[Maritime] Notable Shipping Merchant Moses Brown Asked For Reference Of Shipmate

MOSES BROWN (1742-1827) Shipping merchant of Newburyport, Mass., who maintained extensive trade between the West Indies, northern Europe, and elsewhere; originally a carriage-maker, during late Colonial era Brown invested in imports and sales of molasses and sugar, a trade at which he prospered during the 1780s; by 1790 Brown ranked as the second wealthiest man in Newburyport.

8 x 9 7/8, single page, Boston, June 7^th, 1800, JOSEPH CHAPMAN of Boston writes to BROWN of Newburyport [MA], seeking a reference for his son-in-law, WILLIAM JERVIS.

“I am desired by a merchant of respectability in this town to ask your candid opinion of William Jervis, who has sailed in your employ as Mate of the Ship William. Capt. Picket of the Brig and by Capt. Choate in her late Voyage to Hamburg, whether you or the Captains with whom he sailed think him capable of having command of the ship from this Port to Europe & back again your candid answer by the return of the Port, may be of great service to him he not being so well known here as in Newbury Port, from which place he has always sailed. I think I can be answerable for his honesty, sobriety, etc., but your opinion of him will govern the owner of the ship with respect to him. You will pardon my troubling you on this subject...Jervis is my son in law...Joseph Chapman”

Integral address leaf with nice docketing. Text is easy to read.

Folds, light toning. Small seal tear.

Everything we sell is guaranteed authentic forever to the original buyer. We also offer a 30-day return policy. If you discover a problem or are dissatisfied with an item, please contact us immediately. Our goal is to please every customer.  We are pleased to be members of The Manuscript Society, Universal Autograph Collectors Club, The Ephemera Society, the Southern New England Antiquarian Booksellers and the Preferred Autograph Dealers and Auction Houses. [AM 320]