The Winterthur Library

The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware 19735

Telephone: 302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

Creator: Vernon family

Title: Records

Dates: 1738-1829

Call No.: Col. 165

Acc. No.: [various – see numbers in detailed description]

Quantity: 1 box

Location: 2 A 4

BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT

The Vernons (William, Samuel, and Thomas) were influential merchants of the 18th and 19th centuries and engaged in maritime trade from their base of operations in Newport, Rhode Island. William and Samuel formed a partnership that was active in the triangle trade: rum to Africa, slaves to the West Indies, and molasses to New England. The firm also engaged in privateering and had interests in several ships during King George's War.

The Vernon family divided during the Revolutionary War. Thomas was an active as a Loyalist in Newport, while William and Samuel were active as patriots. The British occupation forced William to leave Newport in 1776. During the war, William served as a member of the Navy Board of the Eastern Department, charged with building and supplying America's ships and maintaining registers of personnel. After the war, William resumed his business activities and became involved in the local affairs of Newport as an overseer of the poor and an incorporator of the Redwood Library. In later years, William's son, Samuel, Jr., joined the business, first as a ship's captain and then as a partner.

SCOPE AND CONTENT

Material in this collection records imports, exports, and orders of goods generated and/or received by the Vernons. Letters detail problems with credit, payments lost in the mail, spoilage of food products, and transportation of goods. Some of the bills and receipts are for personal items needed by members of the Vernon family, including: textiles, clothing, lighting equipment, a coffeepot, and items for the kitchen.

ORGANIZATION

The collection is made up of many accessions which have been brought together and organized into five series: Letters, Bills and receipts, Accounts, Bills of Lading, and Miscellaneous.

PROVENANCE

Purchased from several sources.

ACCESS POINTS

People:

Vernon, William, 1719-1806.

Vernon, Samuel.

Vernon, Thomas.

Vernon, Samuel, Jr.

Lopez, Aaron, 1731-1782.

Darrall, J. C.

Bland, Michael.

Hewes, Josiah.

Tanner, James.

Doubleday, Benjamin.

Coddington, Arnold.

Wickham, Thomas.

Topics:

Thomlinson and Trecothick & Co.

Royal Charlotte (Ship).

Molly (Ship).

Abigail (Ship).

Dolphin (Ship).

Hannah (Ship).

Business records - Rhode Island - Newport.

Building materials.

Coastwise shipping.

Commercial products.

Commerce - History - 18th century.

Cotton - Commerce.

Flaxseed - Commerce.

Glassware - Commerce.

Hardware - Commerce.

Household supplies - Commerce.

Linen - Commerce.

Molasses - Commerce.

Porcelain - Commerce.

Rum - Commerce.

Slave-trade.

Textile fabrics - Commerce.

Slave traders.

Prices - History - 18th century.

Shipping.

Ships - Cargo.

Commercial correspondence.

Commission merchants.

Export sales contracts - History - 18th century.

Consignment sales - History - 18th century.

Accounts.

Bills (financial).

Invoices.

Bills of lading.

Manifests.

Logs.

Receipts.

Ship's papers.

Correspondence.

Merchants.

Shippers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

Location: 2 A 4

Folder 1: Letters, 1738-1769

77x101 1738. James Pruniere to unidentified "Messieurs," Savannah, Ga. 1738. (in French)

Regards merchandise sold as an agent with the comment "the best Articles for this place are rum, wine, cheese, & Negroes..."

90x44.1 September 30, 1742. Jacques Favier to Samuel Freebody, New York. (in French)

Refers to the selling of seven barrels of indigo and mentions that the writer hopes to visit Rhode Island soon.

72x104 December 18, 1742. John Mawney to William Vernon

About a note on Mr. Chace.

72x112 July 30, 1743. William Vernon to Richard Ward. Newport.

Regarding money due on a parcel.

72x91 August 1, 1744. Edward Foggs to Samuel Vernon.

Order for goods.

72x107 December 21, 1745. Daniel Russell to Mr. Vernon.

Request for a loan for Samuel Lee.

77x315 July 14, 1747. J.C. Darrall to Samuel Vernon. Boston.

Regarding a cargo of goods from London.

84x90 March 6, 1748. Lindsey George Wallis to Samuel Vernon. Boston.

Note attached to boxes of things sent to Vernon.

72x179 1749. Mathias Jones to Samuel and William Vernon. West Indies.

Regarding accounts and delivery of a shipment of nails.

84x24 May 15, 1749. J.C. Darrall to Samuel Vernon. Boston.

Darrall was unable to sell sugar for the agreed upon price.

77x540 June 20, 1749. to William Vernon. Amsterdam.

