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1809 Document, Sales at Auction Cargo

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Post-Revolutionary War to Civil War

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1809 Sale of Ship's Cargo Includes "John Adams' Likeness"

November 1, 1809, Manuscript Document, "Sales at Auction for Account of Capt. Robert Emery," Included Among the Items Sold was a Portrait of John Adams, Choice Extremely Fine.
This interesting, handwritten document, measuring 14.5" x 9.5," is an itemized listing of the cargo from Capt. Robert Emery's ship, which was sold at auction, and the prices each item brought. Auctioning a ship's cargo, often right on the dock, was a typical practice in the 1700's and 1800's. Most of the cargo on Emery's ship consisted of glass and porcelain ware, kitchen items, carpets and furniture. But also on the list are a "John Adams likeness" (sold for 50 cents), a Rittenhouse Stove (sold for $30), and a checker board. This sale was conducted at Salem, MA by "Jacob Peabody" who has signed at the end. Robert Emery (1773-1841) was a Ship Captain operating out of Salem in the late 1700's and early 1800's. This document is neatly written and easy to read, and is in excellent condition, having a couple small fold splits on one page. A fascinating look at commerce in the early 1800's.



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