The Winterthur Library

The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum, Winterthur, DE 19735

302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

Creator: Parker, John R. (John Rowe), 1777-1844.

Title: Papers

Dates: 1802-1844

Call No.: Col. 520

Acc. No.: 78x285.1-.29; 82x267; 91x71

Quantity: 1 box, 1 folder (around 500 items)

Location: 9 B 5

BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT

John R. Parker was a partner in two substantial Boston businesses during the early 19th century: Smith and Parker, proprietors of a carpet warehouse, and Parker & Poor, merchants and importers of British goods. Both businesses were located on Long Wharf. Parker belonged to Trinity Church, the Boston Cricket Club, and the Anacreontic Society. Evidence suggests that this John R. Parker was the author of A Musical Biography, published in 1825. Parker was interested in music, and very likely an officer in several cultural organizations. Parker also developed a system of marine telegraph signals which he published in at least four different books.

SCOPE AND CONTENT

Manuscripts in this collection primarily record the importation of British goods by John R. Parker between 1802-1844. Most are invoices or letters from merchants in London, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, and Glasgow. The invoices document the purchases of gold watches, engraved seals, sconces, candlestick brackets, a portable mahogany writing desk, square japanned toilets, looking glasses, gilt armchairs, and silverware or silver-plated goods. Large amounts of cutlery, including ivory-handled pieces are mentioned, as well as such glassware as cruets and cut glass salt dishes. Among the textiles noted are doilies, chintz, a tablecloth with an eagle on it, and pelisse clothes for ladies. Letters document carpet purchases, the shipment of goods, orders for goods, and travel plans. Also included is an 1809 price list of American produce from Liverpool, listing items, where the items were produced in America, their prices, quantity sold, and duties for shipping; in addition, there are comments about the products themselves.

The expense book is primarily a record of personal expenses, with Parker recording the furnishings of his house. From William S. Skinner, Parker purchased such items as beds, mahogany chairs, a side board, orange and yellow carpeting, pier glasses, a stone grate, and brass stair rods. Gowns, wigs, boots, and the like are also featured. Included also are entries for the purchase of a piano forte and music stool, and paying someone for copying sheet music for the Anacreontic Society. Additionally, statements of profits, losses, and expenses for several commercial voyages to the West Indies were recorded. Other expenses record purchases from British firms. From his expense book, it may be seen that Parker employed quite a number of people, at least seven of whom were women.

ORGANIZATION

The items are arranged chronologically, with oversize items in a separate folder.

LANGUAGE OF MATERIALS

The materials are in English.

RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS

Collection is open to the public. Copyright restrictions may apply.

PROVENANCE

Accession 78x285 purchased from Robert Dalton Harris.

Accession 82x267 purchased from Avis and Rockwell Gardiner.

Accession 91x71 purchased from The Manuscript Company of Springfield.

ACCESS POINTS

People:

Skinner, William S.

Topics:

Boston Cricket Club.

Anacreontic Society.

Carpets.

Clubs - Massachusetts - Boston.

Commercial correspondence.

Cost and standard of living - Massachusetts - 1800-1840.

Cutlery trade - Great Britain - History.

Finance, Personal - Massachusetts - Boston.

Glassware - England.

Home economics - Accounting.

Home economics - Massachusetts - Boston.

House furnishings - Massachusetts - Boston.

Imports.

Merchant marine.

Merchants - Correspondence.

Produce trade.

Shipment of goods.

Shipping.

Textile fabrics - Commerce.

Wages - Women.

England - Commerce - United States.

West Indies - Commerce.

Account books.

Orders.

Invoices (Acknowledgments).

Trade cards.

Merchants.

Importers.

Additional authors:

Smith and Parker.

Parker & Poor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

Location: 4 D 2

Box 1

Folder 1: expense book, 1798-1809 (acc. 91x71; formerly Doc. 208)

Primarily a record of personal expenses, with Parker recording the furnishings of his house; additionally, statements of profits, losses, and expenses for several commercial voyages to the West Indies were recorded. Parker employed quite a number of people as recorded in his expense book. At least seven of them were women.

Includes name index in front of volume.

Stamped inside the front cover is information about the stationer from whom the volume was purchased, John Hardy & Sons, located near Shadwell Church (no city mentioned).

