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Original United States Customs import certificate issued at the Port of Duxbury, Massachusetts, dated May 13, 1807, documenting the lawful importation of one puncheon [110 gallons] of rum from Antigua aboard the American brig Lark, commanded by Morris Morton, and imported by Clapp & Fletcher.
This official printed government form, completed in manuscript, certifies the arrival of Caribbean rum into the District of Massachusetts and bears the signatures of the Collector [Robinson] and Inspector Joel Hill. The left margin contains contemporary warehouse and cargo notations identifying the shipment as a 110-gallon, three-proof puncheon.
This document is also signed by Benjamin Lincoln , a general in the Revolutionary War who was present at the surrender of Yorktown. Lincoln later became harbour master in Boston following the war.
Issued during the administration of President Thomas Jefferson, the document predates the Embargo Act of 1807, when New England's maritime economy relied heavily on trade with the British West Indies. Such certificates accompanied imported merchandise to verify customs compliance and payment of duties and were generally discarded after use, making surviving examples uncommon.
An attractive early American maritime and customs document with strong appeal to collectors of Federal-period commerce, New England history, Caribbean trade, and early United States government records.
Date: May 13, 1807
Location: Port of Duxbury, District of Massachusetts
Cargo: One puncheon [110 gallons] of Antigua rum
Condition: Very good, with expected folds, light toning, minor edge wear, and complete, legible manuscript entries. A desirable Federal-era customs document from the early Republic.
