Finding Aid to the Vernon Family Records, 1738-1829

Col. 165

© Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library  
Winterthur, DE 19735  
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Table of contents

Background note:
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.

Administrative information
Restrictions
None

Copyright restrictions may apply

Provenance
Purchased from various sources.

Additional descriptive information
Note
OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION Repository code: DeWint File name: coll65.xml Abstract: The Vernons were an important merchant family in Newport, Rhode Island. The collection includes letters, bills of lading, receipts, and accounts, giving details about their business. Extent: 0.3 linear feet Date range: 1738-1829 Related materials: Language: English Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera Winterthur, DE 19732 (302) 888-4853 Vernon Family Records Col. 165 Creator: Vernon family Title: Records Dates: 1738-1829 Call No.: Col. 165 Acc. No.: [various - see numbers in detailed description] Quantity: 1 box Location: 14 C 5

Added entries
Subjects
  • Abigail (Ship).
  • Bland, Michael.
  • Building materials.
  • Business records - Rhode Island - Newport.
  • Coastwise shipping.
  • Coddington, Arnold.
  • Commerce - History - 18th century.
  • Commercial correspondence.
  • Commercial products.
  • Commission merchants.
  • Consignment sales - History - 18th century.
  • Cotton - Commerce.
  • Darrall, J. C.
  • Dolphin (Ship).
  • Doubleday, Benjamin.
  • Export sales contracts - History - 18th century.
  • Flaxseed - Commerce.
  • Glassware - Commerce.
  • Hannah (Ship).
  • Hardware - Commerce.
  • Hewes, Josiah.
  • Household supplies - Commerce.
  • Linen - Commerce.
  • Lopez, Aaron.
  • Molasses - Commerce.
  • Molly (Ship).
  • Porcelain - Commerce.
  • Prices - History - 18th century.
  • Royal Charlotte (Ship).
  • Rum - Commerce.
  • Shipping.
  • Ships - Cargo.
  • Slave traders.
  • Slave-trade.
  • Tanner, James.
  • Textile fabrics - Commerce.
  • Thomlinson and Trecothick & Co.
  • Vernon, Samuel, Jr.
  • Vernon, Samuel.
  • Vernon, Thomas.
  • Vernon, William, 1719-1806.
  • Wickham, Thomas.

    Genre terms
  • Accounts.
  • Bills (financial).
  • Bills of lading.
  • Correspondence.
  • Invoices.
  • Logs.
  • Manifests.
  • Receipts.
  • Ship's papers.

    Functions and occupations
  • Merchants.
  • Shippers.

    Contact information

    Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library
    [http://www.winterthur.org]
    Winterthur, DE 19735

     

    Collection inventory
    Letters, 1738-1769
    		 1738-1769 Folder 1

    77×101.  1738. James Pruniere to unidentified “Messieurs,” Savannah, Ga. (in French)
    1738.

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

    90×44.1.  September 30, 1742. Jacques Favier to Samuel Freebody, New York. (in French)
    September 30, 1742.

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

    72×104.  December 18, 1742. John Mawney to William Vernon
    December 18, 1742.

    		About a note on Mr. Chace.

    72×112.  July 30, 1743. William Vernon to Richard Ward, Newport.
    July 30, 1743.

    		Regarding money due on a parcel.

    72×91.  August 1, 1744. Edward Foggs to Samuel Vernon.
    August 1, 1744.

    		Order for goods.

    72×107.  December 21, 1745. Daniel Russell to Mr. Vernon.
    December 21, 1745.

    		Request for a loan for Samuel Lee.

    77×315.  July 14, 1747. J.C. Darrall to Samuel Vernon. Boston.
    July 14, 1747.

    		Regarding a cargo of goods from London.

    84×90.  March 6, 1748. Lindsey George Wallis to Samuel Vernon. Boston.
    March 6, 1748.

    		Note attached to boxes of things sent to Vernon.

    72×179.  1749. Mathias Jones to Samuel and William Vernon. West Indies.
    1749.

    		Regarding accounts and delivery of a shipment of nails.

    84×24.  May 15, 1749. J.C. Darrall to Samuel Vernon. Boston.
    May 15, 1749.

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

    77×540.  June 20, 1749. to William Vernon. Amsterdam.
    June 20, 1749.

