Adams family business papers

The Adams family business papers contain correspondence, ship's papers, financial records and crew lists for commission merchant shipping voyages taken by Bangor, Maine resident and ship captain William H. Adams and his brother Calvin Adams. The collection includes three series: Business correspondence; Ship's papers; and Financial and legal papers. The correspondence includes letters primarily sent to William H. Adams from his brother Calvin and others with instructions for voyages, the sale of cargo, cost of supplies and labor, general economic health, travels and occasionally family news and information. Much of the correspondence is of a routine nature with updates and general discussion of daily news. The bulk of the correspondence dates from 1855 to 1856.

The ship's papers detail merchant voyages to the West Indies, Europe, the Azores, South America, San Francisco and New Orleans from Bangor, Maine or New York City. Included are charter parties, crew lists, receipts, bills, accounts, cargo lists, and bills of lading pertaining to goods transported and purchased on behalf of customers. The bulk of the material was accumulated while on a specific merchant voyage and is organized by the name of the ship. The majority of the ships that were operated and or owned by the Adams brothers made more than one merchant voyage. The financial and legal papers of the Adams' include bills, receipts, accounts, powers of attorney, passports and miscellaneous financial records that document the Adams' merchant shipping business. This material is arranged chronologically. Also included in the Adams family business papers are printed nautical books most likely used by Calvin and William H. Adams when sailing to various ports. The nautical books contain piloting instructions, general landmarks, and navigation information.