Subject: Colonial America

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.

This document is a detailed handwritten bill of sundry disbursements for the sloop Molly, captained by James Cahoone. Dated September 5, 1746, it lists various supplies and fees incurred, including items like "caeser dain," "rum & sugar," "pump leather," "nails," "grain shovels," "sail needles," "shoes," "candle for binnacle," "rope," "white lead," "knives & forks," "lanthorn," "carpenter's bill for tubs," "Cash paid at Custom House at Clearing out," "Naval Officer's fee," "Magould for clearing grape," "bill of health," "pape for fear," "cabin stoves," "Custom House for entering," and "Register & bill of health." The total amount is £61-16-4. The item is a manuscript in a functional ledger-style script, characteristic of commercial records from the period. 3.

This legal document, dated August 27, 1752, is a contract between Moses Levy and William Vernon outlining a partnership for the construction of a ship in Swansea, Massachusetts. The contract, written in Newport, Rhode Island, details payment terms involving cash, West India goods, and European goods. The document provides insight into the business practices of the time and the involvement of prominent figures in colonial America.

CONTINENTAL CURRENCY - South Carolina November 15, 1775 15s PMG Choice Fine 15 Net..."We last sold this note in 2002; over two decades ago. Our description at the time is still completely appropriate: "This is one of the best-looking examples we've seen of this issue and denomination, and the note has considerable added importance as it bears the bold signature of F. Salvador as one of the three signers. Francis Salvador was the first person of the Jewish faith to be elected to public office in America, when he was elected to the Provincial Congress of South Carolina in 1774. According to Newman, he was the first soldier of the Jewish faith to be killed in combat in the American Revolution. Our understanding of the same story was that George Washington had personally requested that he meet with the local Indians in an effort to make a peace treaty with them. While on this mission, he was killed by the Indians. This is the finest Salvador signature that we can recall seeing, and his signature is one of the most highly prized and elusive of all Jewish-American historical figures." The note faces up very nicely, with PMG noting a restoration that has repaired two splits and a centerfold." The historic tract of land known as "Jew's Land" was established in 1755 when Joseph Salvador, a wealthy Sephardic Jewish merchant from London, purchased 100,000 acres in the remote Ninety-Six District of South Carolina. Salvador and his business partners originally envisioned the massive backcountry property as a structured agricultural sanctuary where impoverished European Jews, facing severe legal and social restrictions at home, could achieve financial self-sufficiency. However, this grand humanitarian plan was derailed when the catastrophic 1755 Lisbon earthquake and subsequent British East India Company failures decimated the Salvador family's European fortune, forcing them to treat the frontier wilderness as a critical financial life raft rather than a philanthropic colony. To monetize the investment, the family began subdividing the tract, which paved the way for Joseph's nephew, Francis Salvador, to immigrate to South Carolina in 1773 and claim 7,000 acres of the land along Coronaca Creek. There, Francis established a highly successful indigo plantation utilizing the labor of approximately thirty enslaved people. This agricultural venture aligned with the broader rise of the colony's indigo industry, heavily championed by Moses Lindo, a fellow Jewish merchant who served as South Carolina's Inspector-General of Indigo. Because of its location in the highly fractured backcountry, "Jew's Land" quickly became a focal point of geopolitical tension during the American Revolution. It was on this very plantation that Francis Salvador learned of British-allied Cherokee attacks on July 1, 1776, prompting his historic 30-mile ride to rally the local Patriot militia before he was ultimately ambushed and killed exactly one month later. Following the Revolutionary War and Francis's tragic death, the vast estate slipped from the family's control and became embroiled in decades of legal turmoil. Because the original property titles belonged to British-based heirs, local frontier settlers began squatting on the land, triggering landmark real estate lawsuits in the Abbeville District courts during the early 1800s that helped launch the careers of prominent Southern lawyers like future Vice President John C. Calhoun. Despite these ownership shifts, the name "Jew's Land" remained a fixture of local identity for generations, frequently appearing in 19th- and 20th-century property deeds, estate sales, and local obituaries. Today, while the original plantations have dissolved into the modern landscapes of Greenwood and Abbeville counties, the legacy of this pioneering settlement is preserved through historical archives and the nearby Ninety Six National Historic Site. In July 1776, Salvador earned the nickname "Southern Paul Revere" when he rode over 30 miles to warn militia units in the backcountry of South Carolina of an Indian attack. Over a month later, Salvador led a group of militiamen towards the Keowee River, where British and Native Americans were camped and were ambushed by the group on August 1st, 1776. During the fight, Salvador was wounded and scalped by the Native American soldiers, and he died of his wounds. He was 29 years old at the time of his death. Note: he was listed as a subscriber for First Siddur Translated into English for Jews of England,London, 1770