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

    80×151.  Nov. 5, 1749. B. Blagge to William Vernon. New York.
    Nov. 5, 1749.

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

    72×354.  March 23, 1751. John Phillips, Jr., to William Vernon.
    March 23, 1751.

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

    90×44.2.  April 1, 1751. Edward and Joseph Robards to Samuel and William Vernon. London, England.
    April 1, 1751.

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

    74×6.  April 13, 1751. Mich. Bland to Samuel and William Vernon. London.
    April 13, 1751.

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

    80×154.  August 18, 1752. Sam Downe to Samuel Vernon. Boston.
    August 18, 1752.

    		Regarding disposal of silk items.

    80×152.  July 5, 1755. Samuel and Thomas Smith to Samuel and William Vernon. Philadelphia.
    July 5, 1755.

    		Acknowledging receipt of jackets and their subsequent sale.

    90×44.3.  August 20, 1737. Thomas Delval to Samuel and William Vernon. Hamburg.
    August 20, 1737.

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

    72×107.  December 21, 1745. Daniel Russell to William Vernon.
    December 21, 1745.

    		Note requesting a loan.

    90×44.4.  February 20, 1764. John Loman to Samuel and William Vernon. Cadiz, Spain.
    February 20, 1764.

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

    73×176.  October 29, 1764. Samuel and William Vernon to William Taylor. Newport.
    October 29, 1764.

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

    90×44.5.  January 29, 1765. Willing and Morris to William Vernon. Philadelphia.
    January 29, 1765.

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

    90×44.6.  June 22, 1767. Henry Laughton to Samuel Vernon. Boston.
    June 22, 1767.

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

    90×44.7.  October 18, 1768. William Vernon to unnamed recipient.
    October 18, 1768.

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


    Letters, 1770-1828
    		 1770-1828 Folder 2

    77×445.  March 21, 1770. Josiah Hewes to Samuel and William Vernon. Philadelphia.
    March 21, 1770.

    		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.

    90×44.8.  April 2, 1770. William Whitwell to Samuel and William Vernon. Boston.
    April 2, 1770.

    		Writer acknowledges receipt of payment from the Vernons.

    72×111.  April 4, 1770. Josiah Hewes to Samuel and William Vernon. Philadelphia.
    April 4, 1770.

    		Gives current prices.

    72×90.  May 16, 1770. Josiah Hewes to Samuel and William Vernon. Philadelphia.
    May 16, 1770.

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

    73×279.  October 22, 1770. William and Samuel Vernon for Selvey & Co. to Samuel Vernon, Jr. Newport.
    October 22, 1770.

    		Instructions for the route of the brig, Royal Charlotte.

    72×101.  November 22, 1770. Josiah Hewes to Samuel and William Vernon. Philadelphia.
    November 22, 1770.

    		Mentions current prices.

    90×44.9.  February 21, 1771. William Vernon to Hubbard. Newport.
    February 21, 1771.

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

    72×109.  May 21, 1771. Nathanial Russell to Samuel and William Vernon. Charleston.
    May 21, 1771.

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

    72×272a-b.  April 28, 1772. Capt. Peter Smith to Samuel and William Vernon and James Tanner.
    April 28, 1772.

    		Written while Smith was at sea and discusses cargo.

    77×442.6.  April 5, 1773. Samuel and William Vernon to Samuel Vernon, Jr., Newport.
    April 5, 1773.

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

    90×44.10.  November 2, 1773. Robert Sweet to William Vernon. Exeter.
    November 2, 1773.

    		Sweet writes about barrels and casks made for Vernon.

    72×102.  March 27, 1774. William Tanner to Samuel and William Vernon. Charlestown.
    March 27, 1774.

    		Citing reason for delay in shipping goods.

    90×44.11.  October 9, 1777. Samuel (Williams?) to Samuel Vernon. Boston.
    October 9, 1777.

    		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.

    77×121.  July 6, 1778. John Cook to William Vernon.
    July 6, 1778.

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

    80×153a-b.  April 26, 1785. Winslow Warren to Samuel Vernon. Lisbon.
    April 26, 1785.

    		Letter includes a list of current prices in Lisbon.

