Geography: Newport

Bookplate of Samuel Elam, an English Jew from Leeds who immigrated to Rhode Island. The bookplate includes his printed name, state, and crest, along with his signature. Elam's naturalization is noted in the description, referencing an act passed by the Rhode Island Assembly in 1789 and his later election as a Rhode Island senator. The advertisement for his arrival in New York City is referenced from the Royal Gazette, January 11, 1783.

This pamphlet contains the text of an address delivered by William Sheffield before the Rhode Island Historical Society on February 7, 1882. The address focuses on the owners of privateer vessels operating between 1741 and 1783, specifically mentioning Moses Levy, Isaac Hart, and Napthali Hart and their involvement with various ships. Sheffield's address provides valuable insights into the maritime history of Rhode Island and the roles played by Jewish merchants in privateering during that period. Notably, the address highlights the absence of Lopez or Gomez families among the documented privateer ship owners, suggesting further research into their potential involvement.

A letter written in 1800 in Newport, Rhode Island, from Issachar Polock to Moses Seixas. Polock complains about a past legal judgment against him and mentions other debtors and a debt of $399.

A letter dated June 17, 1752, from William Vernon in Newport, Rhode Island to Captain Cozzens. Vernon requests 313 pounds and mentions Moses Levy as involved in the transaction. The letter provides insight into the business dealings of prominent figures in 18th-century Newport and the role of Moses Levy, a prominent Jewish merchant.

A commercial letter written by Charles Smith & Co. in New York, New York to William Vernon in Newport, Rhode Island on September 27, 1794. The letter mentions enclosed bills and notes, and references Nathan Phillips and Charles De Wolfe. William Vernon is noted as the largest slaver in the U.S.

A letter written by William Vernon on September 9, 1747, in Newport, Rhode Island. The letter pertains to the collection of a debt owed on a note previously referenced in another letter from this folio. The recipients are Abraham, Israel, and Nathan Nathan.

Letter dated March 10, 1753, written in Newport, Rhode Island by W. Michael Bland to Brigg & Polly. This letter pertains to an insurance claim on the slave ship Polly, which had 73 slaves aboard and was expected to sell in Jamaica. The letter mentions Moses Levy as a half-owner in the ship's venture.

Shipping record signed by Nathaniel Phillips, Surveyor, in Newport, Rhode Island on November 16, 1798. The document is partially printed and features a "Brandywine" watermark. Nathaniel Phillips and his father were members of the King David Masons Lodge. Further research is needed on Phillips's background; he may have been a Major in the American Revolution.

Ledger sheet detailing accounts between Naphtali Hart & Company and Thomas Vernon in Newport, Rhode Island, from January 8, 1757, to May 1763. The ledger includes entries related to the slave trade, maritime commerce, and transactions with various individuals and businesses, offering insights into commercial activities in Newport during this period.

A receipt listing funds due from Moses Levy, Abram Hart, and Naphtali Hart, with amounts in pounds and credited amounts; initialed. This bill, from Newport, Rhode Island, dates to circa 1760 and measures 8" x 6".

Manuscript financial record dated January 15, 1762, from Newport, Rhode Island. The document notes fees due by various merchants, including M. Levy and L. Hart, who are listed as creditors.

Manuscript receipt issued by Jacob Rod. Rivera & Co. to Christopher Champlin on October 20, 1784, in Newport, Rhode Island. The receipt documents a financial transaction. Jacob Rodriguez Rivera (1717-1789) was president of Touro Synagogue in 1760 and controlled a spermaceti oil cartel.

Manuscript receipt issued to Isaac Elizer in Newport, Rhode Island on December 1, 1786. The receipt mentions Elizer's past as a slave trader, his naturalization in New York City in 1763, his partnership with Samuel Moses, and his wife, Richa Isaacs. It also notes his impoverished death.

A note payable for $759 between William Vernon and Samuel Ward, endorsed by both and cashed at the Bank of Rhode Island on November 23, 1797. The note bears the signature of Moses Seixas, cashier.

A receipt signed by Naphtali Hart of Naphtali Hart & Company acknowledging payment from Moses Levy for 75 fathoms of cable. This document reflects commercial activity between two prominent Jewish merchants in Newport, Rhode Island in 1753.