Folder 2: papers, 1802

78x285.1 Bill, S. Twycross & Son to J. R. Parker, for engraved seals, ring, key, gold spring watch, London, [England], January 13, 1802.

78x285.2 Account, S. Twycross & Son with J. R. Parker, for purchases including watches and plated goods, [London, England], January-February 1802.

78x285.3 Invoice, Bentley & Wilson to Messrs. Smith & Parker, for a long list of cutlery, Sheffield, [England], January 24, 1802.

78x285.4 Draft, Bentley & Wilson to Mr. J. R. Parker, Sheffield, [England], January 30, 1802.

78x285.5 Bill, Clement Bellamy to Messrs Smith & Parker, for table mats, doilies, "chints," London, [England], February 3, 1802.

78x285.6 Shipping invoice, Pardoe & Hooman, Carpet Manufacturers, Kidderminster, to Messrs. Smith & Parker, for carpets (including borders), London, [England], February 5, 1802.

Note: on printed billhead

78x285.7 Invoice, C. Gabriel & Sons to Messrs. Smith & Parker, for “Gilt Pier Glasses,” looking glasses, “Japaned Toilets,” tea caddies, mahogany portable writing desks, knife cases, table mats, etc., London, [England], February 16, 1802. – IN OVERSIZE FOLDER

78x285.8 Bill, Ikins, Cockell & Carr to Messrs. Smith & Parker, for printed carpeting, table cloths, some described as "Green bord^d Eagle & Stars" and "Broad handsome Yellow Border with American Eagle in Center encompassed with 16 Stars," Leeds, [England], February 23, 1802.

Note: on printed billhead

78x285.9 Bill, Stephen Twycross & Co. to Messrs. Smith & Parker, for "Glass Cruet frames," "Plated Dish Salts Cut Glasses," and bread baskets, London, [England], February 24, 1802.

78x285.10 invoice, Bentley & Wilson to J. R. Parker, for silverware, Sheffield, [England], 1802.

78x285.11 Bill, Wm. Smith & Co. to Messrs. Smith & Parker, for charges on one cask per Brig Fox, Capt. Richd. Bunker, Liverpool, [England], December 17, 1802.

Folder 3: papers, 1803-1805

78x285.12 Bill, [Bainbridge & Co.] to J. R. Parker, for freight, etc. per the Minerva, London, [England], January 2, 1803.

78x285.13 Letter, S. Smith, Boston, to John R. Parker, New England Coffeehouse, Threadneedle Street, London, re goods ordered, June 2, 1803. Specifies the purchase of "bath stoves," carpeting, linens, looking glasses and cabinet ware, tinware, japaned ware, silverware, etc. and directs an order for "1 doz. Drawing room Arm Chairs painted white and neatly gilded with rush bottoms & cushions," etc. – IN OVERSIZE FOLDER

78x285.14 Letter, Thos. Law & Co., Sheffield, to John R. Parker, New England Coffeehouse, London, re shipment of order, including "6 pair Bracket Candle[sticks]," June 28, 1803. – IN OVERSIZE FOLDER

78x285.15 Receipt, Jno. Claybrook to Mr. Parker, in settlement of account, n.p., August 22, 1803. Embossed with stamp signifying payment of two pence for receipts.

78x285.16 Letter, Wm. Smith & Co., Liverpool, to Messrs. Smith & Parker, with invoice of charges on 5 bales, two cases and 1 cask shipped per Ship John Adams, Capt. John Wood, for Boston, February 9, 1804.

Also 82x267.102, .103, .248, .273, .291, one of which is a bill for designing and engraving a bill plate

Folder 4: papers, 1806

82x267.2, .147, .173, .183, .189, .217, .225, .233, .252, .259, .261, .264, .265, .267, .275, .279, .281, .285, .289, .290, plus one unnumbered piece

includes bills for painting signs and making cabinets for shop

Folder 5: papers, 1807, January-July

78x285.17 Letter, Moses Poor, Manchester, [England], to Jno. R. Parker, Boston, re: purchases of carpetings, February 3, 1807.

78x285.18 Letter, Wormald, Gott & Wormalds, Leeds, [England], to Messrs. Parker & Poor, Boston, re: non-importation acts, an order of patterns, and availability of "Pelice [i.e. pelisse] Cloths for Ladies Wear," February 23, 1807.

