19th Century New England Whaling Is Discussed In These Two Letters to One of America's Wealthiest Men

Book Description

2pg. 1829. New Bedford. Two letters from William Grinnell concerning coppering whaling ships. Grinnell was a prominent New Bedford whaling family. a) ALS. 1pg. 8" x 9 ¾". November 6, 1829. New Bedford, MA. An autograph letter signed "Wm. P. Grinnell" to Harmon Hendricks, a New York merchant and one of the richest men in the country at that time. In part: "In course of 2 weeks from this, a large whale ship just arrived will have to be coppered, in case you can supply me with 24, 26, 28, 30, & 32 oz. copper, Soho. I have no doubt I shall be able to sell to the owner her copper. There must soon be 2 to 5 more... all of which will probably immediately fit out for another voyage & want Coppering, from what you said when I conversed with you in New York, not long since, conclude you will be able to send as much as will be wanted of Soho. As soon as I get... some more English Copper of your, will endeavor to send you as precise acc... ". The letter is in fine condition, with light toning throughout. b) ALS. 1pg. 7 ¾" x 9 ¾". November 16, 1829. New Bedford, MA. An autograph letter signed " Wm. P. Grinnell" to Harmon Hendricks changing the original copper order he placed ten days earlier: "I have just came by this mail to say that if you have not shipped the copper order if made by C. Nickoll that you must not send any 20 oz. as on examination I find a plenty of Soho of this size on hand." The letter is in excellent shape

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