Guide to the James DeWolf papers, 1796-1832
(bulk 1810-1815)
Redwood Library and Athenaeum
50 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
Tel: (401) 847-0292
Fax: (401) 841-5680
email: redwood@redwoodlibrary.org
Published in 2013
Collection Overview
| Title: |
James DeWolf papers |
| Date range: |
1796-1832, (bulk 1810-1815) |
| Creator: |
DeWolf, James, 1762-1834 |
| Extent: |
.63 linear feet
(1 document case, 1 half document case)
|
| Abstract: |
This collection contains correspondence, legal documents, and financial accounts regarding the privateering activities of the Brig Yankee during the War of 1812. |
| Language of materials: |
English |
| Repository: |
Redwood Library and Athenaeum
|
| Collection number: |
RLC.Ms.015 |
Scope & content
The majority of the collection relates to the Brig Yankee and its privateering activities during the War of 1812. Other vessels mentioned include: Schooner Alder, Andalusia, Brig Blockade, Carolina, Eliza, Francis, Sloop George, Brig Harriet, Juno, Brig Katie, Brig MacDonough, Man-of-war MacDonough, Brig Maria, Brig Matilda, Schooner Nelly, Rebecca, Shannon, Brig St. Jean Baptiste, Sloop Swallow, Brig Thomas, Brig Tiger, and Brig William. This collection is comprised of letters, checks, receipts, bills, officer and crew lists, sailing orders, legal documents, commissions, indentures, clearance certificates.
Access Points
Subject Names
Subject Topics
Subject Topics
Arrangement
This collection is arranged in chronological order.
Biographical note
James DeWolf (1764-1837) was born in Bristol, Rhode Island, the seventh son of Mark Anthony and Abigail DeWolf. His father and his mother's brother, Simeon Potter, were heavily involved in the trade of slaves from the Guinea Coast of Africa, both before and after the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). During the war, DeWolf and his brothers signed on to his uncle Simeon Potter's privateers operating out of Rhode Island ports as ship's crew. As a member of the ship's crew, DeWolf successfully survived naval battles and being captured by the enemy twice. These early experiences of cruelty and hardship made him into a man of force and indomitable energy with vague ethical distinctions.
Before he was twenty years old, DeWolf became captain of a ship and engaged in extensive commercial ventures, including trading in slaves with Cuba and other West Indian islands. In 1791, DeWolf was indicted by a grand jury in Newport, Rhode Island, for the murder of a slave woman being transported on one of his ships. The case was formally dismissed as being without merit. DeWolf went on to finance, as sole or primary merchant and ship owner, another twenty-five slaving voyages, usually with other members of his family. His business empire grew to include three sugar plantations in Cuba.
During the War of 1812 (1812-1815), DeWolf was a strong advocate of war with England and offered the government at his own expense "an armed Brig (one of the most suitable in this country for a Privateer), of one hundred and sixty tons burthen, mounting eighteen guns and carries one hundred and twenty men, called the Yankee, commanded by Oliver Wilson." The Yankee was immensely successful. It made six cruises in less than three years and captured more than five million dollars' worth of British property.
After the War of 1812 ended, DeWolf entered politics as a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, rising to become the Speaker of the House from 1819 to 1821. He eventually ran for the U.S. Senate and served from 1821 to 1825, when he resigned and returned to Rhode Island and their state legislature.
DeWolf is also noted for having begun one of the earliest cotton mills in the United States. In 1812, he founded the Arkwright Mills in Coventry, Rhode Island. He also turned his attentions to his hometown of Bristol, where he had his mansion, “The Mount” built by Russell Warren, and devised schemes for the advancement of the town and its industries.
By the time of his death, James DeWolf was not only the wealthiest member of the DeWolf family but the richest man in the state, if not New England, and was reported to be the second-richest person in the country.
