The Unpublished Crowninshield Family and Merchant Archive: Documenting a Great Shipping Business at the Turn of the 19th century

The Crowninshield family was historically prominent in shipbuilding and merchant shipping, political and military leadership, and the literary world. The family is one of those known as Boston Brahmins, a reference to old wealthy New England families that became influential in the development of American institutions and culture. George Crowninshield was a captain and merchant, and he had a son Benjamin, who was a captain, merchant, ship builder, and Secretary of the Navy between 1815 and 1818, during the administrations of Presidents James Madison and James Monroe.

During the war, the Crowninshields were prominent figures in privateering and offered three vessels to the U.S. government for service as privateers.

The little port of Salem, in the thirty years between the Revolution and “Mr. Madison’s War” of 1812, was a powerhouse of world commerce. The firm of George Crowninshield and Sons was made up of George Sr., George Jr., Benjamin W., Jacob, John, and Richard. The sons learned their business on their father’s vessels on the West Indies run and then were transferred to the Oriental trade. Before 1805 the five sons had made nearly twenty voyages to the Indies. The firm broke up during the early Nineteenth Century when Jacob became a member of Congress, Benjamin, Secretary of Navy under Madison, and John and Richard turned to manufacturing.

Jacob Crowninshield, brother of Benjamin Crowninshield, was born in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1770. He began his professional career in the field of commercial shipping, working as ship’s captain and merchant for his father’s merchandising firm, George Crowninshield & Sons. Jacob left the private sector to enter public service in 1801, when he gained a seat in the Massachusetts State Senate. Crowninshield moved on to Washington, D.C., in 1803, joining Congress as a representative from Massachusetts. In 1805, President Thomas Jefferson offered Crowninshield a position as secretary of the Navy following former secretary Robert Smith’s request to transfer from that post to the office of attorney general; he was quickly confirmed by the Senate. However, Crowninshield never took office, reneging on his commitment due to poor health. Instead, he continued his political career, remaining a congressman until his death, while in office, in 1808.

Archive of approximately 70 documents, approximately 200 pages, including nearly 30 letters from early to mid 1805 written to Richard, primarily from Jacob, dense and detailed letters shedding light on the famous shipping business, important events and information from Congress. The Crowninshield business was at the forefront of shipping to what were then exotic places, including Yemen and India.

Archive of letters of Jacob to Richard Crowninshield, with very brief excerpts below of, in most cases, much, much longer letters, often including his free frank as member of Congress. Many of the letters are deep in details about their finances, as well as the logistics of running an international shipping firm before the War of 1812.

March 14, 1803, 3 pages. The recent elections; shipping to the East. “The news from Sumatra is unfavorable for Pepper. 7 or 8 vessels were waiting there in Nov. The crops would come on in Feby when two of our vessels would certainly be there… There will be such a competition that it must increase the price.”

May 10, 1803, 3 pages. Town elections: Republicans vs. Federalists. The Myrrh trade (Yemen) and “the aloes,” ship sale, evaluation, and acquisition, Brandy. “You quoted at not more than 20 but you did not know quality was so superior.” Discussions include shipment of Myrrh, from modern day Yemen, from “Arabic to NY… It is no doubt the Havana trade will be open to us. The price the America [their vessel] sold for (140,000 livres) exceeds all our expectations… I doubt we could do better to have kept the ship.”

Jan 14, 1805, 3 page. Growing competition for trade in India; a detailed analysis of the profits of the Indian business; sales in Europe; Jewish merchants in Europe. “You may rely upon it we ought to push our last India voyages as fast as possible. I am sensible that many vessels will push out to Moha but surely we can get ahead of them. I would let the Margaret or Two Sons go immediately as soon as dollars can be procured.” He acknowledges he owes RC $25,000 but expresses confidence they can get more on a saleable property of much more. A detailed discussion about where to borrow the money with reference to interest. Discusses voyages to Europe to sell coffee, Copenhagen, Bourbon but is skeptical of the merits. He pushes the business in spite of his desire to take it easy. He is worried about lost profits in India. His cargo for India, he says, may be worth $170,000. What ensues is a detailed calculation of the math of running cargo to India, taking into account wages, profits, and interest, which he notes is “a paltry sum. Now anticipating $100,000 9 months, we stand the better chance of making $50,000 at least, when if we wait twenty vessels may anticipate us and we may lose the whole.” India would be a more profitable destination than Europe. He notes that merchants in Bordeaux “are Jews and sharpers [sharp dealers]. “I look as much to new voyages as anything. Indeed it is the great object always with me.”

Jan 18 1805, 3 pages. The prosecution of Aaron Burr; death of Alexander Hamilton; news on the ships in Salem and a large purchase of coffee and sending $30,000. A detailed discussion ensues of which ship to send with how much money; the Louisiana government bill and Yazoo claim. “I would send off the Margaret the first as the largest ship with $45,000…I suppose the John sailed some time last week. $18,000 gold. $12,000 dollars in goods for Isle de France and Malta. Should ought to have had $35,000 in all. We need be under no apprehension about our money affairs as we have no so valuable a property at hand.” After extensive business discussion, he goes on to discuss bills before Congress: “The Louisiana Government bill (if there will be one in their favor) and Yazoo Claims. The Committee will agree to report in favor of granting the Louisianans a representative government and the Committee of Claims on the Yazoo business is expected to report in favor of the petitioners. But this will be strongly opposed by the house…” Mr. Burr set off two days since for Philadelphia… and for NJ and JY with a view of meeting his prosecutors, or persecutors as some call them. But I should not advise him to deliver himself up. I would not wish it in the present state of public feelings on the death of Gen. H [Alexander Hamilton].”

