— Beef & pork 5 1. p. cwt. — Iron in Barrs 20 s. p. cwt. — Deer skins half drest
45 1. p. cwt. — Whole drest 75 1. p. cwt. — Bear skins 5 s. p. piece — Squirrel 20
s. p. hundred. — Beaver, musk-rat rabbit, and hair skins nothmg. — All skins raw
in hair for tanning or dressing, as cow, veal, seal, deer, goat, sheep etc. nothing. —
Pot and Pearl ashes. Tallow, Hemp, Pig-iron, nothing. — Wheat, Rye, Rice and
all sorts of grain, flour and biscuit nothing. — All sorts of timber, masts, staves, etc.
nothing.
Note all duties here after, will be paid on the nett weight.
N. B. Beef and Pork may be stored on Entrepot and sold
free of Duty as before for Exportation.
i79i ] rhode island 437
Benjamin Bailey to Christopher Champlin
Elsingore, June i6th, 1791.
Sir,
I arriv'd this morning three miles below Elsingore where
I am now waiting for a fair wind to proceed on for Copen-
hagen, and shall embrace the first that offers. I presume
the Goods on board is not damaged, as I have had quite a
moderate passage and made Norway in thirty four days
from my sailing. Captains Pierce and Greene [have] not
arriv'd yet. Captain Wood past Elsingore on the nth Inst.
I shall immediately advise you on my arrival at Copenhagen.
In the Interim I am Sir your most Obedient Servant
Ben: Bailey
P. S. I am now on shore at Elsingore where I shall meet
with no detention as the ship is clear'd. I presume the
Original Invoice of the Cargo must be produc'd as they seem
scrupulous at the Custom house about the weights of the
Goods, owing to Capts. Brown and Woods Invoice which
gives a check and suspiscion.
Benjamin Bailey to Christopher Champlin
Copenhagen, June i8th, 1791.
Sir,
I arriv'd yesterday morning but have advis'd you from
Elsinore where I arriv'd on the i6th Inst, my outward Pas-
sage was very mild. I made Norway in thirty four days
from my sailing, I presume theres none of the Goods on
board are damaged as the Ship does not make much water.
I shall begin to discharge on Monday next if the weather be
good and shall with all dispatch proceed on for St. Peters-
burg, the Ship William s cargo is unsold. Mr. Saabye
proposes to sell both our Cargoes together which will be in
the course of six weeks. I presume the original Invoice
must be produc'd to regulate the Entry at Elsinore as they
seem'd suspicious of the Invoice I produc'd them, owing to
the Entrys made by Captains Wood and Brown. Captains
43^ COMMERCE OF [ I79I
Pierce, Greene, and Bentley is not arriv'd yet. The Prices
of our Exports of Concern are as follows
Rice from 7 to 7 J C. Tobacco from 95 to 11 Skillins per lb.
Rum at 54 dollars per 60 Gallons quick sale.
Coffee 12 skillins per lb.
St. Petersburg Imports, hemp 20 Rubles per Birquet. [Berkovitz?]
Duck 9 to 14, Iron from 140 to 150 Copecks the Pode.
Tea at Copenhagen 30 skillin per lb.
difference of Exchange at Copenhagen,
6 dollars and 4 skillings the £ Sterling.
Rubles at St. Petersburg 295.
I shall immediately advise you on my arrival at St.
Petersburg. In the Interim I remain, Sir, Your most
Obedient Servant, t^ r,
Ben: Bailey
P. S. The English fleet of 30 Line of Battle Ships now are
waiting at Spithead for the Ratification of the Proposals
made by the King of England towards the Empress of Russia.
The freight of hemp given in American Bottoms from St.
Petersburg and Riga to London has been up to ^£ sterling
per Ton occasion'd by the object of a war betwen the two
Nations.
Price Current at present
Norward rum 2/8 very dull. sugars from 48/. to 56.
whale oil 1/2, duller Cheese from ^.d and ^d.
Iron in Barrs 20/ pr. Ct. ' Tobacco 12/
Duck II and 12 Dollers. Rice great Plenty supos'd to brake from
9/ to 9/6.
Benjamin Bailey to Christopher Champlin
Cronstadt, July 13th, 1791.
Sir,
By Capt. James Brown of the Ship Hope, I have the pleas-
ure to inform you that I arriv'd at Elsinore on the i6th of last
month and on the 17th got up to Copenhagen, from which
I sail'd on the 25th and arriv'd in Cronstadt on the ist Inst.
My Cargo was all landed at Copenhagen in very good order,
except one hogshead of Tobacco which came out something
wet. Mr. Saabye proposed selling my Cargo with the Ship
I79I ] RHODE ISLAND 439
Williams the sale of which was to commence in the course
of ten days, his sudden expectations of more arrivals
occasion'd the Time and Method of the Sale. I have advis'd
you from Elsinore and Copenhagen by way of London, of
my different arrivals but have not follow'd then with Copies
as my passages have been very fortunately attended with
favorable winds.
The prices of Exports of our Concern at Copenhagen are
as follows vizt.
Rum at 54 dollars per 60 Gallons Quick Sale.
Rice at 7 to 7I per C.
Tobacco at 9 and | to 11 Skillin per lb.
Coffee at 24 do. per do.
Imports. Tea at 30 Skillin per lb.
Bills on London 6 dollars and 4 skillins the £.
I have advis'd you on the 5th Inst, from St. Petersburg by
way of London, a Copy of which I herewith transmit for
your perusal.
Sir, I sail'd from Copenhagen on the 25th of June and
arriv'd at St. Petersburg on the ist Inst, the Goods are all
purchas'd according to your Order as to Quality the prices
are as follows vizt.
28 Tons of good clean hemp at 19 Rubles per Birquet.
N. Sable 492 Pds. of Assorted Iron 2^ by j at 180 Copecks
do. 63 do. of Square Iron of i inch square at 180 do.
O. Sable 169 do. of flat do. of 2f to 3 inch at 155 do.
N. Sable 410 do. of do. do. of 2 to 25 do. at 180 do.
1 134 Pds. equal to 18 Tons.
Which are as nigh the dimentions as possibly could be procur'd untill the ist of
September.
320 Pieces of Sail Cloth at II R. 40 Copecks
40 do. of do. do. at lOj R.
100 do. of do. do. at II R. 25 Copecks
460 Pieces.
50 Pieces Ravens duck at 1O7 Rubles.
Diaper sells from 50 to 80 Copecks the asheen.
I have now all my Sail Cloth on board, and one quarter
part of my hemp stow'd. If the weather proves favorable
and the wind comes fair I shall leave Cronstadt by the 21st
440 COMMERCEOF [ 1791
of this month for Copenhagen, from thence I shall make all
possible dispatch. I still remain Most truly, Sir, Your
friend and Obedient Servant, r» d
' den: Bailey
P. S. The Captains Pierce and Greene is not ariv'd yet.
The americans which now lay in the mole are Captains
Fuller of N. york; Greene of Salem; Wood of Newport;
Brown of providence; Bailey of Newport.
hemp was yesterday up to 20j Quick Sale, difference of
Exchange 29I.
[Endorsed,] Via Providence. By Capt. Brown of the Ship Hope.
May and Payson to Christopher Champlin
Baltimore, 27th November, 1791.
Sir,
We have to acknowledge Receipt of your favor under
date of 14th Inst, per Post, and observe the Contents. We
can not advise your shiping to this Market a further Quantity
of Russia Duck, for the purpose of an immediate sale, we
find it a much duller article than we expected, since ours to
you of 20th Inst, we have not sold a peice, however we
still hope to compleat your sales before our Navigation closes
with Ice. after this there will be little demand for it, and
were you to make a further shipment, the probability is,
that it would arrive at about that time, when all Business
is stagnated, as respects a communication by Water, in the
Spring we suppose there will be a demand but generally
speaking we have ever found it to be an article of but slow
sale, the present value of Ravens Duck is from 65/ to 6y /6
per piece and in rather more demand than Russia, are of
opinion that the Quantity you mention might readily be
dispos'd of. We have made the necessary enquieries
respecting Bills on London, find the present Exchange is
72I per Ct. that is to say £172.10/ find this Currency for
£100 Sterling, about 3I per Ct. above par, the Bills at Sixty
Days after Sight, the general opinion is that they will
I79I ] RHODE ISLAND 44I
continue at about this price, referring to our former Letters,
very Respectfully, we are Your Obedient Humble Servants
May and Payson
Samuel Lawton to Christopher and
George Champlin
Charleston, December ist, 1791.
Gentlemen,
Troubling you with my third letter I make use of this
oppertunity to inform you, I have sold a few hoghds. of
rum at 2/8 but goes of very dull, as so many Vessels coming
from the Eastward, and all bringing some makes it very dull
sail here, as for the Oile if not sold for more then offerd at
at present, I shall leve with Hazard and Robinson without I
should have your orders to the contrary, as I shall apply to
them for assistance in the sale of my Cargo, as it is impossible
to sell any quantity without Credit; and it is difficult to
trust here with out you are well acquainted with those
People. I mean to do everything in my power for your In-
trest, and by giveing up part of my Commision here is to
your Intrest I dont doubt your Cargo will meete with no Dis-
advantage by it, so I shall rely on your generosity, and I
flater my self you v/ill be satisfied at my Return. Markets
here much as when Capt. Tillinghast saild, rice 10/ at present
Tobacco 12/ to 13/. Rice is thought to be lower after
Christmas as ther is great Plenty this season. I remain your
humble servant, c- t
Samuel Lawton
P. S. I hope the Certificates will come before I sail.
[Endorsed,] favour'd by Capt. Minro.
Sailing Orders
Newport, December i, 1791.
Capt. Benjamin Bailey,
You being Master of my Brigantine Bayonne now in the
Harbour of Newport are to observe the following instruc-
tions. Proceed from hence with the first favourable wind
442 COMMERCEOF [ 1791
to Port au prince on Hispaniola, where dispose of your
Cargo on the best terms you can, without giving any Credit,
if it is possible, and invest the Nett Proceeds in a Cargo of
good Molasses at least 130 Hhds. but if your Cargo amounts
to more than you can bring in Molasses, in that case invest
so much of it in Sugar as will improve the whole of the Nett
Proceeds of your outward-bound Cargo, so that the Brig :
may be fully loaded, when this is done return to Newport
with all dispatch, from the situation of Hispaniola difficul-
ties may arrise to counter act your intentions and these
Instructions, in that case you must act as circumstances
will admit, from time to time as you find them most for
my Interest, from the deranged state of their trade, you
may obtain permission to sell some of your goods at Leogan,
St. Marks etc. and by Sugar and Molasses there, if so you
must do it if safe, and advantage will arrise from it. from
the distress of Trade many persons circumstances have been
injured, be very cautious in whose hands you place any of
your Cargo, and that your business be negotiated at seven
and one half per Cent including your Commission, as your
Cargo is well assorted, some of your goods must be in de-
mand, push the sale if they are so, as many Cargoes may
be on your back. If more Molasses Hhds. and Teirces is
required your Cooper must make them, as from the present
prospect it will be requisite to save every expense possible
to prevent a loosing voyage. Write me often and always
send Copies of your letters, remember to bring good Sugar
if to be had, as they pay no more duty than bad. confiding
in your prudence and that you run no risks unavoidable, I
wish you Success. Your Friend and Owner,
Chris: Champlin
Benjamin Bailey to Christopher Champlin
Port au prince, December 26th, 1791.
Sir,
I HAVE just now arriv'd here leaving my vessel 9 miles
below this port, and have horrid news to tell you. the
I79I ] RHODEISLAND 443
greater part of this place was consumed by fire on the third
of this month by the mulatoes. Nothing sells here at any
rate, the policy I have made use of was to come on shore in
my boat to gain information of trade, if I should have come
in my vessel permission would have not been given me to
go out.
I have consulted many masters from our Continent who
advise me by all means for your interest not to come in.
Likewise have consulted Mr. Stiles a worthy Gentleman who
advises me to go to some of the out ports and sell what I
can of my cargo. I shall try St. marques first then intend
going to a place below call'd St. Jeremy from thence to the
au Cayes (If I can here any thing favorable from there),
produce may be got here for ready cash, there are now
several Vessels here with fish and flour but there has not
been to the amount of 40 Barrels of flour nor 12 hhds of dry
fish sold here this three weeks, all the americans are filld
with blacks and whites to the amount of 15 or 20 each, the
mulatoes are encamp'd 9 miles from here. 150 Troops
arriv'd here last night from france but thats a mere handfull
to the mulatoes whose camp consists of upwards of 2000.
assuring you I shall consult every proceeding that I under-
take for your Interest I remain Your Obedient Servant
Ben : Bailey
P. S. there is a great deal of provision here on hand,
nothing is in demand but hoops and poultry, the Vessels
now here w4th provision would be glad to leave but cannot
get permission to depart at any terms.
[Memo.] Rec'd via N Y February 17. 1792.
Benjamin Bailey to Christopher Champlin
Port au prince, December 26th, 1791.
Sir,
I arriv'd here this day have horrid News to tell you. The
greater part of this place was consum'd by fire on the 3d
Inst, and it is now in the greatest confusion. Nothing sells
except Poultry and Lumber, all communication between
444 COMMERCEOF [ 1791
the town and Country stop'd and no expectation of a Recon-
ciliation between them very soon, from 20 to 30 Sail of
americans in this port and no demand for any produce except
such as I have mention'd. a Captain from Portland tells
me he hant sold but 4 hhds. of fish for three weeks past.
Three captains who have flour tell me they all have not sold
but 37 barrels in 14 days.
Over 2000 Mulatoes encamp'd within 9 miles of this place.
Last night 150 Troops were landed from on board a frigate
lately from france.
The policy I made use of was to go on shore in my Boat
otherways I could have not come away as there is now an
Embargo. I shall sail immediately for St. Marc. Intend
trying to sell some of my Cargo and from thence call at
Jeremie (a port to leward) from thence go to Aux Cayes.
Assuring you of my attention and the greatest towards your
Interest I am, Sir, Your Obedient Servant,
Ben: Bailey
The Original I wrote by way of N. york. cannot assure
you this is exactly word for word as I was in great haste to
get on board my Vessel it being 10 miles below.
15 January.
A frigate arriv'd this day from Port au prince with orders
for all Strangers in this port to sail for Port au prince. We
have sollicited the Captain to permit us to stay being in
number four, he says we must comply with his orders.
We carry our permissions along with us which were given
by the authority of this place permitting us to trade there-
fore the censure will not be greater than if we had been
at Port au prince our Entrys being legal. The Captain of
the Frigate appears very polite on the occasion. I have
therefore thought proper to leave some of my Goods in the
hands of Mr. Louis de Tollenace for sale which are
10 hhds. fish 10 Tierces mackarel
2 Tierces Rice 8 do. Oil
2 do. pork II Boxes Candles.
4 do. herring
1792 ] RHODEISLAND 445
My reasons for the above are thus — Port au prince is 14
leagues from St. Marc, so situated that we may pass safe in
our Boats without the least Risk and I am afraid Goods are
very dull at port au prince. I shall endeavour to force the
sales of what I carry along with me, and take all my empty
hogsheads which are made striving to make all the dispatch
I possibly can. I am most truly Sir Your Obedient Servant
B. B.
Molasses 17 to 18 Cotton 180 li per Cwt.
Sugar at 70 to 73 Indigo at 10 li to 14 li per lb.
Coffee at 1 8s per lb.
I shall sail for port au prince to morrow, by a Vessal
from the cape we are told ther's a ship arriv'd from france
who had sail'd before a fleet which had 18000 troops on board
bound for this Island.
I have seen a Gentleman who left au Cayes the 15th Ulto.
he tells me they were in the greatest confusion but had
plenty of provisions of all kinds, it was thought the town
would run great risks of being burn'd.
St. Marc, January 21st, 1792.
Sir I arriv'd of this port on the 28th Ultimo, went on shore
and was positively assur'd by what was told me that I could
sell my herrings Oil and Candles to a profit which was an
object of attention for selling some other articles which
consists my Cargo. I accordingly anchor'd by the per-
mission of the authority in writing, and commenced business
putting some of my Goods in the hands of Mr. Louis de
Tollenace a reputable Merchant recommended by two
Captains who are at the same house.
I am much disappointed in regard to the dull sales but
God knows where and in what part of this Island our produce
is worth any thing as every port is fill'd with provisions of
all kinds and Cash exceeding scarce.
The Goods sold are as follows viz.
76 barrels herrings at 3 to 3§ dollars.
9 Boxes Candles at § . . do. per lb.
8 Barrels Beef at 7 to 8 . do.
44^ COMMERCEOF [ 1792
3 hhds. Tobacco at 4I to 5 do. per Cwt.
10 do. [Codjfish at 3 to 2f do. per do.
4 Barrels mackarel at 45 . do.
I do. pork . . . at 13 . do.
40 do. flour . . . at 7 . do.
900 Staves .... at 450 li per M.
A small proportion of onions which was in bad order being badly made up.
Benjamin Bailey to Christopher Champlin
Port au prince, January 28th, 1792.
Sir, I left St. marc's the 23 arriv'd here on yesterday
found Marketts as dull as when I left here and but little
business a doing, have got my Vessel legally enter'd and must
now submit to patience as there is a prospect of trade when
the troops arrive which are expected daily. Young Mr.
Forbes is here whom I would recommend to your particular
attention he having been very kind to render me many little
services, there will be plenty of produce to be got when the
Country opens and our Goods will be in great demand. The
standing Troops have made a number of sorties out and
kill'd a number of Mulatoes. there is not one to be seen
in the streets, they have lately establish'd the martial law
to quell the mobs which have been very riotous. I shall
begin my purchase as soon as in my power lies, can't inform
you when I shall sail. I am Sir Your Obedient Servant
B. Bailey
Our Goods no particular price being in no demand.
Molasses 18 li on board
Sugar 70 li to 75 li.
Coffee 1 8s per lb.
42 Sail of americans in port. Captains here from Newport Boss and Huntington.
Benjamin Bailey to Christopher Champlin
Port au prince, February ist, 1792.
I WROTE you last via Newburyport which you'll receive
before this comes to hand. I remain in the same disagree-
able situation as when I wrote. Nothing but destruction
1792] RHODE ISLAND 447
and murder are the politics of this Colony. Yesterday a
brig arriv'd from au Cayes with her outward Cargo and to
day another both americans. the negroes and mulatoes are
killing all the white people whose habitations lay within
their command, trade is as dull as at this place, Jaquemel
is burn'd and a part of the buildings along the coast (to
leward). This day there is a ship arriv'd from the cape.
The advices are that a frigate is at the cape lately from franca
who sail'd in company with 2 Ships of the line 3 frigates 5
transports 6000 Troops bound for this Island having on
board 40,000 dollars.
Molasses is exceeding scarce and hard to be got as none
can be purchas'd only what comes in by water. Goods of
our Country still in no demand. I have sold only i hhd. of
fish since I arriv'd from St. Marc. Mr. Forbes's with many
other opinions are that as soon as the troops arrive the coun-
try will be open'd and trade will flourish rapidly for some
time after.
However it is exceeding tedious to be so confin'd and do
no business, but as soon as an opportunity offers to my
advantage I shall eagerly embrace it striving to make all the
dispatch I can. I am most truly, Sir, Your Obedient Servant,
Ben : Bailey
P. S. there is a number of Vessels here with provisions
who have not broke bulk.
American Goods no price being in no demand.
Sugar 68 li to 70 li (Molasses 17 li to 19 li los at the plantations).
Coffee 20s. Cotton 190 li per Cwt.
Benjamin Bailey to Christopher Champlin
Port au prince, February 8th, 1792.
Sir,
I HAD forwarded the inclos'd but unfortunately the Vessel
which had the advices on board was brought in again by a
Revenue Cruiser, in consequence of having some Goods on
board that were not legally clear'd at the oflSce.
448 COMMERCE OF [ 1792
We Still remain neuter and Commerce as dull as hereto-
fore. I was down to Leogane last week but met with no
success in regard to purchasing molasses. I intend going to
St. marc's very soon to settle my affairs, at my return shall
at once more effectually endeavour to expend what monies
I may have to part with.
I had forgot to mention the commissary who arriv'd from
the Cape on the 30th Ultimo, he is commission'd by the
National assembly at home to settle a Treaty of peace in this
Colony, which gives us great hopes that he will accomplish
his business to the satisfaction of both Parties. No Pass-
ports have been handed out to day. the reason are not
accounted for. as soon as the municipality renews those
liberties I shall immediately apply to go to St. marc's as I
think what Goods I left there must be dispos'd of. This
day has been the most peacable of any I have experienced
since I arriv'd. to day two Vessels are clear'd to depart
with their Cargoes consisting of Beef pork fish etc. in ballast
the highest price for dry fish at Martinaco was 20 li other
Goods in proportion.
I have sold from on board since my arrival
3 hhds. fish at 2^ dollars per Cwt.
2 Tierces Oil at 55 Sou per Gallon.
landed to a store, since sold 4 Barrels herring at 3 dollars.
Assuring you of my utmost attention towards your Interest
I am Sir, Your Obedient Servant
Benjamin Bailey
Boss has not sold to the amount of 100 dollars of his in
board Cargo.
Benjamin Bailey to Christopher Champlin
Port au Prince, February 24th, 1792.
Sify
Since my last advice I have been to St. Marc found my
Goods were all sold except 2 Tierces of Rice 6 Casks of oil
which I dispos'd of at the following prices viz.
1792] RHODE ISLAND 449
I Tierce of Rice at Lo. 28. 17.6 per Cwt.
I do. . of do. . at 30. — .- per do.
3 do. . of Oil at 2. 5.- per Gallon
I do. . of do. at 2. 9.- per do.
The Other two Tierces unsold brought here in my boat. My
Goods which were already sold commanded the following
Prices, viz.
9 hhds. fish . . at Lo. 24. 15.- per Cwt.
II boxes s. candles at 4. 2.- per lb.
2 barrels pork . at 94. 17.6 per bbl.
4 do. herring . . at 28. 17.6 ....
II do. mackarel . at 33. — .-
2 Tierces oil . . at 2. 10.- per Gallon
Onions to the amount of 24. 15.-.
Since I first arriv'd at port au prince from St. marc I
have sold
IS hhds. offish at Lo. 20.12.6 to 24.15. per C[wt.]
35 barrels herring at 24.15 per bbl.
6 do. Mackarel at 33. to 35.1.3.
4 Tierces of Oil at 2.15 per Gall.
6 Boxes of candles at 3i5- to 4 li per lb.
and the remainder of my Onions. I have begun to load with
II hhds. of molasses, in the course of 10 days shall have
40 more.
