Joseph Paschall & Coates Family Papers—Colonial Philadelphia, 1720–1741 & Undated

Merchant Letter Drafts Concerning Smallpox, Missing Ships, Privateers, Fur Trading, Barbados Voyages & Marine Insurance

A substantial collection of colonial Philadelphia manuscript papers associated with merchant Joseph Paschall, accompanied by related Coates family estate and business documents. Preserved as working drafts, the correspondence contains numerous cancellations, insertions, and revisions, offering a revealing view of both commercial affairs and family life.

The accompanying wrapper bears the manuscript identification “Letters & other papers wrote by Joseph Paschall.”

Contents of the Correspondence

The descriptions below distinguish the individual letters and draft passages. Several concern the same shipments and include alternate versions, continuations, or unfinished texts.

1. Philadelphia, June 14, 1736—To Captain John Seymour: An Overdue Vessel and Difficult Trading Conditions

Acknowledges Seymour’s letter and an invoice for merchandise shipped aboard the brigantine Worcester, Captain James Lowry master. Although the vessel has not arrived, the writer still expects her shortly. He describes Philadelphia as unusually full of imported goods, discusses selling the consignment to best advantage, and explains the difficulty of obtaining bills of exchange. Shipping wheat to England is considered as an alternative means of making returns.

2. Philadelphia, September 28, 1736—To Captain John Seymour: The Worcester Presumed Lost

Reports that the Worcester, carrying three trunks of consigned goods, remains missing more than seven months after sailing from London. The writer concludes that she was probably lost, observing that the vessel’s owner and others with goods aboard share that opinion. He expresses regret that this apparent loss affected an early consignment from Seymour, while hoping for further dealings and better fortune.

3. Philadelphia, January 1736/7—To Captain John Seymour: Smallpox and the Death of a Child

Combines commercial news with a deeply personal account of illness within the household. The writer discusses a promised salmon, merchandise aboard the missing Worcester, and concerns about the vessel’s condition.

He then reports that two of his children had contracted smallpox and that his youngest had died and been buried the previous “Sixth Day.” He describes the sorrow felt by himself and his wife, while expressing hope that the other child will recover. The letter also notes the severity of smallpox in the town.

4. Undated—To Captain Seymour: An Outstanding Bond and a Missing Debtor

Discusses Thomas Read, who has left the area while owing money secured by a bond. The writer describes unsuccessful collection efforts, a paper affecting recovery, and losses potentially facing his brother-in-law. Read’s whereabouts remain uncertain, with speculation that he has gone to one of the islands. The draft concludes with what appear to be the initials “JP.”

5. Undated—To an Overseas Correspondent: Bills of Exchange and a Quarter Interest in the Vernon

A surviving manuscript fragment discusses bills of exchange, instructions for purchasing and shipping goods, and insurance. The writer states that he owns a quarter interest in the brigantine Vernon, Arthur Burrows master, which has sailed on another voyage to Barbados. He requests £160 sterling insurance on his share for the outward and return passage.

6. Related Passage on the Reverse: Insurance Premiums and Privateering Risks

Explains the expectation that insurance should be reasonably priced because the writer has heard of no privateers near the coast or Barbados. Also discusses a box shipped aboard the Robert, Lawrence Dean master, with instructions to insure its value if necessary.

7. Undated—Cargo and Insurance Working Draft

Discusses insurance requested through New York for cargo aboard the brigantine Sally, John Seymour master, bound for London. The draft refers to a cargo valuation of £244.17.6 in local currency and instructions depending on whether the vessel has already arrived.

The merchandise mentioned includes deer skins, tobacco, beeswax, and pig iron. Extensive cancellations and additions show the writer adjusting his instructions.

8. Undated—Related Commercial Continuation: Remittances and the “Indian Trade”

Refers to an earlier letter, bills of exchange, and enclosed shipping documents. The writer requests proceeds from beeswax and describes efforts to obtain additional furs and skins. He explains the importance of buying during the spring and the difficulty of securing supplies because others are already engaged in the “Indian Trade.”

9. Undated—Reply to a Letter of May 20: Scarce Tobacco and Shipping Arrangements

Explains that tobacco is scarce because the old crop has largely been exported and the new crop has not yet arrived. Discusses a shipment aboard the Sally, insurance if the vessel remains overdue, and an earlier promise to send furs and skins. The writer also explains his choice of carrier in light of an existing acquaintance and a promise of freight.