Billhead detailing the stores to outfit the sloop Molly, sold to Master Joseph Rodman by Naphtali Hart on February 12, 1746, in Newport, Rhode Island. The inventory includes a significant quantity of codfish and oil, suggesting a long voyage. The Molly was a slaver owned by the Vernons.

A signed portage bill, dated February 19, 1746, from Joseph Rodman, master of the sloop Molly (owned by Moses Levy), acknowledging receipt of payment from Abraham Hart. The document originates from Newport, Rhode Island.

Receipt for five boxes of spermaceti candles, issued by Jacob Rodriguez Rivera to Thomas Vernon in Newport, Rhode Island on February 26, 1759. The receipt details a commercial transaction between two individuals in 18th-century Newport.

Receipt signed by Myer Polock of Newport, Rhode Island, dated March 1, 1770. The receipt is part of a larger financial record and names Thomas Vernon and John Nichols. Myer Polock was one of the founders of the Touro Synagogue.

A ledger sheet detailing 25 commercial transactions between Aaron Lopez and the Vernon brothers (William and Samuel) in Newport, Rhode Island, from June 23, 1766, to March 24, 1767. The transactions involve the purchase and sale of goods such as West Indies rum, tea, linseed oil, and candles, totaling 11,010 pounds sterling in purchases and 8,344 pounds sterling in sales, resulting in a balance owed of 2,665 pounds sterling. This document provides a detailed record of commerce between two prominent colonial merchants.

A note payable signed by Naphtali Hart, factoring a note from William Vernon of London, dated April 2, 1743, with a related transaction from January 23, 1745, between William Vernon and Naphtali and Samuel Hart. This financial record reflects early transatlantic commercial activity and indicates high interest rates in the period. The document originates from Newport, Rhode Island.

A signed receipt from Aaron Lopez, a prominent Jewish merchant in Newport, Rhode Island, to William and Samuel Vernon for 250 bushels of salt. Dated April 26, 1771. The Vernons were major slave traders. This receipt provides insight into the commercial activities of Lopez and the interconnectedness of the transatlantic slave trade with other mercantile enterprises in colonial America.

A financial receipt issued on July 25, 1759, in Newport, Rhode Island, from Jacob Rodriguez Rivera to William Vernon. The receipt documents a financial transaction between the two individuals. Jacob Rodriguez Rivera was president of the Touro Synagogue in 1760 and was the father-in-law of Aaron Lopez. He also controlled a spermaceti oil cartel.

Receipt signed by Isaac Polock of Newport, Rhode Island, dated July 6, 1756. Polock was one of the founders of the Tuoro Synagogue.

Receipt for 342 pounds and seven shillings, signed by Joshua Isaacs on behalf of Napthali and Isaac Hart. Dated August 20, 1766, in Newport, Rhode Island. The receipt mentions William and Samuel Vernon and William Goddard.

Signed receipt from Moses Levy acknowledging receipt of a consignment of wine and rum aboard the ship Molly, totaling 1040 pounds sterling. The receipt is dated August 23, 1745, in Newport, Rhode Island. The ship Molly was owned by the Vernon brothers and was involved in the transatlantic slave trade.

A signed receipt dated August 24, 1769, from Aaron Lopez for 15 boxes of spermaceti candles sold to William Vernon. The receipt is associated with the prominent Newport, Rhode Island merchant Aaron Lopez and the Vernon brothers, significant figures in the colonial-era slave trade.

Receipt for two boxes of spermaceti oil candles, dated February 23, 1764, from Jacob Rodriguez Rivera to Thomas Vernon in Newport, Rhode Island. The receipt provides details about a transaction for spermaceti candles between two prominent figures in Newport's 18th-century mercantile community. Jacob Rodriguez Rivera (1717-1789), a Sephardic Jew who fled the Inquisition and became a successful entrepreneur in Newport, is known for introducing the manufacture of spermaceti candles to the colonies. Thomas Vernon was part of the Vernon brothers, prominent Newport merchants involved in the transatlantic slave trade. The receipt offers insights into the business dealings of these individuals and provides a glimpse into the economic activities of Newport during the mid-18th century.

Two-page debt instrument detailing monies owed by Thomas and Patrick Grant to Samuel Vernon of Newport, Rhode Island. Witnessed by Naphtali Hart and Daniel Vernon. Dated March 12, 1745.

A letter of complaint written by five citizens of Newport, Rhode Island, against Michael Hart for keeping a disorderly house on Leven Street, owned by John Noland. Dated August 1, 1854.

