Lot 1171
1818 Letter Insuring A Cargo of Slaves. A 3-page letter written by William Forsyth, Mataurus, 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.
Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500.
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