2005-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005
A 3-page letter written by William Forsyth, Matautus, Oct. 28, 1818, to the Baltimore firm of Karricks & Harper regarding the conclusion of a contract for the exclusive use of a mud machine on his property that fronts the Bay. After giving detailed instructions about the machine, Forsythe informs the firm that he is enclosing a copy of a letter to him (not present) from Captain Macomb ordering insurance for the captain's one eighth interest ($3,500) in the Spanish brig Grand Labarin, "bound from the Coast of Africa for a cargo of slaves .... this vessel ... has been altered into an Hermaphrodite Brig ... Capt Macomb is a most active Navigator he commanded the Antonia the two voyages preceeding her capture. It is considered the risk will not be increased by such a vessell as the Grand Labarin to going to the North of the line ... " Fine. Beginning January 1, 1808, the importation of slaves from Africa into the u.s. was illegal, but the law was widely ignored.
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