Subject: Navigation--History

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.

Autograph letter signed by Isaac Moses to Moses Myers, dated August 8, 1784. Written from New York, New York, the letter discusses business matters, including the shipwreck of the North Britain, family news, and financial concerns. The recipient, Moses Myers, was a merchant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This letter offers insight into colonial American Jewish life and business practices.

Bill of sale document dated July 5, 1845, detailing the sale of the brig ship J. Cohen Jr. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The seller was J. Fifield, and the buyer was Andrew Crouse. The brig, built in 1837, was named for Jacob I. Cohen Jr., a prominent businessman, banker, and politician in Baltimore, Maryland. The document provides details about the ship's sale and includes biographical information about Jacob I. Cohen Jr., highlighting his career in banking, railroads, insurance, and politics, as well as his contributions to the Jewish community in Baltimore. The ship was lost in 1847 near Brazos, Santiago. Additional biographical information on Jacob I. Cohen Jr. details his birth in Richmond, Virginia (September 30, 1789), his family background (parents Judith Solomon and Israel I. Cohen; nine siblings), his career as a lottery broker, and his role in advocating for the removal of religious restrictions on elected officials in Maryland.

Billhead from Smith's Wharf, Baltimore, Maryland. Dated August 1, 1890. The billhead mentions the address "223 SMITH'S WHARF".

Seventeenth-century broadside auction poster advertising the sale of the galleon Stadt Sant Malo. The auction, overseen by brokers Claas Dancer and Jacob Abrabanel, took place in Amsterdam in 1699. The broadside details the ship's construction and prior use, highlighting its robust build. The poster is significant for showcasing Jewish mercantile participation in the Dutch maritime empire. The broadside measures approximately 34.5 x 21 cm.

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.

Newspaper article from the Edinburgh Evening Courant, published May 2, 1728, detailing the release of captives from the Emperor of Morocco (Barbary pirates) under the articles of peace. The article lists several individuals, including Blanco, Flora; Franco, Rachel; Franco, David; and Franco, Raphael, identified as Jews traveling from Gibraltar to New York aboard the Monmouth to London. Raphael's subsequent success as a merchant is noted.

Four-page ledger sheet detailing work done on a vessel, "Brigeteen," for John Waren, Captain. The account shows payments made by Moses Levy and William Vernon to Timothy Peckham, suggesting a business partnership between Vernon and Levy. Detailed entries across three pages, with the fourth page serving as a docket. The record was created in Newport, Rhode Island, on September 19, 1752.

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 one-page letter written aboard the ship *Mole* by Abraham Pereira Mendes to his father-in-law, Aaron Lopez, on September 8, 1772. Mendes describes a perilous voyage during a squall that required cutting both masts. He conveys greetings to Mrs. Lopez and Mr. & Mrs. Rivera. The letter provides insight into 18th-century sea travel and the personal life of Mendes, a Sephardic Jew from a distinguished but impoverished Jamaican family.

A letter dated October 3, 1899, written by Ansley D. Cohen to his wife in Maine. The letter, written on Cohen & Wells Ship Brokers and Commission Merchants letterhead, discusses the writer's inability to leave port due to inclement weather. The accompanying envelope also bears the Cohen & Wells letterhead. Cohen inherited the firm from his father, Joseph Cohen. Records indicate the firm's existence as far back as 1872, possibly dating to the Civil War era. The letter details the purchase of six ships. Ansley D. Cohen married Carrie Moise on May 28, 1880.

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.

One-page letter written by Elbridge Gerry Kimball on October 17, 1848, to Baring Brothers & Co. in London. Kimball details the payment he received from the Russian-American Company for the sale of his ship, the Bark Angola, in Sitka, Alaska. The letter highlights the sale of the ship and the financial transaction involving 20,000 Spanish Dollars.

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.

A letter dated July 6, 1852, from John Wagner to Mordecai & Co. in Charleston, South Carolina. The letter, which is a broadside with a cover from the M.C. Mordecai Co., discusses coal for their steamship Isabel bound for Cuba. The broadside also lists the signatures of agents of Mordecai & Co., including Moses Cohen Mordecai, J.R. Mordecai, Isaac Eger Hertz, and J.A. Enslow.

Signed letter from Paul Hamilton, Secretary of the Navy under President James Madison and former Governor of South Carolina, to Simon Gratz & Co. remitting a payment of $2,000. The letter is written in the hand of an aide and signed by Hamilton. Hamilton served as the third Secretary of the Navy during the opening months of the War of 1812 (which began June 6, 1812). Simon and Hyman Gratz were prominent Philadelphia businessmen involved in trade, real estate, and insurance. Dated January 8, 1811.