78x285.19 Letter, John Macfie & Co., Glasgow, [Scotland], to Messrs. Parker & Poor, Boston, re: invoice of one box of goods, June 16, 1807.

78x285.20 Letter, Richd. & Geo. Gould, [Roc]hdale, [England],to Messrs. Parker & Poor, Boston, re: order of goods, July 3, 1807.

78x285.21 Letter, James Brown & Co., Leeds, [England], to Messrs. Parker & Poor, Boston, re: shipment of two bales of woolens, July 23, 1807.

Also 82x267.3, .7-.11, .15, .17, .19, .99-.100, .137-.138, .141, .145, .155, .157-.160, .163, .172, .178, .181-.182, .184, .188, .223, .231, .235, .242, .246, .255, .262, .268, .276, .280, .283, .286, .287a-b, .288, .294, .296

Folder 6: papers, 1807, August-December

78x285.22 printed circular letter, James Robinson & Co. to Mess. Parker & Poor, detailing the confiscation of the Danish fleet, printed at Liverpool, [England], November 4, 1807. The bulk of the letter was originally printed as a supplement to the London Gazette of October 31, 1807.

78x285.23a Protest of draft, Helps, Lewis & Ray against Mesrs. Parker & Poor, payable at Mr. Thomas Wilson's Counting House, London, [England], November 5, 1807. Copy of original bill on verso. On printed form of William Armistead, Notary Public.

78x285.23b Letter, Helps, Lewis & Ray to Messrs. Parker & Poor, with reference to above, stating they will hold the bill until the Ship Sally arrives and that TW [Thomas Wilson] will be in possession of funds to meet it; London [England], November 7, 1807.

Also 82x267.4, .12, .13a-b, .101, .139-.140, .142, .162a-b, .164-.166, .169-.171, .174-.176, .180, .185, .187, .191-.192, .199, .201, .220, .229, .234, .236, .238-.239, .241, .243-.245, .251, .254, .256-.258, .270, .277, .282, .284, .292, .293, .295

Folder 7: papers, 1808, January-July

82x267.104, .109-.111, .144, .146, .168, .177, .179, .190, .193, .195, .197, .198, .200, .203, .206, .208, .209, .213, .215, .216, .218, .219, .222, .224, .226-.228, .230, .232, .240, .247, .249, .253, .260, .263, .266, .269, .272

Folder 8: papers, 1808, August-December

82x267.128, .135, .143, .148, .152, .154, .156, .161, .194, .196, .202, .204, .205, .207, .210, .214, .237, .271, .274, .278, .453

plus one unnumbered bill dated August 5, 1808

Folder 9: papers, 1809

78x285.24 "Prices Current of American Produce," Liverpool, [England], October 2, 1809. After embargo. With circular letter from James Robinson & Sons, Liverpool, [England,] October 6, 1809. Lists prices for ashes, bark, bees wax, cotton, deer skins, flax seed, flour, grain, hides, indigo, rice, shumack [sic], staves, timber, and tobacco. – IN OVERSIZE FOLDER

Also 82x267.112, .114, .120-.127, .129-.131, .133, .134, .136, .149, .150, .151

Folder 10: papers, 1810-1829

78x285.25 Letter, A. B. Turnbull, Star Office, London, to J. R. Parker, Esq., care of Jas. Lloyd Parker, Boston, May 26, 1815. Offers congratulations on the peace between the two countries, and discusses the return of Bonaparte to France; please sell his books at auction.

78x285.26 Letter, John R. Parker, Falmouth Harbour, [England,] on the packet Princess Elizabeth, from New York and Halifax, to Carter & Storr, announcing his arrival in Falmouth and naming boats providing consignments under his orders, July 30, 1815.

78x285.27 Letter, Robt. Shirley, London, [England], to J. R. Parker and Messrs. Carter & Storr, Liverpool, re: shaky credit arrangements, September 2, 1815.

