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.