Subject: 18th Century America

Autograph letter signed by Moses Michael Hays, addressed to Michael Gratz. Dated January 20, 1768. Hays discusses business matters, specifically the sale of sugar and leather, and mentions drawing a bill of exchange for $500. The letter is written on one page, with the address panel on the verso showing a New York postmark and bishop's mark. The letter's content reflects Hays's mercantile activities. In 1775, Hays famously refused to sign a declaration of loyalty to the American colonies due to a phrase about Christian faith, demonstrating his commitment to the principle of equality for all men. He later signed a revised version without the religious clause.

Billhead for an order placed by Elizabeth Randolph, wife of the Governor of Virginia, with Messrs. Cohen and Isaacs on January 7, 1787. The order includes a gross of corks, four gallons of molasses, and two tumblers. The document is endorsed in Hebrew/Yiddish on the verso. This billhead offers insight into the commercial activities of the time and the business dealings of prominent figures in Richmond, Virginia.

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.

This document is a court order demanding payment from Jacob Heath to Moses Hart for a debt incurred on October 22, 1796, plus interest. Payment was to be made on Saturday, September 13, 1800, after 6 o'clock. The document is written on both sides and is part of a larger archive of 56 documents related to the division of the Aaron Hart estate following his death on December 28, 1800, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. These documents were found among the papers of Judge James Reid (1769-1848), the Hart family's lawyer. This specific document is categorized as an evidential document predating Aaron Hart's death, belonging to a group of approximately 28 mercantile papers, including ledger sheets and promissory notes.

Newspaper clipping from the *Gazette of the United States*, Philadelphia, dated December 18, 1790. Features a letter written by Manuel Josephson on behalf of the Hebrew Congregations of Philadelphia, New York, Charleston, and Richmond to President George Washington, along with Washington's reply. This clipping is in mint condition and is noteworthy because American Jewish congregations sent separate congratulatory letters to Washington upon his inauguration, rather than a unified letter. This particular letter from Philadelphia is significant within the context of other similar letters sent from Newport, Rhode Island, and Savannah, Georgia. A book published in 1797 containing official correspondence between Washington and various Jewish communities included the Newport and Philadelphia letters, but not the Savannah letter. A similar *Gazette* clipping (June 19, 1790, featuring the Savannah letter) sold for $12,300 at auction in 2010.

Newspaper clipping from the *Gazette of the United States*, June 19, 1790, featuring a letter from Levi Sheftel, President of the Savannah, Georgia Hebrew Congregation, to President George Washington, and Washington's reply. This is considered the first published example of Jewish support for the newly elected President of the United States. The item consists of two folio leaves (16.25 x 10 inches).

A legal invoice from Samuel Chase, signer of the Declaration of Independence, to Mark Pringle, dated June 29, 1790. The invoice details legal services rendered in October 1788 on behalf of Isaac Moses, Samuel Myers, and Moses Myers, prominent early American Jewish merchants. The document is twice signed by Samuel Chase and includes details of the civil actions involving the merchants.

This archival object is a land transfer deed from Fairfield, Fairfield County, Connecticut, dated November 1, 1749. The deed features the bold signature of Isaac Pinto (1720-1791), a 29-year-old Jewish American merchant, who served as a witness to the transaction. The document measures approximately 8 x 12-3/4 inches and includes early printed text. The inclusion of Pinto as a witness is considered unusual for the time. Accompanying the deed is biographical information highlighting Pinto's contributions to American society, including his role as a translator for the United States government and his significant contribution to American Judaism by creating the first English translation of the High Holiday service, published in colonial times.

Commercial letter written and signed by Aaron Lopez in Leicester, Massachusetts, on December 31, 1779, to Phillip Savage. The letter expresses an apology for a previous error. Lopez died in an accident on May 28, 1782.

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 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.

Autograph document signed by Moses Michael Hays and Myer Polock, written to Michael Gratz on September 13, 1768. The letter details losses to be recovered in Amsterdam on insurance ordered by Isaac Elizer, providing an accounting of insurance payments for numerous losses in pounds and guilders. The two-page letter includes an autograph address panel with a New York postmark and bishop's mark. This letter exemplifies cross-Atlantic insurance interactions.

A two-part letter dated June 30, 1788, from Captain John Clarks to Michael Gratz in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The first part lists items and prices purchased from Gratz. The second part, in Gratz's hand, discusses the value of their land investment, considering factors like immigration, the recent Indian treaty, and westward expansion. Gratz suggests selling the land in England. This letter provides insights into 18th-century land investment strategies.

