“A Letter to the Hon. Benjamin Lincoln of Philadelphia, concerning the loss of vessels and the effects of the War on the fishing trade.” Oct. 21st 1782.
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“
Agreeable to your request I [enclose] you…
the answers to your questions.
before the War [we] had about 40 Sail of Fishing Vessels.
the Common Size was about 50 Tons.
Men & Boys to each about —– 8
the Cost of each Vessel new about ￡380
the annual charge about ￡105
the Quantity of Fish yearly about 700 Quint
the Vessels are employed about —-g Month of the year
Salt. Knives. [Mackerel] Clams
Gloves. [Candles]. Water. Cask
Pails & tubs for the Salter
Frocks & [Trowsers] for 20
These are great, general & From the whole [Slock]
Wood. [Molasses]. Rum. Sugar. [Coffee]
[Chocolate]. Pork. Beans. Peas. Pepper.
[Flour]. Bread.
These are small general and Paid for by the People in and Proportion to [shares]
the Price of Fish about 15s
to make Fish of ten Vessels- 30 Men & Boys
the land to make Fish for 10 Vessels 15 Acres the [value] about ￡200
the [Houses] & Flakes for 10 Vessels about ￡100
to keep the [Houses] & Flakes in repair about 20￡
the Vessels Where mostly employed to in the Winter to Carolina or Virginia
they [were let] & Insured at 15￡ [per] Month
from your Most [Faithful] Servant, Elias Hasket Derby
Citation
Elias Hasket Derby, “Elias Hasket Derby to the Hon. Benjamin Lincoln of Philadelphia concerning the loss of vessels and the effects of the War on the fishing trade” (October 21, 1782). Letter. Miscellaneous 919, Boston Public Library.
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