Access & Use
| Access to the collection: |
Access is open to members and researchers at the Redwood Library and Athenaeum. |
| Use of the materials: |
This collection is owned by the Redwood Library and Athenaeum. Permission to publish materials must be obtained in writing from the Special Collections Librarian of the Redwood Library and Athenaeum. |
| Preferred citation: |
James DeWolf papers, RLC.Ms.015, Redwood Library and Athenaeum. |
| Contact information: |
Redwood Library and Athenaeum
50 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
Tel: (401) 847-0292
Fax: (401) 841-5680
email: redwood@redwoodlibrary.org
|
Administrative Information
| ABOUT THE COLLECTION |
| Acquisition: |
Donated by William A. Perry. Acquisition date, December 30. 1984A |
|
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| ABOUT THE FINDING AID |
| Author: |
Finding aid prepared by Aimee Saunders, 2008 |
| Encoding: |
Finding aid revised and encoded by Elizabeth Delmage,
2013 July 15 |
| Descriptive rules: |
Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) |
| Sponsor: |
Funding for processing and cataloging this collection was provided by the van Beuren Charitable Foundation. |
Additional Information
| Related material: |
- DeWolf family papers, 1786-1880, Bristol Historical and Preservation Society, Bristol, RI.
- DeWolf papers, 1751-1864, Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence, RI.
|
Inventory
| Box 1, Folder 1 |
|
Ship Juno, Ships crew and receipt for wages
|
|
1796-1797 |
| Box 1, Folder 1 |
|
Ship Juno, Ships crew and receipt for wages
|
|
1796-1797 |
| Box 1, Folder 2 |
|
George Sherman purchase of goods from Joseph Mumford, Newport, RI.
|
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1796 Mar 21 |
| Box 1, Folder 3 |
|
Money expended for ship Washington mentioning James DeWolf, George Sherman, and George Gibbs
|
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1796 Mar 21 |
| Box 1, Folder 4 |
|
Invoice of 60 boxes of brown sugar for ship Juno Havanna [sic] to Bristol
|
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1797 Oct 7 |
| Box 1, Folder 5 |
|
Certificate of Property Ship Juno RI state seal
|
|
1801 Apr 3 |
| Box 1, Folder 6 |
|
Judgment against James DeWolf vs. Yates and Pollock signed by Edmund F. Ellery
|
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1803 Apr 25 |
| Box 1, Folder 7 |
|
Disposition taken by John G Barton, NY Notary from Luther Barton, Master of Sloop Carolina which went aground off Long Island
|
|
1804 Oct 13 |
| Box 1, Folder 8 |
|
Letter from Spanish Consul, NY to James DeWolf requesting reimbursement of Spanish sailor
|
|
1804 Nov 2 |
| Box 1, Folder 9 |
|
Demand for wages from crew member's widow -- ship Eliza
|
|
1808 Nov 22 |
| Box 1, Folder 10 |
|
Checks and deposit slips, Manhattan Bank, James DeWolf's account
|
|
1809 Sep-1815 Mar |
| Box 1, Folder 11 |
|
License for Brig Shannon issued by Lord High Admiral of UK and Ireland
|
|
1810 Mar 24 |
| Box 1, Folder 12 |
|
Bill of sale for Brig St. Jean Baptiste captured by HM Sloop Swallow
|
|
1810 May 21 |
| Box 1, Folder 13 |
|
Letter from Oliver Wilson to James DeWolf
|
|
1812 Feb 4 |
| Box 1, Folder 14 |
|
Oliver Wilson bill against owners of Brig Yankee 1st and 2nd cruise
|
|
1812-1813 |
| Box 1, Folder 15 |
|
Copy of a letter to William Eustes dated at Bristol RI respecting commission of the Brig Yankee
|
|
1812 Jun 30 |
| Box 1, Folder 16 |
|
Copy of Commission of Brig Yankee
|
|
1812 Jul 13 |
| Box 1, Folder 17 |
|
1812 July 29, Letter from Oliver Wilson to James DeWolf dated at sea
|
|
1812 Jul 29 |
| Box 1, Folder 18 |
|
Letter from David Porter to James DeWolf about Brig Yankee
|
|
1812 Sep 5 |
| Box 1, Folder 19 |
|
Letter from Selectmen of Edgartown to James DeWolf respecting shares of Hezekiah Joel
|
|
1812 Sep 8 |
| Box 1, Folder 20 |
|
Power of Attorney the officers and company of the Brig Yankee to James DeWolf and John Smith
|
|
1812 Oct 5 |
| Box 1, Folder 21 |
|
Power of Attorney Isaac Cobb to James DeWolf dated at Bristol
|
|
1812 Oct 11 |
| Box 1, Folder 22 |
|
Instructions to Oliver Wilson commanding the dated at Bristol
|
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1812 Oct 12 |
| Box 1, Folder 23 |
|
Copy of instructions to Captain Oliver Wilson commanding the Brig Yankee 2nd Cruise
|
|
1812 Oct 12 |
| Box 1, Folder 24 |
|
Power of Attorney Captain, Officers and Company of the armed Brig Yankee to James DeWolf and John Smith 1st cruise
|
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1812 Oct 14 |
| Box 1, Folder 25 |
|
Complete list of the officers and company Brig Yankee 2nd cruise
|
|
1812 Oct 15 |
| Box 1, Folder 26 |
|
Copy of instructions to Captain Manly Sweet Commanding Brig Blockade 2nd cruise
|
|
1812 Nov 19 |
| Box 1, Folder 27 |
|
