September 22, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/22/2011
Partly Printed Document completed in manuscript, one page, 6.5" x 8.25". Paris, February 3, 1787. In English. In full, "Marquis de la Fayette's Compliments Wait upon Mr Derby and Begs the Honour of His Company, at Dinner on Monday next. Paris Feb 3rd 1787. The favour of an Answer is Requested." The text is enclosed in a 4" x 6.25" double-bordered rectangle. Accompanied by the front panel of the original 4" x 2.75" envelope, addressed in an unknown hand to "Monsieur Derby" in Paris. Fine condition. Also, Partly Printed Document Signed "Jos. Hiller" as Naval-Officer, one page, 12.5" x 7.5". Salem, December 6, 1787. "Bill of Health" for Elias Hasket Derby's ship "Grand Turk" bound for the Isle of France (today, Mauritius). This document certifies that "there is not in the said Port of Salem any Pestilence or contagious Distemper whatever." Fine embossed Naval Office seal at left. Fine condition with professional repair to top right corner. Joseph Hiller (1748-1814) was a silversmith when he enlisted to fight in the Revolutionary War, rising to Major. In 1789, President George Washington appointed Hiller the first Collector of the Port of Salem; he served until 1803. American merchant and shipowner Elias Hasket Derby (1739-1799) of Salem, Massachusetts, often referred to as America's first millionaire, opened American trade to the Indian Ocean and China in the 1780's. At the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, Derby had owned a fleet of seven ships, but four were captured by the British. A staunch patriot, Derby gave money and supplies to the Continental army and converted his remaining three vessels to privateers which permitted him to arm his ships and attack enemy vessels, being awarded a share of the cargo taken with the government claiming the rest. As the owner of privateers, Derby increased his fleet to 85 vessels and captured 144 enemy ships. His business continued to prosper after the war. His ship, "Grand Turk," returned to Salem in May 1787 from a voyage to the Cape of Good Hope, Île de France, and Canton, China, with cargo of tea, cassia spice, hides, silk, and porcelain. This Bill of Health was for the next voyage of "Grand Turk." When Old Spice fragrance for men was introduced in 1938, a nautical theme was chosen for the product and "Grand Turk" was selected as its first trademark. In 1787, Lafayette received honorary doctor of laws degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University and Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts each made him an honorary American citizen.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.