Molasses has got up to 19 li in consequence of a number of
Vessels which are come here from other ports to load.
Lighterage is very high and hard to be commanded. Our
situations are discouraging in regard to commerce, since
the arrival of the commissary they have been very quiet
both sides. There still remains a number of Vessels with
provisions which have not broke bulk. If I can obtain
permission I shall go down the coast and endeavour to sell
my pickled fish in order to shorten my Voyage which will
be much longer than I expected. Mr. Boss still remains with
his cargo unsold and but a trifle more prospect of selling
than what has been, the plains are open to bring in molasses
and sugar but no Goods are allow'd to be transported from
hence as yet.
450 COMMERCEOF [ 1792
Striving to make all the dispatch I can I am most truly
Sir Your Obedient Servant r> r>
Benjamin Bailey
[Endorsed,] By Capt. Tew.
May and Payson to Christopher Champlin
Baltimore, 3d March, 1792.
Dear Sir,
We shou'd long since have advis'd you of haveing made a
sale of your Russia Duck 30th December last, but the person
to whom we sold leaveing town immediately after, and
knowing a part of the Duck to be staind, we wish'd to have
the Business perfectly setled before we advis'd you. the
price sold at was ten and half Dols. on a Creddit of ninety
days. Mr. McCreery the person to whom we sold, is now
in Town, and have examin'd the Duck, find say, thirty
Bolts out of fifty to be staind, and injur'd, so as to prejudice
the Sale, have not yet perfectly setled the Business but
hope to in a few days and will advise you the result. Your
esteem'd Favors of 23d January and ist February were
duly received and the Contents noted, our Mr. Payson
haveing wrote you from Boston, and the foregoing reasons,
will excuse our not replying to them before, we observe the
rapid rise of Russia Duck at your Market, and cou'd now
wish we had not made so early a sale of yours, but cou'd
not foresee the present scarcity and demand, we have
annex'd you the present state of our markets, but they are
not accurate, business is exceeding dull and markets are
very unsettled, goods vary in price as particular Necessaty
may render a sale unavoidable, it is expected that altera-
tions will take place as soon as our Navigation opens, which
from present appearances will be in a few days, there are
many Vessels below and no doubt we shall have a fresh
supply of different kinds of Goods, with much Respect
We are Your Obliged and Obedient Servants
May and Payson
1792 J
RHODE
ISLAND 45 1
Flour Superfine . . 36/ to 37/
do. Hemp . .
6d. dull.
do. fine . . .
• 34/ to 35/.
Whale Oyl . .
2/2 to 2/4 per Gallon.
Wheat . .
Tie
Tanners do . .
9 Dols. per Bbl.
Indian Corn
. 3/6 to 3/8
Candles Dip'd
9§ to lod.
Bar Iron
. 33 £ per Ton.
do. Mould . .
1 2d
W. I. Rum
6/6 to 7/3
do. Sperm Ceti
3/ to 3/3. dull
N. E. do. . .
4/8 to 4/1 1
Sole Leather .
15 to i6d.
Sugars . .
5.10 to S,6.T.6
Cotton . . .
2/3 to 2/6. very scarce
Molasses . .
3/8 to 3/9
Raisins . . .
7i Dollars.
Bohea Tea
2/8 to 2/9
Pepper . . .
3/6 to 3/9.
Coffee . . .
18 to zod.
Pymento . . .
iSd. to 17^. dull
Chocolate .
lid.
Cheese, Country 7 to id. if good.
Beef . . .
50/ to 52/6
Flax ....
none at market.
Pork, Northern
II to 12 Dols.
Barley . . .
5/ scarce.
do., Southern
9 Dols.
Bees Wax . .
2/.
Russia duck
• 90/.
Sir
Benjamin Bailey to Christopher Champlin
Port au prince, March lOth, 1792.
Since my last advice by Capt. Tew I have the pleasure
to inform you that I have sold all my Goods except 4 barrels
mackarel 7 do. herrings 3 Boxes S. Candles 4 Casks Oil,
have on board 48 hhds. Molasses and have sent out 26 more
to fill. To morrow if I can procure a permit I shall embark
with 14 hhds. more where I am sure to get them fill'd with
molasses and shall load as fast as possible. Molasses is
scarce the price remains at 19 li per C, The politics of this
Island still remain in a confus'd state. No Troops arriv'd
here yet. The Commissary is now at Leogane in order to
treat with the mulatoes he is expected to return to morrow.
The Negroes about Leogane are revolted and God knows
what will be the final Issue. You may easily suppose I
am anxious to depart assuring you I shall make all dispatch
I am Sir your Obedient Servant
Benjamin Bailey
P, S. If no ill consequence happens I shall sail by the
25th of this month.
[Endorsed,] Via Newbedford. By Capt. Jenny.
452 commerceof [ 1792
Benjamin Bailey to Christopher Champlin
Port au prince, March i6th, 1792.
Sir,
Since my last advice of the Date of the 15th Inst, by
Capt. Jenney of the Brig Polly belonging to Newbedford
fresh difficulties have occur'd which are, on the 12th the town
of Leogane was closely besieg'd by the Negroes from the
Mountains but were repuls'd by the whites and Mulatoes
(after burning 5 houses). They then retreated to the plains
setting fire to all the plantations and burning every thing
before them. On the 13th at 4 in the morning they made
the second attack but were driven back again, the Loss
on both sides according to the best informations which are
not regular are over 2 thousand, we have learned nothing
new to day. the consequences of this fatal stroke are all
pasports have been stop'd this five days and we understand
none are to be given only to the french merchants, for the
future. Molasses is up at 20 li per C. The people at
the helm of Government affairs seem determin'd on the
Ruin of this Colony and Island. I have 60 hhds. of good
Molasses on board have 30 more empty in the country to
fill. I wrote you in my last letter that I should embark
the next day with 14 empty hhds. to fill but my designs are
frustrated, in consequence of what has happen'd since.
If the plains of port au prince should meet the fate with those
at Leogane the Island is ruin'd, which God grant may not
be the case as it will be exceeding hard for the poor planters
who deserve pity by all who have the least sentiment of
feeling for their Distresses.
What Goods I have on board unsold are 3 boxes of^S.
Candles, 4 Casks of oil, and 8 barrels of herrings. You may
rely on my utmost exertions to make all the dispatch I
possibly can for sailing and if I am not defeated in my inten-
tions I shall depart from this disagreeable port by the last
of this Month. I am most truly, Sir Your Obedient Servant,
Benjamin Bailey
[Endorsed,] Via Newyork. By Capt. Worth.
1792 ] rhodeisland 453
Sailing Orders
Newport, May 22th, 1792.
Capt. Benjamin Bailey.
You being Master of my Brig Bayonne, are to observe the
following Instructions. Proceed with all Dispatch to Copen-
hagen, when you arrive, deliver your Cargo into the hands
of Messrs. Ryberg and Co. Merchants there, to whom you
are consigned. Balast your Vessel with dispatch, and
proceed to St. Petersburg, taking with you Messrs. Ryberg
and Co. letter of Credit upon the House of Messrs. Edward
James Smith and Co. to furnish you on my account with
Russian goods, conformable to my Memorandum, enclosed
them, a Copy of which you have herewith, pay the greatest
attention to choosing the articles, as Peace is restored I
flatter my self Duck may be had, very good at 11. Rubles,
procure all the narrow flat Iron you can. some of 2f Inch
will be required, when you stow the Brig let all the Duck
be put under the lower Deck, and, when your Business is
finished return to Copenhagen with dispatch, where take
on board such Tea as Messrs. Ryberg and Co. may deliver
you to balance my account, which quantity you may nearly
fix upon by the price your Rum and other articles may sell at
according to the last Sale. I would have you converse with
Mr. Saaby, respecting the time of Selling, my Cargo being
small I have requested it sold alone, as I suppose it best.
large quantities up for sale at a time often reduces the price,
besides I think your Rum much better than any Rum shipped
from Boston or Providence, take the utmost care in chusing
new Tea and good, as we have received some rotten and
mouldy Tea in Lawtons voyage from thence.
By no means omit having three correct Manifests of
home Cargo made out soon after your Sailing from Copen-
hagen to be in readiness for the Custom house boats. Run
no risks of Seizure, be frugal in your expences. fail not
to obtain from Mr. Saaby Certificates for landing the rum
and Coff'ee, to cancell our bonds.
Buy me at Copenhagen Two oval dishes deep blue and
454 COMMERCEOF [ 1792
white China, 21. inch. long. Two ditto 19. inch, long or as
near them lengths as possible, and deeper blue than the
Pattern.
Write me by every opportunity. Wishing you Success, I
am. Your Friend and owner
Chris : Champlin
Benjamin Bailey to Christopher Champlin
Elsinore, July 5th, 1792.
Sir,
I HAVE the pleasure to inform you that I arriv'd below
Elsinore in the Sound to day, the wind being a head I was
oblig'd to anchor and am now on Shore at Mr. Fenwicks
to clear, a prospect of having a wind very soon offers which
I shall immediately embrace at the first opportunity. Noth-
ing material has happened during my passage in regard to the
Ship, the tenth day after my leaving Newport John South-
wick fell from the Mast head which fall broke his left thigh
but he is in a fair way to recover (the accident.) My
prospect of being here in 36 days was good when I first came
out but having contrary wind was retarded. I am the
twentieth and eight American that has enter'd the Baltic
this season. Mr. Feawick tells me hemp is at 19 Rubles at
St. Petersburg, the price of canvas he is not inform'd. I
cannot inform you in regard to the price of american Goods
at Copenhagen but shall advise you with the price thereof
on my arrival there, assuring you of my greatest exertions in
regard to dispatch. I am Sir Your most Obedient Servant,
Benjamin Bailey
the Bayonne proves very tight by no means leaky.
P. S. The wind now begins to veer Westward, so I am
in hopes of getting to Copenhagen to morrow.
1792] RHODE ISLAND 455
Benjamin Bailey to Christopher Champlin
Copenhagen, August 27th, 1792.
Sir,
I NOW have the pleasure to inform you of my arrival from
St. Petersburg on the 24th Inst, and am now awaiting for
40 Chests of Tea the greater part of which is purchas'd at
28ls per lb. am in hopes to have it all on board to morrow.
My hemp was bought at i8| R :
Iron at 160 Co. Ravens duck at 10^ R :
156 ps. Sail cloth good at i8| R :
52 do. do. at 16 R : No more Sailcloth could be ob-
tain'd although the prices were so exceeding high, although
if I could have procur'd the whole which was order'd I could
not consistent with your Interest have taken it as it was
merely throwing money away to buy at such exorbitant
prices, my Cargo remains unsold in consequence of the
Quantity of Goods at market and low prices, however
Mr. Saabye thinks the next sales will command better prices
than the last. I am in hopes to get away on Thursday next.
In expectation of being with you by the first of November
I remain, Sir, Your Obedient Servant,
Benjamin Bailey
[Endorsed,] Via Providence. By Captain Read.
Port Charges.
For Captain Benjamin Bayley here at Copenhagen, Vizt.
AO. 1792. Rds. St.
Inwards
July 6.
To Stamp Paper 18.
" Haven Duty of 43 Last at 24 St 21.24.
" Custom House OflBcers fees 46.
" Ston Dolphin and Accise at 3 St 2.33.
" The Light of the Netz 2.--
" The Controleurs and OflScers 1.20.
" The Commandant and Clarck 32.
" Sundry Expends in all The Offices 2.8.
" The Boatsvain and People at the Boom 24.
" Town House Clearing and Officers 3.- -
456
COMMERCE OF
[ 1792
Outwards
To Stamp Paper
" The Controleurs and Officers
" The Commandant and Clarck . . . .
" Sundry Expends in all the Offices . . .
" The Boatsvain and people at the Boom
" The Admiral for Mustering
" a Man to Dragoe for a Pillot
" Our Brokerage
Copenhagen, the 28 Aug't, 1792.
.18.
.40.
.36
2. 4.
.24.
I.--
.24.
S-—
Rds. 46.15 St.
M. JURGENSEN AND MoMSEN.
John Bartlett to William Ellery
Nantucket, 14 September, 1792.
Dear Sir,
I received your kind favour of the loth Inst, by Miss
Cady, for which and your attention to my affair I heartily
thank you. On October 22d 1777 I left the Army at Albany
in order to return home for the winter for the recovery of
the use of my arm which was badly fractur'd, by a formal
written permit from General Gates, who also ordered me a
Waggon for my Baggage and gave me an order to call on any
and every body for such assistance as I should need on the
Road. Early the next, Spring I wrote to Doctor Potts, the
Deputy Director General for the N. Department; wishing
his orders. I received no answer. I sat out therefore
without any particular orders and joined the Army at the
White Plains, at which place and at Harrison's Purchase
near by I spent that season in the flying Hospital,
In the Summer following, that is in 1779 you brought a
letter from Doctor Shippen, ordering me to repair to Fish
Kil and superintend the Hospitals in that vicinity which I
immediately complied with. From that time to the time of
the new arrangement I held myself in readiness to comply
with, and execute any orders that I might receive. From
that time to this, I have received no orders altho' I have
repeatedly wrote to Dr. Shippen from the Army, wishing to
know if he had any new commands for me. I used to join
1793 ] RHODEISLAND 457
the Army on summons and apply for orders but received
none, but the answer was this, viz. that there were so many
Doctors since the three divisions of the Army were joined,
that it was difficult to assign districts to them all.
I never was broke, reprimanded or so much as blamed for
any misconduct in my public capacity during the war.
There was a Thomas Tillotson, whom Doctor Potts had
put to act in my room, before that I joined the Army in 1777,
who was always my secret enemy, and wished me out of the
way that he might be Physician and Surgeon General in
my room. This man practiced every mischief in his power
against me.
In the new arrangement I was amongst the deranged. Up
to which time I claim a right to my Wages and Rations,
The date of that period I cannot exactly tell, without advert-
ing to the Journals of Congress, which I am not possessed of.
As soon as I can come at the date of the new arrangement,
I can make out my account properly, which I shall do and
forward it to Congress, accompanied with the petition. In
the mean time I wish my compliments to be made to Mrs.
Ellery and you Sir, may rest assured, that I remain your
sincere Friend and very Humble Servant,
Samuel Lawton to Christopher Champlin
Charlston, January 24th, 1793.
SzV,
I AM all ready for sailing only wate for a wind to get under
way. I have taken on board 97 whole and 6 half Cask of
Rice and 12 Barrels of Tarr on your account, as for the
458 COMMERCE OF [1793
Lumber I could not get it unless I gave from 14 to 15 Dollers
per thousand, as for Beans there is none to be bought in
Charlston at present so that with the Rice and five hogh'ds
Tobacco and the Tarr with the cargo brought out I shall
sail as soon as I can get out. by the latest accounts from
Highspanola the times are very dull there. I shall endeaver
to do the best I can. I wrote by Capt. fry the price of rice.
I must refer you to Mr. Robinsons letter comes with this
about the goods I had of him here. I remain yours,
Sam'l Lawton
Samuel Lawton to Christopher Champlin
Porter Prince, February 15, 1793.
Sir,
These may inform you of my arivel here in 17 days from
Charlston and am sorry to inform you the badness of the
times here on acount of the Blacks revolting from their
masters and have burnt a great number of Plantations a
few days ago. I inform'd a few days before I got in that the
Cape was all up in arms and the armey gone out and no
business done there so I came here and find [all] full as bad
here or wors and the south side [in] as much Confusion as here
the armey went out hece a few days ago. the Blacks burnt
a great many Plantations here a few days ago and what we
all shall do here God only noes, not one Vessel is allow'd
to go from here that has got any Provisions on board and
nothing scarsely will sell here, here is now in Port 68 sail
of Americans. I have sold but one Cask of Rice yet all
that I have sold is the chief of the Tobacco for 5 and sh
Dollers and the few bbls. Tarr for 4 and 4I Dollers not one
box Candels nor any thing else on board is sold and when I
shall sail from here I no not no more then the Dead, if I
could sell my Cargo I shall not trouble you with any molasses
it being so scarce and high, bring chiefly Coffe and a little
suger and take in ballast . I have oflFerd my rice for 22 Levers
to take a quantity, no boddy will buy. Sir, I remain yours,
Sam'l Lawton
1793 ] RHODEISLAND 459
Price Current
Good when sold
Rice from 22 to 26 Livers Plenty
Spermicetia Candles from 4I to 6 Livers Plenty
Oil from 50 to 55 sou. Plenty and dull.
Beef from 6 to 7 Doll. Plenty and dull.
Tobacco from 5 to 45 scarce.
Tarr from 5 to 45 scarce.
Lumber, 13 Dollar Plenty and dull
Mackrel if good 35 Dol. dull
Long staves 14 and 18 Dol. do.
Produce at Present
Molasses 31 Livers hogd. 3 dol. scarce.
CofFe from 16 to 19.
Sugar from 60 to 78.
[Endorsed,] favourd by Cap. Church.
Samuel Lawton to Christopher Champlin
Porter prince, March 2d, 1793.
Sir,
I FURTHER inform you by this oppertunity of the two
letters I wrote before one dated the i6th and one the 27th
of my arivel here and the dullness of Trade likewise all kind
of amarican produce very plenty indeed as for my Cargo the
rice is chiefly sold and glad to get 22 Livers per Ct. there is
now in Port 600 Cask for sale some of the Oil on hand and
the chief of the Candels not sold. I shall begin to ballast
soon. I shall try to sail by the 20th if possible or the last of
this month, my Tobacco all sold and Tarr, some Beef on
hand yet. as for molasses I think it so high that the last
accounts from home will not do to purchase here at 30 and
31.10 besides the Cask. Plenty of poor Coffe and sugar for
sail Coff from 16 to 19 sou sugar from 66 to 78. I shall
endeavour to get some of the Candles sold before I sail, a
very dull place here for Candels and what Rauthbone
brought here has suply'd the market and now here is in Port
Minro and Pirce from Providence with a great quantity of
them. Sir I remain your humble Servant
Sam'l Lawton
460 COMMERCEOF [ 1793
Prices Current
BeefyDol. Oil 52.12.6 dull.
Pork 12 to 125 Tobacco 5 to 5I
flour super. 7 Dol. Tarr 4 to 4^
Rice 21.10 to 22 Liver dull Molasses 30 to 31.10
Spermiceti Cand. J Dol. Sugar 66 to 78.
Mackrel 3I to four Dol. CofF. 16 to 19 sou.
[Endorsed,] favored by Cap. Baker.
Samuel Lawton to Christopher Champlin
Porterprince, March 11, 1793.
Sir
I IMBRACE this oppertunity as this Vessel sails for Newyork
I acquaint you I am in hopes to sail in about 10 or 12 days as
my cargo is mostly sold times are very dull here yet and
great Plenty of American produce from all parts coming in
daily. I shall bri[n]g you about 10 or 12 hogst. Molasses
by way of ballast that will cost 3 1 Livres per C. and the cask
3 Dollers the remainder of the cargo in CofFe I have sold
the Chief of the rice as I wrote you before for 22 Livres by
Capt. Baker dated 2d Inst, since that most all the oil at
50 Sue. 30 boxes Candles sold at Luegan for £3.15. I
would a ballast with salt but I think the Brig makes to much
water to venture with it. I have got on board a few hogh'd
molasses a bout 7000 wt CofFe cost from 16 to 18 sue. the
remainder I shall purchase in a few days and some stone
ballast, there is more or less Plantations burning every
night by the Negroes while I am now writing there is two
on fire not many miles of. I shall be very glad to get away
from here. I may write once more before I sail, as for the
Price Current much the same or wors then the last. Sir
I remain your humble Servant
Sam'l Lawton
Sir, Plese to inform my family we are all well on board.
S. L.
[Endorsed,] favourd by Capt. Barnad.
1793 ] RHODEISLAND 461
oTb. 7Viilia7n z^enwic^^T\ Cr.
For Portcharges in the Sound viz.
Lightmoney for the Ship and Cargo ^^''J^, "St
Pafsmoney and Cuftomhoufe Officers fees Z^. /g
Tj^^'^^ator ^ ^^^
Searcher •%••».. ^ / ^^
Guard Ship . . • . ^ __^ y
British Poormoney and Church . ,
Commisfiou *-•.... ,^^
Extra »•••,.,
Crowns * . /^,,/o.
Agio Current a 3 Stivers -.— « ^/
Danish CnrrzTii ^/C^. ji^i^
462 commerceof [ 1793
Samuel Lawton to Christopher Champlin
Elsinore, July loth, 1793.
Sir,
These may inform you of my safe arivel here in forty three
days and a very unpleasant Passage we had of it for Easterly
weather with rain and fog for 28 days. I dont think I shall
go further then Copenhagen by what I can larn from Peters-
bourg it will be so much later and my Vessel not so fit to come
home that time of year for she is not quite tight yet. I shall
wright more perticular soon. I spoke with Capt. Beckford
as I come in bound for Salem, will write you of my being
here likewise, Sir, I remain yours
Sam'l Lawton
Please to acquaint my family we are all well on board.
S. L.
Samuel Lawton to Christopher Champlin
Copenhagen, July 17th, 1793.
Sir,
I inform'd you by Capt. Bickford bound for Salem of
my arivel in 43 days passage. I have got all my Cargo
landed and have concluded to load here as the Brig proves
somwhat leakey and my coming on the Coast so much
later in the fall I think it most prudent to make what
dispach I can. as for the markits of Goods here and Peters-
bourg is no great object for a small Vessel and she growing
old I can perceve when blowing hard she begins to complain.
I have made a Calculation and find I can load here at the
following Prices Swedish Iron £13 to 15 sterling Ton, Duck
from 12I to 13I Rix Dollars Ravins Duck about 9I hemp
16 and 17 skd. I think to fall short in the Canvas as the
Duck has rizen in the price more then the other goods. I
have received a letter from Mr. Smith concerning the CofFe.
he wrote in april and there is a great quantity gone up sence
that here. I think it will fetch 28 or 29 sk. rum no sail
yours unsold last year. Mr. Tobey has got 500 hoghd. on
1793 ] RHODEISLAND 463
hand. Tobacco at about 6 and 7 sk. no rice to market,
the last sold sence I bin here for 6| and 6f . I shall begin to
take in tomorrow. I shall write soon and be able to inform
you the Quantity I shall purchace.
the last sails of rum sold a few days ago as low as 38 Rix
Dollers for 60 gallons. I shall write again in a few days by
Capt. Dexter bound for Philadelphia. Sir, I remain your
humble servant
Sam'l Lawton
[Endorsed,] honrd Capt. Bartlet.
Ryberg and Co. to Christopher Champlin
Copenhagen, the 31st July, 1793.