An 1854 copy of a land warrant issued by The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in December 1792. The warrant grants Hyman Gratz the right to a certain quantity of land in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, which was surveyed for Simon Gratz. The transaction involved payment of "fifty shillings" per hundred acres. The document notes Thomas Mifflin, then Governor of the Commonwealth, as a witness, and Daniel Brodhead as Surveyor General. The copy was likely made in 1854 for the settlement of Simon Gratz's estate. The item features an engraved depiction of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's state seal at the top, along with ornate script and various handwritten annotations.

Draught of a deed for two tracts of land owned by Barnard Gratz and Joseph Simon, surveyed by order of Col. George Croghan. The deed includes a diagram of the land located on Raccoon Creek, Pennsylvania, dated 1771.

This legal document is an estate bond for the deceased Solomon Solomons. Mordecai Sheftall, identified as a Savannah merchant, along with Levi Sheftall and Samuel Savory, a Savannah gentleman, are bound to the Governor and Ordinaries of Georgia for the sum of Two Thousand Pounds Sterling. Mordecai Sheftall is obligated as the administrator to submit a full inventory of Solomon Solomons' estate by March 29, 1770, and an account of sales by September 29, 1770. The document is partly printed with handwritten insertions for names, dates, and signatures. It exhibits characteristic signs of age, including foxing, moderate wear, and partial separations along the folds, typical of late 18th-century legal papers.

A ledger sheet detailing 25 commercial transactions between Aaron Lopez and the Vernon brothers (William and Samuel) in Newport, Rhode Island, from June 23, 1766, to March 24, 1767. The transactions involve the purchase and sale of goods such as West Indies rum, tea, linseed oil, and candles, totaling 11,010 pounds sterling in purchases and 8,344 pounds sterling in sales, resulting in a balance owed of 2,665 pounds sterling. This document provides a detailed record of commerce between two prominent colonial merchants.

This partially printed and handwritten insurance policy, dated September 2, 1760, records the insurance of the Brigantine Ellenor for its voyage from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to St. Christopher. The policy was purchased by John Lownes on account of Caleb Cowpland, insuring the ship's body, tackle, apparel, and furniture against perils of the sea, enemies, pirates, thieves, and other misfortunes. The policy was valued at £500, with an 18 percent rate, costing £90 plus 5 shillings. The underwriters listed, each for £100, include Reese Meredith, John Mifflin, John Wilcocks, Abraham Judah, and John Mease. The document features an ornate "WHEREAS" heading and period-typical script. **3.

Invoice from Samson Levy to Samuel Wallace for goods purchased. Dated April 12, 1761, Philadelphia. Written on fine laid paper with a partial watermark. This document is potentially in Levy's hand. Samson Levy (1722-1781) was a prominent Philadelphia merchant and one of the first patriots to sign documents protesting British rule. The invoice reflects commercial activity in 18th-century Philadelphia.

A ledger page (6.5" x 16") detailing funds owed to Bernard Gratz by the Illinois Company between 1778 and 1779. The document, in Gratz's handwriting, includes entries for ledger copying and tavern expenses, less cash received. Individuals mentioned include David Frank, J. Simon, and Michael Gratz. This document was used in 1823 to settle Bernard Gratz's estate.

Four pages (out of an original forty-four) of a printed legal document on vellum, concerning a case between Solomon de Medina, Mosesson and Company, and Rene Hett and the Executors of Andrew Fresneau. The case centers around a shipment of tobacco seized in 1718 and the subsequent legal battles in the New York Court of Vice Admiralty and the High Court of Admiralty of Great Britain. The document, dated March 1727, details the legal proceedings and the involved parties. It appears to have been printed in New York by William Bradford in 1728.

