Invoice, Mead, Stafford & Co. to Rigdon, Smith & Cowdery, 8 October 1836

Source Note
Mead, Stafford & Co., Invoice,
New York City
Located in northeast region of U.S. Area settled by Dutch traders, 1620s; later governed by Britain, 1664–1776. Admitted to U.S. as state, 1788. Population in 1810 about 1,000,000; in 1820 about 1,400,000; in 1830 about 1,900,000; and in 1840 about 2,400,...
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, New York Co., NY, to
Rigdon, Smith & Cowdery
A mercantile partnership composed of Sidney Rigdon, JS, and Oliver Cowdery, likely formed in June 1836. The partnership purchased wholesale goods on credit, using promissory notes, from merchants in Buffalo, New York, in June 1836. In September 1836, the ...
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, [
Kirtland Township
Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and...
More Info
, Geauga Co., OH], 8 Oct. 1836; unidentified handwriting; two pages; JS Office Papers, CHL. Includes docket and insertion.

Single leaf measuring 12⅝ x 7⅝ inches (32 x 19 cm). The top, right, and bottom edges of the document have the square cut of manufactured paper; the left edge is torn, suggesting the leaf was part of a bifolium or removed from a volume. The top and bottom edges were brought together into a gate fold horizontally, then folded in half to form four panels. Graphite and ink redactions appear throughout the invoice in an unidentified handwriting. Marcellus Cowdery docketed the verso of the third panel: “Mead, Stafford & Co | Groceries | $812.01”. It remained in a folded state for some time with other documents stacked on top of it, evidenced by the pattern of coal dust on the second and third panels of the verso.

This document was in the possession of church agents who purchased groceries from Mead, Stafford & Co. in
New York City
Dutch founded New Netherland colony, 1625. Incorporated under British control and renamed New York, 1664. Harbor contributed to economic and population growth of city; became largest city in American colonies. British troops defeated Continental Army under...
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. Based on the docket by Marcellus Cowdery, the invoice was in church possession by 1837, suggesting continuous institutional custody.
1
Cowdery served as clerk of the Kirtland High Council in 1837 (Minute Book 1, 11 and 29 May 1837).

Footnotes
1. 1
  Cowdery served as clerk of the Kirtland High Council in 1837 (Minute Book 1, 11 and 29 May 1837).
Historical Introduction

See Introduction to Rigdon, Smith & Cowdery.

