Boston Tea Party Participant Thomas Melvill — Twice-Signed 1806 Maritime

An exceptional Federal-period manuscript signed twice by Major Thomas Melvill [1751–1832], member of the Sons of Liberty, participant in the Boston Tea Party, Revolutionary War officer, and grandfather of Moby-Dick author Herman Melville. Also signed by prominent Portland attorney William Symmes [1760–1807].

Docketed for the March 1806 term of the Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas, this extensive manuscript report concerns the financial affairs of the Maine mercantile partnership of Haley & Penney. Cumberland County was then within Massachusetts, fourteen years before Maine achieved statehood.

The report contains particularly engaging maritime content. It describes Haley & Penney’s sale and outfitting of a brig, apparently the Ann, which they agreed to furnish “with every article ready for sea” at a price of thirty-five dollars per ton. The vessel was calculated at approximately 144 tons, with its total valuation exceeding $5,000. Additional passages address cash advances, merchandise, partnership credits, outstanding debts and the proper allocation of a private account.

Melvill and Symmes signed the commissioners’ principal accounting report. Melvill subsequently added and signed a separate sworn clarification stating that the private account should not be charged against the partnership’s common assets. Both portions are docketed “Sworn 8 Mar. 1806.”

Thomas Melvill participated in the destruction of British tea at Boston’s Griffin’s Wharf on December 16, 1773. He subsequently served during the Revolutionary War and held important customs positions at the Port of Boston. He was remembered in Boston as one of the final living representatives of the Revolutionary generation and reportedly inspired Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.’s poem “The Last Leaf.”

A highly desirable association piece combining the Boston Tea Party, Revolutionary War, early Maine history, maritime commerce, ship outfitting and Federal-period law. Far more substantial than the routine printed customs certificates on which Melvill’s autograph usually appears.

Condition: Original filing folds, scattered toning, minor edge wear, ink corrections and small spots, all consistent with an actively used 1806 court record. Writing and signatures remain strong and legible.

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1806 Pennsylvania Court Manuscript — Potash and Mercantile Dispute, Cumberland County

Original handwritten legal manuscript entered in the Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Court of Common Pleas during its March 1806 term. The document records sworn statements concerning money and merchandise held for the early mercantile firm of Haley & Finney.

The testimony describes Haley & Finney delivering a cotton bag with instructions that it be filled with merchandise valued at thirty-five dollars per ton. It further records the handling and sale of approximately 144 tons of potash, producing more than $5,000 and leaving a calculated balance of approximately $1,022 due to the firm. A separate private account of $49.82 is also acknowledged.

The manuscript appears connected with an attachment or garnishment proceeding arising from a suit brought by Shaw & Duncan against Haley & Finney and another party. It contains extensive contemporary corrections and revised calculations, suggesting that it was a working draft or retained court memorandum rather than a formal engrossed filing.

Signed at the conclusion by Thomas McCulloh and a second individual believed to be William Ramsey, with McCulloh signing an additional statement concerning the private account. Docketed March 8, 1806.

An unusually detailed survival documenting the legal and commercial mechanics of the early American potash trade—an important source of export income and industrial material during the nation’s formative period.

Date: March 1806
Place: Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Format: Handwritten court memorandum on laid paper
Signatures: Thomas McCulloh and one other, believed William Ramsey
Condition: Original folds, light toning, scattered stains, edge wear, and contemporary corrections; generally well preserved and legible.