Letter to James DeWolf- claim for goods captured by Commander Joshua Barney of the Rebecca
|
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1812 Dec 17 |
| Box 1, Folder 28 |
|
Memos relative to premiums received off Yankee sailors 1st cruise
|
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1813 |
| Box 1, Folder 29 |
|
Report of Surgeon Joseph Mason of Blockade regarding Nathaniel Mumford
|
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1813 Feb 5 |
| Box 1, Folder 30 |
|
Letter from James DeWolf to William Collins 2nd cruise
|
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1813 Feb 16 |
| Box 1, Folder 31 |
|
List of officers and crew Brig Yankee 2nd cruise
|
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1813 Feb 16 |
| Box 1, Folder 32 |
|
In Admiralty, Wilson of Privateer Yankee vs. Ship Andalusia and cargo
|
|
1813 Feb 16 |
| Box 1, Folder 33 |
|
Power of Attorney, James DeWolf and John Smith to William Collins 2nd Cruise
|
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1813 Feb 16 |
| Box 1, Folder 34 |
|
Marshall's sale, Savannah, GA - Ship Andalusia, 2nd cruise
|
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1813 Feb 20 |
| Box 1, Folder 35 |
|
Letter from officers of Blockade to Captain Sweet
|
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1813 Feb 21 |
| Box 1, Folder 36 |
|
Brig Henry Account 1st cruise
|
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1813 Mar |
| Box 1, Folder 37 |
|
Letter from Cranston and Shaw to James DeWolf respecting prizes captured by the Brig Yankee 2nd Cruise
|
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1813 Mar 12 |
| Box 1, Folder 38 |
|
Memos and accounts to prize brig Harriet and Matilda 2nd cruise
|
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1813 Mar 17-May 22 |
| Box 1, Folder 39 |
|
Share distribution of 2nd cruise of Yankee
|
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1813 Mar 23 |
| Box 1, Folder 40 |
|
Officer's report forfeiture shares of the Yankee 2nd cruise
|
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1813 Mar 23 |
| Box 1, Folder 41 |
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Account of disbursements of Brig Andalusia and cargo, captured by Yankee 2nd cruise
|
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1813 Mar 25 |
| Box 1, Folder 42 |
|
Copy of a letter to David Howell, Judge of the District Court, Bristol 2nd cruise
|
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1813 Mar 26 |
| Box 1, Folder 43 |
|
Letter from William Collins to James DeWolf, Savannah 1st cruise
|
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1813 Mar 28 |
| Box 1, Folder 44 |
|
Letter from Henry Bowen to James DeWolf, Dated at Providence, RI, regarding a trial
|
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1813 Mar 29 |
| Box 1, Folder 45 |
|
Marshall's Sale, Bristol, RI Ship Andalusia 2nd cruise
|
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1813 Apr 5 |
| Box 1, Folder 46 |
|
Indenture document of the sale of Brig Tiger, from agents David Johnson and Robert Lea to the Crown Commissioners and Andrew Vilches, Gibraltar
|
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1813 Apr 5 |
| Box 1, Folder 47 |
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Marshall Eben K. Dexter's account Prize Goods of Brig Yankee
|
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1813 Apr 23-30 |
| Box 1, Folder 48 |
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Copy of a letter (unsigned) from P.P.F. Degrand, obtain signals for Brig Yankee
|
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1813 May 11 |
| Box 1, Folder 49 |
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Notarized copy of assignment of 2 shares in Brig Blockade of Paul Florence
|
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1813 May 12 |
| Box 1, Folder 50 |
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Memo of Arms, ammunition, provisions on board the Brig Yankee, Newport
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1813 May 14 |
| Box 1, Folder 51 |
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Account of Marshall's sale of Schooner Alder, prize captured by Brig Yankee
|
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1813 May 17 |
| Box 1, Folder 52 |
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Sale of goods of Shannon, captured by Brig Yankee
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1813 May 17 |
| Box 1, Folder 53 |
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Articles of Agreement between the owners, officers and company of the privateer Blockcade
|
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1813 May 18 |
| Box 1, Folder 54 |
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Master role of officers and crew of the Yankee
