1799-1806 Three Early American Documents Post-Revolutionary Era Archive Lot For Sale

Up for sale is an archive lot with three (3) authentic, early American, handwritten documents on hand-laid paper, spanning the years 1799-1806. Combined, these documents offer an intimate glimpse into the post-Revolutionary era, frontier land transactions, and pioneer genealogy.

• Item: Three Early American Handwritten Documents/Archive Lot
• Type: Business Documents and Receipts
• Origin: United States
• Dates: 1799, 1802, 1806
• Material: Early Hand-Laid/Woven Paper, Iron Gall Ink
• Dimensions (approx.): from 6.25x3 to 8x3.5 inches (from 16x7.5 to 20.5x9 cm)

The first document from 1799 provides a rare view of early American history. During this post-Revolutionary era, families from New England and the Mid-Atlantic bought, surveyed, and settled tracts of land in the newly opened wilderness of Western New York. The name John Carlile links back to a prominent family of master craftsmen and civic leaders from Providence, RI, who like many other wealthy families on the eastern seaboard, was actively involved in real estate investments in the early frontier territories.

The two documents from 1802 and 1806 both mention Colonel William Markham (1762-1826), a foundational pioneer and surveyor of the historic Genesee Valley in Western New York. Markham famously assisted Oliver Phelps in clearing the first wilderness road from Canandaigua to the Genesee River (modern-day Avon/Rush area). In 1802—the exact year of the second document—Markham constructed a beautiful, historic brick colonial home known as "Elm Place" along the River Road just north of Avon, NY. He was highly respected in the community, serving as one of Ontario County’s earliest representatives in the New York State Assembly and later acting as a commissioner to help establish nearby Livingston County. The 1806 document connect Markham to the legendary pioneer merchant firm of Nortons Richards and Co.

Summaries

#1

• Date: June 11, 1799
• Location: [Providence, RI]
• Content: Business advisory letter regarding an opportunity to sell a tract of land
• Names: William D. Powels, John Carlile

#2

• Date: October 21, 1802
• Location: Charleston, NY
• Content: Payment receipt signed by David Morgan to William Markham for the substantial sum of $200.00
• Names: William Markham, David Morgan

#3

• Date: June 27, 1806
• Location: Canandaigua, NY
• Content: Payment receipt for £2 sterling, 7 shillings, and 4 pence; remaining balance of 47 shillings and 4 pence owed by William Markham to the firm of Nortons Richards and Co.
• Names: William Markham, Nathaniel Norton, Benjamin Norton, Harris Colt (clerk/secretary)

Transcripts

#1

Sir As I Have met With Imploy Agreeable
to my mind I wish to Inform you that
you may not miss an Opportunity of Disposn
of your land as it is possible I will not be
their for Sum Time - - - - June 11th 1799

Mr William D. Powels, John Carlile

#2

Charleston Octr. 21 1802
Rec'd of Wm. Markham two Hundred Dollars
it being in full of all Book accounts, & say
recd. – by me

David Morgan

#3

Rec Canandaigua June 27th 1806

£2.7.4

of Mr William Markham Forty Seven Shilling &
four Pence being the balance due on the late firm of
Nortons Richards & Co —

for Nathl & B Norton
Harris Colt

Excellent antique condition given their age of well over 220 years. Strong iron gall ink penmanship remains highly legible. The paper shows distinct chain lines, age-appropriate toning, light edges wear, and historical folding lines. One document with clear, legible watermark (“S G”). No structural integrity issues or tearing. Nice early American numismatic/monetary archive. Please review all photos carefully.