    90×44.12.  September 14, 1785. David Cooper to Samuel and William Vernon. Montego Bay, Jamaica.
    September 14, 1785.

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

    90×44.13.  January 5, 1787. Griffin Grene to Samuel Sanford. East Greenwich.
    January 5, 1787.

    		Discusses “coales” and tea.

    90×44.14.  April 12, 1789. Samuel H. Redwood to William Vernon. Philadelphia.
    April 12, 1789.

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

    77×314.6.  September 25, 1793. “Sir” from Samuel Vernon, Jr., Newport.
    September 25, 1793. “

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

    72×94.  June 1, 1796. L. Sandford to “Sir.” Newport.
    June 1, 1796.

    		Regarding a loan.

    77×102.  May 29, 1797. George J. Patton to William Vernon. Hartford.
    May 29, 1797.

    		Discusses the falling gin price.

    81×100.  August 2, 1797. Samuel Brown to “Sir.” Boston.
    August 2, 1797.

    		Gives costs for shipping glass bottles and flasks.

    78×103.  August 4, 1797. Samuel Brown to William Vernon.
    August 4, 1797.

    		Regarding a shipment of glass bottles and flasks.

    77×319.  September 21, 1801. George J. Patton to William Vernon. Hartford.
    September 21, 1801.

    		Notes that he can now sell the gin.

    77×320.  September 1, 1804. Roux & Co. to Samuel Vernon.
    September 1, 1804.

    		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.

    78×175.  May 18, 1811. John Richardson to Samuel Vernon, Jr., Liverpool.
    May 18, 1811.

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

    73×15.  July 6, 1815. William Vernon to his father Samuel Vernon.
    July 6, 1815.

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

    72×81.  February 16, 1819. William Rider to Samuel Vernon. New Orleans.
    February 16, 1819.

    		Gives current prices.

    72×362.  August 28, 1828. F.Y. Carlisle to William H. Vernon. Providence.
    August 28, 1828.

    		Discusses a shipment of books.


    Bills and receipts, 1732-1769
    		 1732-1769 Folder 3

    77×93.  1739. David Melvill, Jr. to William Vernon.
    1739.

    		Bill for wigs, rum, and sugar.

    73×7.  1741. Arnold Coddington to Gideon Wanton.
    1741.

    		Bill for grinding chocolate.

    72×97.  May 23, 1744. Samuel Vernon “bot” of Henry Collins.
    May 23, 1744.

    		Receipt for molasses

    72×92.  1745/6. William Vernon to Benjamin Greene.
    1745/6.

    		Bill for cloth.

    83×150.  March 1746. Samuel Vernon bought of Joseph Howe.
    March 1746.

    		For pans and other kitchenware.

    72×342.  October 20, 1746. Samuel Vernon bot of Jones and Griffon.
    October 20, 1746.

    		Bill for sulphur

    72×87.  1748. Samuel Vernon to Lindsey George Wallis.
    1748.

    		Bill for hardware.

    72×181.  October 1, 1748. James Hutten to Samuel Vernon.
    October 1, 1748.

    		Receipt for payment of wages.

    72×182.  1749. Stephen Ayrault to Samuel Vernon.
    1749.

    		Receipt for ink, hinges, tea kettles, etc.

    80×148.  April 1750. Jon Cahoony to Thomas Vernon.
    April 1750.

    		For painting.

    77×90.1.  August 9, 1750. William Vernon “bot” of Joseph Whipple.
    August 9, 1750.

    		Bill for 12 bundles of hay.

    76×146.  December 1752. Robert Carr to William Vernon.
    December 1752.

    		Bill for tallow candles.

    77×314.1.  May 4, 1752. to Thomas Vernon for snuff.
    May 4, 1752.

    77×92.1.  1752. Stephen Ayrault to Thomas Vernon
    1752.

    		Bill for locks, hinges, and other hardware.

    72×189.  February 11, 1752. Thomas Wickham to William Vernon. Receipt for nails.
    February 11, 1752.

    72×175.  1753. John Wallen to William Vernon.
    1753.

    		Receipt for rum.

    77×90.4.  January 20, 1754. John Dennis to the sloop Union.
    January 20, 1754.

    		Bill for hooping and packing.

