Protest against the constant calms

Connecticut was known as the Provision State during the Revolutionary War. However the colony (at the time) was also a “provision state” to the West Indies in the 18^th century. Connecticut vessels plied the waters between our ports to the islands of Barbados, Antigua, Granada, Tobago and others in the Lesser Antilles. The cargo the ships carried: livestock, including horses, cows and oxen.

Anchors and figureheads

Although small in size, the collection of Noah Scovell shipping papers, 1768-1812, is filled with some fascinating information.  The collection consists primarily of correspondence and bills and receipts of a Saybrook, Connecticut, ship captain and shipowner and his son. Letters discuss such topics as trading in the West Indies and Portugal, purchasing anchors in New London and New York City, and the purchase of a figurehead in New York.  Bills and receipts reflect the same items–shipping and trade, anchors purchased from Lamberton Cooper and Peter Spencer, and ordering a woman’s figure as a figurehead.  The figurehead information is probably the most unique.  For those who like ship building, there are specifications and other documents concerning the construction of the Ship Northern Liberties.  To round out this collection, there is personal and business correspondence of Noah Scovell, Jr., with letters to his mother, father, and brother Lewis.  This is only one of several collections we own documenting the work and life of Scovell and his son.  He would make a great topic for an article in a historical publication.
Ms 60072