1766 — Promissory notes from Aug. Bostwick to Charles Phelps, February 25, 1766 and November 25, 1766
Two promissory notes, both signed in Albany and made out from Aug. Bostwick to Charles Phelps, witnessed by Sam Thompson and Solomon Phelps. The first, signed on February 25th, 1766 is for five Pounds ten Shillings New York Currency in beaver hats, at the market price on February 25th, 1767. The second, signed on November 25th, 1766 is for five pound ten shillings New York Currency in beaver hats at market price on May 25th, 1767.
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 4, Folder 14)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
1766
Public domain
Promissory note
1766.11.25 — Receipt from Augustine Bostwick for Charles Phelps, November 25, 1766
Augustine Bostwick wrote two receipts for the purchase of beaver hats. In both receipts, he specifies that the payment is intended for Charles Phelps and that each amounts to five pounds and ten shillings in New York currency. The first receipt indicates a payment due by August 25th, 1768, while the second receipt states a payment due by November 25th, 1768. At the bottom of each receipt, Bostwick adds the location as Albany, the date as November 25th, 1766, and mentions the names of two other individuals: Sol Phelps and Sam Thomson. On the reverse side of the receipt, Augustine Bostwick has signed his name, wrote Albany to specify the location, and noted that it was a receipt for the purchase of beaver hats.
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 4, Folder 14)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
1766
Public domain
Receipt
1766.11.25 — Promissory note for Charles Phelps, November 11, 1766
From what was transcribed it is thought that this is a promissory note from [Augustus] Bostwick
For Phelps, in payment of 5 pounds 10 shillings worth merchantable beaver hats.
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 4, Folder 14)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
1766
Public domain
Promissory note
1766 — Promissory notes for Charles Phelps
This document from 1766 originates from Albany and represents two promissory notes. Both notes, while distinct, have a shared commitment: the promise to pay Charles Phelps a sum of five pounds and ten shillings in New York Currency. This sum is specifically designated to be paid in the form of good, merchantable beaver hats.
The first note mandates the payment by the 25th of August, and is signed by Augustus Bostwick, with Sam Thomson and Sol. Phelps served as witnesses. The second note (written below the first note), dated November 25th, 1766, seems to renew or reiterate this commitment, setting the new due date for payment—or the next day of the payment plan—as the 25th of November. Again, Sam Thomson and Sol. Phelps acts as a witness, with the note being linked to the name "Aug 25th Bostwick."
The document provides insights into the financial and trade practices of the period, notably the use of commodities such as beaver hats in lieu of cash transactions. Furthermore, given the historical context of the 1760s-1780s, which encompassed the lead-up to the American Revolution and a period wherein enslavement was present on the property, this document can shed light on the economic and social dynamics of that era.
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 4, Folder 14)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
1776
Public domain
Promissory note
1835.05.09 - Mary Huntington to Elizabeth W. P. Huntington, May 9, 1835
Mary Huntington writes to her mother, Elizabeth W. P. Huntington, about her decision to travel to Albany. She makes this decision after considering other people’s travel plans of and deliberating. She preferred to be accompanied by some of her family members, but had no choice but to travel alone.
Mary Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 20, Folder 13)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
May 9, 1835
Public Domain
1843.09.13 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, September 13th, 1843
Elizabeth is updating her son Frederic on the occurrences in the valley. She tells him, first, of his siblings who are at home and of his siblings who are in other places. She then tells him of the visitors that they have. While noting the shifts to Unitarianism, Elizabeth still gives her son good luck and encourages him on his travels using scriptures and encouragements in Protestantism.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 9)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1843-09-13
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence
1830.04.25 - Elizabeth Huntington to John Huntington, Apr. 25th, 1830
This letter begins with Elizabeth mentioning Edward’s birthday and discussing how everything in this life, like business and pleasure, is undeserving of genuine concern unless it stems from religion. She then goes on to discuss how she saw Edward on Saturday and that he was in “good health and spirits.” Edward brought John cloth for his coat. She then proceeds to tell John that his father is sick with a swelled face but is continuing to live his life. She then updates him on other people and ends the letter because her paper is full, and says that she wants to hear from him soon.
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 11)
Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
1830-04-25
Courtesy of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Foundation
For permissions contact Amherst College Archives and Special Collections
Correspondence