Lot 333

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

Revolutionary War Privateer "Randolph" Outfitting Financed by Norwich, CT Blockade Runners

A manuscript document relating to Revolutionary War blockade running and privateering, with great Connecticut associations to the river-faring town of Norwich. The document is divided into two columns showing more than 19 lines of entries and a handful of mathematical calculations found along the bottom. Expected folds, overall toning, and isolated chipped or darkened edges. Else near fine. 9.375" x 7.125."

Financial transactions recorded here were conducted during the waning days of the Revolutionary War, ca. November 1780 - February 1781, between a Norwich, Connecticut merchant named Dudley Woodbridge and the Howland & Coit Company, the city's most prominent ship-building firm. The most significant entry, dated December 16, 1780, relates to costs for the outfitting of the armed Connecticut privateer "Randolph." The entry reads: "To 1/16 Ball:e Sloop Randolphs / Recd her third Outfitts £4101.11.0p."

The "Randolph" had a short but extremely profitable career as a Connecticut (Patriot) armed privateer. A sloop manned by a crew of around 90 sailors and outfitted with 18 cannons, the "Randolph" trolled the waters of Long Island Sound, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. Between her launch around August 1780 and her capture by the H.M.S. "Bonetta" on October 25, 1782, the "Randolph" captured at least 25 British or Loyalist vessels. These enemy schooners, brigs, and sloops typically contained valuable commodities like rum, livestock, or naval stores. An outstanding resource for those interested in the history of the "Randolph" can be found at the following link: https://www.awiatsea.com/Privateers/R/Randolph%20Connecticut%20Sloop%20[Fosdick%20Peck%20Fosdick%20Peck].pdf

Dudley Woodbridge (1747-1823) and his younger brother Samuel Woodbridge (1757-1828)--also listed among the names in this ledger--were Norwich, Connecticut merchants and business partners. During wartime, the brothers almost certainly profited from both legal and illegal trade. Dudley Woodbridge, a Yale graduate, later served as Postmaster of Norwich, Connecticut between 1781-1789. Numerous collections of Dudley Woodbridge's papers can be found at the University of Virginia Library; the New York Public Library, Archives, and Manuscripts; and the Clements Library at the University of Michigan.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice, unless you inform us otherwise, immediately upon your receipt of invoice***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party Please copy and paste this following link into your browser: http://universityarchives.com/UserFiles/ShippingInfo.pdf. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.


After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item.


Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

January 6, 2021 10:30 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000