1764 NEWPORT RI Document Signed by WILLIAM VERNON – SLAVE TRADER – REV WAR

Description

2 pg. manuscript document, (front and back of single sheet), approx. 7-3/8″ x 3-1/4″, dated at
Newport, Rhode Island, May 26, 1764
– a note to William Vernon, signed by John Thompson, which reads: “Please to pay or cause to be paid to Mr. Robert Lockwood the sum of Fifty Eight Pounds one shilling old Tenor and you’ll oblidge yours, Jno. Thompson”.
Autograph endorsement signed on the back by William Vernon:
“Accepted to pay the within draft for fifty eight pounds 1/ in any kind of goods. Wm. Vernon”
.
A scarce Colonial dated autograph of
WILLIAM VERNON
, (1719-1806), born in Newport, RI, he, with his brother Samuel, were the most prolific slave traders of Newport, engaged in the Atlantic Slave trade beginning in 1737, and during the next 60 years, they financed well over 40 slave voyages. During the American Revolution, he served as President of the Eastern Navy Board, and was  responsible for building and outfitting ships of the Continental Navy.
Fine-Very Fine.
COMBINED SHIPPING FOR MULTIPLE ITEMS.
[316]NO SHIPPING OUTSIDE OF THE U.S.