EARLY BOSTON SHIPPING DOCUMENTS
Collection of five D.S.s, 1836 to 1848, all dealing with shipping matters relating the Port of Boston and Charlestown. Partly printed D.S. "Charles Ward, U.S. Consul," 2pp (single sheet), May 16, 1846, folio. Reads in small part: "…We, J. Hogt Master, and G.F. White Mate, on the Bark Catalpa…arrived from Port of Boston…do solemnly swear, that the goods and merchandise…described in the preceding Certificate…were actually delivered…". CHARLES WARD (1816-76), American merchant and, U.S. Consul at Zanzibar (1846-50). Not the most diplomatic person, his explosive relationship with Sultan Seyyid Said nearly ended all United States-Zanzibarian trade. WITH another partly printed D.S., by the Naval Officer, 1p, Dec. 22, 1848, folio, from the port of Boston and Charlestown, Mass., to "…Certify all whom it may concern, that Samuel Benson Master or Commander of the Ship Aldebaran burthen 380 Tons…mounted with Two Guns, navigated with fifteen men, American built, and bound for East Indies…" WITH two documents very similar to last one listed, 1 page each, 1839 & 1842, ships leaving the Port of Boston and Charlestown, for the East Indies, and signed by the Naval Officer. WITH another partly printed D.S., 1p, March 24, 1836, folio, District of Boston and Charlestown. Reads in part: "BILL OF HEALTH…to all to whom these Presents shall come; WE, the Collector and Naval-Officer…Certify and make known, that the Captain, Officers, Seamen and Passengers of the Barque called United States…now ready to proceed on a voyage to East Indies…are all in good health…That no plague…at present exists…". Signed by the Collector and the Naval Officer. Overall very good condition.