1799 U.S. Customs Certificate — Canton China Trade & Hyson Tea — Boston — For Sale

An exceptionally interesting original document from the early Federal period of the United States, dated August 19, 1799, documenting the importation of one box containing sixteen pounds of Hyson tea from Canton, China aboard an American vessel.

Issued by the District of Massachusetts, Port of Boston and Charlestown, this certificate is numbered 5063 and records the official examination and certification of the imported merchandise.

The document bears a striking embossed early United States eagle seal, surrounded by an elaborate engraved border. The manuscript endorsements and signatures of the customs officials provide additional evidence of its official use.

The document illustrates the developing American federal customs system at a fascinating moment in the nation's history, only a decade after the establishment of the Federal government. The 1799 revenue laws were an important expansion of the federal government's regulation of imported merchandise and customs collections.

Of particular interest is the reference to Canton and Hyson tea. Chinese tea was a significant commodity in the developing American trade with Asia, and Hyson was among the varieties specifically advertised and sold in the United States during this period.

• Date: August 19, 1799
• Location: Boston, Massachusetts
• District: District of Massachusetts
• Port: Boston and Charlestown
• Document No.: 5063
• Commodity: Hyson Tea
• Quantity: 16 pounds
• Origin: Canton, China
• Vessel: American vessel, as stated in the document
• Customs official: Thomas Melvill/Melville, Inspector
• Embossed: Early United States federal eagle seal
• Period: Early Federal Republic

Condition: Very Good. Original folds, age toning, minor staining and edge wear, with the manuscript text, signatures and embossed federal seal remaining exceptionally legible.