10. Undated—Brief Draft to Lawrence Williams: Furs and a £25 Bill of Exchange

Refers to a bill of lading for a chest of furs and skins shipped aboard the Constantine, Wright master, together with a second bill of exchange for £25 sterling. The brief passage appears to be an unfinished covering letter.

11. Philadelphia, October 19, 1738—To Lawrence Williams: Additional Beeswax Insurance

Requests additional insurance for a further barrel of beeswax aboard the Sally, John Seymour master, bound for London. Refers to the earlier insurance request for £244.17.6 in local currency and adds £9.9.0 for the additional shipment and associated charges.

12. Undated—Alternate Insurance Drafts for the Same Sally Shipment

A further working sheet contains related versions of instructions concerning the £244.17.6 cargo and the additional £9.9.0. The writer distinguishes between insurance already arranged and coverage still required if the vessel has not arrived. These passages document revisions to the same commercial transaction.

13. Undated—Overseas Consignments of Furs, Skins, and Beeswax

Acknowledges incoming correspondence and discusses consignments aboard the Sally and Constantine. Includes instructions to obtain the best prices for furs and skins, credit the proceeds, arrange insurance, and return goods by an early spring sailing. Also mentions a £20 sterling bill of exchange and the writer’s efforts to accumulate further stock.

14. Undated—Signed Discharges, Family Financial Affairs, and Remittances

Discusses documents requiring signatures from the writer’s father and kinsmen. Advises that signed discharges be obtained and held pending further inquiry. The letter also requests collection and remittance of money, shipment of goods, and insurance. A postscript asks about Bristol exchange rates and current prices for merchandise, including hats and gloves.

15. Philadelphia, 1738—Jamaican Ginger, Beeswax, and a Detailed Textile Order

Describes a remittance received from Jamaica in ginger and the shipment of beeswax for overseas sale. The writer proposes obtaining furs and skins for another consignment.

An extensive purchase list follows, specifying damask, silk, satin, cords, galloon, matching trimmings, and cloth-colored sewing silks. The document provides particularly attractive evidence of the fabrics and decorative materials sought for the colonial market.

16. Philadelphia, September 29, 1739—To Lawrence Williams: War, Letters of Reprisal, and Colonial Privateers

Discusses reports from England and the likelihood of war with Spain, with possible French involvement. States that colonial governors have received authority to grant letters of reprisal against Spanish vessels and subjects.

The writer reports privateers outfitting in Rhode Island, New York, and Virginia, with another being built in Philadelphia. Anticipating difficult trading conditions, he requests insurance for shipments of furs, skins, and beeswax.

17. Philadelphia, October 30, 1739—Follow-Up Insurance Instructions

Revises earlier shipping information and requests insurance for cargo aboard the Sally, now under Slater Clay, and the Constantine, Wright master. Specifies furs, skins, and beeswax, with requested coverage of £80 sterling and £120 sterling respectively. A concluding note records that a copy was sent by way of Dublin to London.

Additional Documents

Coates Family Estate Account, 1720

An itemized account for Enoch, Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary, and Samuel Coates, showing inheritance shares, legacies, property allocations, and balances. References include land at Frankford and properties on Philadelphia’s High Street. The associated reverse is docketed concerning the children’s legacies.

Shared Well or Pump Expense Agreement, Undated

A signed agreement in which subscribers promise to pay Joseph Paschall their proportional shares of expenses involving a pump, well, brickwork, and gutter.

Payment Order Signed by Hezekiah Love, 1741

Directs payment to Joseph Paschall or order, providing a further contemporary connection to his business affairs.

Order for Delivery of a Barrel of Shad, 1741

A brief commercial instruction concerning delivery of a barrel of shad and discharge of the corresponding obligation.

Unfinished Letter Opening and Accounting Notations

Includes a nearly blank draft beginning “Esteemed Frd / I thought to have,” together with calculations and financial notations on several sheets.

Attribution and Format

The merchant correspondence is attributed to Joseph Paschall, supported by the inscribed wrapper and associated documents. Most drafts are unsigned; one appears to bear his initials. Related orders and agreements include writing and signatures by other parties. Authorship of the Coates estate account is not established. The numbered descriptions identify texts and passages, rather than a verified count of separate physical letters or sheets.

Condition

Variable age toning, foxing, folds, edge wear, tears, occasional small losses, and localized ink deterioration. Some texts are incomplete or survive as continuations. The wrapper has substantial fold separations and marginal losses. Most principal writing remains readable.