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1778 Capture of the Prize Schooner “Hawke” in a Sworn Deposition of American Privateer Nathaniel Bently, the Commander of the American Armed Schooner “Hornet” in a Legal case involving Aaron Lopez & the American Congress



1778 Rhode Island Privateer Nathaniel Bentley Deposition Concerning Capture of a Ship

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October 17, 1778-Dated Revolutionary War, State of Rhode Island, Manuscript Document Signed, “Nath'l Bently” being the Sworn Deposition of American Privateer Nathaniel Bently, Commander of the Armed Schooner "Hornet", detailing the events in which the Privateer under Command of Captain Treadwell, Captured the enemy Schooner “Hawke”, a desputed “Prize” claimed by Aaron Lopez, given at Providence, pending a decision on Appeal to the American Congress, Very Fine.

Extraordinary Revolutionary War date manuscript document, 2 pages (one sheet both sides), measuring 9" x 7.5", being the signed legal deposition of Nathaniel Bently, Commander of the American Armed Schooner "Hornet", detailing the capture of a vessel on Aug. 23, 1778, when the "Hornet" sailing in company with a Privateer under command of Johnathan Treadwell, spotted a vessel. Commander Bently decided not to pursue the ship, but several hours later, he saw the Vessel surrender to Treadwell's Privateer Ship. This official testimony was given for the purpose of determining who was entitled to Prize Money, claimed by merchant Aaron Lopez, for the capture of the enemy Schooner “Hawke”.

Aaron Lopez's legacy extends beyond his many shipping and business ventures. He was actively involved in the Jewish community and contributed to the construction of Newport's Touro Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in the United States. Lopez passed away in 1782.

Nathaniel Bently was a native of Rhode Island, and became an active Privateer during the Revolutionary War. In 1777, Bently Commanded the South Carolina Privateer Ship "Bachelor" owned by Alexander Rose of Charleston; on January 22, 1778, back at Newburyport, he was commissioned to the Massachusetts Privateer Schooner "Hornet". In 1779, he Commanded the Massachusetts Privateers: "Betsey", "Unity", "Fly", and "Shark". In 1780 he Commanded the Privateer "Julius Caesar", and in 1781, the Privateer "Senegal".

Here, American Privateer Commander Nathaniel Bently's sworn testimony per this deposition reads, as written with mispellings, in full:

"I Nathaniel Bently, Mariner, Testify and Say, That I being Commander of the Armed Schooner called the Hornett, belonging to Newberry Port, Sailed in Company with Capt. Jonathan Tredwell from Seconnett River, on the Twenty Third Day of August 1778, - In the Afternoon we saw a Sail, whereupon Capt. Treadwell told me that we could cut her off from the land if we had a mind to Stand for, he was then standing for her; Seconnet Rocks bore about North West from us, and the Sail which we saw bore about South West from us. There was a Boat alongside of Capt. Treadwell's Sloop, which we hailed and asked them for a Pilot to pilot us over Nantucket Sholes; and when we had got a Pilot, we did not think it worthwhile to go after the Sail which we saw, as I and my Officers thought she was a Vessel bound either into Coascet (Cohasset) or Bedford, and did not think it worthwhile to go after her. --- And afterward about Four o'Clock, we saw the said Vessel settle her sails to Capt. Treadwell's Vessell and a Boat that were in pursuit of her, we being at some Distance and were steering to the Eastward, bound over the Sholes. --- (Signed) Nath'l Bently”. (noted “Turnover” the page...)

Written on the other side is a sworn statement Signed, “John Foster Justice (of the) Peace”, at Providence Rhode Island. Here, justice Foster is certifying that Nathaniel Bently had sworn to “the truth of his deposition, and that it was taken at the request of Aaron Lopez, to be used in a Prize Cause in which Jonathan Treadwell &c are the Libellants and the said Aaron Lopez is the Claimant of the (Prize) Schooner Hawke. --- (decision) pending by Appeal to the American Congress.

Aaron Lopez, (1731-1782), was a wealthy Jewish Rhode Island shipping merchant and slave trader.



PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF

AMBASSADOR J. WILLIAM MIDDENDORF II
Aaron Lopez was a prominent Jewish merchant and philanthropist in colonial America, particularly associated with the port city of Newport, Rhode Island, during the 18th century. Born in Portugal in 1731, Lopez emigrated to the American colonies and became a naturalized citizen.

Lopez was involved in various business ventures, including shipping, trade, and manufacturing. He played a significant role in Newport's economic life and was known for his success in Slave trade with the West Indies, Europe, and other parts of the world. One of his notable contributions was in the field of spermaceti candle manufacturing.

It's worth noting that Newport, Rhode Island, was a key commercial center during the colonial period, and it attracted merchants engaged in maritime trade. Lopez's success in business contributed to the economic vitality of the region.

Aaron Lopez's legacy extends beyond his business ventures. He was actively involved in the Jewish community and contributed to the construction of Newport's Touro Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in the United States. Lopez passed away in 1782.

During the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), Privateering was a common practice. Privateers were privately owned armed ships that were authorized by a government to attack and capture enemy vessels during wartime. Prize cases, where captured ships and their cargoes were brought before admiralty courts, were not uncommon during this period.

There were numerous legal disputes and prize appeals related to captured ships and their cargoes. Privateers played a significant role during this time, and their actions often led to legal challenges.
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Lot Number: 130
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