Document Transcript

8th. Oct 1836

Mess <>

27 water St

Bo[ugh]t of Mead Stafford & Co

2 Chests Y[oung] H[yson] Tea	115.116. 231.40. 191lbs	58	110.78
1 Tierce 1 A cask which varied in size but was usually between forty and forty-two gallons. (“Tierce,” in American Dictionary [1828]; “Tierce,” in Oxford English Dictionary, 11:18.) Comprehensive Works Cited An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828. The Oxford English Dictionary. Edited by James A. H. Murray, Henry Bradley, W. A. Craigie, and C. T. Onions. 12 vols. 1933. Reprint, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1970. P.R. Molasses	85.2 83 Glls [Gallons]	48	39.84
1 Hhd [Hogshead] 2 The meaning of “hogshead” varied based on time period, location, and the goods involved, but it usually referred to a cask holding a measure of liquid. For wine, the measure was eventually standardized to sixty-three U.S. gallons. (“Hogshead,” in American Dictionary [1828]; “Hogshead,” in Oxford English Dictionary, 5:327–328.) Comprehensive Works Cited An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828. The Oxford English Dictionary. Edited by James A. H. Murray, Henry Bradley, W. A. Craigie, and C. T. Onions. 12 vols. 1933. Reprint, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1970. P.R. Sugar	1295.155. 1140lbs	11	125.40
1 Bbl [Barrel] 3 The size and weight of a barrel varied and was often dependent on whether the contents were liquid or solid. In the United States, statutes generally regulated that a barrel should contain 28 to 31½ gallons. (“Barrel,” in American Dictionary [1828].) Comprehensive Works Cited An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828. 2/ 6 Loaf [Sugar]	131.17. 114lbs	16½	19.12
1/2 [Bbl 2/ 6] L [Sugar]
1/2 Bbl 2/ 6 Saleratus 4 A biocarbonate of potash, used as a leavening agent in baking. (“Saleratus,” in Oxford English Dictionary, 9:50.) Comprehensive Works Cited The Oxford English Dictionary. Edited by James A. H. Murray, Henry Bradley, W. A. Craigie, and C. T. Onions. 12 vols. 1933. Reprint, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1970.	132.13. 119lbs	10	12.21
1 [Bbl] Winter Oil 5 The highest grade of whale oil, refined so as to remain liquid during the cold winter months. (Holmes, Arctic Whaleman, 288.) Comprehensive Works Cited Holmes, Lewis. The Arctic Whaleman; or, Winter in the Arctic Ocean: Being a Narrative of the Wreck of the Whale Ship Citizen of New Bedford, in the Arctic Ocean. . . . Boston: Wentworth and Co., 1857.	wL 37½ Glls	1.10	41.25
1 [Bbl] 16/— Spts Turpentine	wL 33 Glls	60	21.80
1 [Bbl] Tar		$3.00	3.00
1/2 [Bbl] 3/— White Lead	wt 260lbs	12	31.58
1/2 [Bbl] 3/— Ven[etian] Red	wt 118lbs	4½	5.68
10lbs Prussian Blue	Keg 6 A small cask or barrel, varying in size but usually containing less than ten gallons. (“Keg,” in American Dictionary [1828]; “Keg,” in Oxford English Dictionary, 5: 667.) Comprehensive Works Cited An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828. The Oxford English Dictionary. Edited by James A. H. Murray, Henry Bradley, W. A. Craigie, and C. T. Onions. 12 vols. 1933. Reprint, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1970. 2/ 6 (Sunds)	9/—	11.56
10lbs 2 oz Imt [Imitation] Green Gold Bronze		10/—	2.50
1½lbs Vermillion		10/—	1.88
1/2 Pack Gold Leaf		$9½.	4.75
8 Pwts Silver Bronze		4/—	4.00
4 oz Copper [Bronze]		4/—	2.00
1 Keg 2/ 6 Red Lead	wt 100lbs	11	11.31
1 [Keg] 2/ 6 Sulpher	[wt] 24lbs	4½	1.39
1 [Keg] 2/ 6 Roll Brimstone	wt 32lbs	4	1.59
1 [Keg] 2/6 Glaub Salts 7 Glauber-salt or sulphate of soda. (See “Glauber-salt,” in American Dictionary [1828].) Comprehensive Works Cited An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828.	wt 44lbs	3	1.63
1 [Keg] 2/ 6 Epsom [Salts]	63.6. 57lbs	6	3.73
1 [Keg] 2/ 6 Alum	81.6 75lbs	6¼	5.00
3 [Kegs] NH Powder HF G		$5½.	16.50
1/2 2 [Kegs] Pure Ginger	49.45 94lbs	11	10.34
1/2 Box Honeydew Cav Tobacco	93.23. 70lbs	3/—	26.25
2 [Boxes] No 2 Bar Soap	72 Each 144lbs	6	8.64
6 8 Bladders 8 Cow bladders were sometimes used to store and ship tobacco snuff. (Minutes of the Evidence, 24; History of the Rise and Progress of the Arts, 1:165.) Comprehensive Works Cited Minutes of the Evidence Taken Before a Committee of the House of Commons, Being a Committee of the Whole House, to Whom the Bill for Repealing the Duties on Tobacco and Snuff, and for Granting New Duties in Lieu Thereof; Was Committed. London: 1789. Dunlap, William. History of the Rise and Progress of the Arts of Design in the United States. 2 vols. New York: George P. Scott and Co., 1834. S Snuff	16lbs	21	3.36
1 Jar 5/— M [Snuff]	20lbs— 5oz	2/—	5.70
6 Matts Cassia 9 Aromatic tree bark, similar to cinnamon. (“Cassia,” in American Dictionary [1828].) Comprehensive Works Cited An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828.	30lbs	13	3.90
6lbs [Matts] Cloves		28	1.68
2lbs [Matts] Nutmegs		13/—	3.25
2 qr Casks 10 “A close vessel for containing liquors, formed by staves, heading and hoops. This is a general term comprehending the pipe, hogshead, butt, barrel, etc.” (“Cask,” in American Dictionary [1828].) Comprehensive Works Cited An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828. S.M. Wine	30½. 31½ 62 Galls	4/ 6	34.88
3 Boxes Poland Starch 11 A fine starch made from higher-quality flour than usual starch. (“Starch,” in Eaton, Cook and Housekeeper’s Complete and Universal Dictionary, 397.) Comprehensive Works Cited Eaton, Mary. The Cook and Housekeeper’s Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in All Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families. . . . Bungay, England: J. and R. Childs, 1823.	31. 31. 32½— 94½lbs	10	9.45
1 Bbl 2/ 6 Madder 12 A plant used for red dyes. (“Madder,” in American Dictionary [1828].) Comprehensive Works Cited An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828.	206.21. 185lbs	13	24.36
	over		$610.31