This collection comprises four legal documents, two in Dutch with English translations, pertaining to the seizure of a Dutch ship by an English privateer in 1748. The documents detail the claim made by Jacob Henry Moren and Solomon Levy Moduro, described as "of the Hebrew nation," in the court of the Dutch West India Company in Curaçao on January 25, 1748. Jacob Rodrigueze Rivera of New York City acted on their behalf. Translated by Issachar Polock in the Rhode Island Admiralty Court in 1758, these documents offer insight into early trade routes and the role of Jews in colonial legal proceedings. The documents are signed by Zachariah Polock as translator. The documents also provide biographical information about Jacob Rodriguez Rivera, a member of a Marrano family from Seville who played a significant role in Newport's Jewish community.

A single-page letter written by Caleb Bull of Hartford, Connecticut, to Aaron Lopez on July 12, 1781. This is letter 13 of a 14-letter correspondence spanning June 21, 1779 to October 1, 1781, concerning trade conducted between Bull and Lopez (or Joseph Lopez). The letters discuss business matters, currency problems during the American Revolution, and the sale of goods such as rum, ostrich plumes, flour, and fish. Bull's letter explains his inability to travel to meet Lopez due to his horse's injury, and it mentions his sales on Lopez's account. The letters reveal the impact of the Continental currency crisis on trade and business transactions. The physical condition of the letter is noted as stained, edge-worn, toned, creased, and with portions illegible due to moisture damage.

A one-page, signed letter dated August 28, 1785, written in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by James Monroe to Bernard Gratz. Monroe, a member of the Continental Congress at the time, thanks Gratz for his efforts in obtaining cash but notes he has found another source.

Autograph letter signed by Moses Michael Hays, written in New York City on December 4, 1766, to Martin Gerrison Van Bergen in Albany, New York. The letter pertains to business matters and includes rare postmarks and references to the Western Frontier. This letter represents a rare example from the early stages of Hays' business career.

A one-page manuscript letter, measuring 7 x 12.5 inches, written in Newport, Rhode Island on December 7, 1773. Aaron Lopez writes to Captain Brotherton Daggett, captain of the sloop *Two Brothers*, providing instructions for the disposal of cargo at Cape Fear, North Carolina, and the collection of a debt from Colonel William Dry. The letter includes specific instructions for negotiating payment for a promissory note and emphasizes the importance of securing payment. An additional manuscript note added at the lower left suggests a strategy for obtaining payment from Colonel Dry.

Copper-engraved map of Suriname, Amsterdam: Johannes van Keulen, 1687. Features full contemporary hand-colouring, heightened with gold. Depicts coastal Suriname, identifying Starrenbergh, Para, Maribo, and Fort Zeelandia. Shows the Rio Marrawini (Maroni or Marowijne River), forming the border with French Guiana. This map is possibly the first to show one of the earliest synagogues in the Americas, and it lists at least one Jewish plantation (Nunes). The map shows the area less than 20 years after the Dutch accepted Suriname in exchange for New Amsterdam. This is the second edition of the third volume of van Keulen's Sea-Atlas (Zee-Fakkel). The mainland is colored pale red.

Manuscript order dated January 11, 1787, from Elizabeth Randolph, wife of Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph, to Messrs. Cohen & Isaacs, a mercantile firm in Richmond, Virginia. The order details the purchase of half a bushel of alum salt, twelve pounds of sugar, and two pounds of salts. The reverse side possibly contains Hebrew docket markings. This document offers insight into the daily life of a prominent colonial family and the operations of a Jewish mercantile business in 18th-century Virginia.

This three-page handwritten portage bill from August 1, 1746, records wages and deductions for the crew of the Sloop Molly, with James Cahoon as master. It lists individual sailors, their time served, payments received before the voyage, and final amounts owed. The document also notes partial payments made to the vessel's owners: Moses Levy, Naphtali Hart, and Samuel Vernon. The Sloop Molly was involved in maritime trade and, according to historical context, potentially in the slave trade. The document is formatted as a ledger, with columns for detailed financial transactions and names.