Regarding insurance and other matters pertaining to ships owned by the Vernons.

80x151 Nov. 5, 1749. B. Blagge to William Vernon. New York.

Blagge sent Vernon a cask of nails as payment for a debt.

72x354 March 23, 1751. John Phillips, Jr., to William Vernon.

Concerns cargo of a ship (including molasses) scheduled to arrive in Boston from the Caribbean.

90x44.2 April 1, 1751. Edward and Joseph Robards to Samuel and William Vernon. London, England.

Acknowledges cargo shipped and notes that an order cannot be completed because credit cannot be extended.

74x6 April 13, 1751. Mich. Bland to Samuel and William Vernon. London.

Bland was offering his services to the Vernons as their commissioner in London.

80x154 August 18, 1752. Sam Downe to Samuel Vernon. Boston.

Regarding disposal of silk items.

80x152 July 5, 1755. Samuel and Thomas Smith to Samuel and William Vernon. Philadelphia.

Acknowledging receipt of jackets and their subsequent sale.

90x44.3 August 20, 1737. Thomas Delval to Samuel and William Vernon. Hamburg.

Reporting on the sale of goods and suggesting commercial products that would be profitable.

72x107 December 21, 1745. Daniel Russell to William Vernon.

Note requesting a loan.

90x44.4 February 20, 1764. John Loman to Samuel and William Vernon. Cadiz, Spain.

Wheat that was delivered was of such poor quality because of rot that it was not acceptable. Also discusses staves, salt, and handkerchiefs.

73x176 October 29, 1764. Samuel and William Vernon to William Taylor. Newport.

Instructions to Taylor, who was master of the brig, Royal Charlotte.

90x44.5 January 29, 1765. Willing and Morris to William Vernon. Philadelphia.

Concerns wine and includes a copy of a letter from Don Juan Antonio de Franchy of Teneriffe, the Canary Islands.

90x44.6 June 22, 1767. Henry Laughton to Samuel Vernon. Boston.

Laughton conveys a message on behalf of a Mrs. Harvey concerning money owed to her.

90x44.7 October 18, 1768. William Vernon to unnamed recipient.

Discusses a payment made to James Parker of Woodbridge, N.J.

Folder 2: Letters, 1770-1828

77x445 March 21, 1770. Josiah Hewes to Samuel and William Vernon. Philadelphia.

Regarding the shipment of pork and flour. Also mentions the safety of mailing large bills by post and inserts current prices of various foods, bar iron, cotton, rice, oil, etc.

90x44.8 April 2, 1770. William Whitwell to Samuel and William Vernon. Boston.

Writer acknowledges receipt of payment from the Vernons,

72x111 April 4, 1770. Josiah Hewes to Samuel and William Vernon. Philadelphia.

Gives current prices.

72x90 May 16, 1770. Josiah Hewes to Samuel and William Vernon. Philadelphia.

Hewes informed the Vernons that he had not yet sold the last shipment of rum for them.

73x279 October 22, 1770. William and Samuel Vernon for Selvey & Co. to Samuel Vernon, Jr. Newport.

Instructions for the route of the brig, Royal Charlotte.

72x101 November 22, 1770. Josiah Hewes to Samuel and William Vernon. Philadelphia.

Mentions current prices.

90x44.9 February 21, 1771. William Vernon to Hubbard. Newport.

William writes about a letter containing payment that got lost in the mail.

72x109 May 21, 1771. Nathanial Russell to Samuel and William Vernon. Charleston.

In regard to problems of securing cargo in Charleston, S.C.

72x272a-b April 28, 1772. Capt. Peter Smith to Samuel and William Vernon and James Tanner.

Written while Smith was at sea and discusses cargo.

77x442.6 April 5, 1773. Samuel and William Vernon to Samuel Vernon, Jr. Newport.

Requesting that Samuel, Jr. dispose of a dozen men's shoes in Jamaica.

2017x30 August 20, 1773. John Sleght, New Brunswick, to Samuel and William Vernon.

Jamaican spirits and rum received; able to sell the spirits immediately, but trade in rum is dull. Writes more about market for West Indian goods, and gives prices current for bread, flour, wheat, West Indian and New England rum, spirits, and molasses.

90x44.10 November 2, 1773. Robert Sweet to William Vernon. Exeter.

Sweet writes about barrels and casks made for Vernon.

72x102 March 27, 1774. William Tanner to Samuel and William Vernon. Charlestown.

Citing reason for delay in shipping goods.

90x44.11 October 9, 1777. Samuel (Williams?) to Samuel Vernon. Boston.

The write discusses objects left by Vernon to be picked up at the writer's mother's house. Also mentioned are current prices of various commodities, including sugar, rum, coffee, beef, etc.

