by Ephemera.
Murphy gives it all to Joseph White also of New York, including "Prize Money that may be coming to me from the Privateer Snow Vengeance, Capt. Deane." One of the three witnesses to sign the document was printer Hugh Gaine.The "Vengeance" has an interesting back story, told in full by Henry Howland in an article in "The American Historical Review." https://doi.org/10.2307/1833942. Originally named "Elegante" and owned by John Porteous, she was converted into a privateer named "Vengeance." George Dean, her former captain, retained his post, and Porteous became agent for the privateer, which carried 6 six-pound guns and 8 four-pounders. In May, 1779, when John Murphy's last will and testament document was executed, "Vengeance" was still on her privateering cruise. Possibly Murphy left the ship in mid-cruise for reasons unknown. He may have suffered illness or injury, but it was also common at this time for sailors to make out "last wills" and surrender powers of attorney in case of death - a legal chore often accomplished while the principal was already at sea. At any rate, the career of this British privateer is secondary to the story of the document.It is manifestly of British origin, dating itself in type, "in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy... and in the ... Year of his Majesty's Reign." Furthermore, the first witness to sign the document was colonial printer Hugh Gaine, known for his loyalist leanings. A note at the bottom of the document, signed by John Porteous as agent, agrees to "pay Mr. White what balance may be due on the present Cruise in the Snow Vengeance after what is already advanced." Porteous, a Scotsman, was a known loyalist. British privateering documents are scarce in the American market. Those signed and perhaps printed by Hugh Gaine are rare indeed. Very good condition. (Inventory #: 49371)
(978) 283-5299
