PRIVATEERING LOOT.


SHAW, NATHANIEL, JR. 1735-1782. Autograph Letter Signed ("Nath. Shaw Junr"), 1 p, oblong 8vo (7 x 3 3.4 in), n.p. [but Washington Co, RI?], April 11, 1777, to Beriah Brown, Esq., regarding the liquidation of the "Prize Schooner and part of her Cargoe" on Thursday next, minor creasing and toning, lower margin rough.Shaw Jr. was the son of Nathaniel Shaw, one of the wealthiest merchants in New London during the late colonial years years. The younger Shaw took over the family business in 1763, and was an important figure during the Revolutionary War, opening his home to wounded soldiers and transforming his merchant ships into privateering vessels. The present document, delivered to Beriah Brown, Sheriff of Washington County, Rhode Island, documents the liquidation of one unnamed ship captured by Shaw's privateers, laden with "herring, and Pickled Salmon."