Sir,
We beg your kind referance to our respects of the i6th
Inst, of which please to receive inclosed duplicate, and Capt.
Lawton will hand you Triplicate of the Certificates of the
Rum and Coffee by him. We transmit you this by him and
wish the Bayonne may have a prosperous Voyage and the
Cargo come to a favourable markett. You'll please to in-
form yourself from the inclosed Bill of Lading and Invoice
of the goods shipt on board and we beg you'll please to credit
us the amount Rix 8897.65s dcry [Danish currency.^] likewise
Rix 98.55s dcry furnishd Capt. Lawton for Ships use.
The goods we hope will give satisfaction with respect to
Quality and we flatter ourselves it will be agreable that the
Bayonne loaded here, we have used our utmost exertions
for purchasing good quality articles at the lowest Prices.
We have already found opportunity to dispose of your
Coffee at 28s[killings] per li. which we hope will leave you
a good advantage and as soon as possible we shall wait upon
you with account Sales, likewise of Capt. Baileys Rum from
a p as we shall endeavour to dispose of what remains the
9th next month. It is quite contrary to our wishes that the
demand for your Goods is this year so small, rice is the only
article demanded and we think the price will raise. Capt.
Lawtons Tobacco from a p is now delivred the Purchasers
464 COMMERCEOF [ 1793
and we shall send you a/s [account sales] by the very first
opportunity. You were pleased last year to order by Capt.
Lawton a piece of muslin and Handkerchiefs, till of late we
have not been able to procure it Capt. Lawton has now
received it, and we hope it will find Approbation, it costs the
muslin and the Handkerchiefs Rix 54.8 but the diaper you
direct'd Capt. Lawton to get could not be procured so wide,
and he thought therefore best not to buy any narrow. We
have credited your account for the Freight of the 12 Hhds.
Tobacco shipt by the Bayonne £27.12 at 6 Rix 12/. and
when your goods are sold we hope the Ballance either
way will be not great. Having nothing further to add we
remain very respectfully, Sir, Your most obedient humble
Servants,
Ryberg and Co.
Edward Forbes to Christopher Champlin
Dublin, 14th August, 1793.
Sir,
Having none of your esteemd favors to reply to, in order
to Ballance your Account I have drawn on you for the same
at sight to the order of Messrs. Samuel Fowler and Son being
£0.19.4 Irish to pay them a little Ballance in their favor.
The unparraleld failures througout G. Britain with some in
this Country, together with the War with France hath had
a very bad Effect on our Trade, which caus'd a great Scarcity
of Money and much diffidence amongst traders and manu-
facturers, and in place of riseing, has had the contrary effect,
and lowerd the Prices of Ashes in particular, and our Linen
trade has in particular received a considerable Shock and
reduced the prices of the lower kinds to ig\d and under full
2d per yard and the finer is fallen in proportion, nor do I
think they will mend untill there is Peace, which at present
appears very distant. Annexd are the prices current of
your products and am, Sir, Your obedient Servant,
Edward Forbes
1794 ] RHODEISLAND 465
1st Pot Ashes 33/ to 34/ per Ct. 1 a great quantity of both on hands and expected
Pearls in no Demand so ever. j still lower.
Tar 20/. Pitch 25/. per bbl. but will lower when there is peace. Turpentine
9/ per Ct. Beeswax 2od to zzd per lb.
Lumber, say pine boards 14/ per 120 feet. Oak Timber £4 per Ton. Good
inch Oak Boards well squared and free from Sap 20/ per Ct. Oak Bark is in no
estimation particularly the Ground our Tanners now decline to buy it on account
of there finding former parcells much adulterated.
Samuel Lawton to Christopher Champlin
Cape Francois, February 9th, 1794.
Siff
AFTER informing you by sundry letters before of my arivel
here in 18 days passang I am still laying here yet my cargo
bemg all sold that will sell here and the Cash on board except
the 140 Barrels flower and 7 Cask of rice administration has
taken away by the force of arms from me. I have got noth-
ing for it as yet and I am afraid I never shall for they are in
such confusion there is very little prospect from them. I
shall lay here a while longer to se what I can do. I have
got all my Cask sot up and fild with salt water for ballast
and [sails] and have bin ready to sail this five weekes if they
had paid for my flower and I dont se no more prospect nay
not so much as a month ago as fort Dolphin is in possession
of the Spanyard. I am not concluded yet what to do to go
to Leward or not but I believe I shall sail for home in ballast.
I remain yours,
Sam'l Lawton
Plese to inform my family we are all well on board.
[Endorsed,] Per Capt. Carver.
Samuel Lawton to Christopher Champlin
Cape Francois, February the 19th, 1794.
Sir,
I MUST trouble you once more, to inform you of my laying
here yet wating for my pay for the Rice and flower the ad-
ministration took away from me, by the force of arms, as
I inform'd you by sundry letters wrote you before, and of
466 COMMERCEOF [ 1794
my being ready to sail this five weekes had they paid me.
I have concluded rather then leve it behind to take old Iron
for pay, for that is all the pay I can get and that at £25 Livers
per hundred, which will amount to 14 or 15 Ton at least.
I mean to sail as soon as I can get that, what time that will
be I no not perhaps 10 days or 15 days. I am not concluded
as yet where to go, as times are so very dificult here there is
not one in port can conclud on any thing. I beleve I shall
sail for home but what port I shall arive to God only noes
for I dont, I am sure. I have got pay for 70 Barrels of flower
in Cash at 8 Doller, the remainder due will amount to the
qu[a]ntity above of Iron and bad anough it is. Nothing
more at present. I remain yours, c > r
^ ■' Sam l Lawton
Plese to inform my family we are all well.
[Endorsed,] favored by Cap. Gilbert.
Samuel Lawton to Christopher Champlin
Kingston, Jamaica, March i6th, 1794.
I AM sorry to inform you of my being here. I saild from
Cape Fran9ois the 3d 'nst. and fell in with the Hound sloop
of war a few Leagues from the Cape who took out all my
Cash and ordred me for'the mole, from there sent here after
taken out 3 of my people and sent a Prize master with 4
hands with me and I ariv'd here the nth. what they will
do with me I no not. my Papers are all very clear and plain.
I am in hopes I shall not be libeld. if I am I must proceede
[for] home as passanger as she will not be try'd till August]
next, allmost all the Amaricans in port are [used the]
same way and Captains going home without their Vess[els]
leveing them here to take their fate as they turn us out when
libel'd as for the Amaricans in general we can find very few
friends here with our money and that they have taken from
us and what to do we no not. I shall write again soon by
Capt. Barker who goes Passanger to Newyork. so I remain
your most humble Servant c » t
^ Sam l Lawton
1794 ] RHODEISLAND 467
Plese to inform my family we are all well that is on bord
mate my son Boy and Bennet on board the rest on board
man of war.
S. L.
They have got from the Brig on your account 3944 Dollers
Cash which is all yours.
[Endorsed,] Honor'd by Capt. Carver.
Samuel Lawton to Christopher Champlin
Kingston, Jamaica, March the 22th, 1794.
Sir,
I IMBRACE one more oppertunity as I have wrote you sev-
eral letters before of my being here and sent by the sloop
of war Capt. Serrage wating to se what they mean to do with
me as I am in ballast I am in hopes they will not libel me.
I shall no in a few days the determination of the Judge,
if libel'd I mean to wate for the arivel of the Packet from
England as she is expected in a few days, if not cleard then
I mean to leve my Vessel on them and take out a Protest
and proceede home the first oppertunity as there seems to
be neither Law nor Justice here and they have got all my
Cash from me therefore it is impossible to find friends here,
there is now in port forty od sail here and the chief of them
libel'd and their tryals wont come on this four months, by
that time their Vessels will not be fit to proceede home, as
for further perticulers I refer you to Capt. Bowler and Capt.
Barker who has left there Vessels behind. I remain your
humble Servant
Sam'l Lawton
All well on board. I have wrote you three letters sence I
arived here.
S. L.
[Endorsed,] honor'd by Capt. Bowler.
468 COMMERCEOF [ 1794
Capture of Martinique ^
[March-April, 1794.]
Landing was attempted in vain at Case navire and [torn]
Case pilote. The troops and their boats repulsed by the
Batteries on the shore were obUged to draw off and land lower
down at the bottom.
The Enemy proceeding without opposition into the
Country took the best ground, and established without diffi-
culty their line round the forts. The investment was made
the nth of February, the next day the 12th [blank ]
bombarded and [assaulted] by land and sea was obliged
to surrender after a vigorous resistance and having lost 38
men by the explosion of the powder magazine which took
fire from one of the enemys bombs.
The 13 and 14 the Bomb Ketches and Battering Challops
pointed all their fire upon the town and fort and continued
it all the night.
Their intrigues were at this moment in the greatest
activity. Cowardice and treason combined to accelerate
the progress of the Enemy. On the 15 Elie and Pierre Milet
came to assasinate the General, they were arrested confined
and judged.
The 1 8th the Post Sjurirey was delivered to the English
Bellegard and Pelauque had the address to render serviceable
to their designs the committee of public safety and the
municipality in concert with them without the knowledge of
the General who could not be a dupe to the military move-
ment to cover their perfidy. Under the specious pretence
of going to attack the enemy in their Lines the Post was
abandoned only 50 men being left to guard it. The rest
marched forward by one rout while the Enemy seeing such
fine play came on by another. [Torn.] Discretion all the
stores have been confiscated even those belonging to Citizens
^ A fragment giving an account of the capture by the British, March 20, 1794, of
Fort Royal on the island of Martinique. Fort Royal was situated on the south
side of the island, near the Pointe des Negres and on the Cul de Sac Royal. Case
Pilote and Case des Navires lay to the west of the town, but Port or Post Surirey
is not mentioned on a French map of the island of 1764.
1794 ] RHODEISLAND 469
which have been embarked. The Vessels and Cargoes of
americans have shared the same fate they have been ignomin-
iously imprisoned and treated in a manner the most cruel,
about 3 or 400 Patriots the Municipahty some members of
the assembly and the Committee of public safety have been
embarked. A conduct which inspires horror and displays
the cruelty of the English is the barbarous manner with which
they treat the sick and wounded french and americans who
were in the Hospital. They turned them out doors and
left them in the middle of the street during the whole night
and all the next day without care or succour to make room for
the sick and wounded english who were immediately carried
to this Hospital.
The English on being established at port Surirey before
they opened trenches which took place on the 226. of Febru-
ary, summoned General Rochambeau to surrender.
The Generals Grey and Jervis wishing to prevent the
effusion of Blood, they declared their having under their
command a Body of choice Troops of 15 thousand men
independent of reinforcements they yet expected, resistance
would be vain. Without hope of being succoured from
France, without engineers, or men for the Artillery without
troops to oppose to such an effective force as were about to
attack him, his constancy and courage and that of his troops,
which consisted (for the guard of two forts and the t[torn]
men troops of the Line 30 Cannoneers 150 [torn] armed
[torn] Laconic It is no time to ask counsel when we ought
to fight, from that time the Town and Fort of Martinico
was constantly exposed to an almost incessant fire of Cannon
and Bombs. Finally the 7th of March the different Batteries
of Mortars and Cannon pointed at Fort Constitution un-
masked their fire it began at sunrise and never ceased to be
warm and well served. Our Cannoneers always sustained
it well and those of our Bastions above all the two in front
of the attack, which were the best served and answered their
fire with much life. The 12th of March to a new summons
from the English Generals, Rochambeau made answer that
resigned to the last events of War he and his Garrison were
470 COMMERCEOF [ 1794
determined to defend themselves in a manner to deserve
the thanks of France and the esteem of the Enemy. The
redout was pierced Hke a Sieve the inner wall absolutely
leveled and all the works destroyed the Forts were hardly
in a better state, there no longer remained a single building.
Fort Convention above all had suffered much almost all the
Batteries were dismounted and the Carriages broken. The
explosion of four or five powder magazines which had taken
fire at difi^erent [ti]mes in the two forts had killed and
wounded for us many men. We availed ourselves of the
armistice which was prolonged until the evening to repair our
works and reestablish our Batteries. The fire then com-
menced with the same warmth from both sides. The Enemy
had seventeen Batteries mounted with 87 pieces of Cannon
which [torn] and battered us on [torn], perhaps from 3 to 400.
The 20th of March the Town and Fort Republic were
taken, a Deputation of the Constituted Authorities and
Citizens of the Town was sent to the General to oblige him
to capitulate. The demand was accepted, and Commis-
sioners named on both parts met at the habitation of Dillon
designated by General Rochambeau as the place of con-
ference. They lasted two days and the Capitulation was
signed by the respective Generals the 23d of March.
Your friend etc.
J. L. M. P.
P. S. I learn this instant that General Rochambeau
does not go directly to France, reasons of a public nature
cause him to go to the United States there to wait the orders
of the Executive Council of the French Republic who a[re]
informed [of] the place of his destination; this information
is positive.
Samuel Lawton to Christopher Champlin
Kingston, Jamaica, April ist, 1794.
I HAVE to inform you once more of my being here yet and
not libeld. the Packet not being ariv'd is the means of our
1794 ] RHODEISLAND 47I
detention. I shall apply to morrow for my Papers and Cash
they have plunderd me of which is now in the hands of
James Kingston the Agent, we are here in a most shocking
situation with out mony and of cours with out friends and
of cours without advise what to do for the best, they have
opend the ports of this Island for all kind of Amarican prod-
uce of provisions and lumber for six months and all produce
of this Island free as in British ships and the ports not shut
again under six mont[h's] notice. I have wrote you by so
many Vessels before I have but little to write but remain
Sam'l Lawton
all well on board,
[Endorsed,] favor'd by Capt. Merihew.
Yours
Robert Northam to Christopher Champlin
Baltimore, August 3, 1794.
Sir,
I arived hear yesterday in the afternoon had 9 day to the
Capes and nothing meterel hapned on the Passage, the winds
southerly most part of the passage. 4 days after I sail'd
I spoke a 40 gun Ship. I judged her to be English and the
day following a Schooner from Carrolina with 14 Guns
show'd English Cullers, the 9 day came in the Capes took
Pilot, when I arived hear I apply'd to Mr. Sears but he is
not able to tell what sucses he may meet with in the Sale
till she is advertiz'd for Sale but by the next poste I am in
hopes to give you a more particular account, freights are lo
at present and flour very high but on the fall from 48s to 50s
Currency and other provisions in proportion, small Vessels
from 50 to 70 tons commands a good price but large ones is
not so much wanted as I have not been able to lern the par-
ticulars owing to my being hear so short a time and you will
pleas to except this and excuse your Most obeadient and
Humble -n -NT
Robert Northam
Pleas to let the family know that I and all on board is In
perfect helth.
472 commerceof [ 1794
Robert Northam to Christopher Champlin
Baltimore, August the 10, 1794.
Sir,
I AM sorry to inform you that we have remained here so
long without one applycation not one person has offered to
purchace and but that one that I mentioned in my last has
ever offered to freight and he has never made a second
applycation. at this time buisness is very dul and a great
number of Shiping hear for freight charter or sail of different
sizes but none of them is taken up except for Europe and a
lo freight is given there from 2| to 2f of a dollar to Spain and
Portugal. I wish I could write more to your satisfaction but
I think it my duty to inform you of the situation that we
are now in as near as I possibly can and if no offer is made
soon, Mr. Sears proposes to get a freight if possible as laying
hear idle would soon comsume all the freight that a Vessel
of this size woul[d] make, you was much decieved by the
information that you had, and you are not the only one that
was missinformed by Mr. Easterbrooks. Capt. Childes in
a brig from Warren came hear with the same view that we
did mearly from the information that he had from the same
man but hartyly repents his comeing as he is much dis-
apointed. indeed there is vessels from all quarters flocking
in, but it is expected that in the cours of a few days that
buisness will be more brisk as flour is falling and in con-
sequence of that people will be incouraged to ship it off.
there does not appear to be any established price for freights
to the West Indies at present, for the last week not one
vessel has been taken up for that Voyage but it is expected
from the number of vessels hear that freights will be very
lo. I have done nothing as yet with the Goods I brought
out but engaged part of the wood at 3I dollars a cord, he
is to take it the begining of the week. Mr. Sears will write
you by this post and may give perhaps more intillegence
what you may expect as he being better acquainted
with the Buisness of the place than I am. if any thing
further should present I shall write you which I am
1794 ] RHODEISLAND 473
dayly in hopes of. Untill then you will please to accept
this from
N. B. it has been very sickly hear for some time past
more or less dieing every day with the same feavour that
raged in Philadelphia the last season but a northerly wind
has prevail'd for 2 or 3 days past, which has in some measure
cooled the Aure and made great alteration in the climate as
it has been excesive warm hear but we are all well on board
but anxious to be in some buisness that might turn to your
advantage. Yours,
R. N.
Charter Party
Articles of agreement enter'd in to this Second day of
Feb'y 1795, between Chris : Champlin and Geo : Champlin,
Merchants on the one part and Thomas Dennis, Marriner,
on the other part, witnesseth — that it is agreed by and
between the said partis that said Chris : and Geo : Champlin
hire or charter of the said Thos. Dennis the half part of a
Certain Sloop called the good Intent^ to be employed on a
Voyage to the West Indias, said Dennis is to properly equip
said Sloop for the Voyage fit for the Seas, at his expence,
said Chris : and Geo : Champlin are to bear their propotion
of maning and victualing said Sloop during her voyage, and
allso to pay said Dennis at the rate of Seven Shillings and
Sixpence a Ton a Month for the hire of the half of the said
Sloop, and it is agreed by the parties that the hire or charter
shall commence Nine days before the sailing of said Sloop
from Newport and it is allso agreed that if the Sloop shou'd
be lost on the Voyage, that in that case Chris : and Geo :
Champlin is to pay unto the said Thomas Dennis One thou-
COMMERCE OF
[ 1794
de Recette. J^Vl ^'0 2)5> —
II est du par <?2L-/ ^^y2 o^bZ^ZZr/ca-i^i^^^i^L^T^U^
jaugeaut /^<5 t!fPuvt/f-'^£/ ,^venant dt^r^^^U^l^yt^iuM^
e litre en ce Port, k ^_J^^ ^^t^^v^ZHU ^ O <^^-^^
^our h'S droits, ci-apres de tallies , conformement a la Loi du
Siy Vendemlaire , an -2/^4 /t/«^^ ^^^^ ^ <i^ tn4.<.^<^
S A V O I R : y^
Droit de tonnage , a raison de P i^''^ <iAy* .
$uivant I'art.^^ ^- f . .c . •
Frais d'cxpedition d'entrec et de sortie, art.
Permis de debarquer, art. -37 .
Expedition du present acquit, meme article
Kemboucsement du prix du Timbre. ....
M O N T A N T
D E S D R: O I T S.
T O T A
«-^
A.
P^^TP
Je soussigne , Receveur de ladite Douane , reconnals avoir refu la
samme de ^fe^^j^w^ CS^'*-*'^ «iuK^ ^^j^^^^a^ V-i-t^I^--^,*^:^
pour les droits d 'dessus^detailles ; dont quittance, A ^^^^^tr^^t^'^
1798 ] RHODEISLAND 475
sand dollars in full compensation for the one half of the said
Sloop and the hire of her, and furthermore it is agreed
between the parties that if the Sloop shou'd be more than
four months in performing the voyage, then in that case said
Chris : and Geo : Champlin shall have it in their option,
to become Owners of the half part of said Sloop and her
appurtenences from the time of her sailing from Newport,
they paying said Dennis One thousand dollars, for the half
of said Sloop, or other way continue the Charter as above
stipulated. In witness of the above agreement we have each
of us set our hands the day and date above.
Thomas Dennis
Geo : Champlin
Chris : Champlin
Newport, Feby 2, 1795.
Christopher Champlin to Robert Robinson
Newport, January 16, 1798.
Cap. Robinson,
Shou'd the amount contained in the above memo, not be
sufficient to pay your Port Charges at Charleston you can
make use of the nett proceeds of Mr. Lyons Plank give him
an order on me at 30 Days for the amount.
If from any unforseen delay more money should be re-
quired, you must draw on me at 30 Days in favour of Roger
Barker and Lord or any one who may want a draft.
The hour you have agreed for your Freight —
Write me by Post and different conveyances, informing me
the Terms of Freight, by almeans to what port the Freight
must be delivered.
That I may kno' in what manner to make Insurance.
Also, write me, the Day of the Month hour and minute you
last git under weigh to go over the bar. Send it to Barker
and Lord to forward it.
I hope your Freighters will permit you to go Northabout.
if so mention it in your letters from Charleston.
If you proceed to Europe a Mediterranean Pass must be
procured from the Custom House without fail.
47^ COMMERCEOF [ 1798
Also, procure the Presidents Sea letter or General Pass
which gives a General Description of the Cargo.
The Shippers no doubt will obtain Certificates from the
different Consuls to prove the Cargo to be American
Property.
Let Copies of your bills of Loading be annexed to your
Certificates to prove the property, sign them and allways
keep one, to secure your Freight.
Shoud our Commissioners be dismissed by the French
Government and in consequence a War between France and
the U. States appears unavoidable, I think it adviseable to
return to Newport, unless a Freight can be obtained to New
York worth accepting then take that rout home.
If you shoud meet an offer to sell half, two thirds or even
all the ship do it, if the pay is good, and undoubted security
can be given for the money not paid.
She cost me, put to Sea 15 : thousand Dollars. I woud
take 14 thousand Dollars, — great has been the expence of
equipments.
In all cases consult Mr. N. Russell. Perhaps a great pros-
pect may appear to some money'd men to load with Tobacco
and Rice, and proceed finally up the baltic and return to
Charleston in which case they may buy the Ship, or freight
her out and home.
Circumstances must direct.
Chris Champlin
Sailing Orders
Newport, Rhode Island, January 17th, 1798.
You being Master of my Ship Hope are to observe the
following Instructions, viz.
With the first favourable wind proceed to Charleston,
South Carolina, upon your arrival advertise for Freight,
to Hambourg, Amsterdam or Rotterdam, and consult with
the Gentlemen to whom I have wrote, upon the best method
of obtaining one, to Hamburg I shou'd wish it. a mixed
Freight is most profitable.
1798 ] RHODEISLAND 477
Remember the Charter party, in which the Condition of
Freight is stipulated, to have a clause inserted permitting
you to detain the Goods, untill the Freight is secured, this
provided any doubts arrise respecting the punctual payment
of it. upon this head consult Mr. N. Russell.
When you have discharged your outward Freight, use
every endeavour to procure a return'd Freight to this Coun-
try, to N York or Philadelphia I shou'd wish it. to whatever
port you take it for, advise me by two or more Conveyances
that I may in time meet you with Instructions how to dispose
of Ship and Freight. If your return'd Freight shou'd be
for New York, invest my outward Freight in Russian Goods
— say Hemp, Iron and duck agreeable to a memorandum
given you. If no return'd Freight can be obtained worth
accepting, then remit in bills my outward Freight to Messrs.