77x121 July 6, 1778. John Cook to William Vernon.

Informing Vernon about a mistake in the quantity of molasses shipped.

80x153a-b April 26, 1785. Winslow Warren to Samuel Vernon. Lisbon.

Letter includes a list of current prices in Lisbon.

90x44.12 September 14, 1785. David Cooper to Samuel and William Vernon. Montego Bay, Jamaica.

A Mr. Mairez dies, so the accounts cannot be finalized. Cooper wants to make shipments on the Vernon's accounts.

90x44.13 January 5, 1787. Griffin Grene to Samuel Sanford. East Greenwich.

Discusses "coales" and tea.

90x44.14 April 12, 1789. Samuel H. Redwood to William Vernon. Philadelphia.

Discusses the financial plight of a Mr. Barclay and the trading firm of V.P. French & Nephew of Bordeaux, France.

77x314.6 September 25, 1793. "Sir" from Samuel Vernon, Jr. Newport.

Regarding a box of china which was shipped from Providence, R.I.

72x94 June 1, 1796. L. Sandford to "Sir." Newport.

Regarding a loan.

77x102 May 29, 1797. George J. Patton to William Vernon. Hartford.

Discusses the falling gin price.

81x100 August 2, 1797. Samuel Brown to "Sir." Boston.

Gives costs for shipping glass bottles and flasks.

78x103 August 4, 1797. Samuel Brown to William Vernon.

Regarding a shipment of glass bottles and flasks.

77x319 September 21, 1801. George J. Patton to William Vernon. Hartford.

Notes that he can now sell the gin.

77x320 September 1, 1804. Roux & Co. to Samuel Vernon.

Part of the letter is printed and informs recipients that Mr. Peter H. Roux retired. It also describes the new set up of the firm and changes in commission rates. Trends in prices are handwritten on the document.

78x175 May 18, 1811. John Richardson to Samuel Vernon, Jr. Liverpool.

Note accompanying a circular that discusses the market for trade in Liverpool. A price list is included.

73x15 July 6, 1815. William Vernon to his father Samuel Vernon.

Concerns business about a bank. Written on wholesale price list from New York.

72x81 February 16, 1819. William Rider to Samuel Vernon. New Orleans.

Gives current prices.

72x362 August 28, 1828. F.Y. Carlisle to William H. Vernon. Providence.

Discusses a shipment of books.

Folder 3: Bills and receipts, 1732-1769

77x93 1739. David Melvill, Jr. to William Vernon.

Bill for wigs, rum, and sugar. [mounted on cardstock]

73x7 1741. Arnold Coddington to Gideon Wanton.

Bill for grinding chocolate.

72x97 May 23, 1744. Samuel Vernon "bot" of Henry Collins.

Receipt for molasses

06x166.1 January(?) 27, 1745 (but endorsed on back: July 27, 1746). Samuel Vernon, Newport, bought of Hall & Darrall, Boston.

Bill for dowling bits; with added note: nails will be shipped on first vessel.

72x92 Jan. 13, 1745/6. William Vernon to Benjamin Greene.

Bill for textile fabrics, silk thread, and for making cotton breeches.

83x150 March 1746. Samuel Vernon bought of Joseph Howe.

For lanterns, sauce pans, quart funnels, trumpets.

72x342 October 20, 1746. Samuel Vernon bot of Jones and Griffon, Boston.

Bill for sulphur.

72x87 May-Dec. 5, 1748. Samuel Vernon to Lindsey George Wallis.

Bill for hinges and suphur. G. Deblois also mentioned.

72x181 October 1, 1748. James Hutten to Samuel Vernon.

Receipt for payment of wages due on board the ship Neptune.

72x182 1749. Stephen Ayrault to Samuel Vernon.

Receipt for ink bottle, nails, hinges, brads, thumb latch, screw, staples, tea kettles, etc. Mentions sloop Endeavour.

80x148 April 1750. Jon Cahoony to Thomas Vernon.

For painting bags and buckets.

77x90.1 August 9, 1750. William Vernon "bot" of Joseph Whipple.

Bill for 12 bundles of hay.

77x92.1 June 1751-Jan. 1752. Stephen Ayrault to Thomas Vernon

Bill for buttons, locks, hinges, and other hardware. William Brown also mentioned.

72x189 February 11, 1752. Thomas Wickham to William Vernon.

Receipt for nails. Mentions sloop Wever.

77x314.1 May 4, 1752. to Thomas Vernon from E. Cole & Co., for snuff.

76x146 December 1752. Robert Carr to William Vernon.

Bill for tallow candles, with credit given for barrels of tallow.

72x175 1753. John Wallen to William Vernon.

