Lot
317 
(War of 1812) 1812 (Apr. 4) New York N.Y. to Ship Symmetry, datelined letter addressed to "Capt. Thomas T. Morton, Ship Symmetry, from Portsmouth, Engd" with content regarding the embargo on British goods and the status of Amelia Island…"As an Embargo is certainly laid at Washington, we expect it here tomorrow morning, it will therefore by very important to come in with the ship. I will therefore recommend you going to Amelia & put yourself under the direction of Mr. Stewart & Mr. Welsh, who will either load you for the South Yards, or you perhaps may get a freight for Liverpool, but you must take care to keep out of the waters of the United States…A report is in circulation that Amelia Island has shook off the Spanish Authority & declared themselves Independent"; light cover soiling and toning, F.-V.F., ex-Thompson. Estimate $500 - 750.
In the period before the War of 1812 there were a number of United States Acts that blocked international trade and disrupted mails with Canada and the Maritime Provinces. This letter was carried privately to Captain Morton giving warning of the embargo in place in northern ports.
Realized: $250