A one-page letter written on June 21, 1779, in Hartford, Connecticut, by Josiah Blakeley to Joseph (Moses) Lopez. This letter, one of fourteen in a collection spanning June 21, 1779, to October 1, 1781, discusses commercial matters. Blakeley sends regards to Mr. Mendes and Mr. & Mrs. Reviera. The collection's letters concern trade between Aaron Lopez or Joseph Lopez (recipients) and senders Caleb Bull (1746-1797) and Josiah Blakeley, both Hartford merchants. The correspondence details business transactions, including the supply of rum, ostrich plumes, and other imported goods by Lopez, and payments and additional goods supplied by Bull, such as flour and fish. The letters also discuss the challenges posed by the currency crisis of 1779 and the depreciating value of Continental currency. The letters are physically damaged, showing staining, edge wear, toning, creasing, and some illegibility due to moisture damage. The collection provides insight into the commercial activities and currency issues of the late 18th century in the context of the American Revolution.

A business letter written by Moses Michael Hays in Boston, Massachusetts on March 19, 1787. The recipient of the letter is unknown.

A one-page letter written by Moses Michael Hays in New York City to Michael Gratz in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on December 12, 1768. Hays discusses the dispatch of a vessel to Georgia, plans to remit bills of credit, and complains about the irregular postal service. The letter includes a New York postmark and bishop's mark on the verso.

A two-page letter written by Samuel Myers in Petersburg, Virginia, on September 26, 1790, and addressed to Richard Vance (or Douse) in Philadelphia. The letter is a folded, stampless cover and letter combination.

Autograph letter signed by Solomon Etting to Michael Gratz, dated May 7, 1787. Written from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the letter discusses family matters, finances, and a planned visit by Shinah Simon. The letter is two pages long.

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.

Newspaper clipping from the *New-York Journal & Patriotic Register*, June 22, 1790, featuring a letter from Levi Sheftel, President of the Hebrew Congregation in Savannah, Georgia, to President George Washington, along with Washington's reply. This is an early printing of this correspondence, discussing religious toleration in the newly formed United States.

Newspaper clipping from the *Connecticut Gazette*, July 2, 1790, featuring a letter from Levi Sheftel, President of the Savannah, Georgia Congregation, to President George Washington, and Washington's reply. The clipping is described as being in mint condition. The description notes that a similar item, from the *Gazette of the United States*, June 19, 1790, sold at auction for a significant price. The text further discusses the context of this letter within the broader correspondence between President Washington and various Jewish congregations in the United States following his inauguration, highlighting the unique circumstances of the Savannah congregation's independent correspondence and the later use of this correspondence in advocating for Jewish rights in the early 19th century. A 1797 publication containing some, but not all, of this correspondence is mentioned.

An oil painting depicting Miriam Marks Nones holding her child. This is the second in a pair of family portraits; the first, depicting Benjamin Nones, is item 1.289 in this collection. Miriam married Benjamin Nones on May 2, 1782, in Philadelphia, and they had 13 children. The painting may have been created in 1791, the year Benjamin became President of Congregation Mikveh Israel. If so, the child depicted is Isaac Moses Nones (October 29, 1788 – October 28, 1805). Note that Benjamin Nones experienced bankruptcy in 1795 and subsequent financial hardship; it is therefore unlikely that he commissioned portraits after that date. Benjamin Nones (1757-1826) was an American soldier who emigrated from Bordeaux to Philadelphia around 1777. He served with distinction in the Revolutionary War, notably under Count Pulaski during the siege of Savannah. Post-war, he worked in brokerage with Haym Solomon, was naturalized on October 9, 1784, and served as president of Congregation Mikveh Israel from 1791. In 1800, he published a defense of Judaism and republicanism in the *Gazette of the United States* (Philadelphia).

Receipt detailing the list and value of items delivered to Jonathan Hart by Levy Solomons and Co. for sale at his shop between May 9th and May 17th, 1794. This original receipt served as a court exhibit on April 6th, 1799. The receipt is part of a larger archive of 56 documents related to the division of the Aaron Hart estate following his death on December 28th, 1800, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. These documents were found among the papers of Judge James Reid (1769-1848), the Hart family's lawyer. This receipt is categorized as an evidential document predating Aaron Hart's death, supporting various claims within the estate proceedings. It is one of approximately 28 mercantile papers, including ledger sheets and promissory notes, within this category.

This document is a receipt dated March 5, 1747, signed by Uriah Burke, acknowledging the receipt of payment from Abraham Hart. The receipt mentions three charges related to Naphtali Hart. The document originates from Newport, Rhode Island.

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.

Ledger sheet detailing the cargo manifest of the ship Newport in Norfolk, Virginia, on March 26, 1796. The record lists cargo items and likely includes details of the shipment's origin and destination. The document is a single ledger sheet with entries on both sides. This record was created by Moses Myers.

A one-page stampless commercial letter sent from Tillinghast & Holroyd in Providence, Rhode Island, to Aaron Lopez in Newport, Rhode Island, on October 10, 1772. The letter bears a manuscript "Bo" postmark and a 2dwt (pennyweight) rate marking. The letter contains detailed commercial information.