When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Date: July 10, 1800
Port of Loading: Newburyport, Massachusetts
Destination: Bremen, Germany
Master: Captain Caleb Tappan
Consignor: William Chase
Document Type: Printed Bill of Lading completed in manuscript.
This is an attractive and scarce Federal-period American bill of lading documenting a transatlantic shipment from the important New England port of Newburyport to Bremen, one of northern Europe's principal commercial centers.
The cargo consists of:
- Four hogsheads of sugar
- Two barrels of sugar
The freight rate is stated as:
Five Pounds Sterling per Ton
The document is dated:
Newburyport, July 10, 1800
and is signed by Captain Caleb Tappan, master of the ship Columbus.
Notable Features
- Early American commercial document.
- Newburyport export trade.
- Destination: Bremen, Germany.
- Original embossed Massachusetts Customs seal.
- Attractive engraved ship vignette.
- Large manuscript entries in brown iron-gall ink.
- Original laid paper.
- Reverse shows the embossing of the customs seal.
The embossed seal reading "United States Massachusetts" is particularly desirable and confirms its official customs function.
Historical Importance
This bill of lading dates from the height of Newburyport's "Golden Age" as one of America's busiest seaports. During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, Newburyport merchants maintained an active trade with northern Europe, exporting sugar, rum, fish, timber, and other commodities while importing manufactured goods and luxury items.
The shipment of refined sugar illustrates the triangular Atlantic trade that continued following American independence. Documents naming both the ship and its master are especially desirable because many vessels and captains can be researched through customs records and shipping registers.
Condition
Very Good
- Strong manuscript.
- Crisp engraved vignette.
- Embossed customs seal remains sharp.
- Original folds.
- Minor edge wear.
- Small edge losses at left and right margins.
- Overall excellent eye appeal.