    77×90.7.  February 1, 1754. Timothy Ingraham to William Vernon.
    February 1, 1754.

    		Invoice/bill for a cask of rice.

    77×90.8.  February 16, 1754. Jno. Walker's bill for work on old sails and seams.
    February 16, 1754.

    77×90.9.  1754. Peter Bours to William Vernon.
    1754.

    		Receipted bill for rice.

    77×90.5.  1754. John Lambert to William Vernon.
    1754.

    		Bill for the sloop Union, Caleb Corey, master, for hooping casks and barrels.

    77×90.12.  1754. Edward Belcher to William Vernon.
    1754.

    		Bill for work on sloop, including mops and brooms.

    77×90.23.  1754. James Easton to Elnathan Hammond.
    1754.

    		Bill for 13 spars.

    77×90.14.  1754. Isaac Peckham to William Vernon.
    1754.

    		Bill for tallow.

    72×99.  1754. Isaac Lawton to Thomas Vernon.
    1754.

    		Receipt for cheese.

    77×92.2.  1755. Peter Taylor to Thomas Vernon.
    1755.

    		Bill for lamb, etc.

    72×98.  1758. Timothy Doggett to Thomas Vernon.
    1758.

    		Receipt for tea.

    77×92.3.  1758. William Vernon from the Estate of James Greene.
    1758.

    		Bill for bar iron, steel, and a hammer.

    76×11.  1758. William Cycles to Thomas Vernon.
    1758.

    		Bill for cutting and carting pine boards and planks.

    77×90.3.  January 2, 1759. Caleb Corn to James Hardy, charged to Vernon account.
    January 2, 1759.

    		Bill for two days work.

    77×90.13.  1760. John Wing to William Vernon.
    1760.

    		Bill for trucking rum and molasses.

    72×184.  1761. Thomas Vernon to Daniel Vaughn.
    1761.

    		Receipt for money to settle an account.

    77×90.15.  1762. Davis Whitman to William Vernon.
    1762.

    		Bill for work on a brig.

    77×314.3.  1762. John Walker
    1762.

    		Bill for work.

    72×185.  1763. Samuel and William Vernon to Walter Burling's Office.
    1763.

    		Bill for premium on cargo.

    76×330.  1764. Robert Burnside, Robert Alsborough, and Samuel and William Vernon.
    1764.

    		Receipts for items received.

    84×92.  1764. Thomas Vernon to Col. Dillingham.
    1764.

    		Bill for spikes.

    72×194.  1765. William Vernon to Henry C. Flagg.
    1765.

    		Order for corn.

    73×177.  1765. George Winslow to William Vernon.
    1765.

    		Order for cloth.

    80×149.  1765. Samuel and William Vernon to John Hadwen.
    1765.

    		Receipted bill for wrapping paper, etc.

    73×178.  1766. Ebenezer Flag to William Vernon.
    1766.

    		Order for cloth with receipt.

    72×105.  1766. James Coggeshall to William Vernon.
    1766.

    		Order for hay to be given to “Negro boy.”

    76×144.  1766. Thomas Hudson to William Vernon.
    1766.

    		Bill for work performed.

    77×90.16.  1766. Jacob Barney to Samuel Vernon.
    1766.

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

    77×92.4.  January 1767. Peleg Anthony to William Vernon.
    January 1767.

    		Bill for oxen and sheep.

    77×90.17.  1767. John Chaffee to James Tannor.
    1767.

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

    77×90.18.  1767. Jonathan Marsh, Jr., to William Vernon.
    1767.

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

    77×90.19.  1767. Peter Vredenburgh to William Vernon.
    1767.

    		Bill for turnips, corn, and nuts.

    76×327.  1769. William Prior to Samuel Vernon.
    1769.

    		Bill for shoes.

    72×183.  1769. John Hull to William Vernon.
    1769.

    		Receipt.


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

    72×165.  1770. Benjamin Doubleday to Samuel and William Vernon.
    1770.

    		Bill for blocks and sheaves.

    72×164.  1770. Benjamin Doubleday to Samuel and William Vernon.
    1770.

    		Bill for blocks, pins, etc.

    72×169.  1770-1771. Benjamin Doubleday to Samuel and William Vernon.
    1770-1771.