Jan 20 1805, 3 pages. The price and shipments of coffee and tobacco; Banking, money acquired in notes and other family business.

February 7, 1805, 3 pages. News of the Trial of Samuel Chase. “A great many spectators have attended the trial.” Notes the passage in the House of the bill protecting American harbors and the bill on the 10th article of the Spanish Treaty, relating to the Barbary conflict. Expresses concern that news of a ship ashore might be one of his before moving on to shipping business. “I suppose our folks have sold $300,000 coffee… at about 31 1/2 cents.” Further discussion of Congressional business, including the Gunboat Bill.

Feb 11, 1805. 3 pages. He fears the permanent sinking or foundering of the Belisarius.

Feb 12, 1805, 3 pages. Announces the safe arrival of the Belisarius.

Feb 14, 1805, 1 page. Shipment to India, Copenhagen. Trial of Chase. “The evidence so far is more unfortunate to the Judge than he expressed… I do not think it possible for him to be acquitted.”

Feb 25, 1805, 3 pages. On Congressional and shipping business. “I am glad to hear you’ll have $40,000 for me by the time I come on. I wish it was $50,000… I certainly would not hesitate to discount T & R notes or any other. You must do it indeed.” On the trial of Samuel Chase: “I have been pressing our House to proceed to business for a fortnight but they will not. The trial of Chase engrosses all their time and the interest of the nation. I must say to you confidentially it is in part neglected. We have much important business to transact…”

Feb 26, 1805, Autograph letter signed, 1 page.

No date but early 1805, 2 pages. On his shipping business; Transport of wine to and from Teneriffe and Europe; news of combat before Tripoli. “We must dispatch our ships away as fast as possible or our next years work will not be as profitable as the last…. We have letters from Commander Preble and they are in the print. They have all the details of the different engagements before Tripoli. The president has given the highest praise to the Commander’s conduct throughout..” Also gives news of bills before Congress and actions by James Madison. Discusses visit of one of his ships to Madras, in India.

March 2, 1805, 1 page. He has been nominated as Secretary of the Navy. “I am almost sorry to tell you the President has nominated me to the Senate for Secretary of the Navy in the room of Mr. Smith who is nominated as Atty General. I have long known this was wished but have always opposed it as I certainly think I may not be induced to accept the appointment.”

March 3, 1805, 1 page, re: resolution honoring Edward Preble.

March 12, 1805, He announces he has sent money and discusses other financial matters.

March 18, 1805, 1 page. Very detailed discussion of vessels and their destinations, the amount of money required and goods. “The Margaret must go right to Mocha (Yemen) for Coffee.”

March 20, 1805, 3 pages. The Margaret prepares to head to the Middle East. “The Margaret will be complete by Saturday… She was to have $45,000 being 8 or $9,000 over last voyage. She will go through Mozambique channel direct for Mocha for coffee.” Worries that they do not have the funds to equip and send the Belisarius. Needs more copper for ship mending. He is not yet sure if he will accept his nomination as Secretary of Navy. More discussion of trade, prices, destinations.

March 26, 1805, 1 page. Reporting on the arrival safely in harbor of the Minerva with “slim cargo, indeed only 32,000 Cotton.”

April 5, 1805, 3 pages. “The Belisarius Capt Peele sailed for Bourbon the day before yesterday in company with the Hazard for the Spanish Maine.” Discusses the speed of the ships, arrival times and wind. “I forgot to mention some ago that the NY copper had arrived”. Detailed discussion of sending tens of thousands of dollars to RC. Discusses banking. “I would not hire much money on the terms you mentions because can do better here. Whenever the banks will do business notes. And they have done it in every instance since I have been at home where we have asked for it. We have still a handsome parcel of notes on hand, about $70,000 I believe…. The cotton is all delivered…” He goes on to discuss the offer he received for Secretary of the Navy, which he would decline. “I have written the President and Mr. S and have told the former that I could not visit Washington this summer. They must work out for another Secretary of the Navy.” Mentions the visit of one of his vessels to India.

Apr 11, 1805, 1 page. Raising money for trade. “We can get it here at the common bank discount when we have good business notes within discount days.” Seeking $30,000. Discusses two vessels and a European shipment of coffee.

Apr 15, 1805, 1 page. “We have sent off Benjamin Swan to receive the $31,500 now in Providence Bank…. We are ready to pay your drafts”

Apr 16, 1805, 1 page. “We have been endeavoring to buy bills on NY.” On efforts to get money.

