New York (N.Y.)--Commerce

Account books dated 1772?-1784 from merchant and Revolutionary War spy Robert Townsend, his father, Samuel Townsend, and brothers, Solomon Townsend and Samuel Townsend Jr. They consist of Robert Townsend's daybook, 1772?-1774; a daybook of Samuel Townsend Sr. and Samuel Townsend Jr. dated 1773; a daybook attributed to Solomon Townsend dated 1778; and Robert Townsend's receipt book, 1779-1784, with some receipts made out to Robert Townsend & Co.

Recommending that the citizens assemble to demand the return of the arms. Signed: Plain English. Imprint supplied by Evans.

Affidavit concerning the importation of arms from England. Signed: Thomas Mesnard. Sworn this 30th of December, 1774, before me, Bn. Blagge. Followed by: It is material to inform the public, that the ship Lady Gage, cleared at the custom-house, London, the 15th day of October ... From all which there is great reason to suspect that the arms were not seized for want of the usual formalities of law, but to prevent their falling into the hands of the owner, and thereby to deprive the country of the use of them, at this important crisis. A number of citizens.

Exhortation and warning not to provide goods or services to the British troops at Boston. Signed: The free citizens. New-York, Sept. 14, 1774. Ascribed to the press of John Holt by Evans.

Ascribed to the press of John Holt by Evans.

Signed: New-York, June 20, 1774. A freeman. Ascribed to the press of John Holt by Evans. With, on right half of sheet intended to be separated: Citizen. To the people of New-York. Though the association lately set on foot ... [New York : John Holt, 1774] (Evans 13665). New-York Historical copy has manuscript note: "Printed by John Holt".

Signed: New-York, June 20, 1774. A freeman. Ascribed to the press of John Holt by Evans. With, on right half of sheet intended to be separated: Citizen. To the people of New-York. Though the association lately set on foot ... [New York : John Holt, 1774] (Evans 13665). New-York Historical copy has manuscript note: "Printed by John Holt".

In opposition to the importation of tea. Title taken from caption title and opening lines of text. Signed on p. 4: A mechanic. Date of publication supplied by Evans. Written in response to: Poplicola [i.e., Vardill, John]. To the worthy inhabitants of the city of New-York. Every good citizen will be inclined from duty ...

In support of the importation of British tea for commercial reasons. Signed: Poplicola. The pseudonym Poplicola was used by John Vardill. Issued as a supplement to Rivington's New-York gazeteer. Text in two columns.

In support of the importation of British tea by the East India Company, in reply to the arguments of A tradesman in To the free-holders and free-men, of the city, and province of New York. Signed: Poplicola. The pseudonym Poplicola was used by John Vardill. Issued as a supplement to Rivington's New-York gazetteer. Text in two columns divided by a single rule.

In support of importation of British tea on which duty has been paid in London, replying to the arguments of "a student of law" in Fellow citizens, friends to liberty and equal commerce ... and of "a mechanic" in To the worthy inhabitants of New-York ... Signed: Poplicola. The pseudonym Poplicola was used by John Vardill. Ascribed to the press of James Rivington by Evans. Text in two columns.

Satirizing the New York merchants' consternation at the Tea Act of 1773 and its advantages to the East India Company. "Signed, by order of the deputies to their High Mightinesses for the city of New-York. Isaac Van Pompkin, sec. Perjury-Hall, the 28th October, 1773." New-York Historical copy torn, with some loss of text.

Advocating the interests of the British East-India Company in the sale of tea, and opposing those of the Dutch East India Company. Signed: A farmer. New-York, Nov. 22, 1773. Ascribed to the press of James Rivington by Evans.

Concerning the essay signed Poplicola [i.e., John Vardill] defending the East India Company and opposing the non-importation act. Signed: I am, your fellow subject, a tradesman. New-York, November 13, 1773.

List of imported teas, spices, condiments, dried fruits, wines, assorted foodstuffs, etc. New York City merchant and American Loyalist John Amiel established his firm in New York ca. 1700 and left the city at the time of the British evacuation in 1783. List printed in two colums divided by double rule within ornamental border. At foot of text: Most of the above articles are just imported and to be sold at the cheapest rate[...]. New-York Historical copy inscribed on verso in a contemporary hand: Continued to [...?] 1772; imperfect: torn, with some loss of text and ornamental border.

The Committee of Inspection calls for a meeting to choose another committee. New-York Historical copy from the Donald F. Clark collection.

Dated: New York, June 16, 1770. Followed by: A Card, number 2. A member of the Church of England, and a Son of Liberty, presents his compliments once more, to those gentlemen ... and ... begs the liberty, to offer them some other hints ... New-York, June 20, 1770. New-York Historical copy torn, with slight loss of text; from the Donald F. Clark collection.

Signed: By order of the Committee, Isaac Low, chairman. New-York, July 3, 1770. New-York Historical copy from the Donald F. Clark collection; inlaid.