Thomas Dickason and Co. of London, the validity of the
Drawer and Indorser of the bills must be strictly attended to,
and the remittance must be through a Channel where the
exchange is in my Favour, out of which Freight reserve
as much money, invested in proper goods, as may load the
Ship with Salt, at the Isle of May, to which place proceed,
and take in as much as the Ship can bring without being
deep, and from thence return to New York, or Newport as
the Season of the year will permit.
As my object in the Voyage is profitable Freights, shou'd
a General Peace take place at or before your Arrival in
Europe and nothing turn up hostile to our Commerce, you
may obtain a Freight from the port your deliver your
outward Freight at, to some other part of Europe, and from
thence, return home with Freight or Salt, as Circumstances
may turn up. Make regular Protests in all Cases where
required. Sign three or 4 bills of loading for all Merchandize
taken on board the Ship on my account, keep one and remit
me two by different conveyances, keep me constantly
advised of all your proceedings, furnish me from Charleston
a Copy of your Charter Contract for Freight and close your
account of Port Charges, Freight, Passage Money, Wood,
etc. etc. and inclose them to me per different conveyances.
478 COMMERCEOF [ 1798
In Hamburg, Casper Voght; London, Thomas Dickason
and Co.; in Copenhagen, Ryberg and Co.; in St. Petersburg,
Edward James Smith and Co. — are safe Houses in whom
you may confide. In Bourdeaux you are acquainted with
one or two Houses; and I beHeve one in Havre, at Lisbon,
Bulkley and Co. is a respectable House, who has done
business for me. For your Government I shall furnish you
in a Memo, the price of particular merchandize which may
answer to bring to this Country.
Such is the deranged situation of Commerce in Europe
no Calculation can be made, your judgement and prudence
must direct, in all cases keep in view my Interest; the great
expense attending the equipment of the ship requires frugal-
ity in all your movements, undertake nothing which may
hazard my Property, keep me advised by every conveyance,
wishing you a prosperous voyage, and safe return, I am
Your Friend and Owner,
Christopher Champlin
INDEX
Aaron, 1, 314, 350, 360, 373, 388.
Abercrombie, James, 1, 142.
Abercrombie, Ralph, 1, 142 n.
Abigail, 1, 319, 360, 366; 2, 40.
Abraham and Jonah, 1, 21.
Ackland, P., 1, 194.
Active, 2, 211, 322.
Adams, John, 2, 161.
Adams, Nathaniel, captain, 1, 52, 94.
Adamson, John, sailing orders, 2, 286.
Adlam, John, 1, 120.
Adventure, 1, 163, 397, 402, 428, 473;
2, 7, 14, 166.
Africa, trade with, 1, 59 n., 96, 117,
175, 242, 397, 398, 402, 411, 419,
494, scx); 2, 7, 22.
Africa, 1, 203, 501.
Alden, Abner, 1, 497.
Alewives, Jamaica, 1, 202, 206, 208,
211.
Alexander, Robert, 1, 415, 416.
Alexandria, Va., market, 2, 234, 242.
Algiers, 2, 31, 266.
All, Isaac, captain, 1, no, 203, 205,
209, 212.
Allen, Benjamin, 1, 293, 297, 329, 363,
410, 416, 488, 493, 499; letter, 359.
Allen, Joseph, 2, 52 n.
Allen, , 1, 73.
Allen, , captain (of New Lon-
don), 1, 93, 256.
Allen, , captain, R. N., 1, 120.
Allen and Marlar, 1, 427.
Alliance, 2, 166.
Allison, , captain, 1, 76.
Almy, Til., 2, 408.
Ambrose, Israel, captain, 1, 75, 329; 2,
181.
Amelia, 2, 105.
America, 1, 118, 123, 124, 127, 153,
157, 164, 172, 184, 186, 189, 220,
223, 230, 239, 260, 351.
Amsterdam, prices, 1, 106; trade regu-
lation, 2, 102; market, 113.
Amsterdam, 2, 142.
Anamaboe, 1, 46.
Anchor stocks, 1, 125.
Anderson, John, 1, 120.
Anderson, John William, 2, 336, 391,
396.
Anderson, Robert, and Co., 1, 502.
Andrews, John, 2, 75.
Andrews, , captain, 1, 230, 231,
260, 263.
Anguilla, 1, 6.
Ann, 1, 392, 433, 443, 455, 457, 461,
467, 494; 2, 17.
Anthony, Joseph, 1, 440, 447, 452,
4S9> 469. 47i» 481. SiS> 520; letters,
319, 324; 2,49.
Anthony, William, 1, 275.
Anthony, Hewes and, letter, 2, 175.
Antigua, market, 1, 6, 41; imports
and exports, 7; droughts, 12, 20, 34,
35; meaning, 20 n.; port charges, 21;
hurricane, 56; reputation for sugars,
81, 84.
Antigua Planter, 1, 84.
Antrobus, , captain, 1, 130.
Apthorp, , 1, 69.
Apthorp and Trecothick, 2, 142.
Arbitration, 2, 355.
Arey, , captain, 1, 68, 70, 71.
Arnold, Welcome, 2, 55, 189, 313.
Arnold, ,2, 433.
Arrack, 1, 13 n.; 2, 306, 323.
Ash, Thomas, 1, 382.
Ash, pot and pearl, 2, 432.
Ashmead, , captain, 1, 176.
Assignats, French, 2, 407.
Atkinson, Joseph, 1, 114.
Atlantic, 1, 94.
Attwood, Anthony, 1, 75.
Attwood, Thomas, 1, 75.
Auctions, Boston, 2, 126.
Average, in insurance, 1, 113.
Ayrault, Ann (Bours), 1, 52 n.
Ayrault, Daniel, 1, 42, 52 n., 64.
Ayrault, Marie (Robinson), 1, 42 n.
Ayrault, Mary, 1, 47 n.; 191 n.
Ayrault, Pierre, 1, 42 n.
Ayrault, Samuel, letter book, 2, vi.
Ayrault, Stephen, 1, 52.
Ayscough, , captain, 2, 3.
Bacon, , 2, 95, 97, loi.
Bailey, Benjamin, 2, 417, 430; letters,
409, 410, 416, 421, 425, 437, 438,
442, 444, 447, 448, 451, 452, 454,
455; signature, 416; sailing orders,
442. 4S3-
Baker, Jesse, 1, 220, 239.
48o
INDEX
Baker, , 1, 54; 2, 460.
Baldwin, Boo (Loone), 1, 103.
Baldwin, Ebenezer, 2, 34.
Baldwin, John, 1, 103.
Ball, John, 1, 75.
Baltimore, markets, 1, 131, 163, 171,
202, 458, 4S9, 471, 472.
Banch, , 1, 209.
Banks, Hunter and, 2, 271 n.
Bannister, John, letter books, 2, vi.
Bannister, Thomas, 1, 68; letter books,
2, yi.
Bannister, , 1, 54.
Bannit, , 1, 168.
Barbadoes, market, 1, 312, 320, 450.
Bardin, Charles, 1, 272.
Bardin, Stephen, 1, 432.
Bardine, Wilham, 1, 217, 226, 402,
„4i9-.
Bardwine, , captain, 2, 58.
Bark, oak, 1, 159, 171; 2, 465.
Barker, Jesse, 1, 98.
Barker, Robert, 1, 98.
Barker, Roger, 2, 475.
Barker, , captain, 2, 466, 467.
Barkly and Sons, 1, 180.
Barnard, Nathaniel, 1, 274.
Barnard, , 2, 305, 399, 460.
Barnett, Wilham, 1, 427.
Barney, , 2, 15.
Barrell, Joseph, 1, 246 n.
Barrett, S., 1, 427.
Barron, William, captain, 1, 376, 463,
471, 475> 477> S07; 2, 6, 19, 32, 247;
letters, 462, 469; 3, 22; signature,
22; congress on, 33 n.
Bartlett, John, letter, 2, 456; signa-
ture, 457.
Bartlett, , captai?i, 2, 463.
Barton, William, 2, 74.
Bass, Henry, 2, 52 n.
Bass, John L., 2, 324.
Bass, Joshua, Jr., 2, 324.
Bates, James, 1, 451.
Battey and Cort, 1, no.
Baudin, F., letters, 2, 342, 370; signa-
ture, 371.
Bay risks, 1, 253, 254.
Bayard, Stephen, 1, 48.
Bayard, Jackson and Co., 1, 482.
Bayonne, 2, 417, 422, 424, 442, 453,
463-
Beads, 1, 44.
Beale, Richard, 2, 267.
Bean, Samuel, 1, 415.
Beaufort, capture of, 2, 75.
Beaver, 1, 310, 346.
Beckford, William, 1, 502.
Beckford, , captain, 2, 462.
Beckford and James, 1, 502.
Becky and Harriet, 2, 138.
Bedika, 2, 140.
Beef, Antigua, 1, 41; for navy, in,
221; Jamaica, 198; Philadelphia, 319,
324-
Beekman, David, letter, 1, 338; signa-
ture, 339.
Beekman, Gerard G., 1, 113.
Beekman, Son, and Goold, 1, 466.
Beer, 1, 166.
Belcher, Jonathan, footman, 1, 23 n.
Belcher, William, 1, 92.
Belchier, , 1, 130.
Bell, J., 1, 282.
Bell, William, captain, 1, 2.
Bell, , 1, no, 120, 150; 2, 95.
Bellamy, Joseph, 1, 502.
Belle, 2, 251, 261, 270.
Bellegarde, 2, 468.
Benjamin, 1, 368.
Bennett, , captain, 1, 16, 38.
Benson, George, 1, 466; 2, 115, 148.
Benson, , captain, 1, 344.
Benson, Davis and, letter, 2, 88.
Bercly, Heyett and, 1, 303.
Bermond, , letter, 2, 59.
Bernard, , captain, 2, 410.
Bernon, Hester, 1, 113 n.
Berthon Brothers, letter, 2, 35.
Betsy, 1, 117, 285; 2, 104, 173, 186,
286, 356, 419.
Betsy Ann, 1, 223, 229.
Bevan, Timothy, Jr., 1, 254.
Bewick, C, 1, 185.
Bewickes, Timerman and Romero, 1,
445. 452. .
Bigg, Jeremiah, 1, 283; letter, 286.
Bilboa, markets, 1, 303.
Bill of exchange, 1, 241, 288; 2, 69,
106, 128.
Bill of lading, 1, 64; 2, 26, 288, 387.
Bills of credit, value, 2, 89, loi, 106,
118, 124, 130, 135, 143; counterfeit,
.145-
Bishop, , captain, 1, 135.
Bissell, John, 2, 307.
Bissett, , 2, 17.
Black, William, 1, 185.
Black, , 2, 212.
Black Ann, 1, 51, 53, 55.
Blair, , captain, 1, 39, 40.
Blake, , 2, 67.
Blaxbee, Richard, 2, 178.
Blount, Webster, 2, 163.
Blyzard, , 1, 81.
Bolan, 1, 51.
Bonbonous, James, 1, 152.
Bonner, , captain, 1, 26.
Bonnin, Henry, letter, 1, 6; signature, 7.
Bordeaux, market, 2, 427; port
charges, 474.
Borden, Thomas, 1, 75.
INDEX
481
Borden, , captain, 1, 214.
Bordley, John Beale, 1, 163 n.
Boscawen, 1, 92.
Bosleys, William, 1, 381.
Boss, Jacob, 1, 117.
Boss, , captain, 2, 446, 448.
Boston, prices, 1, 65; 2, 97, 121, 126;
sons of liberty, 1, 240; tea, 246;
disturbances, 294; 2, 22; slave
trade, 1, 398 n.; post office account,
424; evacuated, 2, 41.
Bounties, crapes, 1, 26; hemp and flax,
33 n.; boards, 146, 160 n., 186, 220,
317; malt, 156 M.; potash, 186.
Bourk, William, captain, 1, 392.
Bourn, Benjamin, signature, 2, 409.
Bourne, Shearjashub, 2, 244.
Bours, Ann, 1, 52 n.
Bours, John, 1, 217, 224, 230.
Bours, Peter, 1, 47.
Bours, , 2, 349.
Boven, Jabez, signature, 2, 409.
Bowen, , governor, 2, 67.
Bowers, Henry and Caleb, letter, 1,
321.
Bowers, Henry, Jr., 2, 92.
Bovvers, I., 1, 320.
Bowers, , captain, 1, 155.
Bowler, Ann (Fairchild), 1, 72 n.
Bowler, Metcalf, 1, 72.
Bowler, , 2, 72, 467.
Bowly, Daniel, 1, 201.
Bowman, John, 1, 427.
Bozenhard, Emanuel, 2, 337.
Bradfield, Francis, captain, 1, 182, 185,
192, 196, 197.
Bradford, Hopkins and, 2, 103.
Bradshaw, John, 1, 185.
Bradstreet, John, 1, 185.
Brasier, James, letter, 1, 336.
Brassier and Bermond, 2, 59.
Brattle, , 2, 211.
Brayton, Israel, captain, 1, 231, 396;
letter, 176, 178.
Brayton, , captain, 1, 35, 57.
Bread, 1, 163; for navy, 2, 24.
Breck, , 2, 114.
Bredel and Ward, 2, 146.
Breeches, leather, 2, 56, 58.
Brenton, Benjamin, 2, 349.
Brenton, Samuel, 1, 200.
Brenton, Silas, 2, 165, 349.
Brenton, Shattucks and Jarvis, 2, 165.
Brett, Richard, 1, 75.
Brew, , 1, 402.
Bricks, English, 1, 24.
Briggs, Nathaniel, 1, 117, 222, 398;
letters, 314, 317, 318; signature, 319.
Briggs, Samuel, 1, 496.
Bright, Henry, 1, 120.
Brimmer, John Baker, 2, 41, 46.
Brimmer, Martin, 2, 41.
Brinley, Francis, 1, 430; 2, 109, 119,
122, 127, 137.
Bristol, England, 1, 117 n.; market, 2,
273.
Bristol, 2, 363.
Britannia, 1, 32, 518; 2, 7.
Bromfield, Ingraham and, 2, 162 n.;
letter, 173.
Brown, James, signature, 2, 409.
Brown, James, captain, 2, 438.
Brown, Jeremiah, letter, 1, 352.
Brown, John, 1, 75, 92, 100.
Brown, John, 1, 242; 2, 54, 127, 409.
Brown, Joseph, 1, 92.
Brown, Moses, 1, 92, 100.
Brown, Nicholas, 1, 92, 100, 295, 466.
Brown, Obadiah, and Co., 1, 90, 92.
Brown, Robert, 1, 343, 356.
Brown, Roger, 1, 75.
Brown, Samuel, 2, 84.
Brown, Thomas, captain, 1, 146, 148,
154, 170, 173, 184; sailing orders,
162.
Brown, William, 1, 265; letter, 496.
Brown, , captain, 1, 444.
Brown and Francis, 2, 390, 394, 396.
Brown, Lawton and, 2, 19.
Browne, John, captain, 1, i, 2, 9, 32.
Brownlow, 2, 325.
Bruce, , captain, 1, j6, 130.
Bryan and Willcocks, letter, 2, 280.
Bryant, , captain, 1, 283.
Brymer, Alexander, 1, 451, 465, 475;
2, I, 19, 22, 99, 125, 171, 205, 351.
Buchanan, Archibald, 2, 18. 19; letter,
41.
Buchanan and Co., 2, 29.
Buckley, John, captain, 1, 45, 363,
365, 418, 445, 488, 494, 499, 507;
2, 3. 30-
Buckmaster, — ■ — , 2, iii.
Bulkley, John, signature, 2, 60; let-
ter, 247, 265.
Bulkley, , 2, loi, 478.
Bull, Nathan, 1, 47.
Bulley, Robert, 1, 406, 409, 417, 445,
500.
Burges, Bartholomew Horace, 2, 282.
Burgwin, J., letter, 2, 235.
Burgwin, Jewkes and London, letter,
2, 243, 245.
Burke, James, 1, 20, 23, 258, 404, 436,
489.
Burnell, Jonathan, 1, 98.
Burr, Samuel, 2, 168.
Burr, Timothy, 2, 168.
Busch, Charles Augustus, 2, 414.
Bush, Cornelius Ter, 2, 85, 145; let-
ter, 148.
Bute, see John Stuart.
482
INDEX
Butler, , captain, 1, 60.
Butler and Brown, 1, 343.
Byam, Edward, governor, 1, i n., 3, 4,
6, 10, 13, 24, 37; letter, 20, 21.
Byam, George, 1, 7, 21.
Cabot, Andrew, 2, 163.
Cabot, Hannah (Dodge), 2, 163 w.
Cabot, John, 2, 163.
Cabot, Lydia (Dodge), 2, 163 n.
Cadell, John, 2, 278.
Cady, Mm, 2, 456.
Cahoone, John, Jr., letter, 1, 46.
Cahoon, , 2, 365.
Calef, Robert, captain, 1, 95, iii, 136.
Calico, 2, 257.
Campbell, James, 2, 29.
Campbell, Robert, 2, 268.
Campbell, , 1, 455; 2, j.
Canada, episcopacy, 1, loi, 107.
Candles, Antigua, 1, 6, 35, 38, 41
Boston, 65; St. Domingo, 82
Monte Christo, 88; Dominica, 168
Jamaica, 208, 224.
Candles, spermaceti, manufacturers'
agreements, 1, 88, 97, 137.
Cannon, , captain, 1, 414.
Cape Francois, 1, 50; market, 2, 61,
410, 411, 432, 466.
Captain Serrage, 2, 467.
Card, , 1, 321.
Carey, , captain, 1, 17, 30, 40, 344.
Carey and Green, 2, 198.
Carleton, Guy, 1, 440.
Carpenter, , captain, 1, 60.
Carr, Robert, captain, 1, 6, 7, 11, 14,
IS, 20, 21, 56.
Carrington, , 1, 523.
Carson, , 1, 471, 481.
Carter, John, 2, 123.
Cartwright, , captain, 1, 428.
Carver, , captain, 2, 465.
Casey, Moses, 2, 46.
Casey, , captain, 1, 32.
Casey and Co., 2, 247, 251, 262.
Cask, sugar, contents, 1, 5 «.; quality,
116, 199, 201; sale, 344; flaxseed,
2, 198, 252, 329.
Casson, , 1, 479.
Catharine, 1, 278; 2, 103.
Catian, WiUiam, 1, 75.
Catlin, Alexander, 2, 81.
Cato, 2, 174.
Cazneau, Isaac, 2, 139, 141, 142, 150,
151, 161, 162.
Cecilia, 1, 362.
Cedar, 1, 153, 166.
Celler, H. Cremervan, 2, 264.
Ceres, 2, 215.
Chadirac, 2, 95.
Chaloner, , 1, 430.
Chamberlain, Samuel, letter, 1, 348.
Chambers, , captain, 1, 404.
Chamier, Daniel, 2, 41.
Champion, Alexander, 1, 185.
Champion, Alexander, Jr., 2, 196, 227,
231, 261, 266, 268, 27s, 293, 30s,
320.
Champion, Benjamin, 2, 293, 305.
Champion, George, 1, 120, 136, 148,
149- .
Champion and Dickason, 2, 196.
Champion and Hayley, letter, 1, no.
Champlin, Asa, 1, 457 n.
Champlin, Christopher, St., letters, 1,
III, 215.
Champlin, Christopher, Jr., 1, 74; mar-
riage, 103 n.; orders, 398; vessel
seized, 2, 19; letters, 1, 490, 513;
2, 19, 24, 32, 159, 267, 319, 356;
Hydra, 2, 202; memorial, 216, 218;
signature, 219; letter books, 2, vi.
Champlin, Christopher and George, 2,
167; saiUng orders, 14; letter, 367.
Champlin, Christopher Grant, 2, 421,
423, 425, 426, 430; letter, 227;
praise of, 427; portrait, 2, 228.
Champlin, George, 1, 171; letters,
105, 131, 133, 143, 167, 256, 258,
263, 265; orders, 398.
Champlin, Margaret, 2, 248.
Champlin, Oliver, letter, 1, 78.
Champlin, Robert, 1, 474; 2, 159, 168;
sailing orders, 14, 169; letter, 210.
Chance, 1, 274.
Chaney, Abial, 2, 34.
Channing, John, 1, 365, 369, 373, 387,
422.
Channing, Gibbs and, letter books, 2,
vi.
Charleston, markets, 1, 176, 256, 377;
2, 192, 242, 345, 348, 359, 419, 428,
429, 441.
Charlestown, 1, 325.
Charlotte, 1, 117, 126, 146, 148, 155,
162, 164, 165, 169, 170, 173, 183,
184, 195, 208, 213, 221, 237, 243,
248, 255, 261, 266, 271, 291, 295,
298, 301, 302, 315, 326, 354, 364,
366, 397, 431, 442, 502; 2, 24.
Charming Fanny, 1, 119.
Charming Nancy, 1, 25.
Charming Polly, 1, 61, y6.
Chase, John, 1, 75.
Chase, William, letter, 1, 361.
Cheese, Antigua, 1, 41.
Cheesborough, , 2, i.
Cheeseborough, Mrs., 1, 113.
Cheeseman, , captain, 1, 480.
Chestnut, 1, 46.
Chew, Samuel, 1, 163.
Child es, , captain, 2, 472.
INDEX
483
Chitty, , captain, 1, 200.
Christo, Eberhard, and KoU, letter, 2,
259.
Church, , captain, 2, 459.
Citron water, 1, 13.
Clarissa, 2, 12, 17, 25, 27.
Clark, James, 2, 27.
Clark, James, and Co., 1, 343.
Clark, John, 1, 343, 390; 2, 217.
Clark, John I., 2, 409.
Clark, Peleg, 1, 133, 398, 411, 433;
letter books, 2, vi.
Clark, , captain, 2, 178, 231.
Clark and Nightingale, 2, 72; letter,
401.
Clarke, Jeremiah, 2, 290.
Clarke, John, 1, 185.
Clarke, Joseph, 1, 94.
Clarke, Samuel, 1, 33 n.
Clarke, John, captain, 1, 19, 36, 359,
^525-
Classon, John, 2, 404.
Claxton, Protheroe and, see Protheroe.
Clement, Jeremiah, 2, 42.
Cleopatra, 1, 462, 467, 501.
Clinton, Henry, letter, 1, 25.
Coachman, English, 1, 23, 34.
Coal, exports, 1, 127 n., 166, 190, 195.