November 23, 1805, 2 pages. News of a bill to protect ports and harbors. “I see a privateer was seen Lat. 38 ,Long 72 by a vessel at NY late this month. If our vessels go to Salem, they will be in her track.” News on “the Louisiana Remostrance” and a gale affecting some of their vessels.

Letters from Benjamin and George Crowninshield

Benjamin: March 9, 1805, 2 pages. The Belisarius and Margaret are ready and he needs $20,000 to ship. Says notes have been prepared from an outfit in Boston. What follows is a detailed accounting of what money is needed and what they owe against past debts. “I trust this is all or nearly all we owe in N York. I want to pay a few old debts in Salem. Old Dodge and others.”

Benjamin: March 6, 1805, 1 page. News on cargo and destination of vessels set for Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and Yemen. “Three or 4 are starting and to start for Moka.”

Benjamin Crowninshield to Richard: February 4, 1805, 1 page. On financial matters.

George: Feb 8, 1805, 1 page. On family and business news.

George: Feb 18, 1805, 1 page. News on shipments and arrangements to secure funds. “I don’t think we can discount any notes at any banks here but must wait in general for the time to come.” Gives a detailed account of sales and terms of sale.

The 1801 Trip of the Ship Produent to Europe and then to Madras, India

A remarkable group of 16 documents in total, some signed by Crowninshield family members, showing the preparation for a great trade trip through Europe and clearance there and continuation on toward India, including correspondence, receipts and official clearance documents. Including:

Document signed, Benjamin Crowninshield, 29 August 1801, Salem, double sided, oversized. “Roll or list of the crew of the ship called the Prudent… Commanded by Benj. Crowninshield, bound for Madeira and Tenerife.” And attestation from Thos. Bancroft.

Document signed, August 27, 1801, an 8-page very detailed document signed, Nathaniel West and Clifford Crowninshield, a complete inventory and value of the cargo of the vessel Prudent.

Document signed, August 29, 1801, signed by Clifford Crowninshield, Thomas MacDonogh, British Consul to New England, Marc Giraud, French Consul to New England, and William Jenkins. An attestation as to the contents of the Prudent.

Document signed, by port officers of Madeira, in Portuguese, December 30, 1801, permitting entry and exit of the vessel Prudent, Benjamin Crowninshield captain. Acknowledging payment of fees. With translation.

Approximately 10 letters written to BC during this 1801-1802 trip, including from India on trade. Among the signers: James Barry and other trade vessel captains.

Document signed, November 14, 1801, Tenerife, 2 long pages of expenditures. James Barry. “Port charges and disbursements of the American Ship Prudent, Capt Benjamin Crowninshield.” A detailed account of the amount paid by Crowninshield during his trip to Tenerife for trade.

2 Documents signed, Benjamin Crowninshield, 3 pages total, November 4, 1801, Madeira, confirming the shipment of wine and other goods on board the Prudent, destined for India, in particular Madras, with an accounting of the amount BC paid.

1803: The Crowninshields and Joseph Story, among many others: Restitutions from the French

During the Napoleonic Wars, Americans continued to do commerce with the French and English. The Washington Administration had pledged neutrality and the turmoil that afflicted Europe was not yet on our doorstep. But French attention and finances meant that often Americans were not paid for the money they were owed.

On April 20, 1803, the US and France signed a convention ceding the Territory of Louisiana to the United States. That same day, a commercial treaty was signed guaranteeing “the payment of the Sums due by France to the citizens of the United States.”

Benjamin Crowninshield and the Crowninshield family were partners in vessels Betsey and Dauphin, which sold goods in the late 18th century to the French government, specifically through ports in Haiti.

In 1803, they gathered the documents showing their commerce and attached many exhibits proving the money due to them by virtue of the Louisiana Purchase treaty.

This is the small archive related to the Crowninshield and partners’ effort to receive restitution for their sales to the French government. Interestingly, they hired as their attorney Joseph Story, future great Supreme Court Justice as their attorney. Two documents bear his signature.

Document signed, a booklet of documents, Joseph Story, Moses Townsend, for the applicants, and Ichabod Tucker as notary public, consisting of 10 exhibits, each signed by different parties, being attestations of French merchants that the sums had been correct and the goods sold and received, ending with the certification by Joseph Story and Tucker, dated December 3, 1803, attached together with a ribbon.

Document signed, November 27, 1803, also signed by Joseph Story, along with Moses Townsend and William J. Oliver, authorizing James Woods of Bordeaux to act as attorney for the group seeking restitution. Frayed at edges.

Autograph document signed, Ichabod Tucker, notary public, November 29, 1803, affixing the seal of the state of Massachusetts to the certifications.

Document signed, November 15, 1803, signed by Benjamin Crowninshield (and others), giving authority to Woods to act as his agent in France to reclaim money owed.

Miscellany

Letter of William Adamson, 1798, letter of introduction to a Hamburg merchant for Benjamin Crowninshield.

10 miscellaneous receipts from the late 1760s / early 1770s for the Crowninshield family.

Untranslated document in Dutch from the late 1790s permitting entry to B. Crowninshield and the Prudent.

Document signed, William and Mary Carlton, October 31, 1772, a deed of land to Jacob Crowninshield.

A remarkable archive of one the the United States’ most prominent merchant families.