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1813 May 19 |
| Box 1, Folder 55 |
|
Letter from Thomas Dyer to James DeWolf and John Smith, regarding capture of Brig William and Brig Thomas
|
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1813 May 30 |
| Box 1, Folder 56 |
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Letter from Thomas Dyer to James DeWolf and John Smith
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1813 Jun 3 |
| Box 1, Folder 57 |
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Documents related to the disbursements, cargo and sale of Brig Thames, captured by Brig Yankee
|
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1813 Jun 4 |
| Box 1, Folder 58 |
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Letter from Thomas Dyer to James DeWolf
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1813 Jun 7 |
| Box 1, Folder 59 |
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Muster roll of the Brig Yankee
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1813 Jul 2 |
| Box 1, Folder 60 |
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Abstract from Marshall's Sale of Francis cargo at Bristol, RI
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1813 Jul 16 |
| Box 1, Folder 61 |
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Catalogue of English prize goods on Francis
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1813 Jul 16 |
| Box 1, Folder 62 |
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Bank check from Oliver Wilson to Parker Borden, Bank of Bristol, R.I. account
|
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1813 Jul 20 |
| Box 1, Folder 63 |
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Copy of Commission #577 issued on May 10, 1813 for Brig Yankee
|
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1813 Sep 6 |
| Box 1, Folder 64 |
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Power of attorney, Brig Yankee, 4th cruise
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1813 Sep 6 |
| Box 1, Folder 65 |
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Instructions to Captain Thomas Jones, Brig Yankee, 4th cruise
|
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1813 Sep 6 |
| Box 1, Folder 66 |
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Sailing orders to Capt. Thomas Jones, Brig
|
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1813 Sep 6 |
| Box 1, Folder 67 |
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Muster Roll, Brig Yankee, 4th cruise
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1813 Sep 10 |
| Box 1, Folder 68 |
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Copy of account of sales of goods, merchandise imported by Brig Yankee, 3rd cruise
|
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1813 Sep 24 |
| Box 1, Folder 69 |
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Copy of bill against James DeWolf, Brig Yankee, 3rd cruise
|
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1813 Aug 23 |
| Box 1, Folder 70 |
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Copy of petition to Judge Howell for landing cargo of Katie, Brig Yankee, 4th cruise
|
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1813 Nov 20 |
| Box 1, Folder 71 |
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Letter from Christopher R. Greene to James DeWolf, regarding loss of prize vessel General Wellesley
|
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1814 Jan 15 |
| Box 1, Folder 72 |
|
Clearance certificate port of Bristol, Brig Yankee
|
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1814 Mar 12 |
| Box 1, Folder 73 |
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Instructions to Commander Elisha Snow, Brig Yankee, 5th cruise
|
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1814 Mar 14 |
| Box 1, Folder 74 |
|
Copy of Commission #577 issued on May 10, 1813 for Brig Yankee
|
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1814 Mar 15 |
| Box 1, Folder 75 |
|
Power of Attorney, Brig Yankee
|
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1814 Mar 15 |
| Box 1, Folder 76 |
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Receipt from Golden Dearth, for goods received, Brig Yankee, 5th cruise
|
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1814 Mar 17 |
| Box 1, Folder 77 |
|
Memorandum of Armament, Brig Yankee, 5th cruise
|
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1814 Mar 17 |
| Box 1, Folder 78 |
|
Cargo of the English Schooner Nelly shipped from Havana to Greenock, Brig Yankee, 5th cruise
|
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1814 May 12 |
| Box 1, Folder 79 |
|
Valuation of the cargo of Brig Maria captured 22 Jun 1814, Brig Yankee, 5th cruise
|
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1814 Jun 22 |