Coats, David, 2, 134 n.
Coburn, , 2, 87.
Cockett, 1, 66.
Cocoa, Boston, 1, 65, 67, 68, 216;
Teneriffe, 322.
Coddington, John, captain, 1, 73, 231,
327-
Codfish, 2, 173.
Coffee, Boston, 1, 65; Graiada, 226.
Coffin, , captain, 2, i.
Coggeshall, David, 1, 16.
Coggeshall, Martha, 1, 9.
Coggeshall, Nicholas, 1, 75.
Coit, Wheeler, letters, 2, 89, 166.
Collier, John, letter, 2, 297.
Collins, Henry, 1, 42, 45, 92.
Collins and Rivera, 1, 92.
Collinson, Thomas, letters, 1, loi, 106.
CoUinson and Pettenger, letter, 1, 94.
Colshare, , captain, 1, 53, 55.
Colville, Alexander, baron, 1, 131.
Comet, 2, 172.
Commerce, 2, 134.
Commissions, 1, 61, 64, 435, 441; 2,
280, 355, 356; on freight, 6.
Comte and Co., 1, 346.
Conflans, M., 1, 80.
Congo, slave, 2, 364; account, 415.
Congress, continental, 1, 512, 515, 516,
517; 2, 33, 36, 43, 157; court of
appeals, 54; ship's pass, 206, 211,
214, 217, 240, 278.
Coninta, Dr., 2, no.
Connecticut, prize courts, 2, 53, 59,
76, 79, IS4-
Connell and Co., 1, 498.
Contraband goods, 2, 5.
Conway, Henry Seymour, 1, 142.
Conyngham, Redmond, 1, 477, 508;
2, 18, 363.
Conyngham and Nesbit, 1, 109, 481;
letter, 108.
Cook, , captain, 1, 87; 2, 183.
Cooke, Joseph, 2, 104.
Cooke, Samuel, 2, 91; letter, 70.
Cooper, Thomas, 1, 75.
Cooper, see Cowper.
Cooper, engagement of, 1, 383.
Cope, , 1, 268.
Copenhagen, markets, 2, 258, 336,
375. 438, 439, 462; port charges,
^455-
Cordage, measurements, 2, 418, 424.
Cordova, , 1, 212.
Cork, Ireland, markets, 1, 173; 2, 194,
201, 279, 280, 311, 363, 383.
Cornell, Daniel, captain, 1, 352, 483.
Cornwallis, Charles, 2, 149.
Cort, Henry, 1, 282.
Cort, Battey and, 1, no.
Cory, Caleb, 1, 285, 289, 367.
Cotton, bill of lading, 1, 3; Antigua,
7; Boston, 65; Bristol, 220, 236;
East India, 2, 393.
Coulter, , captain, 1, 76.
Coupar, captain, 2, 37.
Cowper, Wills, and Co., 2, 166, 179,
183.
Cowperthwait, Wiley and, 2, 82.
Cox, Philip, 1, 438, 455, 468; 2, 37.
Cozzens, Andrew, 1, 380.
Cozzens, Matthew, 1, 180, 195.
Cozzens, William, 1, 380.
Cozzens, , 2, 246.
Cradock, , captain, 1, 57.
Craig, , captain, 1, 122.
Cranch, R., 2, 146.
Cranch, Richard, and Co., 1, 88, 92.
Cranston, Mary (Ayrault), 1, 47 n.
Cranston, Richmond, 1, 75.
Craven, John, 1, 185.
Crawford, , captain, 1, 445.
Crawford, Haynes and, 2, 208.
Credit, time of, 1, 169, 282.
Croker, , captain, 1, 32.
Crommelin, Daniel, and Sons, 2, 119,
125, 126, 136; letters, 90, 102, 113,
141, 160, 161.
Crooke, Ann (Wickham), 1, 156 n.
Crooke, Robert, 1, 156.
Crosswall, George, letter, 1, 87.
Crucher, Richard, 1, 152, 160.
Cruger, Henry, Jr., 1, 162, 262; let-
ters, 117, 123, 124, 127, 139, 14s,
484
INDEX
151, 159, 164, 168, 169, 172,
193, 219, 226, 234, 236, 237,
247, 248, 249, 253, 258, 259,
267, 278, 281, 284, 290, 295,
302, 314, 326, 350, 359, 360,
368, 373. 376, 385. 391. 405.
416, 421; on trade acts, 139;
nature, 389.
Cruger, Mrs. Henry, death, 1,
191.
Cruger, John Harris, 1, 118, 124,
Cruger, Nicholas, 2, 62.
Crugh, Henry, 2, 102.
Cuisack, , captain, 1, 51.
Culver, , 2, 403.
Cunningham, Charles, captain, 1,
217.
Cunningham, David, 1, 360.
Cunningham, Joseph, 2, 46 n.
Cupid, 1, 499.
Curtis, John, 1, 120.
Cushing, John, 2, 154.
Custom house, Baltimore, 1, 132;
ton, 135.
Cutbert, Lewis, 1, 415.
Cygnet, 1, 131.
186,
245.
266,
298,
364,
415.
sig-
180,
194.
214,
Bos-
D., C, letter, 1, 408.
Dabs, 1, 76.
Da Costa, Isaac Rodrigues, 1, 192.
Dauphin, 2, 289, 292, 296, 300, 303,
304, 313, 319, 321, 32s, 333.
Davenant, Henry, captain, 1, 383, 392,
488, 493; letters, 390, 396, 403, 404,
412, 460.
Davies, Samuel, 1, 148, 149.
Davis, Edward, 2, 17, 103, 104.
Davis, William, 2, 35.
Davis, , captain, 1, 4, 33, 42, 45, .46,
76, 84.
Davis, , 2, 164, 420.
Davis and Benson, letter, 2, 88.
Davis, Strachan and Co., 2, 17.
Dean, , 2, 17.
Deane, Munckley and Co., 1, 419, 427.
De Bauque Brothers, 2, 300; letters,
288, 292, 303, 305, 306, 313, 321,
325; signature, 304.
Deblois, Gilbert, 1, 240; letter, 214.
Deblois, Stephen, 2, 98, 357.
Deboer, , 2, 139.
Deborah, 1, 488, 493, 500, 506, 510.
Deer skins, 1, 291; 2, 343.
Defence, 2, 144.
De la Lande and Fynje, 2, 162.
De Merra, Lorenzo, letter, 1, 303.
Deming, , captain, 2, 433.
Deneuville, , 1, 72.
Denmark, treaty with, 2, 362.
Dennis, Thomas, 2, 433, 473.
Deshon, , 2, 160, 163.
Devall, , captain, 1, 273.
Devenport and Wintworth, 1, 77.
Devine, , 1, 241 n.
De.xter, John, 1, 280.
Diamond, 2, 91.
Diana, 1, 185, 237, 266, 291, 362, 365,
417; 2, 9, 28, 40.
Dickason, Thomas, and Co., 2, 477.
Dickason, , captain, 2, 425.
Dickason, Champion and, 2, 196.
Dickinson, 1, 482, 486.
Diligence, 1, 34 n.
Dillingham, Edward, 2, 290.
Dixson, James, 1, 60.
Doane, Isaiah, 2, 191.
Dodge, Hannah, 2, 163 n.
Dodge, Lydia, 2, 163 n.
Dohrman, Jacob, and Co., 2, 264;
letters, 2, 263, 413; signature, 264.
Dolbeare, Thomas, 1, 390, 433, 494,
500; 2, 14s; letters, 1, 438, 454,
455. .457. 461, 467. 468, 496; 2,
37; signature, 1, 469.
Dolphin, 1, 332; 2, 104.
Dominica, free port, 1, 157 n., 160;
markets, 167, 345.
Don Gahez, 2, 190, 197, 207.
Donnegal, 2, 383.
Doom, , 2, 125.
Dorr, Ebenezer, 2, 46 n.
Dotee, , captain, 1, 211.
Douce, , 2, 398.
Douce and Rivington, 2, 351.
Douglas, John, 1, 472.
Dove, Michael, captain, 1, 343.
Dragon, 1, 76.
Draper, John, captain, 1, 30, 32 «., 33,
40, 42. 43-
Draper, 1, 376.
Drawbacks, linnen, 1, 33; rum, 237.
Drayton, William Henry, 2, 55.
Drew, James, 1, 417.
Drumgoole, George, 2, 167.
Dry, , 1, 396.
Duane, James, 1, 83.
Dublin, evil experience at, 1, 307;
harbor, 476; market, 2, 197, 199,
251, 262, 275, 287, 323, 328, 352,
366, 405, 434, 464; insurance, 284.
Dublin Packet, 2, 323.
Duck, English, 1, 126; Russian, 2, 254.
Dudley, Charles, letter, 1, 348.
Dudley, Paul, on slave trade, 1, 15 n.
Dudy, , 1, 430.
Dunbar, Robert, 1, 75.
Duncan, Daniel, 1, 75, 88.
Duncan, James, 1, 82; letters, 72, 85,
86; captured, 85, 86.
Duncan, James, Jr. (.''), 2, 55.
Duncan, John, 1, 85.
Dungan, Thomas, 2, 389, 405.
INDEX
485
Dunkirk, market, 2, 325.
Dunmore, Earl of, 2, 39.
Dunn, Ephraim, 2, 29.
Dunn, James, 1, 316; letter, 308.
Dunn, Robert Joseph, 1, 261, 272, 298,
307, 401.
Dunnage, 1, 171; 2, 380.
Dupuy, John, captain, 1, 376, 431, 467.
Durant, Cornelius, 1, 333.
Durfee, , captain, 1, 177, 215, 258,
263, 409, 467.
Dutch ships, capture, 1, 76.
Dyer, , 2, 243.
Dymond, , 1, 95.
Eagle, 1, 263 ; 2, 62 n.
Earl, Dorcas, 1, 423.
Earl, , captain, 1, 358, 426, 447,
466; 2, 93.
Earnshey, , captain, 1, 439.
East Florida, 1, 241.
East India Company, British, 2, 237;
French, 406, 422.
Easton, Catherine, 2, 239.
Easton, Job, 1, 75.
Easton, Thomas, 1, 148, 149, 390.
Easton, William, 1, 75.
Ecu, 2, 91 n.
Eddy, , 1, 361.
Edenton, market, 1, 384.
Edgar, William, 2, 340, 385, 405.
Edmands, , 2, 143.
Edward and Williams, 1, 329.
Edward Davis, 1, 113.
Eggleston, Hezekiah, 1, 75.
Ekstrom, , 2, 125.
Eleanor, 2, 183.
Elizabeth, 2, 312, 361, 367, 372, 373, 377,
379. 38i> 386, 390, 396, 474.
Elizabeth and Mary, 1, 2 n.
Elizer, Isaac, 1, 97.
Ellen, 1, 229, 267, 359, 387.
EUery, William, 2, 54, 219 n.; letter
book, vi.
Elliott, , captain, 1, 244.
Ellis, , 1, 313, 318, 393, 414.
Ellis, Mrs., 1, 384.
Ellison, , 2, 130.
Elsinore, port charges, 2, 461.
Elton, Isaac, Jr., 1, 120, 149.
Empress of China, 2, 217.
Endeavor, 1, 12 m.
English, Thomas, 2„ 299.
English, William, captain, 1, 314, 318,
384. 395. 396, 4SS. 457. 461, 467;
letter, 318.
Engs, William, Jr., 2, 183, 432, 434;
letter, 179; signature, 180.
Enterprise, 2, 40, 194, 207, 244.
Episcopacy in America, 1, loi, 107.
Estabrook, , 2, 472.
Estaing, comte d', 2, 71, 121; at
Beaufort, 75; defeat, 77.
Eustatia, market, 1, 353.
Evans, , 1, 327.
Eveleigh, Samuel, letter, 1, 44; signa-
ture, 44.
Ewing, Peter, 1, 427.
Exchange, 1, 449; 2, 293.
Fairchild, Ann, 1, 72 n.
Faithful Steward, 2, 268.
Falkland, 2, 40.
Falkner, Emanuel, 2, 337.
Fame, 2, 308, 313, 316, 319, 323, 325,
328, 338, 404.
Fanning, Nathan, 1, 75.
Fare, Edward, captain, 1, 518; 2, 7.
Farr, , captain, 1, 76.
Fay, Joseph, letter, 2, 68.
Fayerweather, Samuel, letter, 2, 58.
Fell, , captain, 1, 402.
Fellowship Club, Newport, 1, 38 n.
Fenwick, William, 2, 454, 461.
Fenwick, Mason and Co., letters, 2,
427. 435-
Fergus, John, 1, 339.
Ferguson, , captain, 1, 60, 96 n.
Ferris, Hannah, 1, 138.
Field, Mrs. John, 1, 17, 34, 38, 39, 41.
Filtch, Thomas, 1, 94.
Fine, John, 2, 26.
Firebrand, 2, 164.
Fish, , 1, 82.
Fish, dried, Jamaica, 1, 202, 206, 208,
211, 212, 214, 217, 244; for Straits,
372; casks, 497.
Fisheries, public, 1, 440.
Fitch, , 1, 206.
Fitzgerald, John, 1, 268.
Fitzgibbon, , 1, 321.
Fitzsimmons, Thomas, 1, 301, 345 n.
Flag of truce, 1, 57, 78.
Flamengo, , 1, 204.
Flaxseed, export of, 1, 449; prices,
461, 464, 465, 471, 472, 474, 476,
481, 515, 520; Rhode Island, 456;
Ireland, 487, 508, 518, 522; 2, 197;
Newport, 1, 513; cleanmg, 2, 275,
309, 329; bounty, 385; see letters
of Stocker and Wharton, and Ed-
ward Forbes.
Flora, 1, 498; 2, 10, 12, 17, 40.
Florence, Henry, 1, 104.
Flour, Antigua, 1, 6; Honduras Bay,
72; Baltimore, 132, 163, 171, 202;
Dominica, 167; Bristol, 194; Ja-
maica, 280; Philadelphia, 461, 471;
export, 2, 107; Newport, 122; see
Portugal.
Flucker, Thomas, 1, 92.
Folger, , 1, 66, 68, 69, 70.
486
INDEX
Folger and Gardner, 1, 98.
Fones, Daniel, captain, 1, 87.
Footman, English, 1, 23.
Forbes, Edward, 2, 275; letters, 197,
198, 207, 220, 246, 251, 261, 270,
275, 283, 285, 287, 308, 313, 316,
323. 325, 328, 330, 338, 351, 365,
384, 388, 400, 401, 403, 404, 420,
434, 464; signature, 208.
Forbes, , 2, 446, 447.
Forrest, , 2, 409.
Forrester, Thomas, 2, 49.
Forrester, , captain, 1, 455; 2, 11,
377-
Forster, , captain, 1, 23.
Foster, Joseph, agreement, 2, 277;
sailing orders, 278.
Foster, Thomas, captain, 1, 445, 453.
Four Friends, 2, 138, 150.
Fowler, Christopher, 2, 204.
Fowler, John, 1, 120.
Fowler, Samuel, 2, 18, 182, 189, 284,
464.
Fowler, Samuel G., 2, 204.
Fowler and Gibb, 1, 459, 519, 520.
Foxcroft, John, 1, 466; 2, 18.
Frame, 1, 192, 197.
France, sugars from colonies, 1, 7 n.;
war of Polish succession, 42 n.;
peace, 58, 97 n.; war with England,
69, 71; prisoners, 78; bills on, 2,
48, 61, 72, 107, 135, 148, IS7, 176,
182; reproduction, 158; treaty with
Great Britain, 297; poHtical and com-
mercial changes, 406; tobacco regula-
tion, 435; tariff on imports, 436.
Francis, 2, 40.
Franklin, Benjamin, 2, 112, 117.
Franklin, Thomas, Jr., 1, 177.
Franklin, William, 1, 80.
Franklin, Mass., meeting house, 2, 386.
Eraser, Alexander, 2, 241 n.
Eraser, Mary, 2, 241 n.
Eraser, , 1, 298, 328.
Ereebody, John, 1, 18, 45.
Freebody, John, Jr., 1, 338; letters,
371, 383; 2, 344.
Freeman, , 1, 222.
Freight, Antigua, 1, 34; Bristol, 299;
Cadiz, 492.
French, Mrs., 1, 10 n., 13, 21.
Friendship, 1, 119, 123, 125, 128, 147,
153, 164; 2, 298.
Frolich, J. J., and Company, 2, 258,
271, 274; letter, 336; signatures,
337-
Frost, Miller, 1, 75.
Frost, , captain, 1, 494.
Fry, , captain, 2, 416, 458.
Frye, Rowland, letters, 1, 4, 7, 9, 17,
23, 25; signature, 5.
Frye, Rowland and Samuel, letters, 1,
26, 30, 32, 33, 38, 39, 40, 42.
Frye, Samuel, 1, 18, 24.
Frye, , captain, 1, 56, 440.
Fryers, John, 2, 24.
Fuller, , captain, 2, 440.
Funeral charges, 1, 158.
Furnel, William, letter, 1, 48.
Fynje, De la Lande and, 2, 162.
Galleon, Spanish, 1, 85 n.
Gaily, John, 1, 292.
Gamble, , 1, 20, 381.
Game fowls, 1, 166.
Gammadims, 2, 72.
Gardiner, William, captain, 1, 38.
Gardner, Caleb, 2, 160.
Gardner, Daniel, 2, 76.
Gardner, Henry, captain, 1, 320, 398;
letter, 523.
Gardner, Henry, 2, 145.
Gardner, Joseph, 2, 342; letter, 46;
signature, 47.
Gardner, OHver, letter, 2, 62.
Gardner, , captain, 1, 60, 181, 403.
Gardner, Folger and, 1, 98.
Gardoqui, Joseph, and Sons, letters, 2,
129, 134, 143; signature, 130.
Garland, 1, 216, 22i.
Garrett, Nicholas, letter, 2, iii.
Gaspee, burning of, 1, 408.
Gassee, , captain, 1, 324.
Gates, Horatio, 2, 106.
Gates, 2, 134, 138, 150.
Gayner, William, 1, 149.
Gelston, Jenkins and, 2, 251.
General Monk, 2, 165.
General Stark, 2, 96.
Geneva spirits, 2, 401.
Gensell, , captain, 1, 479.
Geoghegan, , 2, 298.
George HI, 1, 141.
George, Archibald, 1, 427.
George, 1, 73, 74, 362, 401; 2, 167, 169.
George and Patty Washington, 2, 266.
Gerrish, , 1, 45.
Gibbons, William, 2, 139, 150, 164.
Gibbs, George, 1, 135, 337, 434; 2, 24,
159, 167, 169, 205, 274, 311.
Gibbs and Channing, letter books, 2, vi.
Gilbert, Nathaniel, 1, 11, 16.
Gilbert, Phineas, 2, 247.
Gilbert, Thomas, letter, 1, 327.
Gilbert, , captain, 2, 466.
Gildart, Richard, 1, 185.
Gildart, Thomas, 1, 185.
Giles, William, 1, 368.
Giles, , 2, 276, 284, 309, 325, 330.
Gill, John, 1, 149.
Gill, Richard, 1, 3.
Gilston, , captain, 1, 76.
INDEX
487
Ginger, Boston, 1, 65.
Gladman, , captain, 1, 76, 84.
Glass, Irish, 2, 201.
Glover, John, 2, 175.
Godet, Henry, 2, 70.
Godfrey, , captain, 1, 352.
Godfrey, 1, 43.
Golden Grove, 1, 200.
Goldthwait, Samuel, 2, 75.
Gold th wait, , 1, 364, 388.
Gomez, , 1, 213.
Goodenough, C, 1, 282.
Good Hope, 2, 377.
Goodhue, William, 2, 59 n.
Goodin, George Robert, 1, 380.
Goodin, Nathaniel, 2, 208.
Good Intent, 2, 473.
Gordon, Betsey, 2, 204.
Gordon, John, Jr., 1, 148, 149.
Gordon, Robert, 1, 120, 149.
Gordon, , 1, 391.
Gordon, Thompson and, 2, 281, 332.
Gorham, Nathan, 1, 92.
Gorham, , 1, 474.
Gorman, , captain, 1, 46.
Gorton, Samuel, letter, 1, 344; signa-
ture, 345.
Goss, James, 1, 417.
Goss, John, 1, 417.
Gottenburg, trade with, 1, 332; 2, 233,
258.
Gough, , captain, 1, 360.
Gould, James, Jr., captain, 1, 108;
letter, 109.
Goulding, George, 1, 47, 53.
Goulding, Mary (Ayrault | Cranston),
1, 47 n.
Gourdon, , 1, 55.
Grace, 1, 227, 303.
Gracy, Ebenezer, 2, 107.
Grafton, William, 1, 75, 327.
Graham, John 2, 62.
Gram, , 2, 142.
Granada, markets, 1, 263, 265; trade
privilege, 2, 94.
Grand Monarque, 2, 134 n.
Grant, Alexander, 1, 130; 2, i; letter,
1, 113; signature, 114.
Grant, Harry, letters, 2, 348, 359, 365;
signature, 349.
Grant, James, 1, 427; signature, 241.
Grant, Jane, 1, 113 n.
Grant, Nathaniel, 1, 291, 415, 422,
433-
Grant, Robert, 1, 441, 451; 2, 231.
Grant, Robert and William, 1, 427.
Grant, W., letters, 1, 79, 82.
Grant, , captain, 1, 88; 2, 345.
Graves, Samuel, 2, 19.
Graves, , captain, 2, 401.
Graves and Company, 2, 271, 274.
Graves, Vose and, 2, 271.
Gray, Daniel, 1, 75.
Gray, William, 2, 59 n., 246, 322.
Great Britain, trade with United
States, 2, 199.
Greely, , captain, 2, 70-
Green, John, 2, 249, 256, 267; letter,
242.
Green, Reuben, 1, 75,
Green, Thomas, 1, 94.
Green, WiUiam, 2, 277, 286; letters,
184, 206, 211, 214, 230, 236, 279,
285, 295, 299, 301, 344, 353, 354,
357; American lands, 185; Hydra,
202, 218; citizenship, 214, 237;
saihng instructions, 221; signature,
296.
Green, , 2, 120.
Green, , captain, 1, 362.
Green, Carey and, 2, 198.
Green, Ford and Curtys, 1, 349.
Greene, John, 2, 219; letter, 2, 212,
216; signature, 212.
Greene, Nathanael, 2, 271, 302, 346.
Greene, Nathaniel, letter, 1, 116; sig-
nature, 116.
Greene, Peleg, letters, 1, 378, 381, 393,
4CX), 407, 413, 437, 450, 489, 494,
49S> 524; orders, 379; signature,
495-
Greene, William, 2, 214.