Receipt for rum, received on board sloop Hanover, to be delivered to Samuel and Thomas Smith at Philadelphia.

77x90.4 January 20, 1754. John Dennis to the sloop Union, Caleb Cory, master.

Bill for hooping hogsheads and barrels, and packing water, fish, rice, beef, flour, and tobacco.

77x90.7 February 15, 1754. Timothy Ingraham to William Vernon.

Invoice/bill for 8 barrels of rice.

77x90.8 February 16, 1754. Jno. Walker’s bill for work on old sails and stitching seams of sloop mastered by Capt. Cory.

77x90.9 1754, Feb. 20-21. Peter Bours to William Vernon.

Receipted bill for rice.

77x90.5 1754, Feb. 25. John Lambert to William Vernon, for the sloop Union, Caleb Corey, master.

Bill for mallet, blocks, handspikes, etc.

77x90.12 1754, Sept. 9. Edward Belcher to William Vernon.

Bill for work on sloop Unity [spelled Younety], plus mops and brooms.

77x90.23 1754. James Easton to Elnathan Hammond.

Bill for 13 spars.

72x99 1754, Dec. 9. Isaac Lawton to Thomas Vernon.

Receipt for cheese received on board sloop Industry, to be delivered to James Parham[?] in New York..

77x92.2 1755. Peter Taylor to Thomas Vernon.

Bill for lamb, etc.

72x98 1758, Dec. 9. Timothy Doggett to Thomas Vernon.

Receipt for tea received on board schooner Anson, to be delivered to John Jenkins, merchant in Boston.

77x92.3 1758, Nov. William Vernon from the Estate of James Greene.

Bill for bar iron, steel, anvil, sledges, hammers, augers, etc.

76x11 1758, Nov. William Gyles [also spelled Giles] to Thomas Vernon.

Bill for cutting and carting pine boards, house timber, oak joists, shingles, and pine planks. Credit given for sugar.

77x90.3 January 2, 1759. James Hardy to sloop Union, Caleb Cory, master, charged to Vernon account.

Bill for two days work.

77x90.13 1760, May 27. John Wing to William and Samuel Vernon.

Bill for trucking rum and molasses.

77x90.14 1760, Dec. 11. Isaac Peckham to William Vernon.

Bill for barrels of tallow.

72x184 1761, Aug. 1. Thomas Vernon paid Daniel Vaug[torn, i.e. Vaughan] for master Isaac Peckham.

Receipt for money to settle an account.

77x90.15 1762, July 31. Davis Whitman to William Vernon and company.

Bill for work on a brig of Capt. Dorten [i.e. Dordin].

77x314.3 1762, August 8. Bill from John Walker, Newport.

Bill to “The Briggenteen, Cap. Dorton [i.e. Dordin], master” for work on sails and making tarpaulins and coalts[?].

72x185 1763, July 22. Samuel and William Vernon to Walter Burling's Office.

Bill for premium on cargo on brig Reynard, Peter Dordan [also spelled Dordin], master, “from coast of Africa to Barbadoes or Annapolis, Maryland.” Also mentions Thomas Randall, Jacobus Leffert, and Lewis Pintard.

76x330 1764, June 24. Robert Burnside and Robert Alsborough, to Samuel and William Vernon.

Burnside and Alsborough charge for buttons, mohair, buckram, stays, silk, facing, strings, and making a pair of breeches.

On back: John Dummer acknowledges receipt of his wages.

84x92 June 1764-June 1765. Thomas Vernon billed by Cornelius Dillingham.

Bill for spikes, repairing staples, and latch for a door. Receipt signed by Isaac Barker for his master Dillingham.

72x194 1765, May 2. Henry C. Flagg to William Vernon.

Request to let Joseph Southwick have corn. Endorsed on back: Collin Flagg’s order.

73x177 1765, June 8. George Winslow to William Vernon.

Order for cloth (osnabrigs), to be sent by Caleb Turner.

80x149 1765-1766. John Hadwen’s bill to Samuel and William Vernon.

Receipted bill for wrapping paper, etc.

72x105 1766, Feb. 5. James Coggeshall to William Vernon.

Order for sugar, to be given to "my Negro boy," which will settle account for hay.

73x178 1766, May 1. Ebenezer Flagg to William Vernon.

Order for cloth (Irish Holland), to be given to Mary Mumford, in behalf of Henry C. Flagg, with receipt signed by Mrs. Mumford.

76x144 1766[?], Oct. 25. Thomas Hudson to William Vernon.

Bill for work performed (building something for sheep and turkeys, and a trough).

77x90.16 1766, Nov. 25. Jacob Barney, Jr., to Samuel Vernon.

