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This is an original 1805 Bill of Lading from the Port of Bridgeton, Massachusetts (now Bridgton, Maine), documenting the importation of one puncheon of rum from St. Kitts aboard the Ship Eunice Holmes. This historic maritime document predates Maine’s statehood, making it a rare and valuable artifact of early American commerce and trade in what was then the District of Maine, part of Massachusetts.
This document provides a glimpse into early New England maritime trade, the rum trade of the West Indies, and the administrative customs process for shipments entering the United States in the early 19th century.
No. 3400
District of Massachusetts
Port of Bridgeton, Nov 13, 1805
I certify, that there was imported into this District on the twenty-eighth of October, 1805, by Thos. Cutts in the Ship Eunice Holmes, an American vessel, from St. Kitts,
One Puncheon of Rum
numbered and marked as per margin, containing one hundred and twenty gallons of the third proof.
O. Lincoln, Collector
Counter-signed by
Jere Hills, Inspector
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Historical Significance:
Early Maine Trade Port (Pre-Statehood):
At the time this document was issued in 1805, Maine was still part of Massachusetts and would not become a separate state until 1820 under the Missouri Compromise. Bridgeton (modern Bridgton, Maine) was a growing inland town with trade connections to larger coastal ports like Portland, making this an important document showcasing the region’s economic activity.
Rum and the Triangle Trade:
The document references the importation of one puncheon of rum (approximately 120 gallons) from St. Kitts, a major supplier of sugar and rum in the West Indies. Rum was a crucial part of early New England’s economy, often used as currency and heavily taxed by colonial and early American governments.
Bill of Lading and Customs Documentation:
This document was issued by O. Lincoln, Collector, and Jere Hills, Inspector, serving as proof of importation and taxation. Such documents were required by the government to regulate and document trade, preventing smuggling and ensuring proper revenue collection.
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Biographies of Key Figures:
1. Thomas Cutts (Thos. Cutts)
Likely Thomas Cutts (1736–1821), a well-known merchant and shipbuilder from offerdeford, Maine.
Cutts was a prominent figure in New England trade, engaging in maritime commerce between the Caribbean and the United States.
He owned several ships and was involved in importing goods like molasses, rum, and textiles.
If this document pertains to him, it provides further evidence of his role in the growing economy of early Maine.
2. O. Lincoln (Collector)
Likely a government-appointed customs official overseeing imports in the Bridgeton/Portland area.
His role was to document and tax incoming goods, ensuring compliance with U.S. trade laws.
3. Jere Hills (Inspector)
As an Inspector, Hills’ responsibility was to physically inspect and verify the contents of shipments entering the port.
Customs inspectors played a crucial role in preventing smuggling, especially in the rum trade, which was often subject to high tariffs.
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Why This Document is Rare & Collectible:
✅ Early American Maritime History – Official customs documents from the early 19th century are highly collectible, particularly those involving the rum trade.
✅ Pre-Statehood Maine Artifact – Documents from Maine before its statehood in 1820 are scarce, especially from Bridgeton (Bridgton), an early inland trade town.
✅ Triangle Trade Connection – This document directly ties to the West Indies trade network, which supplied rum, sugar, and molasses to the American colonies and early U.S. markets.
✅ Great for Collectors – Perfect for collectors of Maine history, early American trade, rum and spirits history, and maritime artifacts.
✅ Original 1805 Document – Authentic, not a reproduction. Hand-signed and stamped with official markings.
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Condition:
Original 1805 customs document on period paper.
Handwritten entries are legible, with some ink fading due to age.
Edge wear and minor creases, consistent with documents of this era.
Embossed customs seal still faintly visible.
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Shipping & Handling:
Carefully packed and shipped with protective archival sleeve.
Tracked & insured shipping for buyer security.
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📜 Don’t miss out on owning a piece of early Maine history! Add this rare 1805 Bill of Lading to your collection today.