Shipping record detailing insurance for the schooner Charming Sally bound for Georgetown, South Carolina, on October 16, 1787. The policy was written by Isaac Elizer, a Newport, Rhode Island merchant shipper involved in the slave trade. The record includes information on the vessel, cargo, and insurance details.

Promissory note for $1000, payable in 60 days, issued by Lopez & Dexter to Jacob Lopez on December 25, 1810 in Newport, Rhode Island. The note mentions Job Sherman and Jacob Richardson. Jacob Lopez (1752-1822) is identified as the son of Abraham Lopez.

Stereoscopic photograph depicting the Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island. The photograph is part of a larger collection of American scenery and is undated, though it's possibly from the mid-19th century.

This trade card advertises Globe Shirts, a business owned by L. Ginsburg, located at the corner of Tuer and Thames Streets in Newport, Rhode Island. The front of the card depicts a globe in a shirt walking side by side with a shirt in the form of a person. The text on the card indicates it is a national card for Globe Shirts. There is no information about what is on the back of the card.

A single-sheet invoice, dated July 13, 1784, from Joseph Lopez to Colonel John Cooke of Newport, Rhode Island. The invoice details a sale of various crockery items, including baking dishes, cups and saucers, chamber pots, mugs, and other tableware, with prices listed for each item. The document is beautifully penned in a typical 18th-century style.

Incomplete letter on the letterhead of the New Hazel Hotel in Newport, Arkansas, dated August 8, 1897. The letterhead features the hotel's name and likely its address. The surviving portion suggests a business communication.

Promissory note signed by Aaron Lopez to John Gorton for goods sold, payable in four months. The document is entirely in Lopez's hand, dated July 13, 1763, in Newport, Rhode Island.

Handwritten receipt dated June 30, 1763, in Newport, Rhode Island. Merchant Aaron Lopez acknowledges the sale of goods to John Gorton. The document, measuring 4x6 inches, is entirely in Lopez's handwriting.

This document is a receipt dated November 13, 1761, from Newport, Rhode Island. Merchant Aaron Lopez details goods sold to John Gorton, including looking glasses and buckles. The receipt is handwritten and signed by Aaron Lopez.

Engraved map of Newport, Rhode Island, published in London on September 1, 1777 by William Faden. Based on a survey by Charles Blaskowitz, this is the second edition of a detailed plan depicting the town, its harbor, and key buildings during the Revolutionary War. The map shows streets, dwellings, important buildings (including the Trinity Church and Touro Synagogue), and fortifications.

Neatly penned 4" x 6.5" receipt issued on June 7, 1768, from Samuel and William Vernon to Myer Polock in Newport, Rhode Island. The receipt documents a financial transaction.

A letter written on the letterhead of Wolff & Goldman, general merchants in Newport, Arkansas, dated December 16, 1883. J. C. Minor, a traveling salesman, writes to his friends Gray Carroll in Little Rock, Arkansas, explaining his inability to visit due to lack of funds. The letter includes commentary on the social scene in Newport.

Billhead detailing a sale of eight boxes of spermaceti candles from Naphtali Hart & Co. to William Vernon on May 1, 1764, in Newport, Rhode Island. The invoice is handwritten by Naphtali Hart.

Manuscript invoice documenting the sale of 35 boxes of spermaceti whale candles from Aaron Lopez to Samuel and William Vernon on March 24, 1767, in Newport, Rhode Island. The receipt mentions the ship 'Brig Othello', owned by the Vernon brothers, and includes the GR + Crown symbol of King George. The verso contains additional details of the transaction.

Receipt signed by Aaron Isaacs acknowledging receipt of 669 pounds and shillings from William Vernon on April 1, 1774, in Newport, Rhode Island. Additional notations on the receipt indicate transactions with Samuel Vernon, Clothic Hathaway, John Glazier, and Benjamin Donham and span from April 1, 1774 to May 27, 1774.

A writ of attachment for debt, partially printed and hand-filled, issued in Bristol County, Massachusetts on August 30, 1774. The document commands the attachment of the goods or estate of Thomas Gilbert of Freetown, Massachusetts, to satisfy a debt owed to Aaron Lopez of Newport, Rhode Island. The debt stems from a promissory note dated June 6, 1770, for 344 milled silver dollars. The writ includes the signatures of Deputy Sheriff Hoti Crosman and Leonard, attorney for the defense. The document is written on hand-laid paper with a Massachusetts Bay Colony seal watermark.

