Subject: Privateering

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 dated May 13, 1800, signed by Moses Franks and George Phillips, merchants from the United States, in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. The letter addresses the capture of a seaman by a privateer, noting the absence of an American consul in St. Thomas at the time.

Manuscript Ledger - This is an important business 10" x 14"journal with 404 pages of business activity during the American revolution. Its entries range from prize ships , ship partnerships, arming privateers, to discounting a note from Benjamin Franklin as minister to France. The list of merchants reads like a who's who of the Colonial Philadelphia mercantile class, including Hym Solomon and numerous other Jewish merchants.....in total 25 entries. Oddly enough Robert Morris's name is noticeably absent from the transactions...could this be his ledger? There are numerous Jewish merchant transactions... Michael Gratz(1), Isaac Moses(6), Levy Marks(1), Benjamin, Sexias(3), Simon H. Nathan(1), Abraham Levy & Son(1), Ezekiel Levy(3), Moses Cohen(1)...in addition to 8 for HAYM SALOMONS that include a partnership on a ship. The ledger starts in 1775, stops during the British occupation of Philadelphia and ends in 1784.

Issue of the New-York Mercury newspaper published in New York, New York on November 8, 1756. Includes advertisements for Gomez and Hays, a distinguished merchant and constable who served in the French and Indian Wars.

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 book is a copy of *Raziel Hamalach*, a kabbalistic treatise, from the library of Samuel Judah (August 19, 1728 – October 19, 1781), a significant figure in 18th-century American Jewish life. The book contains Judah's personal annotations, including a quote from Alexander Pope and a reflection on the nature of man, dated January 7, 1760. Judah's birth and marriage dates are also inscribed on the title page. This item offers a rare glimpse into the spiritual life and intellectual pursuits of a colonial American Jew. The book also contains information about Judah's involvement in the American Revolution.