Also 82x267.45, .107, .108, .113, .132, .153, .427, .430

Folder 11: papers, 1830-1831

82x267.48, .381, .429, .433, .434

Folder 12: papers, 1832

82x267.1, .39, .52, .53, .56, .383, .384, .386, .396, .412, .416, .418, .423, .435, .441, .442, .459, .461

Includes a bill for water from The Aqueduct Corporation of Boston

Folder 13: papers, 1833, January-July

82x267.16, .21, .25, .26, .30, .31, .43, .49, .51, .55, .376-.380, .382, .402, .404, .405, .413, .414, .417, .420, .422, .428, .431, .436, .438, .439, .440, .444, .455, .457, .458, .460, .464, .465, .467, .472

Folder 14: papers, 1833, August-December

82x267.22, .27, .28, .32-.34, .36, .400, .406, .409, .411, .426, .443, .445-.450, .452, .460, .478

Folder 15: papers, 1834

82x267.14, .18, .20, .29, .35, .37, .38, .40-.42, .44, .46, .47, .50, .385, .387-.395, .397-.399, .401, .403, .407, .408, .410, .415, .421, .424, .425, .432, .437, .451, .454, .462, .463, .468, .470, .471, .473, .474, .476, .477

Folder 16: papers, 1836-1839

82x267.57, .59, .70, .71, .73, .93, .135, .298-.301, .313, .315, .318, .319, .345, .346, .350, .351, .364, .369, .371, .375

Folder 17: papers, 1840

82x267.68, .69, .74, .78, .86-.88, .91, .92, .303, .306-.309, .311, .316, .317, .320, .321, .330, .331, .334, .338, .341, .347-.349, .352, .365, .367, .374

Folder 18: papers, 1841

82x267.62, .64-.67, .72, .76, .77, .79, .80, .82, .84, .85, .89, .95, .302, .304, .305, .322, .323, .326, .327, .332, .333, .335, .337, .339, .342, .344, .353, .357-.359, .362, .366, .368, .370, .372, .373

Folder 19: papers, 1842-1844

82x267.60, .61, .63, .96, .310, .312, .324, .325, .328, .329, .336, .340, .343, .354, .355, .356, .360, .361

Folder 20: papers, no date

78x285.28 Receipt, Wilkes Barber, London, to J. R. Parker, for passage to Boston; February 23, no year

78x285.29 List, "Small michrocopes, reading glasses(?), gold spectacles(?), silver [illegible], tortoise shell specs(?), opera glasses," etc., prices in both shillings and dollars, n.p., n.d.

82x267.5, .6, .24, .54, .81, .83, .94, .97, .98, .105, .106, .167, .186, .211, .221, .250, .314, .361, .363, .419, .456, .475

82x267.94 trade card for Jacob Bancroft, American Goods, Boston

Folder 21 (oversize folder, on shelf):

78x285.7 Invoice, C. Gabriel & Sons to Messrs. Smith & Parker, for “Gilt Pier Glasses,” looking glasses, “Japaned Toilets,” tea caddies, mahogany portable writing desks, knife cases, table mats, etc., London, [England], February 16, 1802.

78x285.13 Letter, S. Smith, Boston, to John R. Parker, New England Coffeehouse, Threadneedle Street, London, re goods ordered, June 2, 1803. Specifies the purchase of "bath stoves," carpeting, linens, looking glasses and cabinet ware, tinware, japaned ware, silverware, etc. and directs an order for "1 doz. Drawing room Arm Chairs painted white and neatly gilded with rush bottoms & cushions," etc.

78x285.14 Letter, Thos. Law & Co., Sheffield, to John R. Parker, New England Coffeehouse, London, re shipment of order, including "6 pair Bracket Candle[sticks]," June 28, 1803.

82x267.247 Messrs. Parker & Poor in account current with Caleb Hayward, Boston, June 2, 1807

[no number] Thos. Wilson, London, to Messrs. Parker & Poor, Boston, August 14, 1807, enclosing copy of account current; mentions various ships.

82x267.297 series of documents endorsed on back J. H. [John Henry] Grellier, power of attorney to Jno. R. Parker, enclosed within printed from from John Ansley, Lord Mayor of London, July 4, 1808

78x285.24 "Prices Current of American Produce," Liverpool, [England], October 2, 1809. After embargo. With circular letter from James Robinson & Sons, Liverpool, [England,] October 6, 1809. Lists prices for ashes, bark, bees wax, cotton, deer skins, flax seed, flour, grain, hides, indigo, naval stores, rice, shumack [sic], staves, timber, and tobacco.

82x267.469 receipted bill, John R. Parker paid Emery Alexander for beef, tongue, and porterage, no place, July 1834