A Member Of The Massachusetts Whaling And Shipping Family The Grinnells, Sells Interest In A Ship To A Kinsman

(WHALING). DS. 3pgs. N.p. [likely New Bedford]. August 2, 1837. A legal document signed “James M. Grinnell”. Grinnell was a member of a prominent New Bedford, Massachusetts family in the whaling and mercantile industries. In the document, Grinnell sells his interest in a whaling ship, the Cicero, to his relative Joseph Grinnell. The latter Grinnell had founded the shipping company Fish and Grinnell in 1815. “To all to whom these Presents shall come, GREETING: Know ye, That I James M. Grinnell, Merchant of New Bedford, state of Massachusetts owner of one sixteenth of ship Cicero and outfits now on a whaling voyage of the burthen of Two hundred & fifty tons, or thereabouts, for and in consideration of the sum of one thousand Dollars lawful money of the United States of America, to me in hand paid before the sealing and delivery of these Presents by Joseph Grinnell, Merchant of New Bedford aforesd the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, and am therewith fully satisfied, contented, and paid; have bargained and sold, and by these Presents do bargain and sell unto the said Joseph Grinnell, his executors, administrators, and assigns, one sixteenth of the said ship or vessel, together with one sixteenth of the outfits and debts due the owners of sd ship from the officers & crew the masts bowsprit, sails, boats, anchors, cables, and all other necessaries thereunto appertaining and belonging; the certificate of the registry of which said ship on vessel is as follows, to wit:…To have and to hold the said one sixteenth and appurtendences thereunto belonging, unto him the said Jos. Grinnell, his executors, administrators, and assigns, to the sole and only proper use, benefit and behoof of him the said Jos Grinnell his executors, administrators and assigns, for ever: And I the said James M. Grinnell have and by these Presents do promise covenant and agree, for my heirs, executors and administrators, to and with the said Joseph Grinnell his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, to warrant and defend the said one sixteenth and all the other beforementioned appurtenances, against all and every person and persons whomsoever. By testimony whereof, I the said James M. Grinnell have hereunto set my hand and seal this second day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven. James M. Grinnell”. The partially-printed document is in good condition with some toning and deep folds.