1820 Customs House Document Signed by Nathl Tracy – Boston Merchants Cabot & Perkins
This is an original April 20, 1820 document from the Custom House in Boston, signed by Nathaniel Tracy, the Collector of the Port of Newburyport. The document certifies the financial credibility of three well-known Boston merchants—Samuel Cabot, Thomas Handasyd Perkins, and Samuel G. Perkins—stating they were responsible and acceptable as sureties for bonds related to import duties up to $200,000.
This rare historical piece provides a glimpse into early 19th-century American trade, customs enforcement, and the financial networks that supported the lucrative China Trade. The document is handwritten in elegant script and bears the signature of Nathl Tracy, an important customs official of the era.
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Collector of the Port of Newburyport 1820
Nathl Tracy, Esq.
Custom House Boston
Collector’s Office, April 20, 1820.
\"I do hereby certify that Samuel Cabot, Thomas H. Perkins, and Samuel G. Perkins, all of Boston, merchants, are considered responsible at this office and would be accepted as principals and sureties on Bonds for Duties to the amount of two hundred thousand Dollars.
Given under my hand this day and year above written.\"
(Signed) Nathl Tracy
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Historical Significance & Biographies:
Nathaniel Tracy (Collector of the Port of Newburyport, 1820)
This Nathaniel Tracy was a federal customs official, serving as the Collector of the Port of Newburyport in 1820. While he shares a name with the famous Revolutionary War merchant and privateer Nathaniel Tracy (1751–1796), he appears to be a different individual, likely a government-appointed official overseeing trade regulation at the time.
Samuel Cabot (1784–1863)
Samuel Cabot was part of the influential Cabot family, one of Boston’s wealthiest and most powerful merchant dynasties. His commercial activities spanned China Trade, shipping, and finance, making him a significant figure in early American commerce.
Thomas Handasyd Perkins (1764–1854)
One of Boston’s most powerful merchants, Thomas H. Perkins built his fortune in the China Trade, dealing in silk, tea, and opium. His business empire extended across the East Indies and South America, and he later became a major philanthropist, helping found the Perkins School for the Blind.
Samuel G. Perkins (1787–1870)
Nephew of Thomas H. Perkins, Samuel G. Perkins was another major merchant involved in international trade, banking, and investments. He played a crucial role in Boston’s financial sector during the 19th century.
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Condition:
Original 1820 document
Handwritten in elegant script
Bold signature of Nathl Tracy
Some wear and age toning, consistent with a 200+ year-old document
A fantastic addition to any collection of early American trade, customs history, or Boston mercantile history.
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Why This Is a Must-Have:
✅ Rare signature of a 19th-century customs official
✅ Links to Boston’s most powerful merchant families
✅ Historical insight into early U.S. trade and customs enforcement
✅ Perfect for collectors of early American documents, customs house history, or Boston mercantile records
Own a piece of early American trade history—an authentic Customs House document from 1820, signed by a Boston port official and referencing some of the wealthiest merchants of the era!
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