1828 HANDWRITTEN LETTER (ALS) REGARDING WHALING EQUIPMENT, WHERE TO PURCHASE, ETC., TO N. & W.W. BILLINGS, NEW LONDON [CT]. DATELINED: NEW BEDFORD, 2 MO.11.1828 by Russell, Seth [Jr.] - 1828

New Bedford, Massachusetts, 1828. Original manuscript. Very Good. 1.25pp, octavo, integral address leaf. In part: "...There is no whale line* here at present. We have lately purchased what we wanted at Newport, Bristol & Warren [RI] for 18 to 20 cents. I have lately intended for 4000 fathoms to be delivered....There is a great plenty of Try pots** .... I expect good lines to be had a[t] Plymouth....[signed] Seth Russell." Postmarked on the address leaf, New Bedford, Feb 2. [*Whale line: a strong, three-strand manila rope, 6" diameter, used in whaling as a harpoon line or towline. **A Try pot is a large pot used to remove and render the oil from blubber.] [N&WW Billings Company "was established in 1823 and ceased operations in 1851. During this period the company managed at least twelve whaling vessels which, by the end of business, had made it one of the most successful whaling agencies in New London....In addition, the company operated a soap and candle making business that used oil and spermaceti, etc. taken by their whale ships" (from Mystic Seaport records).].