Request to let Caleb Coggeshall to pick up flour. Signed by Coggeshall.

77x92.4 January 1767. Peleg Anthony to William Vernon.

Bill for oxen, sheep, oats and corn.

77x90.17 1767, Oct. 3. John Chaffee to James Tannor.

Bill for two gallons of oil for a sloop, probably owned by the Vernons.

77x90.18 1767, Oct. 3. Jonathan Marsh, Jr. to William Vernon.

Bill for six boxes of tallow dipped candles and Castile soap.

77x90.19 1767, Nov. 9. Peter Vredenburgh to William Vernon.

Bill for turnips, corn, and nuts.

76x327 Aug. 1769-Jan. 1771. William Prior to Samuel Vernon.

Bill for making and repairing shoes, slippers, boots.

72x183 1769, Oct. 19. John Hull to William Vernon.

Receipt for Johannes, to be delivered to Nicholas Roosevelt, Jr., in New York.

Folder 4: Bills and Receipts, 1770-1829, undated

2017x56.2 1770, Feb. 6, for 1768-1770. Daniel Vaughan to Samuel and William Vernon.

Bill for indigo, sugar, tea, flour, corn, salt.

72x165 1770. Benjamin Doubleday to Samuel and William Vernon.

Bill for blocks and sheaves.

72x164 1770. Benjamin Doubleday to Samuel and William Vernon.

Bill for blocks, pins, etc.

72x169 1770-1771. Benjamin Doubleday to Samuel and William Vernon.

Bill for brakes and blocks.

72x168 1770. William Goodard to Samuel and William Vernon.

Bill for flour, sugar, etc. and respective shipping charges.

72x88 1770-1772. Thomas Vernon for Daniel Smith.

Receipted bill for hats and dying hats.

84x143.1 1771. Stephen Ayrants(?) to Samuel and William Vernon.

Bill for hardware.

72x167 February 3, 1771. William Vernon to Job Easton.

For work done by his negro man on sloop.

73x278 1771. Mr. Tennant to William Vernon.

Bill for making clothing and supplying cloth, buttons, etc.

84x98 November 13, 1771. William Vernon "bot" of George H. Perkham.

Bill for sole leather.

72x172 1771-1773. Benjamin Doubleday to Samuel and William Vernon.

Bill for work on ships.

72x170 1772. Benjamin Doubleday to Samuel and William Vernon.

Bill for sails.

72x171 1772. Benjamin Doubleday to Samuel and William Vernon.

Bill for tools.

77x95 1772. Aaron and Daniel Lopez to Thomas Vernon.

Receipt for goods sold at vendue.

76x331 1772. William Vernon "bot" of Gould Marsh.

Bill for candles and boxes of paper.

77x442.7 1773. Samuel and William Vernon "bot" of Joseph Fry.

Bill for horses and oats.

76x329 1773. Thomas Vernon to George Gibbs.

Bill for sugar and salt.

72x192 November 29, 1773. James Vekls to Samuel and William Vernon.

Bill requesting payment to Jacob Ammez for four days work on a brig.

84x143.2 1774. Samuel and William Vernon to Samuel Vinson.

Bill for shipping furniture.

84x99 1774. William Vernon "bot" of Gideon Lisson.

Bill for Irish linen.

84x94 December 31, 1774. William Vernon "bot" of John Dours.

Bill for broad cloth.

77x94 1774-1775. Ephraim Weeden to William Vernon.

Bill for gunsmith work.

76x170 April 19, 1777. Thomas Russell to Samuel Vernon.

Bill to Vernon for making and repairing articles of clothing.

74x178 1778. Samuel Vernon to Joseph Billings.

Bill for buttons, thread, etc.

80x231 1778. Daniel Brown to Samuel Vernon.

Receipt for paint.

74x309 1778. Daniel Reas to Vernon.

Bill for making a coat, silk, thread, and buttons.

72x273 1779. Perry Weaver to Samuel Vernon.

Receipted bill for hats.

76x328 1779. Samuel Gibbs to Thomas Vernon.

Receipted bill for cloth and thread.

77x314.4 1779. Terence Donnelly to William Vernon.

Bill for schooling James.

77x90.20 1783. Joseph Head to William Vernon.

Receipted bill for tea.

77x314.5 1784. William Tew to William Vernon.

Bill for making a black vest and breeches

84x95 1785. William Tew to William Vernon.

Bill for mending articles of clothing.

83x207.2 1785. John Norris to Samuel Vernon, Jr.

Bill for an iron stove.

77x90.21 1787. Jas. P. Halpin to Samuel Vernon.

Bill for coffee and Indian meal.

77x90.22 1792. John Norris to William Vernon.

Bill for storage.

