[WHALING] Letter written from Auckland, New Zealand to New Bedford, Massachusetts, 1853

A$1,250 · Offered by Douglas Stewart Fine Books

Entire letter, single sheet folding to form [4] sides, quarto, closely written manuscript in ink on 3 sides, headed Auckland, New Zealand, 8th February 1853 , addressed to Alexander Gibbs Esqr., New Bedford ; signed at the foot Your faithful obedt. servants, Bain Burtt ; outer side with address panel, endorsed via New York , with LONDON / SP 9 1853 PAID in red, NEW YORK / SEP 23 PAID 24 in red and charged 5 CENTS in red; remnants of red wax seal; the letter is complete and in exceptionally fine condition. Bain Burtt were Auckland shipping agents and merchants. The co-owner of the firm, James Burtt, was also American Vice-Consul in Auckland. In this previously unpublished item of business correspondence with the American owner of the whaling ship Jasper , we receive a very detailed insider s view of the conduct and economics of the Pacific whaling trade in the early 1850s, as well as a contemporary account of the shipping crisis at Auckland, caused by the gold rushes in the Australian colonies, which was affecting New Zealand s trade in 1852-53. The letter also provides a glowing account of the port of Auckland and describes its advantages over alternative ports on the coast, before closing with a determined attempt to establish and develop ties through Alexander Gibbs with export merchants in New Bedford, who might benefit from Bain Burtt s experience and expertise in the lucrative Auckland import market. The letter advises Alexander Gibbs of the arrival of his barque Jasper

• Binding: Hardcover

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