Geography: Havana

Shipping record detailing the shipment from Havana, Cuba to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 15, 1847. The record indicates Hymen L. Lipman as the shipper and Louisa Gallagher as the recipient. The document includes details about the port of entry and mentions a stationary item (pencil with eraser).

Shipping record in Spanish detailing a shipment from Benjamin Nones in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Joseph Fernandes in Havana, Cuba, dated December 5, 1810. The document is signed by Benjamin Nones (1757-1826), a prominent figure in Philadelphia's Jewish community and a veteran of the American Revolution.

This manuscript, composed by Daniel de Medina, likely copied in the early 19th century from a 1740 original, examines maritime commerce between Spain and its American colonies. It details methods for protecting trade from pirates, the slave trade via foreign entrepreneurs, trade between the American colonies and the Philippines, competition with England and Holland, and strategies to maintain Spain's trade monopoly. Medina, as suggested by the text, was likely a member of the Creole-Spanish elite in Cuba. The manuscript consists of 17 leaves and measures 19.5 cm. It is in very good condition, showing minor stains and its original leather binding.

A quarter-page letter written by Charles M. Tobias in Havana, Cuba, on December 13, 1838, to his uncle, T. I. Tobias, in New York City. The letter reports on the recent French capture of Vera Cruz castle and the writer's impending departure for Montezuma.

Manuscript certification of the blood purity of Feliz del Rey, a Cuban clergyman from Laguna, Tenerife. The 14-leaf manuscript, dated August 2, 1758, in Havana, Cuba, attests to Del Rey's freedom from "de toda mala raza, de moros, judíos, indios, negros ni mulatos y que no es de los nuevamente convertidos a nuestra santa fe católica" (all bad races, Moorish, Jewish, Indian, black or mulatto, and is not a convert to our Catholic faith). The manuscript measures 12 1/4 x 8 1/2 inches and is stitched; it shows minor wear. The manuscript is part of MS 56, Codex 037.1.

Manuscript letter written in Spanish on October 26, 1869, in Havana, Cuba. The letter relays a Royal Decree from the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs granting freedom of religion in all Spanish territories in the Antilles. The signature appears to be that of Spanish Colonial Governor Antonio Caballero y Fernández de Rodas.