Greenleaf, Stephen, 2, 187.
Greenleaf, Stephen W., 1, 70 n.
Greenman, , 1, 273, 286.
Greenwich, 2, 46.
Greenwood, , 2, 15.
Greenwood and Higginson, 1, 419.
Greig, David, 1, 283.
Greig, Henry, 2, 98, 142.
Grenville, George, 1, 140.
Grey, Charles, Earl, 2, 469.
Grey Hound, 1, 47, 71, 320.
Grieg, Henry, 2, 216; letter, 233.
Griffith, Robert, letter, 1, 337.
Griffiths, Thomas, 1, 120, 148, 149.
Grinnell, Malekiah, 1, 75.
Grinnell, Moses, 2, 138, 141, 163.
Grinnell, Richard, 1, 324; letter, 320,
475-
Grinnell, William, 1, 289.
Guild and Co., 2, 186.
Guion, Isaac, letter, 1, 340.
Gumbes, Benjamin, 2, 167.
Gumbes, William, Jr., 2, 167.
Gunthorp, John, 1, 27; letters, 28,
30; signature, 29.
Gurts de Bour, Wurtze, 2, 86 n.
Gwin, James, 1, 75.
Hacker, , 1, 223, 334.
Haddway, Jethro, 1, 99.
488
INDEX
Haggey, John, 2, 217.
Hake, A., 1, 185, 254.
Halifax Packet, 1, 150.
Hall, Ezekiel, letter, 2, 70.
Hall, William, 1, 349.
Hall, , captain, 1, 488.
Hallowell, , 1, 241 n.
Hamburg, market, 2, 250, 252, 266,
394; harbor, 253.
Hamlet, , captain, 1, 60.
Hammerden, Francis, captain, 1, 5, 42.
Hammett, Benjamin, 2, 126.
Hammett, , captain, 1, 46.
Hammond, John, 1, 75.
Hammond, Nathaniel, captain, orders,
1,332-
Hammond, William, 1, 75.
Hammond, , captain, 1, 47.
Hampden, 1, 444.
Hancock, John, 1, 360.
Handy, Charles, 2, 119, 123, 151, 308,
316, 376, 389.
Hannah, 1, 329; 2, 91, 102.
Hannars, Walter, 1, 318; letter, 313.
Hannibal, 2, 363, 383.
Hanover, 1, 85.
Happy Return, 2, 88, 270, 287.
Hardin, Seth, 2, 33.
Hardy, Sir Charles, 1, 141.
Hardy, Samuel, 2, 218.
Harford, Charles, 1, 120.
Harford and Powell, 1, 180.
Hargill, Christopher, 1, 347.
Harper, , captain, 1, 479.
Harris, Benjamin, captain, 2, 26, 43;
sailing orders, 44.
Harris, WilUam, captain, 1, 71.
Harrison, Gilbert, 1, 185.
Harrison, , 1, 54, 200, 240. ,
Hart, Abram, 1, 92.
Hart, Isaac, 1, 92.
Hart, John, 1, i n.
Hart, Joshua, 1, 508; letters, 358, 377,
394, 425, 446; signature, 426.
Hart, Naphtali, and Co., 1, 6j, 71, 92,
98, 100.
Hart, Samuel, 1, 92, 450.
Harvard College, student at, 2, 227.
Harvey, Reuben, 2, 319, 327; letters,
194, 200, 279; signature, 195.
Harwich, 1, 85.
Haskel, , captain, 2, 419.
Hasleton, , captain, 1, 196.
Hastings, Jonathan, 2, 57, 114; letter,
120, 126, 135 n.
Hatch, Crowell, 2, 191.
Hatch, Samuel, 1, 331.
Hathaway, Nathaniel, 2, 57.
Hathaway, Samuel, 1, 212, 347.
Hats, 1, 367.
Hawk, 1, 79.
Hawke, Sir Edward, 1, 80.
Hay, John Gabriel, 2, 259.
Haycraft, Samuel, captain, 1, 343.
Hayden, William, captain, 2, 64, 91,
102, 113, 133, 136, 138, 141, 179,
289, 292, 296, 300, 303, 304, 320.
Hayes, , 1, 139.
Hayley, George, 1, 181, 190, 191, 195,
2CX); 2, 133, 138; letters, 1, 136,
504; 2, 7, II, 17, 24, 28, 29, 98,
125; death, 147.
Hayley, Mary, 2, 197, 198, 221, 251,
261, 275; letters, 170, 176, 178, 182,
195, 226; signature, 171; letter of
introduction, 177.
Hayley, Champion and, 1, no; dis-
solution of partnership, 136.
Hayley and Hopkins, 1, 351, 362, 469,
478; letters, 251, 282, 287, 347, 355,
357. 370, 397, 402, 419, 427, 435.
451, 473, 488, 493, 498, 506, sio;
2, 8; signatures, 1, 252; termination
of partnership, 504.
Haynes, , captain, 2, 270.
Haynes and Crawford, 2, 208.
Hays, Judah, 1, 68.
Hays, Moses Michael, 2, 135, 191; let-
ters, 58, III, 312, 399.
Hays and Polock, 1, 347.
Hazard, Benjamin, 1, 54.
Hazard, Edward, 2, 141.
Hazard, , 1, 398; 2, 408, 441.
Head matter, 1, 66, Gy, 68, 69, 70, 71,
285, 288, 293, 297; purchasing
agreements, 88, 97.
Heagerson, , captain, 2, 212, 216.
Heart, 1, 185.
Heatley, Suetonius, 2, 237.
Heatley, il/rj-., 1, 113.
Heatly, Andrew, 1, 105.
HefFend, , captain, 1, 319.
HefFernan, John, captain, 1, 148, 152,
, i55>323>338. .
HeflFernan, William, captain, 1, 364;
letter, 353; signature, 354.
Heman, John,*l, 412.
Hemp, 1, 126, 180, 181; 2, 293, 302,
377. 402.
Henderson, , captain, 1, 5; 2, 183.
Hendricks, , 1, 446.
Hendrixson, Alexander, 1, 189.
Henry, John, 2, 54.
Henry, 1, 421.
Herford and Powell, 1, 195.
Hero, 1,438,455; 2, 241.
Herries, William, 2, 286.
Herring and Foot, 1, 502.
Hervey, , captain, 1, 442.
Hewes, Josiah, 1, 177; 2, 19 n., 29, 50;
letters, 45, 117, 123, 130, 147, 156,
160 n.; signature, 118.
INDEX
489
Hewes and Anthony, 2, 282, 363;
letters, 175, 306, 310, 323, 373.
Heyett and Bercly, 1, 303.
Hicks, Benjamin, 2, 38.
Hicks, , captain, 1, 398; 2, 410.
Hill, Lamar, and Bisset, letters, 1, 93,
274.
Hill, Richard, 1, 94.
Hill, , 1, 45-
Hillegas, Michael, signature, 2, 158.
Hillhouse, William, 1, 3, 6.
Hinckley, Charles, letter, 1, 356.
Hinckley, Gershom, 1, 356 n.
Hinckley, Mary (Buel), 1, 356 n.
Hind, 2, I, 322.
Hinman, , 2, 108.
Hispaniola, 2, 442.
Hobbs, , captain, 1, 87, 88.
Hodgdon, Alexander, 2, 312 n.
Hodge, Robert, 2, 278.
Hodge, , 2, 287 n.
Hodges, Benjamin, 2, 322.
Hodshon, John, 2, 162.
Holden, Robert, 1, 75.
Holker, fils, 2, 95, 117; bill on France,
48, 61.
Holland goods, imports, 1, 66; loan
2, 83; recognizes United States, 161;
poHtics, 334.
Holmes, Joseph, captain, 1, 10, 236,
314, 360; letter, 339.
Holmes, Peter, 1, 427, 436.
Homans, , captain, 1, 24, 25, 27, 39.
Honduras Bay, prices, 1, 72.
Honeyman, , 1, 395.
Hood, Zachariah, 2, 5.
Hood, , captain, 1, 436.
Hooper, , captain, 1, 76, 84.
Hope, 1, 106, 113, 273, 337; 2, 81,
215, 276, 284, 309, 323, 325, 328,
330, 351. 366, 385- 386, 388, 390,
400, 404, 438, 440, 476.
Hope still, 1, 337.
Hopkins, Edmund, 1, 251.
Hopkins, Esek, Jr., 2, 75 n.
Hopkins, , 2, 145, 209, 228.
Hopkins and Bradford, 2, 104.
Hopson, Sarah, 2, 272 n.
Home, , 1, 448.
Home and Sill, letter, 2, 205.
Hornet, 1, 132.
Horses, exports, 1, 14 n.; sales, Anti-
gua, 16; from England, 23, 26, 32;
Jamaica, 183, 271.
Hound, 2, 57 n., 466.
How, Richard, 1, 51.
Howard, Boutwell, 1, 75.
Howard, Sir George, 1, 142.
Howard, Martin, Jr., 1, 130.
Howard, Robert, 1, 75.
Rowland, Joseph, 1, 5 n.
Howland, Patience, 1, 5 n.
Howland, , captain, 1, 346.
Howland and Coit, 2, 166.
Hubbard, John, 1, 75.
Hubbard, Russell, Jr., 2, 166.
Hubbart, T., 1, 424.
Hubbell, , 1, 294.
Hughes, , 1, 523; 2, 28.
Hull, William, 1, 362.
Hull, , captain, 1, 237; 2, 274, 3S9-
Hulme, , captain, 1, 253.
Humphrys, John, 1, 120.
Hunt, T. and R., 1, 494.
Hunter, James, 1, 331.
Hunter, Mrs., 2, 119.
Hunter, ,2, 181.
Hunter, , dr., 2, I, 137.
Hunter and Banks, 2, 271 n.
Huntington, , captain, 2, 446.
Hurlburt, Joseph, 2, 105.
Hurricanes, West Indian, 1, 40, 52, 56.
Hyde, Robert and Nathan, letters, 2,
13, 16, 174.
Hydra, 2, 201, 202, 206, 211, 217, 222,
230, 23s, 277, 285, 290, 295, 353.
Hyer, John, captain, 1, 174,231, 243,
321, 325; orders, 301.
Impressment, 1, 63, 211, 351, 352.
India, see Hydra.
Industry, 1, 148, 149, 174, 207, 208,
221, 243, 261, 276, 279, 301, 321,
330; 2, 342.
Ingersoll, , 1, 411.
Inglis, John, 1, 370.
Inglis, , captain, Ij 433.
IngUs and Blair, 1, 433.
Ingraham, Duncan, Jr., letter, 2, 186;
signature, 186.
Ingraham, , 1, 223.
Ingraham and Bromfield, 2, 162 «.,
letter, 173.
Ingram, Mrs., 2, 126.
Inman, Ralph, 1, 274; letter, 349;
signature, 350.
Innis, William, 1, 420, 427.
Insurance risks, 1, 80, 361; 2, 98, i6o,
273, 294; Bilboa, 130; policy, 189,
facsimile of — facing 190; Dublin,
284.
Interest and credit, 1, 282.
Ion, , captain, 1, 33.
Ireland, freight, etc., 1, 485, 487;
non-exportation, 512, 516 «., 517;
trade, 2, 194, 221.
Iron, Jamaica, 1, 496.
Isaacs, , 1, 370.
Isle of May, 1, 228, 279.
Israel, Henry, letter, 1, 338.
Ivers, Thomas, 2, 312 n.
Ivory, 1, 184, 234.
490
INDEX
Jack, Spanish, 1, 492.
Jackson, George, 1, 98.
Jackson, James, 1, 417.
Jackson, Richard, 1, 94.
Jacmel, burning of, 2, 447.
Jacob, 1, 254, 259, 260, 263, 268, 270,
296, 329. 378, 383> 390, 392, 403,
413, 442, 488; 2, 10, II.
Jacobs, Joseph, 1, 17, 18, 51, 53, 55.
Jacobs, Wilson, 2, 265.
Jacobs, ,2,57,136.
Jacobson, , captain, 1, 92, 94, 106,
113-
Jacomby, Charles, 2, loi.
Jamaica, hurricane, 1, 52; markets,
183, 217, 231, 255, 260, 272, 277,
434, 469; currency, 2, 37.
James, , 2, 243.
James, , captain, 1, 60.
Jamison, David, 1, 80; letter, 82.
Jarrett, -, 1, 348.
Jarvis, Benjamin, 2, 165.
Jarvis, Leonard, 1, 371; letter, 2, 15.
Jarvis and Russell, 2, 89 n., 104, 139.
Jauncey, , captain, 1, 205, 207, 213.
Jeffrey, Patrick, 2, 398.
Jenckes, , 1, 420.
Jenkins, Eliza, letter, 2, 364.
Jenkins, Robert, 1, 137; funeral
charges, 158.
Jenkins, Robert, Jr., 2, 100, 187.
Jenkins, , captain, 2, 9.
Jenkins and Gelston, 2, 251.
Jenkins, Thurston and, 2, 172.
Jenney, , captain, 2, 452.
Jennings, Richard Downing, and Co.,
2, 277, 301.
Jepson, John, 2, 38.
Jepson, , captain, 1, 60.
Jervis, John, Earl of St. Vincent, 2,
469.
Jewkes, London and Burgwin, 2, 243,
245-
John, negro, 1, 6.
Johns, Edward, 1, 148.
Johnson, Antony, 2, 175.
Johnson, Augustus, 2, 53.
Johnson, James, and Son, 1, 75.
Johnson, Samuel, 1, 442.
Johnson, Samuel, 2, 132.
Johnson, William, 1, 467.
Johnson, William Samuel, letter 1,
410; signature, 411.
Johnson, , captain, 1, 231, 419,
486, 524.
Johnson, 1, 84.
Johnston, Augustus, 1, 369.
Johnston, George, 1, 185.
Joists, 1, 170.
Jones, John, 1, 54.
Jones, John Coffin, 2, 191.
Jones, John Paul, 2, 376.
Jones, John P., 2, 302.
Jones, Mathias, letter, 1, 56.
Jones, Moses, 2, 64.
Jones, William and John P., letter, 2,
Jones, Thomas, 1, 120.
302.
Jones, , captain, 1, 376, 388.
Jones, , 1, 320, 321, 354, 422, 496.
Joseph, 1, 46.
Juno, 2, 13, 17, 25, 27, 113, 133, 138.
Jupiter, 1, 84.
Jurgenson and Momsen, 2, 456.
Justice, , 1, 421.
Kean, William, 1, 330.
Keith, Alexander, letter, 2, 232.
Keith, George, 2, 286.
Kellet, Robert Cowan, 1, 185.
Kelly, John O., letter, 1, 456.
Kender, Mason and Co., 1, 343.
Kennedy, , captain, 1, 157.
Kent, , 1, 469.
Kilbourn, -^, 2, 168.
King, Robert, letter, 1, 52.
King, , captain, 1, 33, 232.
King George, 1, 374.
Kingston, James, 2, 471.
Kingston, Jamaica, market, 1, 178;
American prizes, 2, 466, 467, 470.
Kirkpatrick and Co., 2, 39.
Kitty, 2, 91.
Knox, William, 1, 241.
Ladd, WiUiam, letter, 1, 283.
Ladisma, Samuel, 1, 261, 272.
Lady Amelia, 2, 86.
Lady Elizabeth, 2, 125 n.
Lady Washington, 2, 46 n., 84.
Lanchon Freres, 2, 426; letters, 310,
406, 422, 426, 430; signature, 311.
Lane, , captain, 2, 212, 216.
Lane, Bensons and Vaughan, 1, 147,
162, 171; letters, 148, 173.
Lane, Son and Eraser, 1, 287, 494; 2,
320, 332; letters, 274, 295.
Langdon, Edward, 1, 66, 67, 92, 98.
Langford, Eliza, letter, 1, 19; signa-
ture, 19.
Langford, Isabella, letter, 1, 14; sig-
nature, 14.
Langford, Jonas, 1, 8, 10, 19, 21, 22;
letters, i, 2, 5, 12; signature, 2;
marriage, 35.
Langford, Mehetabel, 1, i n.
Langworthy, , 1, 135.
Lansdown, Thomas, 2, 12.
Lanwarn, Thomas, letter, 1, 343.
Lark, 2, 159.
Laroche, James, Jr., 1, 120, 149, 390.
Lascelles and Daling, 1, 355, 357, 370.
INDEX
491
Lathrop, Elisha, 2, 34.
Laveal, , 1, 79.
Lavicount, , 1, "jd.
Law, Thomas, 1, 222, 282.
Lawrence, Daniel, 1, 48.
Lawrence, Joseph, letter, 2, 386.
Lawrence, William and Roderick, let-
ter, 2, 81.
Lawson, John, 1, 451.
Lawson, Robert, signature, 2, 288.
Lawson, Price and Co., 2, 345, 392.
Lawton, Samuel, captain, 1, 376; 2,
376, 414, 463; letters, 432, 433, 441,
458. 459. 460, 462, 46s, 466, 467,
470; signature, 433.
Lawton and Brown, 2, 19.
Lazarus, Martha, 1, 250.
Leach, James, 1, 75.
Leake, , 2, 92.
Leather, South Carolina, 1, 114.
Lechmere, Nicholas, 1, 347.
Lee, Charles, 2, 36.
Lee, Widow, 2, 52.
Lee, , 1, 496.
Leech, Thomas, 1, 44.
Leech, , captain, 1, 458.
Leeward Islands, governor, 1, 8; storm,
40.
Leffingwell, , 2, 89.
Legare, Samuel, 2, 271.
Leily, , captain, 1, 21.
Leogane, 1, 50; 2, 452.
Lessly, William, captain, 1, "](), 84.
Lester, , 2, 89.
Levett, Francis, 1, 370.
Levi, Moses, 1, 315.
Leviathan, 1, 501; 2, 9.
Levy, Bilhah, 2, 123.
Levy, Hayman, 1, 68, 72; 2, 119, 136,
151, 161; letter, 152.
Levy, Zipporah, 2, 119.
Lewis, Ebenezer, 1, 115 n.
Lewis, Francis, 2, 80.
Lewis, William, captain, 1, 502; letters,
2, 4, 14.
Libau, Courland, market, 2, 259.
Liberty, 2, 139.
Lignum vitae, 1, 193.
Lindsay, David, letter, 1, 59; sailing
orders, 64.
Lindsay, , captain, 1, 60, 95, 116,
119, 123, 128, 129.
Lisbon, charges, 1, 491; markets, 2,
3, 22, 32, 35, 172, 205, 247, 263,
266,413.
Lister, William, 1, 82, 83; letter, 79.
Little Betsy, 1, 295.
Little Hart, 1, 192, 196, 197.
Live Oak, 1, 369.
Lively, 2, 75.
Livingston, Peter R., 1, 137; letter, 382.
Livingston, Ph. Ph., 1, 415, 416, 433.
Livingston, , 1, 86, 205, 209.
Livingston and Turnbul, 2, 17.
Lloyd, Henry, 1, 98, 181; letters, 65
66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71.
Logan, James, 1, 58.
Logwood, 1, 72, 97 n., 361; use, 118
n.; Bristol, 125, 129, 146, 186, 193,
220, 234, 299; Jamaica, 232.
London, John, 2, 243, 245.
London, 1, 404.
Londonderry, Lord, 1, 8 n.
Londonderry, market, 2, 269.
London Packet, 1, 84, iii.
Long, Jacob, 1, 35; letter, 34.
Long and Co., 2, 29.
Longden, Thomas, 1, 120, 390.
Loone, Boo, 1, 103.
Lopez, Aaron, 1, 65 n., 92, 98, ico;
orders, 162, 296, 301; letters, 2,
50, 65; signature, 1, 297; at Leices-
ter, 2, 51; letter books, vi.
Lopez, Abigail (Rivera), 1, 65 n.
Lopez, Abraham, 1, 162, 183, 192, 277,
443; letters, 174, 195, 327, 380;
signature, 176.
Lopez, David, 1, 268.
Lopez, David, Jr., 2, 122, 135, 140;
letters, 55, 62, 66, 68, 71, 73, 74,
78, 114, 127, 143, 14s, 154; signa-
ture, 57.
Lopez, Joseph, letter, 2, 93.
Lopez, Moses, 1, 98, icx).
Lopez, Sarah, 1, 182.
Lord, , 2, 475.
Lord Charlemojit, 2, 221.
L'Orient, market, 2, 310, 421, 423,
43 1 ; free port, 406.
Lothrop, , captain, 1, 46; 2, 9;
death, 31.
Lottery, 1, 348; ticket, 423.
Loud, Benjamin, 1, 75.
Loudon, Samuel, 2, 149.
Louisburg expedition, 1, 52.
Lousada, see Ximenes and.
Lovelace, , captain, 1, 268.
Lovell, White, 1, 13, 20, 21; letter, 56.
Lovell, Morson and Co., 1, 343.
Lovett, Benjamin, 2, 102.
Low, Nicholas, 2, 252.
Lowther, , 1, 395.
Lucena, James, 1, 291, 296; letter,
242; signature, 242.
Lucena, Joseph de, 1, 70, 152, 165.
Lumber, Bristol, 1, 123, 125.
Lunberry, , captain, 1, 369.
Lusby, , captain, 1, 81, 84.
Luther, Martin, 1, 366.
Lux, Darby, 1, 149 n.
Lux, William, 1, 134; letters, 149, 163,
171, 201; signature, 150.
492
INDEX
Lyde, , captain, 2, 8.
Lyell, Charles, 2, 20; letter, 2, i;
signature, 3.
Lyle, , 1, 120.
Lynde, , 2, 64.
Lyon, Benjamin, letter, 1, 309.
Lyon, Enoch, 1, 250.
Lyon, John, 2, 52.
Macaulay, Patrick, 2, 345.
McCausland, Connolly, 2, 268.
McComb, James, 2, 322; letter, 42.
McCreery, , 2, 450.
McDaniel, , captain, 1, 55.
McDaniell, William, 2, 417.
Macfarlane, Elizabeth, 1, 131 n.
Macfarlane, William, 1, 131 n.
McGuar, Thomas, 1, 75.
Mackay, Peter, captain, 1, 362.
Mackerel, Monte Christo, 1, 88; Bos-
ton, 135.
McKinzie, George, 1, 103.
McNeill, Hector, 2, 104, 163.
Macy, Obed, 1, 98.
Macy, , captain, 2, 195.
Macy, Sylvanus, and Co., 1, 98.
Madeira, prices, 1, 94, 274.
Magee, , captain, 2, 64, 142, 181.
Mahan, , 1, 304.
Mahogany, London, 1, 128; Bristol,
153, 164, 172, 184, 234, 246, 268,
291, 386.
Mahony, William, 2, 412, 416.