72x195 1793. Estate of Capt. Elnathan Hammond to John Stephens.

Bill for casting gravestones.

77x119 1795. Joseph Mumford to William Vernon & Son.

Bills for mending large Lanthorn, hand pump, coffee pot, etc.

74x179 1795. John Stratton to Samuel Vernon.

Receipted bill for repair work on chairs.

72x106 1796. John Read to Samuel Vernon.

Receipt for foodstuff.

72x193 1798. William Vernon.

Receipt for taxes.

76x326 1798. Joseph Mumford to Samuel Vernon.

Receipted bill for mending a trumpet and oiling a pot on a sloop.

77x92.5 1799. Henry Barber to Samuel Vernon, Jr.

Bill for six months of the Newport Mercury.

76x147 1799. Rebecca Sayer to Samuel Vernon.

Bill for the schooling of three children.

84x96 1800. James and John Carter to William H. Vernon.

Receipted bill for various dry goods.

77x91.1 1800. Johnson's Warehouse.

Printed receipt for three hogshead of tobacco, one for Samuel and William Vernon and another for Kaighn and Cahoone.

77x91.2 1800. Kaighn and Cahoone to Samuel Vernon.

Bill for 2 casks snuff and 1 barrel of tobacco.

83x205 July 1, 1800. William H. Vernon "bot" of Giles Lodge.

Bills for hats, stockings, and fabric.

80x150.1-.6 1813-1829. William Simons to Samuel Vernon.

72x191 Seven receipts for the Rhode-Island Republican.

77x90.24 n.d. Samuel Mumford to William Vernon

Bill for wharfage of food.

84x97 n.d. Draper Toman to William Vernon.

Receipted bill for sole leather.

Folder 5: Accounts, 1732-1749

73x14 1732-33. Samuel Vernon to the Estate of Capt. Peter Coggeshall.

72x174 1738. Samuel and William Vernon with Joseph Drunieres

Cargo accounts current.

83x203 1735-1739. Samuel Vernon with Ann Sanford.

Accounts for purchases of cloth, wood, coffee, chocolate, and household supplies.

77x446 1739-1750. Account book of one of the Vernons.

Records charges to various individuals for meat, food, textiles, tallow, nails, powder, etc. Names in the account book:

Andover (sloop)

Betty, Jno.

Bewd, Wm.

Brown, Jno. (Capt.)

Carr, Salis

Church, Edward

Cole, Edward

Cranston, Thos.

Devis, Ruben

Grant, Sueton

Gray, H:

Handys, C:

Harrad, Mr.

Hubbard, Isaac (Capt.)

Hudson, Timothy

Richardson, Eben.

Robinson, Mathew

Rock, Wm.

Rhodes, Simon

Silvester, Brinley

Vernon, Dan.

Vernon, James

Vernon, Wm.

72x274 1739-1748. Invoice book for merchandise shipped to Samuel and William Vernon from London.

Items listed include kitchenware, textiles, hardware, logs, drapery, tobacco, and sundries.

83x26 1741. "Invoice for Sundries shpt. by Thomas Plumsted... to Samuel Vernon...consigned to Thomas Hutchinson."

Items listed include chest locks, nails, tap borers, chalk line, candlesticks, knives, forks, and speaking horns.

72x93 1742-1746. David Melville, Jr. with Samuel Vernon.

Vernon's account with his barber.

72x114 1743. William Vernon with John Gidley.

Account adjusted by Sutton Grant for rum, etc.

73x8 1743. Thomas Vernon with Arnold Coddington.

Settlement at Coddington's death. Buttons, cloth, and snuff were purchased.

73x7 1741-1743. Account with Arnold Coddington.

72x176 1746. Samuel Vernon.

Disbursements for the ship Molly.

77x117 1747. "Invoice of Sundry Merchandize sent by Capt. Isaac Stele for Acct. & Risque of William Vernon."

Includes such merchandise as silk stockings, earrings, studs, and buttons.

72x86 1748-1749. "Sales of Indigo on Acct. of William Vernon."

72x177 a 1749. Samuel and William Vernon. Nevis.

Disbursements for Sloop Culloden.

72x177b 1749. “Acct. Sales of two boxes…,” account of Samuel and William Vernon with Richard Rennolls, Nevis.

Also includes amount of wages.

83x25 1749. "Invoice of a Trunk Merchandize" shipped to Samuel and William Vernon.

Folder 6: Accounts, 1749-1765

83x152 1749-1765. Invoice book.

This volume contains 42 invoices for sundry merchandise, particularly textiles, shipped to Samuel and William Vernon. Seven list shipments by Thomlinson and Trecothick & Co., merchants of London. An invoice from them lists blue and white china plates, tea cups and saucers, and enameled bowls, in addition to linen.

