William Redwood records (Amb .7526), 1749-1811, 1.25 linear feet
From the mid 1700s to the early 1800s, William Redwood worked as a merchant in Newport, Rhode Island; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Antigua, West Indies. This collection contains ten account books from Redwoods’ businesses. The volumes are exceptionally detailed and highly legible. The Antigua journal and daybook contain detailed plantation records, including the hiring and upkeep of black and white workers, frequent recapturing of enslaved workers who ran away (who are usually identified by name), a high turnover in overseers, crop plantings, and commerce in farm products. Other volumes document Redwood's involvement in specific voyages (including voyages between Newport and Philadelphia as well as to Canton and London) and records trade in a wide range of items from fabrics and wood to spices and dyes. Customers and business associates included Thomas and Joshua Gilpin, Edward and Isaac Penington, and James and William Logan.
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