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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC01450.617 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1777 |
| Title | Letter written by Samuel Barrett & Company on the difficulties of trading commodities during the revolutionary war |
| Date | 13 March 1777 |
| Author | Samuel Barrett & Co. (fl. 1777) |
| Document Type | Correspondence; Business and financial document |
| Content Description | Discusses the firm's acquirement of barrels of wines and spirits and the fluctuating price of such goods. Mentions Mr. Hopkins. Reports that in the south ward, these goods "would fetch double the Money as soon as the restraining Bill is repeald (which will be done immediately)." Discusses the importation of rice and flour, and the removal of these goods to the recipient's storehouses (which he calls magazines). In case of an enemy attack on Boston, intends to store goods in ports which may still be free, such as Sherburne, Sudbury, Worcester, or Springfield, Massachusetts. Awaits the recipient's orders to purchase and distribute goods to deputies in the area. Mentions commerce in molasses. Discusses economic strictures passed by the Courts and the potential for losses to merchants. States 'We desire during the War to hold ourselves at large as your Agents to purchase Supplies in the Prudentest Way we are able & under your Directions & Shall make our own particular Business & Interest in all Cases give Way to the public Service." In a post script, recalls that the owner of a privateer sent in beef and pork, which has been stored for the use of ships, based on the advice of Mr. Miller. |
| Subjects | Merchants and Trade Alcohol Finance Economics Law Commerce Diet and Nutrition Military History Revolutionary War Government and Civics Privateering Maritime Global History and Civics |
| People | Samuel Barrett & Co. (fl. 1777) Hopkins, Mr. (fl. 1777) Miller, Mr. (fl. 1777) |
| Place written | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Theme | Merchants & Commerce; The American Revolution; Law; Naval & Maritime; Banking & Economics |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | The New England Restraining Act, passed by England in 1775, required New England colonies to trade exclusively with England and restricted fishing in the North Atlantic. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |
| Transcript | Show/hide |