William Blair Townsend letter and receipt books

The two volumes in the collection, dated from 1743 to 1805, document Townsend's career as a merchant and his involvement in the slave trade. Volume one is a letter book containing Townsend's business correspondence from November 23, 1743 to December 12, 1774. Most of the letters were written to American (many in North Carolina) and British (predominately in London) merchants. His earliest letters document his efforts to establish himself as a trader. Over time his letters turn to illustrate the common problems faced by many merchants: damaged goods, overpriced goods, embargos, and high freight costs. Particularly enlightening are his comments on the challenges of doing business throughout the French and Indian War and the years leading up to the American Revolution. He most frequently corresponded with London merchants Champion & Hayley, Lane & Booth, Lane Son & Fraser, Harrison & Ansley, and Leeds merchant Samuel Elam. In addition he frequently corresponded with Eliakim Palmer, colonial agent and merchant in London, as well as Dr. Walley Chauncy of North Carolina. He dealt in a wide variety of goods including molasses, rum, tar, medicines, pitch, saddles, tallow, hides, skins, pickled beef and pork, and wine. The letters also document Townsend's involvement in the slave trade through his purchase of enslaved persons for himself and for others (Sequence 12, Sequence 13, Sequence 20). Townsend often includes details about the enslaved individuals, such as the person's age, character, and the amount he paid. There are a few instances that record the names of the enslaved persons.

Volume two is a receipt book which dates from January 29, 1744 to February 28, 1805. Receipts are mainly for Townsend's purchases and debts regarding his business ventures. The receipts also show the purchase of enslaved persons, (Sequence 13, Sequence 14) such as the one be bought on behalf of Benjamin Hallowell on September 22, 1748 (Sequence 61), and the domestic services of various women, including Hannah Hammond, who nursed his infant son, Thomas Hubbard Townsend, from September 22, 1753 to March 22, 1755.