Lot 469
Painting of the Ship "Delaware" of Philadelphia, c. 1793. Watercolor and graphite on laid paper, American School 18th/19th century, 19 x 25" (sight); framed to 25 x 31". A handwritten note taken from the verso reads, "Ship Delaware owned by Jacob Shoemaker. She carried cargo to India, and brought other cargo. Jacob Shoemaker attended to the trading, and was supercargo. This ship was given to Elizabeth Pearsall Frazier by her father, William Pearsall 1893." William Pearsall (1836-1916) was the grandson of Jacob Shoemaker. The Delaware flies a flag with 13 stars in the Great Star pattern and 13 stripes, seven red and six white.
Jacob Shoemaker was a partner with John James in the mercantile firm of James & Shoemaker at 25 N. Water Street in Philadelphia; the Delaware was commanded by Captain James Art. On Nov. 25, 1793, Edmond Charles Genet, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, wrote to Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson alleging that French refugees in Philadelphia and Baltimore were preparing to embark on the ship Delaware and the schooner Betsey to launch military expeditions against St. Domingo. President George Washington ordered Secretary of War Henry Knox to have the governors of Pennsylvania and Maryland investigate this matter. Nathaniel Falconer, Master Warden of the port of Philadelphia, wrote to Pennsylvania Governor Thomas Mifflin on Nov. 29, 1793, that Jacob Shoemaker had assured him that the Delaware was bound for Cape St. Nicolas Môle and that only one passenger had signed up so far. Shoemaker and Captain Art were instructed to bring to Falconer any Frenchman who signed up as a passenger so that Falconer could ascertain the purpose of his voyage.
On Nov. 30, 1793, Jefferson wrote to Genet: "…Our country is open to all men, to come and go peaceably, when they choose. And your letter does not mention that these emigrants meant to depart armed and equipped for war. Lest, however, this should be attempted, the Governors of the states of Pennsylvania and Maryland are requested to have particular attention paid to the vessels named in your letter, and to see that no military expedition be covered or permitted under cover of the right which the passengers have to depart these States…."
Estimated Value $8,000 - 12,000.
Ex. The Claude Harkins Collection of Americana; Samuel T. Freeman, 11/14/2012, lot 619.
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| Realized $2,520 |