| Box 1, Folder 80 |
|
Receipt of payment to Jesse Lewis, delivery of Sloop George cargo, 5th cruise
|
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1814 Jul |
| Box 1, Folder 81 |
|
Letter from W.P. Preble to James DeWolf
|
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1814 Jul 5 |
| Box 1, Folder 82 |
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Receipt of payment to Edward Crowell for Pilotage of Brig Yankee
|
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1814 Jul 13 |
| Box 1, Folder 83 |
|
Receipt of payment to D. Scudder and Son, Barnstable, Brig Yankee, 5th cruise
|
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1814 Jul 14 |
| Box 1, Folder 84 |
|
Return of Ship Stores, New Bedford, Brig Yankee
|
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1814 Jul 15 |
| Box 1, Folder 85 |
|
Letter from Lewis Ludlum to Elisha Snow, Brig Yankee, 5th cruise
|
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1814 Jul 19 |
| Box 1, Folder 86 |
|
Receipt of payment to David Crocker, Brig Yankee, 5th cruise
|
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1814 Jul 23 |
| Box 1, Folder 87 |
|
Receipt from Custom House in Barnstable, Brig Yankee, 5th cruise
|
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1814 Jul 24 |
| Box 1, Folder 88 |
|
Marshal's Sale notice, Brig Yankee, 5th cruise
|
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1814 Jul 27 |
| Box 1, Folder 89 |
|
Marshal's Sale notice, Brig Yankee, 5th cruise
|
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1814 Jul 27 |
| Box 1, Folder 90 |
|
Copy of Bill of prize goods, Brig Yankee, 5th cruise
|
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1814 Jul 28 |
| Box 1, Folder 91 |
|
Marshal's Sale catalog, Brig Yankee, 5th cruise
|
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1814 Jul 28 |
| Box 1, Folder 92 |
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Memo of sales of sundry articles, St. Jose, Indiana
|
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1814 Sep 3 |
| Box 1, Folder 93 |
|
Private instructions to Capt. Wm C. Jenks, Brig Yankee, 6th cruise
|
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1814 Oct 1 |
| Box 1, Folder 94 |
|
Original orders to Capt. Wm C. Jenks, Brig Yankee, 6th cruise
|
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1814 Oct 1 |
| Box 1, Folder 95 |
|
Copy of Commission #577 issued on May 10, 1813 for Brig Yankee
|
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1814 Oct 04 |
| Box 1, Folder 96 |
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Power of Attorney, Brig Yankee, 6th cruise
|
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1814 Oct 4 |
| Box 1, Folder 97 |
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List of officers and men, Brig Yankee, 6th cruise
|
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1814 Oct 5 |
| Box 1, Folder 98 |
|
Memo regarding mutinous conduct, Brig Yankee, 6th cruise
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1814 Oct 14 |
| Box 2, Folder 1 |
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Articles of Agreement/list of officers and crew, Brig MacDonaugh
|
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1814 Nov 24 |
| Box 2, Folder 2 |
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Copy of Bill-owners and officers, Brig Yankee, 6th cruise
|
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1814 Dec 21 |
| Box 2, Folder 3 |
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Power of Attorney, Brig MacDonaugh
|
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1814 Dec 23 |
| Box 2, Folder 4 |
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Bill from owners to officers and sailors, Brig Yankee, 6th cruise
|
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1814 Dec 24 |
| Box 2, Folder 5 |
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Recipe for Bleaching by chemical process
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1815 |
| Box 2, Folder 6 |
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U.S. district of Massachusetts report of commission on shares, Brig Yankee, 5th cruise
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1815 Jan 13 |
| Box 2, Folder 7 |
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Marshal's Sale catalog
|
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1815 Jan 14 |
| Box 2, Folder 8 |
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Letter from James Blinn to James DeWolf and John Smith, regarding Ship General Wellesly
|
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1815 Jan 15 |
| Box 2, Folder 9 |
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Ledger sheet, James DeWolf in account current with Golden Dearth
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1815 Jan 16 |
