?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 800 - $ 1,200
(SLAVERY AND ABOLITION.) VERNON, SAMUEL. A retained copy of a letter from Samuel Vernon to Alexander Willock, asking that he "acquaint us the number and quality of the slaves Rogers (master of their ship) sold." Folio sheet, the letter written on one side; and an old merchant's bill on the other side. [Newport, RI], 1766
Samuel Vernon (1711-1792) together with his brother William were New England merchants who made their fortunes in the triangular Atlantic slave trade. In this letter to Alexander Willock, a partner in the trade, Vernon inquires about the 500 pounds sterling made by Captain Rogers, the master of their ship Othello, having sold some slaves on his own. It was more common for the masters of the slave ships to have "shares" in the overall profits. Vernon continues, asking that the profits be invested in the "best sugar and rum." This letter is a perfect illustration of the triangular trade.
