1797 Portugal letter to Richard Codman American merchant in Paris

1797 letter from merchant Jacob Dohrman in Lisbon Portugal to Richard Codman, Boston-based merchant in Paris since 1793. He was involved in international  trade along with his brother John. Concerning shipment of products from Lisbon to Riga (Kingdom of Poland).

Jacob Dohrman & Co. was the Lisbon branch of a trans‑Atlantic mercantile house operated by the Dohrman brothers—key commercial intermediaries between Portugal, Spain, and the United States in the late 18th century.

Richard Codman Esq Paris
Lisbon 21 March 1797

Sir,

Deprived of your esteemed favors since our last respects of the 7^th we have resolved in concert with Capn Crocker to pursue the general tenor of his orders and proceed to the Baltic with a cargo of Salt and little fruit for wen account. He is so near loaded that we hope he will be ready for sea by Friday and we shall forward you the Accounts. The cargo will consist of

400 – of salt
200 boxes of oranges
100     ”      of lemons
20 quarter casks of wine (this article is every day more demanded in the North)
A few bags of corks

He will proceed to Riga where we shall particularly recommend him to our friends – Jacobs & Co. If you approve of the business going thro their hands it might not be – to drop them a line acquainting them with the cargo consists of in order that they may be prepared to dispose of the same to the greatest possible advantage. We shall not write to them ourselves otherwise than by Capt. Crocker lest you should have some other correspondent at Riga who, you might wish to address the ship. We are happy to note by a letter received last night from your house in Boston, that the above arrangement meets their wishes touching the disposal of the Thetis as near as circumstances will permit. The staves are sold at 35 ries each for the hogshead and 25 for the Barrel. The account sale will follow with the expedition of the Vessel. Sugar brisk at 4100 to 4200 for the white and 3000 to 3100 for the brown. Cotton rather dull tho the price remains 280 to 290 perman-- & 270 to 275 Marnashaw. These two articles continue to be shipped to Havre under Danish colours. The American flag is rather in disrespecte.

M Henry Johnson having requested certain information from us had having omitted acquainting us with his address, we take the liberty of enclosing our letter to him. Requesting you to have the goodness to forward it so that it may com to hand, pardoning the trouble We hope soon to learn the safe arrival of Capt. Leach and remain sincerely

Sir, Your obliged hble servant

Jacob Dohrman & Co

Amsterdam  57 3/4
Hamburg 49 3/4
London 72
Genoa 620

Addressed to Richard Codman Esq Rue d’Anjou Faux. St Honore No. 975 Paris . Postmarked ‘D’ESPAGNE’ (by Spain)

 4 pages

In the early 1800s, as Richard’s finances deteriorated:

• The Thetis appears in correspondence about delayed shipments, exchange‑rate losses, and creditor pressure.
• Ships like the Thetis became entangled in the fallout from Richard’s speculative overreach in France.

This makes the vessel a primary‑source witness to the unraveling of the Codman enterprise.

...Richard soon  moved to France where he adopted a high style of living, entertaining lavishly in two chateaux and a house in Paris, all richly furnished. The partnership of John and Richard Codman was dissolved by the always more prudent John in 1798 'for fear of war.' Meanwhile, Richard had become embroiled in new financial schemes, speculating in currency, real estate and  other commodities in revolutionary France's chaotic economy. By 1799 Richard was ruined financially, necessitating John's going to Europe to extricate him from his debts;

The Codman brothers were prominent Boston merchants in the late 18th century, deeply involved in international trade and shipping. Here's a detailed look at their activities and legacy:

John Codman III (1755–1803):

A merchant and shipowner, he operated out of Boston and traded extensively with Europe, the West Indies, and Africa. He began in partnership with William Smith, then later with his brother Richard Codman.

Richard Codman (1762–1806):

A Harvard graduate and merchant, he partnered with John in international ventures. Their firm traded with Holland, England, France, and Russia, dealing in a wide range of goods.

The Codman brothers were involved in:

•  Exporting: Codfish, timber, masts, staves, and rum.
•  Importing: Salt, wine, lemons, Russian iron, sailcloth (Russian duck), cordage, tallow, soap, and luxury goods like brandy and fine clothing.
• Shipping logistics: They managed fleets and dealt with insurance, cargo duties, and market fluctuations due to wars and inflation.

Their business was affected by:

• The Napoleonic Wars, which increased demand for American goods.
• The end of the American Revolution, which reshaped trade routes and pricing.

The Codman family became influential in Boston society, with later generations involved in law, real estate, and philanthropy.