Bordeaux Account of Port Charges, Brokerage and Disbursements for the Ship 'Fidelia' of New York, Wm. Ashley Capt., bound for New Orleans.
Bordeaux: 10 May 1819. A printed Bordeaux (France) port fee document, completed in period ink, for an American ship 'Fidelia' traveling from New York to France, and then on to New Orleans, with fees calculated in French francs, with a grand total of 2,599 francs 57 centimes.
'Fidelia' was a cartel ship during the War of 1812; these ships were commissioned to sail under a safe conduct for the exchange of prisoners or conveyance of proposals between warring parties. Following the War of 1812, American trade with France rapidly recovered following the revocation of blockades.
'Fidelia' is delivering a cargo of lumber in France, and likely returning to New Orleans with a cargo of wine (we're speculating here, but it's likely that the cargo was wine, as the region is a major wine producer & the American vessel was headed for New Orleans)..
Fees recorded here include: the pilotage fee from the sea to Bordeaux (160 francs), entering the vessel at the Custom House (119.75), and, the highest fee of all, Tonnage money, and Navigation dues, as per Receipts on 225 tons 18/94 ths. (the last figure entered by hand) for a fee of 1,056.92. A payment by a French party named "Desarmaux" for 400 francs in recorded as paid in full.
8 x 10". Period folds flattened, some text at left edge slightly blurred from small damp stain. Very good condition. Item #25519
Price: $175.00