Subject: Transatlantic slave trade

One-page handwritten ledger sheet (14.5 x 12 inches) detailing the cargo of the brig Sally, owned by Aaron Lopez, on a trading voyage. The sheet, likely created in Newport, Rhode Island on October 1, 1767, itemizes the outgoing cargo (oxen, sheep, shingles, turpentine, tallow, and spermaceti candles) and the returning cargo (hogsheads of rum). The accounts balance at 919 pounds sterling, 14 shillings, and ten pence, including Captain Nathaniel Briggs' 10% commission. While not explicitly stated on this ledger, the brig Sally was also involved in the transatlantic slave trade, transporting slaves from Africa to the West Indies. Aaron Lopez (1731-1782) was a wealthy merchant and leader in the Newport Jewish community. Captain Nathaniel Briggs made at least three voyages for Lopez between 1766 and 1772.

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.

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.

Receipt dated September 13, 1759, signed by Jacob R. Rivera of Newport, Rhode Island, to William Vernon for the purchase of 252 pounds sterling of spermaceti candles. Jacob Rodriguez Rivera (1717-1789) was a Sephardic Jew who fled the Inquisition and settled in Newport. He was involved in the manufacture of spermaceti candles and was a prominent figure in the Newport Jewish community. The Vernon brothers, William and Samuel, were Newport merchants involved in the transatlantic slave trade, making significant profits through the 'triangle trade' involving rum, slaves, and molasses. This receipt provides insight into the commercial activities and economic interactions within 18th-century Newport, highlighting the involvement of both Jewish and non-Jewish merchants in the colonial economy.

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.

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.

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.