(RHODE ISLAND) Abstracts of Bounty on Fish and Provisions

Sale 2432 - Lot 289

Price Realized: $ 250

?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price

Estimate: $ 400 - $ 600

(RHODE ISLAND.) Abstracts of Bounty on Fish and Provisions. [26] manuscript pages, signed by William Ellery as Customs Collector on page [4]. 4to, original manuscript wrappers; dampstained throughout on inner third; Ellery's name addressed on inner rear wrapper. Newport, RI, 1800-42

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A record kept by the Newport Customs House listing the exporters of salted or pickled fish, the ship's name and captain, the destination, and the value. Almost all of the fish was destined for the West Indies. An interesting record of Newport's commerce between its pre-Revolutionary glory years as a commercial hub and its Gilded Age rebirth as a summer resort. William Ellery, best known as a signer of the Declaration of Independence, served as customs collector until his death in 1820. He signed this volume once, and some of the entries may also be in his hand. All but the last three pages date from his term as collector.