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.
Subject: Atlantic Slave Trade
No additional authority information available for Atlantic Slave Trade.
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.
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.