The full content of this document is only available to subscribing institutions. More information can be found via www.amdigital.co.uk

Title Correspondence Between Nathaniel and Rebecca Kinsman, Nov-Dec 1844
Reference MSS-43, Box 3, Folder 10
Library Phillips Library, Peabody Essex Museum
Collection Nathaniel Kinsman Papers, 1784-1882
Collection Series Nathaniel and Rebecca Kinsman Correspondence
Date 1844
Description A collection of letters sent to his wife Rebecca written during Nathaniel's stay in Canton. These letters give an almost daily account of their lives, both personal and business, including descriptions of life as an American in a foreign environment. At this time Rebecca lived and worked in Macau. There are many references to Nathaniel's health as well as the trading of tea, coffee and silk.
Document Type Correspondence
Theme(s) Trade and Commerce; Social Life
Keywords personal correspondence, family, health, homesickness, clothes, clothing, trade, sales, purchases, tea, coffee, silk, cargo
Countries China
Places Macau
Ports Guangzhou, China
Ships Glide, Houqua, Hannah, Zenobia
Additional Information Please note that some of the metadata for this document has been drawn from the Peabody Essex Museum catalogue.

Nathaniel Kinsman (1798-1847) was the eldest son of Nathaniel (1775-1808) and Deborah (Webb) Kinsman. He served as a clerk on the Union, advancing to supercargo in two years, after which he continued to sail ships for William Gray and Pickering Dodge. By 1830, Nathaniel was part-owner and master of the Parachute. Between 1834 and 1839 he stayed in Salem, Massachusetts, and married Rebecca Chase (1810-1882) with whom he had four children. In 1839, Nathaniel returned to the sea as master of the Zenobia, owned by Daniel Parker of New York. After a venture to ship tea from Canton to New York failed to make a large profit, Nathaniel accepted the offer of a partnership with Wetmore and Company. He left Salem for China in June 1843 with his wife, two children, a niece and a servant. Once his family were settled in Macao, Nathaniel left for Canton to establish a new house for the firm. His wife remained in Macao, serving as a secretary and as the official business hostess for Wetmore and Company. The family lived in China for three and a half years. Nathaniel died in Macao on 30 April 1847. Rebecca returned to Salem in June 1847. In 1865 she married Joseph Grinnell of New Bedford.

Copyright Phillips Library, Peabody Essex Museum