| Box 2, Folder 10 |
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Letter from Churchill B. King to James DeWolf and John Smith, report on return of Yankee to port
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1815 Jan 21 |
| Box 2, Folder 11 |
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Claim goods, Brig Yankee, 5th cruise
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1815 Feb-Dec |
| Box 2, Folder 12 |
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Articles of agreement, Brig Yankee, 6th cruise
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1815 Mar 17 |
| Box 2, Folder 13 |
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Agreement to sail from Beaufort to Bristol, Brig Yankee, 6th cruise
|
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1815 Mar 27 |
| Box 2, Folder 14 |
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Check and deposit slips from City Bank of New York, James DeWolf's account
|
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1815 Apr-Jul |
| Box 2, Folder 15 |
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Copy of letter from Thomas Jones to Sec. Navy Crowningshield, 24 June 1815, Letter from to William Sweet, 26 June 1815 (two letters on one sheet)
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1815 Jun |
| Box 2, Folder 16 |
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Letter from James DeWolf to William Ahern
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1815 Oct 12 |
| Box 2, Folder 17 |
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Copy of the Certificate of prize goods condemned from the ship St. Jose Indiana, Brig Yankee, 5th Cruise
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1816 |
| Box 2, Folder 18 |
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District of Massachusetts Circuit Court, case of St. Jose Indiana captured by Brig Yankee, 5th Cruise
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1816 May 24 |
| Box 2, Folder 19 |
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Receipt of payment to R. H. Perry, travel to Warren and Newport, Brig Yankee
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1816 Jul 5 |
| Box 2, Folder 20 |
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Letter from John Whipple to Samuel Smith, Cashier Bank of Bristol
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1827 Mar 5 |
| Box 2, Folder 21 |
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Letter from William H. Sumner, Boston to James DeWolf, Bristol
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1831 Feb 5 |
| Box 2, Folder 22 |
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Letter from H. H. Canfield to James DeWolf, regarding oil purchase
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1832 Jul 15 |
| Box 2, Folder 23 |
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Bill of Sale, Canton Packet, Fitzhenry Homes to William DeWolf
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1832 Oct 22 |
| Box 2, Folder 24 |
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Letter from J. Prescott Hall to James DeWolf, regarding fitting out a whole ship
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1835 Dec 30 |
| Box 2, Folder 25 |
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Bill, James DeWolf to Thomas Jones, 17-29 October [?]
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undated |
| Box 2, Folder 26 |
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Letter from George Howe to James DeWolf, at sea aboard man-of-war MacDonough
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undated |
| Box 2, Folder 27 |
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List of prizes captured by Privateer Yankee during 2nd cruise
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undated |
| Box 2, Folder 28 |
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Memo of monies advanced to crew, Brig Yankee, 4th cruise
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undated |
| Box 2, Folder 29 |
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Memo of monies charged to crew, Brig Yankee, 5th cruise
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undated |
| Box 2, Folder 30 |
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Memo of stops, Brig Yankee, 2nd cruise
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undated |
| Box 2, Folder 31 |
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Memo of stops and premiums charged to crew, Brig Yankee, 3rd cruise
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undated |
| Box 2, Folder 32 |
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Rules and regulations, Brig Yankee, 5th cruise
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undated |