[p. [1]]

	Bro[ugh]t over		$610.31
2 Baskets Champ Wine		$9½	19.00
1 Bbl [Barrel] 13 The size and weight of a barrel varied and was often dependent on whether the contents were liquid or solid. In the United States, statutes generally regulated that a barrel should contain 28 to 31½ gallons. (“Barrel,” in American Dictionary [1828].) Comprehensive Works Cited An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828. 12/— Old Cogniac Brandy	43 Glls [Gallons]	12/—	66.00
1 Hhd [Hogshead] 14 The meaning of “hogshead” varied based on time period, location, and the goods involved, but it usually referred to a cask holding a measure of liquid. For wine, the measure was eventually standardized to sixty-three U.S. gallons. (“Hogshead,” in American Dictionary [1828]; “Hogshead,” in Oxford English Dictionary, 5:327–328.) Comprehensive Works Cited An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828. The Oxford English Dictionary. Edited by James A. H. Murray, Henry Bradley, W. A. Craigie, and C. T. Onions. 12 vols. 1933. Reprint, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1970. No 1 St Croix Rum	110 [Glls]	8/—	110.00
1 Keg 15 A small cask or barrel, varying in size but usually containing less than ten gallons. (“Keg,” in American Dictionary [1828]; “Keg,” in Oxford English Dictionary, 5: 667.) Comprehensive Works Cited An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828. The Oxford English Dictionary. Edited by James A. H. Murray, Henry Bradley, W. A. Craigie, and C. T. Onions. 12 vols. 1933. Reprint, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1970. 2/ 6 Copperas 16 Used in making inks and pigments. (“Copperas,” in American Dictionary [1828].) Comprehensive Works Cited An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828.	68.5. 63lbs	3	2.20
1 oz Imt [Imitation] fine Crimson Bronze		18/—	2.25
	Cartage 17 The cost associated with transporting goods, which were originally transported by cart. (“Cartage,” in American Dictionary [1828].) Comprehensive Works Cited An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828.		2.25
			$812.01

Mead, Stafford & Co.

Groceries

$812.01 [p. [2]]

