1805 Original Bill of Lading - London to Philadelphia aboard the William Murdoch For Sale

This is an original Bill of Lading dated July 4th, 1805, issued in London for a shipment of four cases of merchandise bound for Philadelphia. The document provides a fascinating glimpse into the maritime and trade history of the early 19th century, highlighting the global trade routes that connected the United States and Europe. The ship was bound for Philadelphia and due to be received by a notable French born merchant Étienne "Stephen" Dutilh.

Dated a mere 29 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence and bound for the city in which it happened. While commerce was now flowing between England and the United States, there were still holdouts of animosity, which later would lead to the military disputes leading up to the war of 1812

Key Details:

• Date: July 4th, 1805
• Ship: William Murdoch
• Captain: William Smith Thome
• Shippers: Honorius Combauld & Co.
• Destination: Philadelphia, USA
• Consignee: Stephen Dutilh Esq.
• Freight Cost: £7, 18 shillings, 7 pence
• Condition: The document shows expected signs of aging, including some wear and creases, but remains in overall good condition for its age.

"SHIPPED, by the Grace of God, in good Order and well Conditioned, by Honorius Combauld & Co. in and upon the good Ship called the William Murdoch, whereof is Master, under God, for this present Voyage, William Smith Thome, and now riding at Anchor in the River Thames, and by God's Grace, bound for Philadelphia, to say, four cases of Merchandise being marked and numbered as in the Margin, and to be delivered in the like good Order and well Conditioned, at the aforesaid Port of Philadelphia (the Act of God, the King’s Enemies, Fire, and all and every other Dangers and Accidents of the Seas, Rivers, and Navigation, of whatever Nature and Kind soever excepted) unto Stephen Dutilh Esq. or to his Assigns, he or they paying Freight for the said Goods ship pounds 7, 18 shillings, 7 pence with Primage and Average accustomed. In Witness whereof the Master or Purser of the said Ship hath affirmed to 4 Bills of Lading, of this Tenor and Date; the one of which Bills being accomplished, the other 3 to stand void. And so God send the good Ship to her desired Port in Safety. Amen. Dated in London, 4th July 1805.
Contents unknown to William Smith Thome."
"Ship Wm. Murdoch Bill of Lading of 4 cases of merchdse Shipped by Honorius Combauld & Co. London 4th July 1805."
Biographies of Individuals Mentioned:

1. Honorius Combauld & Co.:

   • Honorius Combauld & Co. was likely a trading company based in London during the early 19th century. While specific records of this company may not be readily available, it would have been involved in maritime shipping, exporting goods from London to destinations such as Philadelphia. Trading companies like this were vital to the global economy, facilitating the exchange of goods across Smith Thome:
     • William Smith Thome is mentioned as the captain of the ship William Murdoch in this document. As the ship’s master, Thome would have been responsible for the navigation, safety, and management of the vessel during its voyage from London to Philadelphia. Captains during this period played a critical role in international trade, overseeing the transport of valuable goods across dangerous and often unpredictable seas.

   • William Murdoch (Ship):

     • The William Murdoch was the vessel used for this specific shipment in 1805. While this name is listed as the ship rather than a person, it may have been named after an individual, which was a common practice for ships of the era. The ship itself served as a cargo vessel involved in transatlantic trade, a vital part of commerce between Europe and the United States.

   • Stephen Dutilh Esq.:

     • Stephen Dutilh was a prominent merchant in Philadelphia in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Of French descent, Dutilh was involved in various commercial enterprises, particularly in shipping and the import-export business. He played a key role in the economic development of Philadelphia, one of the most important ports in the United States during this period. His activities connected him to a wide network of international trade, making him a significant figure in the city’s history.

     • Stephen Dutilh was a notable merchant and businessman in Philadelphia during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Here is more detailed information about him:

       Background and Family:
       • Stephen Dutilh (often spelled Étienne Dutilh in French) was of French origin, and his family was part of the wave of French Huguenots who fled religious persecution in France. The Dutilh family eventually settled in the United States, where they became involved in commerce and trade.
       • The Dutilh family was well-connected and maintained strong ties with other merchants of French descent, both in the United States and Europe. This network played a crucial role in their business success.
       Business and Trade:
       • Dutilh established himself as a prominent merchant in Philadelphia, one of the leading ports in the United States at the time. Philadelphia was a bustling center for trade, and merchants like Dutilh were at the heart of the city's economic activity.
       • His business was primarily focused on international trade, particularly between the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. This included the import and export of goods such as textiles, wine, sugar, and other commodities that were in high demand.
       • Dutilh’s company was involved in the shipping industry, owning or chartering vessels that transported goods across the Atlantic. The Bill of Lading from 1805 is an example of such transactions, where he was the consignee responsible for receiving and possibly selling the merchandise upon its arrival in Philadelphia.
       • His connections to European markets, particularly in France and the Netherlands, were a significant asset. He could secure goods at favorable prices and sell them in the American market, contributing to the growth of his wealth and influence.
       Social and Economic Influence:
       • As a successful merchant, Dutilh was part of the economic elite in Philadelphia. His wealth allowed him to influence local economic policies and engage in philanthropic activities.
       • He was also part of the French expatriate community in Philadelphia, which was active in supporting revolutionary causes in France and Haiti during the late 18th century. This community played a role in both the political and economic life of the city.
       • His business success and social standing made him a significant figure in Philadelphia’s history during this period, particularly in the context of its development as a major American port city.
       Later Life and Legacy:
       • Stephen Dutilh's legacy is tied to the broader history of French merchants in the United States, who were instrumental in the early development of the nation’s economy. His involvement in transatlantic trade helped shape the commercial landscape of Philadelphia.
       • The Dutilh family name continued to be associated with commerce and trade in Philadelphia, and their story is part of the larger narrative of immigrant success in America.

       In summary, Stephen Dutilh was a key figure in the world of transatlantic trade during the early 19th century. His work as a merchant helped to cement Philadelphia's place as a vital hub of commerce, connecting the United States with Europe and the Caribbean.