Stereoscopic photograph of the Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island. The photograph is dated circa 1860. It is part of a larger collection of Judaica Americana.

A page from the receipt book of Samuel Vernon. This receipt, dated November 18, 1746, is signed by Naphtali Hart and acknowledges receipt of 100 pounds as partial payment for the use of the sloop Molly, captained by James Cahoone. The sloop Molly was a privateer and slaver owned by the Vernons. The receipt may be entirely in Hart's handwriting.

Insurance policy No. 1486 issued by the Newport Insurance Company of Providence, Rhode Island on June 10, 1806. This hand-laid paper document (approximately 14 1/2 x 19 inches) insures a vessel under construction in Georgia, destined for New York, owned by Augustus Chace and others from Freetown, Massachusetts. The policy covers the vessel and cargo for fifteen thousand dollars. The policy is signed by Samuel Elam, president.

Promissory note for $700, issued by Lopez & Dexter on February 1, 1811, payable to Thomas Dennis in 60 days. The note references the Newport Bank and is inscribed 'Son of Abraham'.

A one-page letter, approximately 6-1/2" x 8", dated December 25, 1770, in Newport, Rhode Island. Written by Moses Michael Hays and Myer Polock, it notifies the Captain of the ship *The Rising Sun* of the execution of a bill of sale for the ship to Mr. Livingston, involving Michael Gratz and Mr. Hart. The letter instructs the captain to follow Mr. Gratz's instructions. This letter is part of Myer Polock's scheme to defraud creditors and Hays.

Handwritten abstract of a portion of Abraham Touro's will, dated October 17, 1822, in Boston, Massachusetts. The abstract details bequests to the Newport, Rhode Island synagogue and for street renovations near the Jewish cemetery in Newport.

Two-page letter from Jacob Rodriguez Rivera, a Sephardic Jewish merchant and slave trader in Newport, Rhode Island, to Captain Nathaniel Briggs. The letter, dated September 13 and October 14, 1785, discusses the slave trade, including details about recent slave voyages, pricing, and the sale of slaves in South Carolina. The letter was sent via Captain DeWolf of the brig Enterprise, and is a copy of an earlier letter sent via Captain Duncan of the brig Peggy. The letter reveals details about the operations and profitability of the transatlantic slave trade.

Insurance policy No. 1788 issued by the Newport Insurance Company in Providence, Rhode Island, on October 26, 1809. This policy insures the sloop *Rover* of Norwich, sailing from Stonington, Connecticut to Wilmington, North Carolina, for a cargo valued at one thousand dollars. The document is printed on hand-laid paper and measures approximately 14 1/2 x 19 inches.

A four-page letter, dated 1775, detailing instructions for a whaling voyage to the Falkland Islands and off the coast of Brazil. Written by Aaron Lopez to Captain Thomas Folger, the letter provides navigational advice, warnings about encountering other ships, and hints at the abundance of whales in the targeted areas. The letter also reveals the extensive network of contacts Aaron Lopez maintained across various locations such as the Falkland Islands, the West Indies, Madeira, Lisbon, Gibraltar, Cadiz, and Barbados. This document originates from Newport, Rhode Island.

Autograph document (unsigned) from Aaron Lopez, spanning two pages (7 1/2 x 12 inches). Written in Newport, Rhode Island on August 20, 1766, this letter provides sailing orders to Captain Nathaniel Briggs of the brig Sally. The orders detail the sale of the ship's cargo, instructions for managing the proceeds, and explicit directions to acquire and sell slaves in Africa, the West Indies, and Jamaica. The letter also alludes to Lopez's extensive network of contacts across various locations, including the Falkland Islands, the West Indies, Madeira, Lisbon, Gibraltar, Cadiz, and Barbados.

A two-page letter dated June 13, 1768, from Aaron Lopez, Jacob Rodrigues Rivera, Haye Z. Polock, and Nathaniel Hathaway in Newport, Rhode Island, to Captain Nathaniel Hathaway, master of the brigantine The Hope. The letter provides instructions for the delivery of cargo to Captain Joseph Dean in Surinam and outlines alternative procedures if sufficient molasses cannot be procured. The letter also hints at the far-reaching commercial network of Aaron Lopez.