Shipments also originate from Livorno, Barbados, Ireland, Hamburg, and Amsterdam. Occasionally, the Vernons received large quantities of pewterware, nails, frying pans, chafing dishes, faggot steel, and other hardware.

72x115 1750. William and Mathias Jones with Samuel and William Vernon.

For foodstuff.

78x173 1750-1752. Samuel Vernon with Thomas Wickham.

For hardware.

72x83 1750-1751. Samuel Vernon with Thomas Wickham.

For hardware.

72x186 1750-1752. Samuel and William Vernon with Thomas Wickham.

Account current for hardware.

72x113 1751-1752. Samuel and William Vernon with Samuel and Thomas Smith.

For flour, stockings, rum, etc.

72x187 1752. Michael Bland for Samuel and William Vernon. Account of sales in London.

Items sold include tea and coffee.

72x188 second page of 72x187, above

84x93 1752-1774 "Estate of James Tanner, deceased to Samuel and

William Vernon."

A wide variety of products are represented.

74x201 another copy of 84.93, above

77x90.2 1753. Obadiah Brown with Samuel and William Vernon.

For chocolate, rum, axes, and hoops.

80x65 1754. William Vernon & Co. with Timothy Packcom, Jr.

For work on sloop (Union).

77x90.11 1754. Money due to Samuel and William Vernon from Ezra Richmond.

77x442.2 1755-1768. Samuel Vernon with Benjamin Greene.

For making and repairing clothing.

73x13 1753. Gideon Smith with Samuel and William Vernon.

For textiles traded.

77x314.2 1753. James Honyman.

For chamber pots, cartridge paper, iron hoops, sundries, etc.

95x97 1753-1754. "Samuel Vernon-His Account with Jabez Carpenter."

Listings include molasses, men's and boys' shoes, shoes for his Negro man, beakers, and "biskets."

77x97 1755. "Portledge bill for the Sloop Union..."

Lists names and wages of crew.

77x90.10 1756. Samuel and William Vernon with Joseph Sanford.

Listings include rum, molasses, flour, cheese. yarn, tar, turpentine, tea, and tobacco.

84x91 1756-1761. Thomas Vernon to Silas Cooke.

Listings include oil, tea, cheese, sugar, chocolate, and rum.

79x301 1753-1763. William Vernon and Benjamin King.

Listings include rum and work on a sloop.

72x82 1752-1770. Samuel and William Vernon with Joseph Hammond, Jr.

Listings include hay, linen, an anchor, and timber.

77x44.3 1759. "Invoice of sundry merchandise..."

A variety of textiles are mentioned.

73x11 1762-1765. Capt. Peter Dordin with J. & W. Vernon.

Listings include firewood, textiles, flour, sugar, cheese, indigo, butter, salt, flannel jackets, tea, coffee, beef and veal, corn.

2017x56.1 1765, June. [Capt.] Peter Dordin with S. & W. Vernon.

Outfit and return of sloop Nancy. No goods mentioned; an account of how much each party put up (Dordin, 1/3, the Vernons 2/3), and how much was earned.

Folder 7: Accounts, 1765-1800, and undated

80x66 1765-1767. Samuel and William Vernon and Samuel Goldshaw.

Flour, corn, and wine glasses are mentioned.

72x351 September 23, 1766, Amsterdam. “Invoice of sundrys” shipped by John Turner & Son, on the Brig Apollo, Capt. James Bourk, bound for Bay of Honduras, at the risk of Samuel and William Vernon of Newport. Peter Dordin mentioned at end of document. (trex 3981)

Lists alcoholic beverages, loaves [doesn’t specify loaves of what], textile fabrics, tea, bandanas, writing paper, stoneware, saws, cordage, and anchors.

75x137 1766-1771. Thomas Vernon and Polock.

Listings include fabrics, handkerchiefs, and sugar.

76x145 1766-1772. William Vernon to Samuel Lyndon.

Listings include sundries, locks, nails, a mousetrap, and hinges.

73x179 1766-1767. Samuel and William Vernon with Joseph Belehen.

Listings include mending candlesticks, tea kettles, kitchen utensils, and a hammer.

72x180 1767. Account of expenses for Schooner Adventure.

72x85 1767-1772. Samuel Vernon and E. Hammond.

Mentions a variety of textiles.

78x174 1767-1768. Aaron Lopez with Samuel and William Vernon.

Listings include candles, oil, work of a "Negro," and ravens duck.

72x96 1767-1772. Samuel and William Vernon with Gilbert Stewart.

Accounts associated with building supplies for ships.

73x10 1768. "Invoice of Sundry Merchandise..."

