1814 Partly-Printed Promissory Note to Job Carpenter – Warwick, Rhode Island

Description

1814 Partly-Printed Promissory Note to Job Carpenter – Warwick, Rhode Island
Offered for your consideration is a partly-printed promissory note for .00, issued in 1814, possibly redeemable in gold coins of the United States (Capped Bust type), with its original retained stub. The principal document is headlined “
Providence
March 2d
181
4
”, with the amount, “

DOLS. ~~ CTS.
”, between double lines at the upper left. The body of the document states that “
For value received, I the Subscriber of
Warwick
~ County of
Kent
~ State of
Rhode Island
promise to pay
Job Carpenter
~~ or order,
Twenty
~~~~~~ dollars ~~~ cents, ~~~~ with interest
”, followed by the signature of “
Benjamin Greene S. G
”. At the lower left, in a location marked “
Attest
”, is the signature of “
Henry Westcott
”, presumably validating the transaction. All of the foregoing material is enclosed in a decorative border on three sides, with the one at left being significantly larger. The difference in size is to separate the principal document from the retained partly-printed stub (similar to modern checkbook stubs). This stub, still firmly attached, lists the amount (again within double lines), the note “
No.
” (though not mentioned on the actual note), the date of issue, the term of the note (“
Payable,
in one Year
”), and the signer of the note. The top and bottom are enclosed in the same border as the main instrument. The back of the piece is blank, was, and still is, blank. Sadly, the reason for the issuance of this piece is not stated, though with diligent research into the individuals whose names appear, a possible motive may be discerned. This piece would make an interesting addition to any early American or War of 1812 collection (this piece was issued during the final year of the war). A super research project for the local historian.
Cursory research has located two possible individuals for the Job Carpenter mentioned in this document. One is listed as being born in Barrington, Bristol, Rhode Island on April 6, 1735 (though his grave apparently states his birth in Swansea Center, Massachusetts). This Job Carpenter would die in Warwick, Kent County, Rhode Island on May 21, 1814 (a little over two months after the date of this document). The other individual was apparently born in 1777 and died in March of 1845, though his place of residence is not listed. One of these men was the owner of the schooner
Nelson
of Providence, formerly the
Trafalgar Nelson
, a prize vessel captured by the schooner
Viper
. A Benjamin Greene is buried in the Greene Cemetery in Warwick, Rhode Island, having been born on May 13, 1788 and dying on August 10, 1862 (this may or may not be the individual who signed the document).
The currently offered document exhibits signs of significant period use, followed by many years of long-term storage. Toning is present across the entire surface, significantly more pronounced on the principal instrument than the stub. This toning is somewhat darker at the edges and along the folds. In addition to the toning, significant soiling is present, again, more pronounced on the main instrument than the stub. Minor staining can be found in the lower right corner, with lighter areas visible on the back. Several period folds are noted, one of which has caused a separation of the paper at the bottom edge. An additional tear can also be seen at the bottom edge, easily repairable with a piece of archival tape if desired (so can the one on the fold). The left edge is somewhat irregular though not ragged, while the remaining edges are straight. The contrast is average for the age of the piece, with all of the printed and manuscript material present. Measuring approximately 3 x 7⅝ inches, this piece could be framed with a period illustration of either Warwick or Providence, Rhode Island. Worthy of further research.
A .95 charge will be added to the winning bid for postage and insurance.
A .00 charge will be added to any item picked up in person at our physical location.
If you have any questions regarding this item, please ask before purchasing.
Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA