Description:

Revolutionary War
Salem, MA, March 25, 1779
Spoils Taken by the Revolutionary War Privateer, "True American," & List of Investors in the Venture
MDS

Revolutionary War. Manuscript Document Signed, "John Buffinton," 2pp bifolium on watermarked laid paper measuring 7.5" x 9", Salem, Massachusetts, March 25, 1779. Inner two pages blank. Expected folds and creases with minor separation and loss. Previous small repair at central vertical fold. Light age toning, scattered foxing, and a bit of dampstaining. Overall, in very good condition.

Fascinating document detailing the sale of enemy goods captured by the American privateer, "True American," during the American Revolution. Measuring 14.875" x 9" unfolded, the document is headlined "Acompt. of Sails of ye Brigintine True American & her Apertunences Stores & C." The right column starts with "Brigg & Cannon," which sold for £6815. Other stores sold included "5 Small Arms," "209 Round Shott," "2 harness Cask with provisions...pair of pistols," "medicen Chest," "16 Tomhawks," "5 Cartridge Boxes," for a total amount of £9707.

The left column of the document lists the shareholders in the privateer, noting the size of their respective share, together with the actual monies credited to them. An examination of Massachusetts records reveals that most of the men listed were heavily involved a significant number of privateering ventures. The largest shareholders, John and Andrew Cabot, funded at least 18 different privateers between 1777 and 1782 and were the brothers of noted Federalist politician George Cabot, who captained a privateer of his own during the war. Like the Cabot brothers, other shareholders in the "True American" were also involved in multiple ventures: George and Joshua Dodge were involved in several cruises; Joseph Sprague was also an investor in the True American in 1776 was well as the Rover, Dart, and Dolphin; Captain Buffington sailed on at least one more expedition and another Cabot-led venture on the Marquis Lafayette in 1782.

This document provides a microcosm of the web of relationships in the privateering community in Salem, Massachusetts, while also illustrating the contents of a typical privateer ship. Salem privateers were especially prolific in their disruption of British shipping. Of the estimated 3,000 British prizes taken by approximately 2,000 American privateers, Salem is credited with the capture or sinking of 455, or approximately ten percent of the total.

Privateers formed the backbone of American naval power during the war, vastly outnumbering the strength of the Continental Navy by as much as fifty ships to one. Because they required no expense on the part of the government, Congress eagerly issued privateer commissions which allowed private individuals to essentially be state sponsored pirates. Privateers easily attracted crews through the promise of a share of any prizes captured during the expedition. The ships were purchased and outfitted by multiple investors to spread risk, and were very effective against British shipping. An unusual and scarce record of American Privateering during the Revolutionary War.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7.5" x 9" (folded)
  • Medium: MDS

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