Reports of goods imported (Manifest Books) to New York

This series consists of 24 surviving volumes of reports of goods imported (manifest books) to New York Colony. The remainder of the volumes was destroyed in the New York State Capitol fire of 1911. Damage and loss of information in surviving reports varies depending upon the particular volume. Fragments of a few badly burned reports from the years 1774 and 1775 are also extant.

Each single page report contains the name of sailing vessel, type of vessel, name of captain, place from which shipment originated, and an itemized list of "dutiable goods and commodities" imported. Itemized lists of goods include quantity and intended recipient. The veracity of each report and the fact that no additional "slaves, wine, rum or other distilled liquors, shrub, cocoa, or dutiable dry goods" were imported is attested to by the vessel captain. Each report is also endorsed by Abraham de Peyster, who served as Treasurer of the Province of New York from 1721 until his death in 1767.

The vast majority of reports document the importation of rum, although shipments containing cocoa, wine, gin, and brandy are also recorded. Scattered reports document the importation of slaves. Places of origin include, but are not limited to Amboy, Antigua, Barbados, Boston, Jamaica, Madeira, Montserrat, New Brunswick, New Haven, New London, Philadelphia, Rhode Island, St. Kitts/St. Christopher, St. Vincent, and Suriname. Vessels documented are predominantly sloops, but brigantines, scows, and schooners also appear.

Microfilm is available at the New York State Archives.

Microfilm: 2 reels; 35 mm.

Roll list.

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.