Mahony and Wolfe, 1, 301; letter, 321.
Maidstone, 1, 120, 131, 199, 201.
Maitland, Robert, 1, 415, 416.
Malbone, Edward G., 2, 137 n.
Malbone, Godfrey, 1, 31, 49.
Malbone, John, 2, 137.
Malbone, , 1, 456.
Malbone, Mason and, 140, 314.
Malcom, John, 1, 289.
Mallard, John, letter, 1, 369.
Mallett, Peter, 2, 243, 245.
Malt legislation, 1, 81; export, 156.
Manchester, Gideon, captain, 1, 417,
* 419-
Manchester, England, in 1727, 1, 3 n.;
market, 2, 13.
Manuel, , 1, 306.
Manwaring, John, letter, 1, 62; sig-
nature, 62.
Maravedi, 2, 129.
Marchant, , 1, 430, 454.
Marcus, Sampson, 2, 151.
Mardenbrough, Christopher, Jr., letter,
^2,46.
Mardenbrough, Sarah, 2, 167.
Margetson, James, 2, 29.
Marie-Galante, 1, 143.
Markets, uncertainty of, 1, 128.
Mars, 2, 126, 132.
Marsh, William, 1, 85, 361.
Marshall, John, captain, 1, 157 n.
Marsom, , 2, 12.
Martha, 1, jG.
Martin, Linn, 1, 398.
Martin, Thomas, letter, 1, yj.
Martin, , major, 1, 29, 49.
Martin, 1, 84.
Mardndale, , 2, 15.
Martinique, capture of, 2, 468.
Mary, 1, 343, 352, 379, 494; 2, 195,
305, 311, 420.
Mason, Benjamin, 1, 98, 191.
Mason, Mary (Ayrault), 1, 191 n.
Mason, John, 1, 241.
Mason, Peter, 2, 130.
Mason, Fenwick, and Co., 2, 427.
Mason and Malbone, 2, 140, 314.
Mather, Joseph, 2, 81.
Matthew, William, governor, 1, 8 n.
Matthews, George, 2, 19.
Matthewson, Richard, letter, 2, 54.
Maude, Thomas and William, 1, 282.
Maudsley, John, 1, 92, 264, 494; 2,
72, 75-
Maxse, , 2, 29, 30.
May and Payson, 2, 440, 450.
Mayn, , 1, 199.
Mayne, Edward, 2, 38.
Mayne and Co., 2, 30, 38.
Mayne and Needham, 1, 427, 436,
489,501,507, 511.
Mayo, Simeon, 2, 191.
Mearns, Robert, invoice, 1, 122.
Mears, Samson, 2, 78; letters, 83, 94,
, 99-
Mein, , 1, 294.
Melhado, Jacob, 1, 248; letter, 249.
Melville, Robert, 1, 112 n.
Mendes, Abraham, 2, 52 n.
Mendes, Abraham Pereira, 1, 182, 230,
246, 255, 259, 260, 262, 267, 268,
270, 277, 278, 291, 329, 340, 400;
letters, 202, 205, 207, 212, 213, 221,
231, 243; 2, j6, 77; signature, 1,
204; sickness, 406.
Mendes, David, 1, 329.
Mendes, David Pereira, letter, 1, 399;
signature, 400.
Mendes, Isaac Pereira, 1, 329; letters,
182, 191, 197; signature, 193.
Mendes, Leah, letter, 1, 340.
Mendes, Sarah (Lopez), 1, 182.
Menhaden, 1, 204.
Mentor, 2, 261.
Mercier, , 1, 346.
Mercury, 1, 176.
Mercy, 1, 3.
Meredith, , 1, 108.
Merihew, , captain, 2, 471.
INDEX
493
Meyer, J. R., 2, 337.
Meyler and Co., 2, 26, 29, 30.
Middleton, John, 2, 13 n.
Mifflin, Thomas, 2, 41.
Mildred and Roberts, 1, 482, 484.
Miles, William, 1, 427.
Milet, Elie, 2, 468.
Milet, Pierre, 2, 468.
Milford, Ireland, 1, 177, 181, 199.
Mill, George, 1, 163.
Millagan, D., 1, 287.
Miller, James, 2, 29.
Miller, Nathan, 2, 13; letter, 1, 452.
Miller, Tilley and, 2, 403.
Minerva, 1, 123, 171, 436, 498, 501;
2, 40, 159, 183.
Minifie, Edward, 1, 502; 2, 28, 29.
Minis, Philip, letter, 1, 406.
Minro, , captain, 2, 433, 441, 459.
Minturn, WiUiam, 2, 88, 165, 167, 169;
letters, 1,312, 319; signature, 313.
Mitchell, Richard, 1, 98.
MofFat, Thomas, 1, 130.
Molasses, Antigua, 1, 7; Boston, 65,
67, 68; Monte Christo, 82, 88; duty,
H3. 157; Jamaica, 225.
Mole St. Nicholas, markets, 1, 283,
306, 314, 357, 375, 381.
Momsen, Jurgenson and, 2, 456.
Monneron Brothers, 2, 422.
Moody, Robert, 1, 328.
Moore, Daniel, 1, 85, 291, 366, 415,
422, 433.
Moore, Philip, 2, 219.
Moore, Stephen, 1, 310.
Mores, , 2, 300.
Morgan, , 1, 365.
Morris, Robert, 2, 310; letter, 1, 49;
signature, 50.
Morse, , captain, 1, 402.
Morton, Samuel and John, 1, 263, 470.
Moses, Isaac, 2, 152.
Moses, Samuel, 1, 97.
Mosher, , captain, 2, 434.
Mosquito coast, 1, 72; trade, 73.
Motteux, John and Co., 2, 29.
Mowatt, Benjamin, 1, 427; 2, 22.
Mowit, , 1, 398.
Moy, 1, 487.
Mules, 1, 432.
Mumford, John, 2, 82.
Mumford, Peter, 1, 275.
Mumford, Roberson, 2, 243, 245.
Mumford, Thomas, 1, 265; letter, 2, 81.
Mumford, , 1, 150, 523.
Munckley, Samuel, 1, 120, 149.
Munro, , captain, 1, 409, 446, 467.
Mure, Son and Atkinson, 1, 381.
Murray, John, 2, 37 n.
Murray and Wright, 2, 14.
Murray, Mumford and Bowen, 2, 320.
Myars, Hayman, 1, 310, 326.
Myers, Samuel, 2, 135.
Nails, 1, 190, 223, 342.
Nancy, 1, 467, 488, 496, 499, 503, 506,
510; 2, 10, 13, 17, 25, 27, 30, 40,
243, 245.
Nansemond, Va., market, 2, 166.
Nantes, market, 2, 232.
Nantucket, whale fishery, 1, 66; busi-
ness keenness, 68.
Naval stores, London, 1, 128.
Nazro, John, letter , 2, 146, 149; sig-
nature, 146.
Neave, Richard, 1, 185.
Negro, sale of, 1, 6, 15, 414, 447, 466;
runaway, 523.
Neptune, 1, 489, 493, 506, 5 1 1.
Nesbitt, Conyngham and, 1, 108, 109.
Neufville, Edward, 1, 120.
Neufville, John de, 2, 98, 169; ictters,
64, 70, 86, 104, 132, 138, 142 n., 150,
164; signature, 86.
Newbern, market, 1, 393, 414; 2, 344.
Newberry, Walter, 1, 18, 39, 40.
New Concert, 1, 93.
Newdigate, John, 1, 185, 192, 195, 197,
207, 209, 221, 270, 295, 299, 308,
315, 320, 326, 335, 336, 344, 354;
letters, 298, 304, 306, 309.
Newfoundland, markets, 1, 372, 406,
444; bill of exchange, 2, 145.
New Hampshire, exports, 1, 26 n.
New London, Conn., burning of, 2,
146.
Newman, Augustus, 2, 84, 133, 138,
150.
Newport, harbor, 1, 112 n., 195 n.;
British in, 2, 50, 51 n.; synagogue,
109; market, 118, 127; French in,
137-
Newport Packet, 1, 124, 147, 151, 155,
160, 165.
New Providence, 1, 49; prices, 103.
New Race Horse, 1, 517.
Newry, harbor, 2, 246; market, 281,
332, 367, 380-
New York, markets, 1, 383.
New York, 1, 376, 386, 391, 405, 422.
New York Packet, 1, 84.
Nicholas, Edward, 1, 120, 149.
Nichols, , captain, 2, 261.
Nicholls, , captain, 1, 271.
Nickless, John, 1, 75.
Nightingale, , 2, 54.
Ninigret, Indian, 1, iii.
Noble, John, 1, 427.
Norris, Rowland, 1, 476, 518; 2, 18,
308, 328, 389.
Norris, , captain, 1, 376.
North, Lord, resigns, 2, i6i.
494
INDEX
Northam, Robert, letters, 2, 471, 472;
signature, 473.
Northington, 2, 282.
Norwich, Conn., committee, 2, 32.
Norwich crapes, 1, 26.
Nova Scotia, notes, 1, 3 10.
Nugent, Richard, 1, 21, 25, 27, 29;
letters, 8, 11, 15; signature, 9.
Nugent, Walter, 1, 8; letters, 10, 15;
signature, 12.
Nugent, , 1, 157 n.
Nye, T., 1, 275.
Oak bark, 2, 270, 284.
Oatmeal, 1, 150.
Ocean, 1, 392.
O'Hara, Felix, letter, 1, 439.
Oil, prices London, 1, 128, 403, 493;
Bristol, 146, 170, 173, 194, 227, 258,
300, 314, 326, 350, 359, 364; brown,
152, 165, 187; glut of, 159, 160, 165;
adulteration, 236, 247; trade, 2, 226;
Dublin, 263; favored in France, 432.
Olcott, — , 2, 168.
Oliver, Richard and Richard, letter, 1,
76, 80, 84; signature, 77.
Oliver, Robert, captain, 1, 33, 48.
Onions, 1, 208.
Orion, 1, 397.
Orr, Hugh, 1, 449 n.
Orr, ,1,31.1-
Osborne, Jeremiah, captain, 1, 119, 153,
159, 164, 187, 220, 228, 234, 260,
387, 422; character, 124, 129, 279;
letters, 157, 177, 180, 181, 190, 191,
19s, 199, 200, 233, 235; death, 250.
Oswald, Richard, 1, 370.
Otis, Harrison Gray, 2, 298.
Paca, William, 2, 54.
Page, Benjamin, 2, 390, 394.
Page, Samuel, 2, 67.
Page, ,2,386.
Paine, , 1, 135.
Pallas, 2, 104.
Palma, don, 1, 73.
Palmer, Joseph, 1, 92, 98, loo; adver-
tising card, 304.
Palmer, , captain, 1, 321.
Panet, Lodwick, 1, 104.
Paper money, regulation of, 1, 59.
Parham Club, 1, 46.
Parham Galley, 1, 5 n.
Paris, David, 1, 419; 2, 174.
Parish, John, 2, 43, 45.
Parker, Daniel, 2, 186.
Parker, William, letter, 1, 337.
Parkinson, John, 2, 29.
Parkinson, , captain, 1, 438.
ParUament, meeting of, 1, 131; trade
acts, 139; 2, 7, 36, 38.
Parr, Thomas, signature, 2, 60.
Parr, Bulkel^y and Co., 1, 464, 465,
472; letters, 477, 479, 483, 503, 507,
509, 514, 516; 2, 6, 23, 32, 34; sig-
nature, 1, 504; dissolution of firm,
2,60.
Parry, John, 1, 75.
Parson, Sarah, 1, 3; signature, 4.
Partridge, Richard, 1, 17.
Pascall, , 1, 326.
Passengers, fare, 1, 129, 167, 460.
Pate, , 1, 66.
Patterson, John, 2, 5.
Patterson, Robert, 1, 75.
Pattin, J., 1, 282.
Patty, 2, 434.
Payne, , captain, 1, 51.
Payson, May and, 2, 440.
Peace and Plenty, 1, 440.
Pearce, Daniel, captain, 1, 5, 7, 58.
Pearce, , 2, 183.
Pearl ashes, sand, 2, 124.
Pease, Simon, 1, 41, 42.
Peatts and Westmorland, 1, 456, 468.
Peck, John, captain, 1, 95, 374.
Peck, , 2, 117.
Peggie, 1, 122.
Peggy, 1, 463, 470, 473, 475, 477, 483,
487, 490, 503, 509, 516, 520, 522;
2, 6, 19, 32, 34, 35, 98, 205, 247,
266, 351,428.
Peirce, Benjamin, 2, 159, 299, 320,
330, 333» 361, 367, 372, 373> 381,
390, 437; letters, 229, 257, 258, 287,
368, 371, 376, 384, 386, 411; sig-
nature, 387, 412.
Pelauque, 2, 468.
Penelope, 2, 300.
Penington, , 1, 139.
Penmure, Richard, 1, 60.
Penn, 2, 430.
Pennsylvania, 1, 107.
Perry, John, 1, 472.
Peters, John, captain, 1, 148, 149, 189,
194, 207, 211, 213, 214, 221, 261,
263, 279, 317, 330, 392, 393, 404,
413, 442, 488; 2, 11; letter, 1, 305;
signature, 306.
Petrie, Martin, 2, loi.
Philadelphia, school master for, 1, 58;
market, 324, 441, 448; 2, 19 n.,
132, 148, 157.
Phillips, Joseph, 1, 75.
Phillips, Patience (Howland), 1, J n.
Phillipsburgh, 2, 185.
Phoenix, D., 1, 220.
Phoenix, 2, 134, 330.
Piece of eight, 1, 82 n.
Pigott, John, 1, 31.
Pimento, 1, 164; Boston, 65; Bristol,
234-
INDEX
495
Pinnegar, William, captain, signature,
1,63.
Pit, , captain, 1, 115.
Pitkin, Daniel, 2, 83; letters, 84, 105,
109.
Pitt, John, 2, 102.
Pitt, William, 1, 72.
Pitt, 1, 178, 181, 187, 190, 219, 226,
227, 234, 237, 239, 248, 258, 266,
267, 480.
Plank, sizes, 1, 148, 151, 160 n., 167,
193, 261, 433; edges, 186.
Pollard, William, 1, 349.
Pollock, Myer, 1, 204, 233.
Pollok, Ann, 1, 385.
Pollok, Cullen, 2, 132, letters; 1, 384,
394, 429, 4S4, 492.
Pollok, George, 1, 454.
Polly, 1, 92, 360, 365, 460; 2, 383, 452.
Polock, , 1, 69.
Pondicherry, 2, 282.
Pope, Francis, St., 1, 17 n.
Pope, Francis, captain, 1, 11, 12, 15,
19, 21, 27, 29, 30, 34, 154; letters,
16,31, 3S> 37.4I-
Pope, ,2,154.
Popeshead estate, Antigua, 1, 10, 13.
Port au Prince, rising of slaves, 2, 442,
458, 459, 460. _
Port charges, Antigua, 1, 21; Copen-
hagen, 2, 455;" Elsinore, 461; Bor-
deaux, 474.
Portledge, 1, frontispiece, 155 n.
Port Mahon, 1, 69, 70 n., 73.
Port Packet, 2, 144.
Port Royal, 1, 85.
Portugal, trade to, 1, 435, 441, 453,
458, 463, 472, 478, 484, 503, 521;
2, 247; treaty, 266.
Post, letter, 1, 276.
Post Office, accounts, 1, i6i, 466; Bos-
ton's account, 424.
Potash, 1, 186, 193, 220, 236.
Pottenger, Collinson and, 1, 94.
Potter, James, captain, 1, 185, 255,
291, 296, 319, 320, 323, 338, 369.
Potter, Nathaniel, 1, 47.
Potter, Simeon, 1, 311.
Potter, Thomas, Jr., letter, 1, 347.
Potter, , captain, 1, 198, 210, 218,
225, 237, 243.
Potts, Jonathan, 2, 456.
Powell, Adam, 1, 113 n.
Powell, Hester (Bernon), 1, 113 n.
Powell, Jane (Grant), 1, 113 n.
Powell, John, 1, 104, 113, 282; let-
ters, 130, 199, 201, 221, 240, 246,
294; 2, 204.
Powell, William, 1, 122; 2, 204, 239.
Powell, John and William, letters, 1,
134, 150.
Power, , 2, 266.
Power of Attorney, 1, 74.
Powers and Rogers, 2, 127.
Price, John, 1, 75.
Price, Lawson, and Co., 2, 345.
Prices, regulation of, 2, 63, 69.
Primage, 1, 32 n., 63, 464, 491.
Prince George, 1, 96.
Pringle, Mark, letters, 2, 209, 228;
signature, 229.
Privilege, 1, 61, 64, 97, 295, 384, 441,
458,461; 2,45.
Prizes, 1, 50, 57; 2, 166; power of
attorney, 1, 74.
Protheroe and Claxton, 2, 284, 320,
403; letters, 272, 363.
Providence, R. I., market, 2, 56, 71,
172; destruction of iron furnace, 96.
Purse, Francis, 1, 75.
Pyner, John, captain, 1, 202, 207, 232,
254, 358, 404; letter, 351, 353.
Queen of France, 2, 313.
Quincy, , 1, 66, 67.
Rainbow, 2, 307.
Rambler, 2, 102, 103, 124.
Randall, Thomas, 1, 383.
Ranger, 1, 216, 256, 270, 329.
Rapall, , 2, 144.
Rathbone, ,2, 309, 311, 352, 459.
Rathbun, Samuel, Jr., letter, 1, 333.
Rathburn, Joshua, 2, 167.
Ratsey, , captain, 1, 498.
Ravensduck, 1, 166.
Read, Seth, 2, 179; letter, 64.
Read, WiUiam, 1, 78.
Read, , captain, 2, 410, 455.
Redwood, Abraham, Sr., sketch, 1, i n.
Redwood, Abraham, Jr., 2, 142; let-
ters to, 1, I, 2, 3; garden, 177 n.
Redwood, Jonas Langford, 1, 5 n., 18,
39-
Redwood, Martha (Coggeshall), 1, 9.
Redwood, Patience (Howland | Phil-
lips), 1, 5 n.
Redwood, Sarah, 1, 14 n.
Redwood, William, 1, 18, 34, 38, 39.
Reed, Abraham, letter, 1, 367.
Reed, Benjamin, 1, 75.
Reed, Richard Hugens, 1, 330.
Reed, , 2, 69.
Reeve, William, 1, 120, 139, 148, 149.
Reis, 2, 34 n.
Remington, John, 2, 415.
Remington, Thomas, 1, 78.
Remington, , captain, 2, 37.
Rentoul, Robert, 2, 134.
Revolution, 2, 402.
Reynell, John, letter, 1, 58.
Reynolds, John, 2, 56, 69.
496
INDEX
Reynolds, William, 1, 427, 435, 473.
Rhode Island, currency, 1, 348; 2,
324. .353; British evacuate, 73, 74,
75; citizenship, 207; credit, 295, 301;
convention on constitution, 408.
Rice, South Carolina, 1, 44, 176, 257,
.325. 446.
Richards, , captain, 1, 56, 59.
Richardson, James, 2, 135.
Richardson, Joseph, 1, 222.
Richardson, Thomas, 1, 9; letter book,
2, vi.
Richardson, William, 1, 92.
Richardson, , captain, 1, 335.
Richmond, 2, 177, 181, 212, 213, 219,
H9, 394-
Ricketts, W. H., 2, 29.
Rider, Hugh, 1, 138.
Ridley and Pringle, 2, 209.
Ripley, Joseph, captain, 1, 318, 394,
396, 406, 416, 430, 437, 492, 495.
Rivera, Abigail, 1, 65 n.
Rivera, Jacob Rodrigues, 1, 65 n., 92,
98, 285; 2, 37, 122, 191; at Leices-
ter, 52; portrait, 2, frontispiece.
Rivera, P., 1, 100.
Rivington, Douce and, 2, 351.
Roach, James, 1, 75.
Robbins, John, 2, 81.
Roberts, G., 2, 105.
Roberts, John, and Son, 2, 29.
Roberts, Maurice, and Co., 2, 414.
Robertson, Robert, 2, 474.
Robertson, William, 2, 236, 285, 286.
Robin, 2, 139, 141, 142, 150, 160, 162,
164.
Robinson, James, 2, 167, 169.
Robinson, John, 1, 159, 215.
Robinson, Joseph, 1, 92.
Robinson, Matthew, letter, 2, iii. '
Robinson, Robert, sailing orders, 2,
T. +75-
Robinson, Thomas, 1, 92, 100.
Robinson, , captain, 1, 392.
Robinson, , 2, 120, 122, 441.
Robyn, 2, 139.
Rochambeau, Donatien Marie Joseph
de Vimeur, vicomte de, 2, 469.
Rodman, Samuel, letter, 2, 402.
Rodman, , captain, 1, 490.
Rogers, John, letters, 2, 95, 97, loi,
106, 112.
Rogers, Joseph, letters, 2, 95, 97, loi,
112.
Rogers, Thomas, 1, 397, 402, 412, 419,
42s, 499; letter, 375, 376.
Rogers, Powers and, 2, 127.
Rome, George, 1, 93; 2, 100; letter,
187.
Romney, 1, 240.
Rose, 1, 523; supplies for, 2, 4, 14,
Ross, , 2, 246.
Rotch, Francis, 2, 196, 288, 325; let-
ters, 39, 171, 260, 292, 296, 300, 304,
333; signature, 171.
Rotch, Joseph, 1, 67, 69, 70, 71, 98.
Rotch, Joseph, and Son, letters, 1,
273. 275. 285, 288, 292, 297; sig-
nature, 274.
Rotch, William, 1, 67 n., 98; 2, 16,
293, 300.
Rotch, William, Jr., 2, 403.
Rotch, , captain, 1, 371, 511; 2,
12.
Rowe, John, 1, 115 n.
Rowland, Thomas, 2, 324..
Rum, trade, 1, 36 n.; Antigua, 6, 34;
Charleston, 176, 258, 377; Milford,
178; channel, 187; Jamaica, 225,
229, 235; no drawback, 237; Gra-
nada, 266; test, 297; Ireland, 2, 194,
Rumsted, , 1, 95.
Russell, Caleb, 1, 99.
Russell, Joseph and William, 1, 257,
377; letters, 218, 222.
Russell, Joseph, Jr., letters, 2, 287, 299.
Russell, Nathaniel, 2, 44, 348, 476,
477; letters, 1, 325, 447, 466; 2,
271, 274, 302, 307, 34s; signature,
272.
Russell, Sarah (Hopson), 2>. 272 n.
Russell, Thomas, 2, 64.
Russell, William, 1, 163.
Russell, , 1, 114, 179.
