A scarce and informative manuscript commercial letter dated January 15, 1828, written from Portsmouth, New Hampshire by Theodore Sheafe to a Dover merchant, concerning the receipt and sale of imported goods. Highlights: Early American mercantile correspondence: Documents routine but revealing aspects of coastal trade and commerce in the early Republic. Shipping reference: Mentions arrival of the vessel “The Betsey” and unloading at the Portsmouth wharf, illustrating maritime logistics. Rum trade details: Discusses 15 puncheons of rum, noted as “1st quality,” with pricing guidance—valuable insight into early 19th-century commodity trade. Additional goods: References candle inventory and pricing, indicating typical mixed cargo and merchant trade practices. Business tone and negotiation: Includes instructions to “engage what rum you can” and to secure additional goods in Portsmouth, reflecting active trade networks between Portsmouth and Dover. Clean attribution: Signed by Theo. Sheafe, with period docketing on reverse: “Letter from Theodore Sheafe.” Physical Description: Single folded letter sheet, typical mailing folds, with address panel and manuscript endorsement. Light toning, scattered spotting, and minor edge wear consistent with age. Overall legible and well-preserved. Collector Appeal An excellent piece for collectors of: Early American commerce and maritime trade New England mercantile history Rum and spirits trade ephemera Pre-Civil War business correspondence A concise yet content-rich document capturing the mechanics of 1820s coastal trade and commodity exchange in New England.
| Transcription: |
Mr. P. H. Palmer Sir, The Betsey arrived harbor last night about 8 o’clock, will probably get up to the wharf to day by 12 o’clock. Shall expect you down tomorrow, we get her entered & ready to discharge to day. Have seen Capt. Tullock says the Rum is all of 1st quality. The (?) he says is also of 1st quality. Perhaps you can engage it to Wendale—engage what Rum you can should like to get clear of 15 (?) at Dover- Can’t you engage some at Berwick & - engage 80 or 100 Boxes Candles say 2/3ds 10s x 1/3d 8ths. Yrs Theo Sheafe Endorsement (on reverse): Letter from Theodore Sheafe Addressed to: Mr. Barnabas H. Palmer Merchant Dover
