The Sale Of A Ship At Auction

Description

Letter Signed, “Murray, Mumford & Bowen.” Two pages, 7 3/8” x 9”. New York. September 13, 1785. The letter reads, in part: “Our last to you was dated the 9th Inst. to which we refer - Yesterday being the day appointed for the Sale of the Brig Nancy She was put up accordingly at public auction - when to our surprise there was not a single bid upon her … while matters were thus situated the vessell [sic] was bid up by our orders to £370 & still no one appeared to purchase or to make a bid. Being at this time offered a thousand dollars for her by a Gentleman at private sale who had been in treaty for her before … & seeing not the least prospect of having even a single bid at auction the Vessell [sic] being then up, we thought it best in compliance with your orders to accept the proposal … no exertions have been wanting to obtain a greater price … You will please to advise us whether we shall remit you whenever we are in cash, or whether you prefer drawing on us, on knowing the amount we may have in hand. The quantity of Rum delivered us are one hundred twenty three casks - the two casks short Capt. Rathbun [?] will acquaint you of, as well as the reason of it, one cask was lost in the hold by its head coming out. As much of it as could be was taken up with the bilge water & sold altogether at Five pounds sixteen shillings …” Paper loss at wax seal. Tear at bottom of first page, affecting one word. Overall Fine.