1821 Brig "Rapid" - Port Middletown Bill of Lading - Cargo St Croix - A Wolcott

Description

This is for an early 1821 receipt / bill of lading for the Brig "Rapid" at Port Middletown, CT and bound for Bath Maine.  With Embossed Seal of Port of Middletown.
Signed by Alexander Wolcott
(1758–1828) who was a United States customs inspector and a nominee to the Supreme Court of the United States. A leader of the Democratic-Republican Party in Connecticut, he holds the dubious distinction of being defeated by the widest margin of any Supreme Court nominee in American history: 9–24. Nominated by President James Madison to the late William Cushing's seat in February 1811, he was unpopular because, while a United States customs inspector, he had robustly enforced the Embargo and Non-Intercourse Acts.
A brig is a sailing vessel with two square-rigged masts. During the Age of Sail, brigs were seen as fast and maneuverable and were used as both naval warships and merchant vessels. They were especially popular in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Brigs fell out of use with the arrival of the steam ship because they required a relatively large crew for their small size and were difficult to sail into the wind.
Carrying cargo from St Croix.
Captain Joseph Richards is the Ship Master.
Great condition with minor folds.  Guaranteed original.  Approx 8 x 6 inches.