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.

Manifest for cargo clearing Philadelphia Customs aboard the steamship Pocahontas, dated November 1, 1862. The manifest includes the signature of the captain and details of the cargo. The document is related to Neafie & Levy Ship & Engine Building Co., Philadelphia, PA, a prominent 19th-century iron shipbuilder.

Rare miniature deck of cards, possibly used by sailors, with no numbers on the cards. Handwritten on one spade is "brought from Calcutta by B. Tuttle of the ship John Clark 1869-7". The cards were manufactured by A & E Cohen of London, and are tied with a ribbon with printed suits. This deck is significant due to its connection to the Cohen family, prominent figures in the American and British stationery and playing card industries. The London branch of A & E Cohen played a role in the founding of Henry Cohen Stationary of Philadelphia in the late 1830s. Lewis I. Cohen, born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1800, received training in London and became the first American to produce lead pencils and sell steel pens. He mechanized color printing for playing cards in 1835. His son, Solomon L. Cohen, and nephew, John M. Lawrence, continued the business as Lawrence and Cohen, later forming the New York Consolidated Card Company in 1871 with Samuel Hart & Co. and other partners. The deck was likely produced before 1871, given the connection to A & E Cohen London and the handwriting indicating its use in 1869-70.

This volume contains two narratives of maritime disasters. The first, "An Authentic Narrative of the American Brig Commerce, Wrecked on the Western Coast of Africa, in the Month of August, 1815," by James Riley, details a shipwreck, subsequent enslavement, and eventual rescue. Published in New York by the author in 1818, this third edition includes ten copperplate engravings and a folding map (partially missing). The book offers a firsthand account of the author's experiences, including observations on the social hierarchy among captives, noting the position of Jews within the system. The second narrative, "A Narrative of the Shipwreck of the Ship Oswego, on the Coast of South Barbary," by Judah Paddock, recounts the shipwreck of the Oswego off Cape Verde in 1800, the subsequent imprisonment by Arabs, and the crew's eventual release. This first edition, published in New York by Collins & Co. in 1818, details Paddock's ordeal, including a mutiny and captivity. Both narratives provide valuable historical insights into maritime disasters, slavery, and captivity in the early 19th century.

Oil painting depicting the transport ship 'The America' under Captain J.P. Levy during a hurricane off the coast of Vera Cruz. Painted circa 1847 by James Guy Evans (1810-1860), active in New Orleans. The painting includes the inscription "Transport the America under Capt. J.P. Levy off the coast of Vera Cruz on way to N.O." This painting is significant as it is considered the only known American Jewish War-related painting from before the 20th century. It boasts notable provenance, having been owned by Jefferson Levy, son of Captain J.P. Levy and owner of Monticello.

Issue of the Philadelphia Mercantile Advertiser newspaper published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 7, 1814. This issue contains advertisements for the auction of a prize ship, The Sisters, and real estate by F. Montmollin & S. Moses.

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.

Authorization for the arming of the privateer ship Adeline, issued June 26, 1812, in Washington, D.C., by President James Madison and Secretary of State James Monroe. The document lists Isaac Levy and William Weaver as co-owners, authorizing the vessel to carry seven carriage guns and 35 men. The authorization is signed by both Madison and Monroe. The document also mentions Benjamin Craycroft and George W. Tatem.

Original manuscript privateering contract for the sloop Tryal, under the command of John Robinson, with Joseph Wood and Mordecai Sheftall as beneficiary merchants. Dated June 30, 1758, Savannah, Georgia. The contract includes 36 signatures and wax seals of the seamen. Two pages, 18.25" x 14.75".

This document is a receipt for a promissory note. Moses Myers, a prominent Jewish merchant-shipper, issued a note payable to E. Dulith & Wachsmuth of Philadelphia for $5000, payable in 60 days. The receipt is dated November 25, 1794, and was written in Norfolk, Virginia. The document is entirely in Myers' hand.

Receipt documenting a payment of 200 pounds for the transportation of eight guns and shot from Portsmouth to Alexandria on April 22, 1780. The receipt mentions the Brig Ranger, its commander Thomas Johnson, and its owners Daniel Bowley and John McLure of Baltimore, and Thomas Gibbons. The document is from the Archives of Maryland and also mentions the issuance of Letters of Marque and Reprisal to the Brig Ranger.

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.

Bookplate depicting a sailing ship. The bookplate's creation date is estimated to be around 1910 based on contextual clues. The bookplate is associated with Max Levy.

A large American manuscript shipping document dated May 23, 1812, listing the cargo of several ships, including the Schooner Charles, Sloop Alert, Schooner Alexander, Schooner Endeavour, Brig America, Brig Sturgeon, Sloop Varagon, Sloop Hero, and Brig Dolphin. Cargo includes lemons, rum, coffee, nails, hemp, iron, and "India goods". The document was created in Boston, Massachusetts. Judah Hays is listed as the owner of two kegs of salmon.

Shipping record detailing the arrival of the barque Louisa Gallagher in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 7, 1842. The record notes Rosengarten as the port of entry and lists boxes of buttons among the cargo. The document includes the names of several individuals associated with the shipment, including Richard L. Howells and Jacob Dewees.

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.

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.

Manuscript ledger sheet detailing the partnership between Moses Levy and William Vernon for outfitting the sloop Polly in Newport, Rhode Island on June 1, 1751. The document shows a 50/50 cost share between Levy and Vernon for outfitting the vessel. Vernon is noted as the largest slaver in the Americas. The Sloop Polly is a listed slave ship.

Shipping record detailing the arrival of the ship Ann in New York City from Liverpool, England on July 11, 1817. The record notes Samuel I. Tobias and John Hudson's involvement in the shipment. This broadside was likely created as part of the customs documentation process upon the ship's arrival in New York.

Shipping record detailing the arrival of the ship Aurora in New York City from Liverpool, England on May 24, 1817. The record lists Samuel I. Tobias and Tobias I. Tobias in connection with the shipment.

Shipping record detailing the arrival of the ship Sally Anne in New York City from Hamburg, Germany on July 7, 1819. The record indicates the shipment was consigned to Samuel I. Tobias and T. I. Tobias. This document is part of a larger collection of commercial records.

Shipping record detailing the arrival of the ship *Aurora* from Liverpool, England, to New York, New York, on October 25, 1817. The record indicates Samuel I. Tobias and John Hudson were involved in the shipment. The document's value suggests its importance as a record of commercial activity between England and the United States during that period.

Shipping record detailing the arrival of the ship Rosalie from Liverpool, England, to New York City on April 25, 1817. The record lists Samuel I. Tobias and Tobias I. Tobias as involved parties. The document is a broadside.

Shipping record detailing the arrival of the ship Hercules in New York City from Liverpool, England on August 28, 1817. The record indicates the involvement of Samuel I. Tobias and John Hudson.

Shipping record documenting the importation of one box (12 pounds) of Hyson tea from Canton, China, into the District of New York by John A. Brown & Co. on the American ship "Italy", Master: Putnam. The document, dated December 30, 1831, includes the state seal and signatures of the inspector/collector (Bogart) and M.M. Noah.

Shipping record detailing a shipment of pine lumber from Georgetown, South Carolina to Barbados on October 31, 1857. The record indicates the port of entry and is signed by J & J Levy.

Shipping record detailing goods imported into New York City by Samuel I. Tobias and T. I. Tobias from Cayez (possibly Puerto Rico) aboard the ship Solon on May 18, 1817. The record includes information about the port of entry and the value of the goods.

Shipping record documenting goods shipped from Samuel Moss & Sons in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to J. Kohn & Bordier in New Orleans, Louisiana on May 30, 1832. The record is signed by Joachim Kohn, agent for Samuel Moss & Sons. The document includes details about the shipment and is marked with the "M" mark of Samuel Moss & Sons.

Invoice from Captain Bill, Master of the Brig Enterprise, to Michael Levy for 21,899.19 pounds sterling. The invoice details numerous items and their prices across three sides of a large sheet folded in half. Signed twice by Levy on May 26, 1789, in New York, New York. The document measures 12.5" x 8" and consists of four pages, one blank.

Issue of the London Gazette, dated April 20, 1728, published in London, England by S. Buckley. This issue includes a list of passengers, including several Jews, released from captivity by Moroccan privateers following a peace treaty between England and the Emperor of Morocco. The listed Jews, Rachel Franco, Blanco Flora, David Franco, and Raphael Franco, were traveling from London to New York.

Issue of The Post Boy newspaper from London, England, dated September 3, 1726. An article on the front page details the release of an English ship captured en route from London to New York, noting that eleven Hollanders, five Jews, and a Jewess were taken into slavery. The article highlights the vulnerability of Jews traveling at sea due to lack of governmental protection.

A trade card depicting a sailing ship on the front and an advertisement on the back. The card is circa 1885. The card is part of the Ms. Coll. 1410 collection and found in Box 2, Folder 17.