A handwritten receipt dated December 6, 1756, issued by Isaac Gomez, acknowledging receipt from Jacob Turke of an order on Mr. Law. Reads for Twenty Pounds. This amount, when paid, will constitute full payment for the account of Conradt Elmendorf. The document is handwritten in an ornate script on aged, folded paper, typical of 18th-century documents. 3.

This handwritten receipt documents a transaction between Robert Stevens & Co. and Jacob Rodriguez, Rivera & Co., dated May 12, 1755, in Newport, Rhode Island. The transaction details the sale of 19 boxes of spermaceti candles and additional boxes and paper. The total weight of the candles is recorded as 796 lbs, with 200 lbs deducted, leaving a net weight of 596 lbs. The cost for the candles is listed as £596.10, and for the boxes and paper as £12.7, totaling £608.17. The document features clear, legible 18th-century script and contains detailed handwritten calculations.

A signed receipt dated August 24, 1769, from Aaron Lopez for 15 boxes of spermaceti candles sold to William Vernon. The receipt is associated with the prominent Newport, Rhode Island merchant Aaron Lopez and the Vernon brothers, significant figures in the colonial-era slave trade.

A signed receipt from Aaron Lopez, a prominent Jewish merchant in Newport, Rhode Island, to William and Samuel Vernon for 250 bushels of salt. Dated April 26, 1771. The Vernons were major slave traders. This receipt provides insight into the commercial activities of Lopez and the interconnectedness of the transatlantic slave trade with other mercantile enterprises in colonial America.

Request for insurance on four kegs of furs shipped from Providence, Rhode Island to London aboard the "Hope" by Moses David and Jacob Lopez, circa 1770. The document details the insurance request and includes information about the shipment and the parties involved.

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.

Single printed pro-forma sheet (approx. 6" x 7 ½") shipping document, accomplished in ink by Brotherton Daggitt on November 20, 1771 in Newport, Rhode Island. Daggitt consigns various goods, including menhaden, codfish, salmon, cheeses, and oak staves, to Aaron Lopez for transport to the Windward West Indies aboard Lopez's sloop George. The document details the consignment's contents and terms, specifying that the shipment is "on his own acct. & risque." The document provides insight into the mercantile activities of Aaron Lopez and the trade networks operating in colonial Newport during this period. Additional context notes that menhaden is a type of fish, and that Lopez was involved in spermaceti, candle-making, and the slave trade.

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.

Sight draft from David Franks in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to his brother Moses Franks in London, England, dated July 30, 1772. The document is a receipt for a financial transaction, measuring 4" x 8". David Franks was a partner in Gratz Bros. and Joseph Simon, involved in supplying goods for the fur trade. Moses Franks was a major supplier to the Crown during the French and Indian War. This document exemplifies trans-oceanic family business transactions during the period.

This handwritten statement of account, likely issued by Samuel Vernon to Moses Levy, details financial transactions and balances related to Levy's 1/4 ownership of the Sloop Mollye. The document lists charges for "cargo & Outreit to Madera" amounting to £764.19.4 1/2, with an additional £5.19.2 1/2 due, totaling £770.18.7. On the credit side, it notes "By your acctt supplys to ye Sloop" for £745.10.9, "By Hughs Bill" for £12.2.6, and "Cash p. S. Vernon" for £13.5.4, also totaling £770.18.7, indicating a balanced account. A separate note near the bottom mentions "J. N. Hart for Weaving." The manuscript features clear, ornate handwritten script and organized columns of figures typical of mercantile records from the mid-18th century. This document is part of a series related to the Sloop Mollye, a vessel involved in the slave trade. 3.

This is a report from Boston, dated May 28, 1770, published in *The Weekly Magazine* on July 16, 1770. The report details a meeting where a letter from Newport, Rhode Island was read. The letter discussed a meeting of mostly Jewish merchants who were importing goods from England and the English Indies, thereby not supporting the effort against the duties. Pages 121 and 122 of the magazine are relevant.

Writ signed by Oliver Wolcott, while serving as Litchfield County Sheriff, for the recovery of a debt owed to Samson Simson and Myer Myers of New York City by Abraham and Israel Brownson of Woodbury, Connecticut. Dated October 2, 1767. The document details the legal proceedings and the levy on Abraham Brownson's body.