Autograph letter signed by Moses Michael Hays written to Myer Polock on behalf of Michael Gratz. Dated December 18, 1770. Hays urges Polock to fulfill a promise to Gratz, offering incentives and suggesting assistance in "any matter Honorable & Just." The letter includes an autograph address panel on the verso. Written in New York and concerns matters related to Newport, Rhode Island.

Partially printed shipping document dated November 30, 1769, detailing goods shipped by Aaron Lopez of Newport, Rhode Island to Richard Ellis, a merchant in New Bern, North Carolina. The document lists a variety of goods including rum, candles, molasses, onions, potatoes, cider, apples, and cloth, illustrating the scope of Lopez's commercial activities.

Bill of sale documenting the purchase of 1137 gallons of molasses by Myer Polock from S. & W. Vernon for 1932 pounds Sterling in Newport, Rhode Island on June 22, 1769. This document provides insight into the mercantile activities of Myer Polock, a prominent Jewish shipbuilder and trader in Newport during the late 18th century.

Bill of sale detailing the sale of 25 boxes of spermaceti candles and boxes of paper from Aaron Lopez to William and Samuel Vernon. The document lists each box separately, totaling 1,843 pounds sterling. Dated January 8, 1770, in Newport, Rhode Island.

Letter dated December 25, 1770, from the firm of Hays & Polock in Newport, Rhode Island, to the commander of the ship Rising Sun in New York City. The letter requests the delivery of 60 tons of logwood to Michael Gratz.

A receipt dated November 14, 1752, indicating that Captain Joseph Cozzens paid 400 pounds to William Vernon in Newport, Rhode Island, on behalf of Moses Levy. The receipt is from Captain Joseph Cozzens' receipt book. This document provides insight into commercial transactions in 18th-century Newport and the lives of prominent individuals involved in trade and commerce.

A page from Captain Joseph Cozzens' receipt book documenting a payment of 74 pounds to Moses Lopez on December 13, 1753, in Newport, Rhode Island. The payment was made on behalf of Aaron Lopez. The receipt is signed by Moses Lopez.

One-page autograph receipt signed by Aaron Lopez, a Jewish merchant in Newport, Rhode Island, for the purchase of "9 Elephants Teeth" from David Ross for the sum of £17/9/11. Dated December 8, 1768. The receipt shows evidence of having been torn from a larger book or sheet.

Shipping document detailing the shipment of goods from Newport, Rhode Island to Tenerife, Canary Islands aboard the sloop Charlotte on July 7, 1769. The document notes the fractional ownership of the voyage among John Andrews, Aaron Lopez, and Solomon Townsend. The cargo included spermaceti candles, flour, corn, stoves, and beeswax. Zebediah Story served as the ship's master. The document's left corner is missing, and it shows slight browning at the edges.

Page from Captain Joseph Cozzens' receipt book documenting a payment of 143 pounds to Joseph Jacobs in Newport, Rhode Island on March 11, 1753. Joseph Jacobs ( - 1778) was a silversmith and shohet who lived in Newport with his wife Bilhah Polock.

Receipt issued by Naphtaly Hart & Co. to Captain Joseph Cozzens for a payment of 50 pounds on October 22, 1753. The receipt is part of a larger account book belonging to Captain Joseph Cozzens, and includes additional sheets relating to transactions with John Collins and others in Newport, Rhode Island.

A one-page letter dated September 3, 1770, from Captain Daniel Cornell to Aaron Lopez in Newport, Rhode Island. Cornell describes the progress of his mercantile voyage to Quebec, Canada, mentioning difficulties with bad weather and necessary repairs to his ship's sails. The letter contains an indirect comment possibly alluding to a slave shipment ('will strive as fast as possible considering our Interest'). A postscript requests updates on his wife's and Mr. Gardner's son's well-being.

Promissory note issued by Captain Isaac Tobias for $250 in New York City on July 25, 1809. The note also mentions Benjamin Bailey, Charles Denison, and George Randall. While the note itself originates from Newport, Rhode Island, it's associated with Isaac Tobias, a New York City resident (1782-1832).

Two-page receipt signed by Aaron Lopez and Zachariah Polock for the payment of three months of a Congregational Subscription. This receipt completes the payment of £25 for the entire year. Newport, Rhode Island, August 24, 1757.

A receipt dated May 5, 1755, in Newport, Rhode Island, documenting a business transaction between Joseph Cozzens and Jacob Isaacks. The document measures 3x5 inches and is blank on the verso.