Footnotes

Insertion in handwriting of Newel K. Whitney.
1
A cask which varied in size but was usually between forty and forty-two gallons. (“Tierce,” in American Dictionary [1828]; “Tierce,” in Oxford English Dictionary, 11:18.)
Comprehensive Works Cited
An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828.
The Oxford English Dictionary. Edited by James A. H. Murray, Henry Bradley, W. A. Craigie, and C. T. Onions. 12 vols. 1933. Reprint, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1970.
2
The meaning of “hogshead” varied based on time period, location, and the goods involved, but it usually referred to a cask holding a measure of liquid. For wine, the measure was eventually standardized to sixty-three U.S. gallons. (“Hogshead,” in American Dictionary [1828]; “Hogshead,” in Oxford English Dictionary, 5:327–328.)
Comprehensive Works Cited
An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828.
The Oxford English Dictionary. Edited by James A. H. Murray, Henry Bradley, W. A. Craigie, and C. T. Onions. 12 vols. 1933. Reprint, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1970.
3
The size and weight of a barrel varied and was often dependent on whether the contents were liquid or solid. In the United States, statutes generally regulated that a barrel should contain 28 to 31½ gallons. (“Barrel,” in American Dictionary [1828].)
Comprehensive Works Cited
An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828.
4
A biocarbonate of potash, used as a leavening agent in baking. (“Saleratus,” in Oxford English Dictionary, 9:50.)
Comprehensive Works Cited
The Oxford English Dictionary. Edited by James A. H. Murray, Henry Bradley, W. A. Craigie, and C. T. Onions. 12 vols. 1933. Reprint, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1970.
5
The highest grade of whale oil, refined so as to remain liquid during the cold winter months. (Holmes, Arctic Whaleman, 288.)
Comprehensive Works Cited
Holmes, Lewis. The Arctic Whaleman; or, Winter in the Arctic Ocean: Being a Narrative of the Wreck of the Whale Ship Citizen of New Bedford, in the Arctic Ocean. . . . Boston: Wentworth and Co., 1857.
6
A small cask or barrel, varying in size but usually containing less than ten gallons. (“Keg,” in American Dictionary [1828]; “Keg,” in Oxford English Dictionary, 5: 667.)
Comprehensive Works Cited
An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828.
The Oxford English Dictionary. Edited by James A. H. Murray, Henry Bradley, W. A. Craigie, and C. T. Onions. 12 vols. 1933. Reprint, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1970.
7
Glauber-salt or sulphate of soda. (See “Glauber-salt,” in American Dictionary [1828].)
Comprehensive Works Cited
An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828.
8
Cow bladders were sometimes used to store and ship tobacco snuff. (Minutes of the Evidence, 24; History of the Rise and Progress of the Arts, 1:165.)
Comprehensive Works Cited
Minutes of the Evidence Taken Before a Committee of the House of Commons, Being a Committee of the Whole House, to Whom the Bill for Repealing the Duties on Tobacco and Snuff, and for Granting New Duties in Lieu Thereof; Was Committed. London: 1789.
Dunlap, William. History of the Rise and Progress of the Arts of Design in the United States. 2 vols. New York: George P. Scott and Co., 1834.
9
Aromatic tree bark, similar to cinnamon. (“Cassia,” in American Dictionary [1828].)
Comprehensive Works Cited
An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828.
10
“A close vessel for containing liquors, formed by staves, heading and hoops. This is a general term comprehending the pipe, hogshead, butt, barrel, etc.” (“Cask,” in American Dictionary [1828].)
Comprehensive Works Cited
An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828.
11
A fine starch made from higher-quality flour than usual starch. (“Starch,” in Eaton, Cook and Housekeeper’s Complete and Universal Dictionary, 397.)
Comprehensive Works Cited
Eaton, Mary. The Cook and Housekeeper’s Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in All Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families. . . . Bungay, England: J. and R. Childs, 1823.
12
A plant used for red dyes. (“Madder,” in American Dictionary [1828].)
Comprehensive Works Cited
An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828.
13
The size and weight of a barrel varied and was often dependent on whether the contents were liquid or solid. In the United States, statutes generally regulated that a barrel should contain 28 to 31½ gallons. (“Barrel,” in American Dictionary [1828].)
Comprehensive Works Cited
An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828.
14
The meaning of “hogshead” varied based on time period, location, and the goods involved, but it usually referred to a cask holding a measure of liquid. For wine, the measure was eventually standardized to sixty-three U.S. gallons. (“Hogshead,” in American Dictionary [1828]; “Hogshead,” in Oxford English Dictionary, 5:327–328.)
Comprehensive Works Cited
An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828.
The Oxford English Dictionary. Edited by James A. H. Murray, Henry Bradley, W. A. Craigie, and C. T. Onions. 12 vols. 1933. Reprint, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1970.
15
A small cask or barrel, varying in size but usually containing less than ten gallons. (“Keg,” in American Dictionary [1828]; “Keg,” in Oxford English Dictionary, 5: 667.)
Comprehensive Works Cited
An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828.
The Oxford English Dictionary. Edited by James A. H. Murray, Henry Bradley, W. A. Craigie, and C. T. Onions. 12 vols. 1933. Reprint, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1970.
16
Used in making inks and pigments. (“Copperas,” in American Dictionary [1828].)
Comprehensive Works Cited
An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828.
17
The cost associated with transporting goods, which were originally transported by cart. (“Cartage,” in American Dictionary [1828].)
Comprehensive Works Cited
An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828.
Docket in handwriting of Marcellus Cowdery.

Invoice, Mead, Stafford & Co. to Rigdon, Smith & Cowdery, 8 October 1836

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