Russell, Jarvis and, 2, 89 n., 104, 139.
Russia, trade with, 1, 332.
Ryberg, Niels, 2, 314, 316, 321, 326,
331. 336, 346, 367. 368, 391, 396,
453, 478; letters, 2, 361, 369, 375,
463; signature, 362.
Saabye, , 2, 376, 384, 437, 453.
Sail cloth, 1, 194.
Sailing agreement, 1, 60.
St. Anns, 1, 49.
St. Croix, market, 1, 338.
St. Eustatia, market, 2, 99, 430.
St. Kitts, 1, 20; sugars, 84.
St. Marc, market, 2, 445, 448.
St. Martins, 1, 6; market, 2, 167, 342.
St. Petersburg, markets, 2, 333, 341,
346, 350, 360, 372, 378, 381, 391,
^ 395. 397. 415. 439. 455-
Salem, Rising Sun Tavern, 2, 59.
Sally, 1, 84, 106, 195, 357; 2, 43, 44.
Salomons, Levy, 1, 310.
Salsadas, , 1, 204.
Salt, Anguilla, 1, 6, 17; Cape de
Verde, 41; Lisbon, 200, 478, 503,
507, 514; St. Martins, 301; 2, 343;
Rhode Island, 1, 347; St. Ubes, 453;
Hartford, 2, 105, 107, 109.
INDEX
497
Saltonstall, Dudley, 2, i66.
Saltpetre, 2, 278.
Sampson, 2, 37.
Samson, John, 1, 327.
Samuel, 2, 168.
San Domingo, market, 1, 82; rising
of slaves, 2, 442, 444, 446, 451, 452,
458.
Sanford, Hezekiah, 1, 323.
Sarah, 1, 46.
Sarmento, Francisco C, and Co., 2,
416; letters, 412, 416, 417, 423.
Sarzedas, Abraham, 1, 306; letter,
r 374-
Saunders, Freelove, 1, 364.
Savanna la Mar, markets, 1, 174.
Sayer, , captain, 1, 357.
Scantling, 1, 157.
Scarlett, Robert, 1, 427, 473.
Schimmelpennig, Lambert, 1, 120, 148,
149.
Scipio, 1, 75.
Scott, John, Jr., letters, 1, 114, 115.
Scott, Joshua, captain, 1, 38, 41.
Scott, , captain, 1, 282, 287, 294,
370; 2, 196.
Scott and Eraser, 1, 519.
Seabury, Samuel, 1, 113 n.
Sea/lower, 1, 502; 2, 243.
Searle, John, and Co., 2, 86.
Sears, David, 2, 231; letter, 248.
Sears, George, captain, 1, 149, 171, 216,
354, 491, 500; 2, 76, 77, 116, 151;
letters, 1, 372, 406, 409, 416, 444;
signature, 445.
Sears, Isaac, 2, 238.
Sears, , 2, 471.
Seixas, Benjamin, 2, ijo, 135.
Seixas, Benjamin Mendez, 2, 119 n.
Seixas, Hyman L., 2, 119.
Seixas, Moses, 2, 116, 128; letters,
109, 118, 122, 13s, 136, 139, 151,
164; signature, no.
Seixas, Zipporah (Levy), 2, 119 n.
Senegal, 1, 222, 240.
Senior, Bernard, 1, 380.
Serocold and Jackson, 1, 427, 503; 2,
29.
Serzadas, , 1, 306.
Sesson, Gideon, 2, 53.
Sewell, , captain, 1, 211.
Shad, Monte Christo, 1, 88.
Shafre [Schaeffer?], Stonsong and, 2,
434-
Shaggs, 1, 151.
Shakes, 1, 159, cask; 420, 436.
Shand, , captain, 1, 136, 427, 451,
474. 499. S06.
Shattuck, John, 2, 165.
Shattuck, William, 2, 165.
Shaw, , 1, 411.
Shearman, Daniel, 2, 108.
Shearman, Ebenezer, 1, 431, 442, 457;
2, 433; letters, 1, 357; 2, 177, 181,
428, 429, 430; signature, 178.
Shearman, Levi, 1, 75.
Shechita, 2, 140 n.
Sheep, Antigua, 1, 6, 41; Dominica,
167; Jamaica, 205, 206, 208, 231.
Sheffield, Aaron, 2, 178, 194, 200, 207,
246, 251, 261, 270, 280, 308, 313,
316, 323, 325, 328, 339, 388, 430.
Sheldon, , 1, 452.
Shephard, Thomas, 1, 49.
Sherburne, , captain, 1, 39, 40, 42.
SherNvood, Joseph, 1, 94, 347, 369.
Shewell, , captain, 1, 7.
Shippen, William, 2, 456.
Ships, cost of, 1, 115; sale in England,
u8, 125, 128, 151, 157, 267; Prov-
idence, 218, 223; size, 418; launch-
ing, 452.
Sholbred, John, 1, 254.
Short, William, 2, 436.
Shot, lead, 2, 364.
Shrefe, John, 1, 75.
Shroud junk, 1, 332.
Sierra Leone, 1, 64.
Sieveking, Voght and, 2, 393.
Sieves, 1, 172.
Sigourney, Charles, 2, 102, 103; letter,
124; signature, 125.
Sill, Home and, 2, 205.
Sim, 2, 136.
Simmons, , captain, 1, 191; 2, 322,
410.
Simson, Alexander, 1, 427.
Sirloues, 2, 38.
Sisson, , captain, 2, 57.
Sistare, , captain, 1, 410.
Skinner, , captain, 2, 212, 245.
Skins, 2, 382.
Skipwith, Sir Peyton, 2, 215.
Slave trade, African, 1, 46, 59, 64, 96,
203, 205, 209, 213, 339, 343, 346,
398, 402, 411, 419, 425, 428, 429,
433. 456, 457. 461, 467. SOI. 521,
524; 2, 14; agreement, 456, 458,
462; discontinuance, 517.
Slocum, James, 1, 25.
Slocum, John, 1, 92, 100.
Slocum, ,2, 181.
Smart, Thomas, letters, 2, 87, 90, 92.
Smith, Ebenezer, 2, 298.
Smith, Edward James, 2, 361, 369,
453, 478; letters, 372, 373, 377,
379. 390. 394. 396; signature, 375.
Smith, Ephraim, 1, 331.
Smith, James, 1, 390.
Smith, Oliver, 2, 27.
Smith, Stephen, 2, 244.
Smith and Atkinson, 1, 437.
498
INDEX
Smith and Loomes Co., 1, 95.
Smyth, Arthur, 1, loi n.
Smyth, , captain, 1, 374.
Snell, Samuel, captain, 1, 353, 398;
letters, 401, 411, 419.
Snelling, , captain, 1, 46.
SnufF, 1, 122.
Soap, Antigua, 1, 6, 41; Jamaica, 206.
Soderstrom, Carl, 2, 181, 212, 216,
256; letters, 213, 219; signature,
220.
Soderstrom, Richard, 2, 213.
Solely, J., 2, 149.
Solomon, Abraham, 1, 329.
Sons of Liberty, 1, 240.
Sorsbie, Robert, 1, 343.
South Carolina, market, 2, 274; debt
laws, 307, 349.
Southwick, John, 2, 454.
Spain, slave trade, 1, 456, 462.
Spanish Fame, 2, 147, 157.
Speedwell, 2, 54.
Spermaceti, 1, 66 n., 69; manufacture,
65 n., 137; agreement for purchases,
88, 97; in England, no; see Can-
dles.
Spirits, distilled, 1, 81 n., 84.
Spragg, Samuel, letter, 2, 398.
Squirrel, 1, 120.
Stamford, 1, 72.
Stamp Act, 1, 119 n., 132, 139, 145;
in West Indies, 144.
Stanley, Seth, 2, 81.
Stanton, N., captain, 1, 283.
States, 2, 430.
Staves, Antigua, 1, 31, 34; Jamaica,
184; Bristol, 193; Dublin, 2, 208,
263; Lisbon, 413.
Stead, William, 1, 178, 180, 181, 198,
282, 417; 2, 187; letters, 1, 92, 106;
assignees of, 2, 100.
Steele, , captain, 1, 425.
Steger, Hans, 1, 45.
Stelle, Isaac, and Co., 1, 92, 98, loo.
Stevens, John, letters, 1, 368, 451.
Stevens, Robert, 1, 159, 167, 199, 250.
Stevenson and Went, 1, 355, 370, 473;
letters, 425, 428.
Stewart, , captain, 1, 30.
Stewart, , major 1, 50.
Stiles, Ezra, 2, no.
Stiles, , 2, 443.
Stites and Brasher, letter, 1, 342.
Stitt, William, 2, 271, 302, 346.
Stocker, Anthony, 1, 108; letter, 341.
Stoddard, Thomas, and Co., 1, 429.
Stocker and Wharton, letters, 1, 440,
447, 452, 458, 460, 463, 464, 470,
471, 474, 475, 477, 480, 484, 487,
508, 512, 515, 516, S17, 520, 521,
523; 2, 18.
Stone, , captain, 1, 68.
Stone work from England, 1, 24.
Stonsong and Shafre, 2, 434.
Story, Zebadiah, captain, 1, 322, 444,
501, 506, 511; 2, 10, 119; letters,!,
31,77, 32s; 2,38.
Stostrom, Pieter, 2, 103.
Strachan, Davis, and Co., 2, 17.
Strange, John, 1, 327.
Strange, Lord, 1, 139.
StrickHng, John, 2, 62.
Stuart, John, Earl of Bute, 1, 141.
Stuart, John, bill, 2, 2.
Sturgis, Thomas, captain, 1, 71.
Success, 1, 46; 2, 129, 134.
Sugar, legislation against foreign, 1,
7 n., 143; product and import, 43
n.; free foreign, 160; Antigua, 7,
34; Boston, 65; Monte Christo, 82,
88; Guadeloupe, etc., 144; Domi-
nica, 168; Jamaica as foreign, 227,
234, 238; London, 7, 10, 25, 30, 32,
33, 40, 43, 45, 50, 81, 84; Bristol,
170; St. Petersburg, 2, 346.
Sugar cane blasted, 1, 41.
Sukey, 2, 163.
Sullivan, James, 2, 56.
Sullivan, , 1, 131.
Surinam, 2, 169.
Susanna, 1, 181.
SutclifFe, , captain, 1, 30, 33.
Sutfield, , captain, 1, 94.
Swain, Charles, 2, 190, 197, 198, 207.
Swansea, 1, 182, 185, 192, 196, 197.
Swanson, Thomas, 1, 157 n.
Sweden, 2, 369, 376, 385.
Sweet, , captain, 1, 88.
Sykes, James, 2, il.
Symes, Richard, 1, 120.
Synagogue, candlestick for, 1, 195.
Tabor, George, 2, 122, 137.
Talbot, Silas, 2, 282.
Tallow, prices, 1, 65; kosher, 2, 119,
140.
Talmage, Thomas, letter, 1, 104.
Tamarinds, 1, 14 n.
Tanner, James, 1, 325.
Tanner, John, captain, 1, 264.
Tappin, , 2, 174.
Taylor, , 1, 60.
Tea, Bohea, 1, 27 n.; Boston, 66, 67,
214, 294; troubles, 246, 358; Rus-
sia, 332, 519; New York, 340, 383;
India Company, 451; Philadelphia,
2, 131, 148, 157, 164; Sweden, 161;
Hamburg, 250, 254; Copenhagen,
258, 368, 371; Lisbon, 265.
Temple, John, 1, 417.
TenerifFe, market, 2, 412, 416, 417,
418, 424.
INDEX
499
Tennant, , captain, 1, 442.
Tew, , captain, 2, 450, 451.
Thelluson, Peter, 1, 185.
Thiringk, Anto. Frederick, 2, 373;
letters, 321, 333, 340, 346, 347, 350,
360, 381; signature, 342; invoice,
377-
Thody, William, captain, 1, 12.
Thomas, John, 1, 149.
Thomas, , captain, 1, 37, 38.
Thomlinson, John, 1, 62 n.; letters,
^ SO, 53, 59- ^
Thomlinson, John, Jr., 1, 10, 13, 20,
22, 29, 31, 35, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 51,
53; letters, 27, 36; death, 62.
Thomlinson, William, 1, 445, 506, 510;
2, 10, 13.
Thompson, John, 1, 75, 149.
Thompson and Gordon, letters, 2, 281,
332, 380-
Thomson, , captain, 1, 393.
Three Friends, 1, 76.
Three Sallies, 1, 148, 149.
Threlfal, P. V., 1, 521.
Threlfal and Anderson, 2, 14.
Thumb measure, 2, 149.
Thurot, Fran9ois, 1, 80.
Thurston, Jonathan, 1, 32.
Thurston, William, 1, 75.
Thurston and Jenkins, 2, 172.
Tide waiter, 1, 312 n.
Tiger, 2, 247.
Tileston, , captain, 1, 460.
Tilley and Miller, 2, 403.
Tillinghast,- Daniel, letters, 1, 334, 361.
Tillinghast, I., 2, 428.
Tillinghast, John, 1, 47.
Tillinghast, Thomas, captain, 1, 223,
229, 231,439.
Tillinghast and Holroyd, 2, 72; let-
ters, 1, 420, 421, 436.
Tillinghast, , captain, 1, 7; 2, 441.
Tillock, John, 1, 122.
Tillotson, Thomas, 2, 457.
Tobacco, methods in Virginia, 2, 179,
234, 252, 310; Hamburg, 394;
France, 432, 435.
Toby, , captain, 1, 395.
Toby, , 2, 462.
Tod, John, 2, 192; signature, 193.
Tollenace, Louis de, 2, 444.
Toman, , captain, 1, 283.
Tonkin, William, signature, 2, 60; let-
ter, 170.
Tosh, James, 1, 75.
Townsend, Solomon, 1, 301.
Townsend, , 1, 322.
Townson, John, 1, 185.
Tracy, Nathaniel, 2, 103, 129, 143,
Trade, illegal, 1, 143.
Trant, , 2, 99.
Trask, Philip, 2, 129, 134, 144.
Trecothick, Barlow, 1, 62 n., 93, 139.
Trecothick and Apthorp, 1, 274; 2,
142.
Trevett, Eleazer, 1, 438, 455, 468.
Trinconomale, 2, 383.
Tripp, Wait, 1, 54.
Tristram, 1, 451.
Trotter, William, 1, 254.
Trowbridge, , 2, 153.
Tubs, Isaac, 1, 497.
Tucker, Nathan, 2, 297.
Tuell, Samuel, captain, 1, 425, 428;
letter, 429.
Turnbull, Livingston and, 2, 17.
Turner, , captain, 1, 373.
Turner, John, and Son, letter, 1, 105.
Turpentine, 1, 170.
Tweedy, Joseph, 2, 408.
Two Brothers, 1, 117; 2, 204, 245, 401.
Udney, Robert, James and Co., 1, 356.
Underwood, Samuel, 1, 75.
United States, 2, 196, 219, 292.
Urquhart, Watson and, 2, 234.
Valentine, John, 1, 383.
Valentine, 2, 282.
Valladares, Manuel de, 1, 410.
Valnais, de, letter, 2, 95.
Van Schaick, Wessel, 2, 162.
Vaughan, John, Jr., 1, 120.
Venables, John, 1, 75.
Venus, 1, 62, 501, 507, 511; 2, 38.
Veratt, , 1, 489.
Vermont, munitions for, 2, 68.
Vernon, Samuel, tertius, 2, 84.
Vernon, Samuel and William, 1, 333
n.\ 2, 43; letter books, vi.
Vernon, Thomas, 1, 161, 466.
Vernon, , captain, 1, 213.
Vestal, 1, 417.
Vigneron, John, 1, 323.
Vigneron, William, 2, 205, 300.
Villemarais, 2, 95.
Viomenil, , 2, iii.
Virginia, and federal constitution. 2,
373-
Voght, Caspar, and Co., 2, 478; let-
ters, 249, 252, 256, 266; signature,
257.
Voght and Sieveking, letter, 2, 393.
Vose and Graves, 2, 271, 274.
Wager, 1, 73.
Wages, 1, 127.
Waldron, Nathaniel, 1, 242.
Walker, Charles, letter, 1, 102.
Walker, John, 2, 183.
Walker, , 2, 210.
500
INDEX
Walker and McKinzie, 1, 103.
Wall, ,2,351,385.
Wallace, StV James, 1, 523; 2, i, 19, 75.
Wallace, Josias, 1, 75.
Wallace, Davidson and Johnston, 2, 19.
Wanner, Ashing, 1, 35.
Wanton, Benjamin, 1, 74, 200.
Wanton, Brenton, captain, 1, 360, 365,
425-
Wanton, Joseph, 1, 180, 328.
Wanton, Joseph, Jr., 2, 74 n.
Wanton, Peter, captain, 1, 367.
Wanton, Philip, 1, 117.
Wanton, William, 1, 328; 2, 74 n.
Ward, George, 1, 185.
Ward, Samuel, 2, 313; letter 1, 414.
Ward, , 2, 67.
Ward, Bredel and, 2, 147.
Warden, James, 1, 122, 135.
Wardwell, Samuel, 2, 244, 363.
Warner, , captain, 1, 76, 276, 371.
Watkins, Gamble, 1, 20.
Watkins, Giles, 1, 9.
Watkins, John, 1, 149.
Watson, Elkanah, letter, 2, 187; sig-
nature, 189.
Watson, Jacob, 2, 32; letter, 36.
Watson, Josiah, letter, 2, 234.
Watson, Winslow Cossoul, 2, 189 n.
Watson, , 2, 242.
Watson and Urquhart, 2, 234.
Watts, Daniel, carpenter, 1, 363, 365.
Watts, , captain, 1, 45.
Waugh, Jesse B., 2, 204.
Weaver, Peter, 1, 348.
Weaver, , captain, 1, 70.
Webber, Ignatius, 2, 134.
Webster, , captain, 1, 383; 2, 22.
Weeden, John, 1, 75.
Weeden , captain, 1, 375, 384, 395.
Welch, , 2, 204.
Weldon, Patrick, 1, 304, 307.
Welshman, , captain, 1, 420.
Wendell Mrs., 2, 227.
Went, Jacob King, letter, 2, 21.
Went, Samuel, letter, 2, 21.
Went, Stevenson and, 1, 355, 370, 425,
428; 2, 14.
Werden, Isaac, 1, 289, 310; 2, 99;
letters, 1, 345; 2, 26; signature, 27.
West, Jabez, 1, 356.
Westcot, Jacob, 2, 386.
Westgate, John, captain, 1, 163, 171.
West Indies, French, trade with Brit-
ish colonies, 1, 36 n.
Wetmore, George Peabody, 1, v; 2, v.
Whaleboats and irons, 1, 273.
Whale fishery, 1, 168 n.; 2, 28.
Wharton, Thomas, Jr., 1, 342, 463.
Wheat, Baltimore, 1, 171; export of,
2,33-
Wheatley, Nathaniel, 1, 212, 275, 293,
297.
Whipple, Joseph, 1, 14 n., 47, 77.
Whipple, Sarah (Redwood), 1, 14 n.
Whipple, , captain, 1, 40, 42, 264,
3."-
Whippy, , captain, 2, 394.
White, Hugh, 2, 29.
White, Nathan, 2, 52 n.
White, , captain, 1, 287.
White Brothers, 1, 322.
Whitehead, Thomas, 1, 120, 149.
Whitemarsh, , 1, 135.
Whiteside, Peter, 2, 396.
Whitman, captain, 1, 324, 465, 470,
521; 2, 19.
Whitney, , 2, 139, 141, 151.
Wicker, , 2, 71.
Wickham, Ann, 1, 156 n.
Wickham, Charles, captain, 1, 44, 96 n.
Wickham, Thomas, 2, 429.
Wickham, , 1, 398.
Wilbour, Constant, 1, 117.
Wiley, John, 2, 82, 84, 105.
Wiley, , captain, 2, 66.
Wiley and Cowperthwait, 2, 82.
Wilkerson, Arthur, 1, 32.
Wilkes, John, 1, 136 n.
Wilkinson, Phillip, 1, 60, 64.
Wilkinson, , 2, 211, 237, 296, 299.
Wilks, Francis, letter, 1, 43, 45; sig-
nature, 46.
Willcocks, William, letter, 2, 311, 363,
383; signature, 384.
Willcocks, , captain, 1, 132.
Willcocks, Bryan and, 2, 280.
William, 1, 2,71; 2, 401, 404, 437, 439.
William and Henry, 2, 322.
Williams, James, 2, 29.
Williams, John, 1, 131, 135, 150, 200,
241 n.; letter, 120; signature, 121.
Williams, Thomas Charles, and Co.,
letters, 1, 434, 458.
Wilmington, N. C, market, 2, 210,
23s. 243- , ,
Wilson, Alexander, letter, 1, 335.
Wilson, James, letter, 2, 80.
Wilson, John, 1, 15.
Wilson, , 1, 114, 221.
Wimble, William, 1, 72.
Windmill, 1, 78.
Wines, Madeira, 1, 93.
Winn, , captain, 1, 92, 456, 458.
Winslow, , captain, 1, 114, 384.
Winthrop, John Still, 2, 241 n.
Winthrop, Joseph, 2, 193, 241 n.
Winthrop, Mary (Fraser), 2, 241 n.
Winthrop, Thomas Lindall, 2, 193.
Winthrop, Tod and Winthrop, letters,
2, 192, 241.
Wombwell, , 1, 408.
INDEX
501
Woodman, Richard, letter, 2, 94.
Woods, , captain, 2, 402, 404, 437,
440.
WooUery, Edward and William, 1, 276.
Woolman, Uriah, 1, 426.
Worth, , captain, 2, 452.
Wraxall and Hall, 1, 419.
Wright, Benjamin, 1, 239, 247, 328,
374. 378, 390. 400, 407. 456, 488,
494; 2, 9, 17, 25, 28, 29, 40, 53,
67, 69, 72, 77, 102; letters, 1, 216,
223, 229, 255, 260, 268, 270, 276,
279, 281, 329, 336, 360, 362, 365,
392, 431, 442; 2, 79; order, 1, 379;
signature, 263.
Wright, John, letters, 1, 344, 354.
Wright, Thomas, 1, 344.
Wright, , 2, 272.
Wyatt, Lemuel, 1, 232.
Wyatt, Stutely, 2, 16.
Wyatt, , 1, 423.
Ximenes, David, 1, 349.
Ximenes and Lousada, 1, 266, 267,
285.
Young, ,2, 115.
Young, , captain, 2, 241, 248.
Young Peder, 2, 142.
SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS
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HF 3161 .R346 v. 2
Commerce of Rhode Island,
1726-1800
A
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
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