Listing includes tea, writing paper, bolts, and china.

76x12 1768-1776. William Vernon with Peleg Parker.

Beaver and other kinds of hats listed.

81x101 1768-1770. Samuel Vernon and David Moore.

Mentions a variety of textiles.

72x166 1770. Josiah Hewes.

Account of sales for Samuel and William Vernon.

76x148 1770-1772. Thomas Vernon to B. Perkins.

Accounts for tailoring work performed by Perkins.

77x444 1772-1775. Samuel and William Vernon with Aaron Lopez.

Account for freight of sundries from London and various commodities.

72x95 1773-1774. Account book for the brig R. Charlotte.

83x151 1776. William Vernon with Jonathan Otis.

Mentions a variety of textiles.

73x12 1777. "Invoice of the cargo shipped by Samuel and Wm. Vernon and Thomas Taylor on the brig Royal Charlotte... for Jamaica."

Listing includes dry goods, flour, and candles.

78x7 1779. William Vernon and John Deshon with Simeon Samson.

Account records textiles and sewing equipment in return for Virginia tobacco sold at Nantes.

77x118 November 10, 1781. "Invoice of Trunk Merchandise (sent by a Waggon as by Receipt) on Account & risque of William Vernon...consigned to Joseph Hewes.

Lists many kinds of textiles from France.

74x200 1791. "Invoice of the cargo on board the Brig to Peggy Joseph...bound to Europe on account and risk of William and Samuel Vernon."

77x99 1797. "Sales per the Ascension at Rio de Janeiro o'er account and risque of Vernon, Gardner, and Co.

Listings include ham, cheese, butter, Bourdeaux wine, and cambric.

73x280 n.d. Fragment of an account for tea, rolls of paper, and linseed oil.

Folder 8: Bills of lading, 1740-1774

72x110 1746. Ship Molly bound for Rhode Island.

Mentions foodstuffs.

72x84 1748. Ship Abigail bound for Rhode Island.

Mentions earthenware

72x196 1748. Sloop Jenny bound for Boston.

Mentions sugar.

72x198 1748. Ship Abigail bound for Rhode Island.

Mentions cotton, sugar, earthenware, etc.

72x100 1748. Sloop Molly bound for Madeira.

Mentions foodstuffs.

72x197 1748-1749. Ship Duke of Marlborough bound for "Leghorn".

Mentions sugar and rum.

72x200 1750. Ship Hal[illegible] bound for London.

Lists one small bundle.

72x201 1751. Ship Endeavor bound for Charleston, S.C.

Mentions rum.

77x541 1752. Newport Packet bound for London.

Mentions elephant's teeth and weights.

77x96 1755. Bristol Packet bound for Ireland.

Mentions flax seed and rum.

72x203 1756. Brig Trumpeter bound for New York.

Mentions a box.

72x103 1760. Ship Elizabeth bound for Philadelphia.

Mentions rum.

72x204 1761. Ship Dolphin bound for Philadelphia.

Six hogsheads of cocoa.

72x108 1766. Sloop Charming Sally bound for Rhode Island.

Mentions flour.

72x202 1771. Ship Dolphin bound for the West Indies.

Mentions flour, candles, foodstuffs, etc.

72x199 1771. Ship Dolphin bound for the West Indies.

Mentions flour, candles, foodstuffs, etc.

80x159 1774. Ship Dolphin, William Tanner master, bound for New England.

Mentions tea.

Folder 9: Miscellaneous, 1739-1803, undated

73x281 October 9, 1755. Price of goods usually imported at London from America.

77x98a-b 1796. Account of expenses in consequence of the capture of the sloop Hannah, Joseph Finch, Master, while in Bermuda, West Indies, 1796.

77x103 1797. Printed policy of assurance for Ship Semiramis on a voyage to the Port of Canton. Jacob Smith was the ship's master. William Vernon was among the subscribers.

90x44.15 September 1799. Revenue certificate from the District of Rhode Island declaring William and Samuel Vernon, jr. had imported a quarter cask of sherry from Cadiz.

77x100 1800. Manifest, Ship Follensbe, James Perry Master, at Port of Manila. Cargo included chinaware, indigo, gum dragon, paper umbrellas, red wood, and silk.

72x190 1800. Port certificate for duties paid by Brig Hannah.

72x173 August 1800. Revenue certificate from the District of Rhode Island declaring Samuel Vernon, Jr., had imported a pipe of brandy.

74x242 November 1, 1803. Report on the status of commerce in Hamburg, Germany.

72x89 n.d. Memorandum to Samuel and William Vernon on prices in Barcelona and Cadiz.

77x90.6 n.d. List of items shipped on board a sloop.