AMERICAN CHINA TRADE. Archive of documents from J. B. Newton & Company, circa 1840s-1860s.

AMERICAN CHINA TRADE. Archive of documents from J. B. Newton & Company, circa 1840s-1860s. Ledgers, receipts, bills of lading, drafts of correspondence, and miscellaneous papers documenting the shipping voyages and business of J. B. Newton & Company of New York and San Francisco, an importer of tea from Canton, China. The documents, which bear dates ranging from 1844 to 1864, are contained in an Asian-made lacquered trunk of the period that measures 20 1/2 x 12 1/2 x 6 in. The contents consist of 9 large ledger books (one in wrappers and the rest hard-bound), 10 pocket-sized account books, one small empty leather wallet, and 8 bundles of printed and manuscript documents on white or blue paper, most bound in string and one sealed with a paper band and wax. Most of the handwriting appears to be that of Benjamin Newton, a partner in the firm. All of the contents are remarkably fresh and well-preserved. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing