This letter was written on an extremely
thin onion skin
type of paper and was very hard to read due to the writing on the
opposite sides showing through and partially obscuring what was written
on the other side. However, with the help of my trusty magnifying glass,
I did manage to decipher it. (It took me a
week of going over it. The few words that I was unable to read, I have
marked in bold light blue script.)
The letter concerns goods shipped by Brown and Ives to
Portugal and the purchase of salt for the next leg of the voyage.
Several other matters are discussed, including French Privateers,
tobacco prices and doing business in Spain. All in all, this is the most
interesting early Brown letter I have come across so far.
The letter was sent by ship, Captain Kempton commanding
to Norfolk, Virginia and thence overland to Providence, Rhode
island. The Feb 25 Date stamp indicates it arrived in Norfolk on
that date and the script 29 at the top right is for the 29 cent single
weight ship letter rate established in 1792 for a letter traveling over
450 miles from port of arrival to its final destination. The Brown and
Ives Captain, George Tyler is evidently also from Providence, RI as he
asks to notify his parents that he is well.
The firm of Nicholas Brown
and Company was renamed Brown
and Benson after George Benson joined the company. The
original firm was founded by the four Brown brothers; Nicholas
Sr., Joseph, John,
and Moses. After the death of
Nicholas Sr. in 1790, his son Nicholas Brown, Jr. took over the reins of
the firm which was then joined by his sister's husband Thomas
Poynton Ives and in 1791 the firm became known as Brown
and Ives.
See below links for further
information:
1789
Brown and Benson Letter from Champion and Dickason - London
(With Early Brown Family History)
1834
Brown & Ives Letter from Amsterdam Factor
1852 Brown & Ives Letter from Baring Brothers - London, England
(With
Brown Family Genealogy)
Letter Text Follows:
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Lisbon
January 11, 2026
Msrs Brown and Ives,
Gentlemen,
I wrote you on the 6th and 9th insts. by the brig dispatch; Cap'
Rinker via Philadelphia which letter I hope may safely arrive. I
have now to advise you, the ship was discharged this day. The
salt is promised us. |
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Our assessment will be made out tomorrow and presented for
payment and doubt not it will be punctually honored when presented and
at present see not the least obstacle to prevent our leaving the
17th with wind and weather permitting.
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In my last, I mentioned that I had it in contemplation to
remit the proceeds of my cargo in the same manner as last
voyage. At present I am of same opinion, but would advise you in
time in regards to insurance. French Privateers have here sent
in home prizes to the (-?????-).
As that coast is thoroughly guarded by English business,
probably more of them will be sent in ere long. The French, I
think will never pretend to molest an American vessel loaded
with salt if the vessel is protected by the best of papers legally
attested to.
Note: The United States almost
went to war with France during this period over the depredations
of French Privateers and impressments of American Seamen.
Eventually we did get in a war (War of 1812) over this issue,
but with the British, who were also engaged in stopping our
ships on the high seas and impressing our sailors into their
service.
Tobacco at this period would answer exceptionally well at
any market in Europe. At Bordeaux, I have been credibly informed
it has been sold at 50 crowns the (-?????-).
At Gibraltar it commanded 40 dollars. In Spain we learned it was
formerly perpetual slavery to carry and land, it is now
permitted to be sold. The King purchases and gives 40 dollars a (-?????-).
with liberty to carry the dollars from the Kingdom, but how long
this license will last, no probable time can be set.
It is my opinion, a cargo of tobacco will answer well to
be delivered in April or May next, either at Gibraltar or Spain.
If so, I am entirely without doubt you will answer at this place by
Captain Cunningham who sails from Boston on the 14th.
I shall advise you of the sailing of our own cargo and
amount of it. & depend Gentlemen, I shall write you every
conveyance. I shall use all dispatch of economy it requires,
etc.
I am Gentleman your
Obedient Servant
George J. Tyler
Please inform my parents , I am well.
Our rice sold at $4,600 (-?????-).
The Portuguese inventoried, delivered from on board at the
invoice weight & (-?????-).
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