2005-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005
Large (8 x 12½) neatly penned (in a small but easily read hand) single sheet, two page letter from "NEWPORT, MARCH 10, 1753" to a Michael Bland. Evidently written by one of the vessel's owners to the insurance agent, describing his loss in that same year of the BRIGANTINE "POLLY" and its cargo. He expresses worry that his policy had been recorded in a timely manner. Included in his lengthy explanation is important mention: "…Captain Pinnegar, who wrote on first November that he had SEVENTY THREE SLAVES ON BOARD AND EXPECTED TO SALE [sic] FOR JAMAICA…YOU WILL NOTE THAT MR. MOSES LEVY IS HALF CONCERNED IN THIS ADVENTURE AND HAS WROTE HIS FRIEND IN LONDON TO TAKE INSURANCE THERE…" Mentions names in which he filed his proof of interest in the vessel and writes that on examining the accounts they did not nearly cover what the actual loss was and that the ship's captain was well qualified: "I should in some manner apologize for this loss as it does not appear it was by distress of weather for he certainly was esteemed as good a master as any out of this port. I can't say a word more in his favor than it was a great error in his judgment which sometimes happens to the greatest men living…" further promising that he has proof of all the claims and will be pleased to send copies of them for the various goods lost as well as the original orders to the ship's captain "…whereby you will see he promises and obliges himself strictly to observe and follow [all orders and regulations]…I have taken every cautious step from beginning to end of this unhappy affair both for the interest of the insurers and myself that could be thought necessary… and I doubt not will be approved of. YOU WILL NOTE MR. MOSES LEVY IS HALF CONCERNED IN THIS ADVENTURE and wrote his friend in London to make insurance thereon, will therefore apply to you…in order to recover his loss." Writes more of the loss and the various goods involved. Concludes with a short itemized list of some of the materials also on board owned by Mr. Levy (various chests of tea, textiles, etc. all of which had been paid for in advance. Letter not signed. It is obvious from the extra blank sheet affixed bearing the original docketing in the same handwriting, that this was the original personal copy kept by the letter writer (carbon paper then not yet in vogue). Docketing: "Copy letter wrote Mr. Michael Bland [about] ye loss of ye Brigg't POLLY." The writing style, the aging and the paper are all typically 18'th century and contemporary to that same year, 1753. Some slight tattering only on extreme edge of the blank margin, but not affecting any writing; minor damp stain in upper corners; for this type document, of this early era, may be rated as exc. Cursory research has shown that the Brig Polly is known to have been a vessel engaged in the slave trade in that era and with part Jewish ownership. It also reveals and that Moses Levy was known to have engaged in that ignoble trade.
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