Tristam Burges letter and ephemera

Collection — Box: Multi-Collection Box

Identifier: 088-02

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of a letter from Tristam Burges to John DeWolf in Bristol, R.I. concerning the extension of road service from Fall River to Newport and it’s possible impact on the steamship lines.

Included with the letter are three pieces of ephemera related to transportation of trade in Rhode Island in the 19th century. These materials include a Bill of lading from Commercial Steamboat Company for F. H. Perry, Feb. 7, 1865, for a chest of tea; Bill of lading for James DeWolf, Jun. on the Sloop Empress, May 8 1824, signed by Gardner Willard (master of the ship); Stock certificate for Powdermill Turnpike Corporation, December 1, 1831.

Dates

1824 - 1865

Conditions Governing Access

Materials are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

PPL believes this collection is in the public domain. Users of this item are responsible for determining copyright restrictions.

Biographical / Historical

Tristam Burges (1770-1853) of Watchemoket Farm (now part of East Providence) was a professor at Brown University, lawyer and US Representative from Rhode Island.

Powder Mill Turnpike Corporation was created in 1810 after a petition was granted by the Rhode Island General Assembly to authorized the construction and improvement of the roadway that ran from Waterman’s Tavern in Greenville, eastward through Johnston and North Providence, ending at the Providence town line. The corporation was named after a gunpowder mill that once stood in Centerdale in the 18th century.

The Commercial Steamboat Company was formed in 1851 and was the first to run a regular schedule of freight steamers between Providence and New York.

James DeWolf (1764-1837) of Bristol, R.I. was a slave trader, privateer, businessman and politician. He built incredible wealth with his involvement in the slave trade as well as ownership of several plantations in Cuba. He helped found the Arkwright Mill in Coventry, R.I. and served as U.S. Senator from 1821 to 1825.

Extent

1 folders

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Custodial History

Burges letter was acquired from bookseller. Custody of additional ephemera items is unknown and it is unclear if they were originally included with the letter or if they were later added.