Notable Rhode Island Merchant William Vernon Gets Product Sales, Shipping Information From Son

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WILLIAM VERNON (January 17, 1719-December 22, 1806) of Newport, Rhode Island, was a merchant in the Atlantic slave trade who played a leading role in the Continental Congress’ maritime activities during the American Revolution. In 1774, Vernon was a member of the committee of correspondence between Newport and Boston. As president of the Eastern Navy Board during the Revolution, he was responsible for building and outfitting the ships of the Continental Navy. William and his brother Samuel entered into the business of slave and other trading together, establishing themselves as prominent merchants.  In the letter offered here, Vernon’s son, WILLIAM H. VERNON, explains the circumstances involving  the sale and shipment of silk, tobacco and brandy.

2 1/4 pp, 8 x 9 ¾, Baltimore, 21st April, 1803, William H. VERNON writes to his father WILLIAM VERNON of Newport Rhode Island.

“My dear Friend

“The sale of the Follensbe which took place on the 13th inst. annuls at once the propositions contained in my Brother’s letter of the 8th & your good advice of the 10th of this month. I am of your sentiment respecting tobacco, because the changes in France & Antwerp is now a French port, at the lowest calculation amount to 52 francs per C instead of 45 per ct as mentioned in my Brother’s letter. This deduction was allowed by Mr. Strobel of Bordeau in a pro forma sale which he made out with me at Boston. The tobacco was passed at 100 _ Per quintal.

“I have received two notes in payment of the ship. Viz. Peters & Johnson endorsed by Van Wick & Dorsey $3975

“Alexander Webster & Co. $3975

“The first a 4 & the last at 6 months from 15th April. These obligations I shall leave with Mr. Rogers to be deposited in the Bank of Maryland for collection.

“The small bale of silks is sold by Mr. Rogers at 110 cts per yard, but after the delivery the Purchaser thought proper to measure two or three pieces which last from ¾ to 1 ¾ yd. each. I advised Mr. Rogers to attend to the measurement of those & of three other pieces & if these also were short to offer a deduction of 15 to 20 dollars in case it surpassed a yard per piece. One piece of the three wanted 2 ½ yards, another1 yard, the third was just measure. The purchase would not consent to take them at $.15 deduction & sent them back. He afterwards received them at $.20.80 etc. Nevertheless the sale exceeds 20 cts per franc. The amount is $.750. The highest offer from other shopkeepers was 105 per yard.

“There is a small package about the size of an octavo volume containing low priced laces amounting to about 600 francs. I think 30 cts. per frank may be obtained for them here. As Mr. Scott vends his laces to advantage & I wish that he may have the benefit of theses, if he will give that price I will carry them to Newport.

“I have recd. no encouragement from Mr. Ladd to ship any brandy to Alexandria. I daily expect answers from Richmond & from Fredericksburg. Freight is now 10/sterling per Barl. At Alexandria & 9/here, $5/for tobacco. I think that if a good shop could be chartered at 10/6 per ton per month, or purchased cheap that we should yet be in season for Gothenburg. I am only waiting for this information to decide my immediate departure from this place, or a prolongation of my stay here.

“With profound respect and all filial affection, your son

“W.W. Vernon

“Wm H. Vernon

“Baltimore 25 August 1803

“Sam Vernon, incloseing

“Invoice of his Goods” [separate invoice not present]

Very fine integral address leaf with 17 manuscript postage and nice postmark.

Folds, toning.  Seal tear affects nothing.

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