1800 Edenton NC Merchant Letter & Account Statement, Norfolk VA Trade
1800 Edenton NC Merchant Letter & Account Statement – Norfolk VA Trade – Early American Commerce
Description
Original Federal-period merchant letter written at Edenton, North Carolina, dated May 15, 1800, addressed to John Washington.
This fascinating commercial manuscript discusses the settlement of accounts, delivery of goods, sales through agents, bonds, commissions, freight charges, and auction proceeds. The correspondence references Norfolk, Virginia merchants and provides a detailed glimpse into the operation of coastal American trade immediately following the Revolutionary era.
Accompanying the letter is an extensive manuscript accounting statement listing transactions from 1797–1798, balances, credits, and calculations associated with the account.
Historical Significance
Edenton was one of North Carolina's most important early ports and commercial centers. During this period merchants regularly exchanged goods with Norfolk and other Chesapeake ports through networks of agents, factors, and shipping partners. This letter documents those business relationships in remarkable detail.
Features
Original manuscript letter
Edenton, North Carolina
Dated May 15, 1800
Addressed to John Washington
Multi-page correspondence
Detailed accounting statement included
References Norfolk, Virginia trade
Federal-period commercial history
Original ink on laid paper
Condition
Good original condition for age. Typical folds, toning, handling wear, and minor edge wear consistent with a document more than 225 years old. Handwriting remains largely legible throughout.
Please review all photographs carefully.
Collector Appeal
An outstanding item for collectors of:
Early American manuscripts
North Carolina history
Virginia maritime commerce
Merchant correspondence
Federal-period finance
Genealogy and economic history
A scarce surviving commercial letter from the first years of the American republic.
1800 Edenton NC Merchant Letter & Account Statement – Norfolk VA Trade – Early American Commerce
Description
Original Federal-period merchant letter written at Edenton, North Carolina, dated May 15, 1800, addressed to John Washington.
This fascinating commercial manuscript discusses the settlement of accounts, delivery of goods, sales through agents, bonds, commissions, freight charges, and auction proceeds. The correspondence references Norfolk, Virginia merchants and provides a detailed glimpse into the operation of coastal American trade immediately following the Revolutionary era.
Accompanying the letter is an extensive manuscript accounting statement listing transactions from 1797–1798, balances, credits, and calculations associated with the account.
Historical Significance
Edenton was one of North Carolina's most important early ports and commercial centers. During this period merchants regularly exchanged goods with Norfolk and other Chesapeake ports through networks of agents, factors, and shipping partners. This letter documents those business relationships in remarkable detail.
Features
Original manuscript letter
Edenton, North Carolina
Dated May 15, 1800
Addressed to John Washington
Multi-page correspondence
Detailed accounting statement included
References Norfolk, Virginia trade
Federal-period commercial history
Original ink on laid paper
Condition
Good original condition for age. Typical folds, toning, handling wear, and minor edge wear consistent with a document more than 225 years old. Handwriting remains largely legible throughout.
Please review all photographs carefully.
Collector Appeal
An outstanding item for collectors of:
Early American manuscripts
North Carolina history
Virginia maritime commerce
Merchant correspondence
Federal-period finance
Genealogy and economic history
A scarce surviving commercial letter from the first years of the American republic.
