Subseries B. Col. John Hathorne (1749-1834) Papers center on his goldsmith, dry goods, and shipping businesses. Ranging from 1760 to 1829, these papers include receipts, accounts, ship's papers, and correspondence for the individual businesses. In addition, there are records reflecting his military career, involvement in Salem politics, and family life.

The shipping papers of John Hathorne incorporate all ship's papers, correspondence, and receipts for ships that were owned, outfitted by, or carried cargo for John. The bulk of the ship's papers were generated by the schooner Seaflower. The papers of the Seaflower have been arranged chronologically and segregated by shipmaster. They include bills of sale, shipping orders, accounts, receipts, invoices, insurance, impost bonds, crew list, correspondence, and a declaration of protest for the capture and recapture of the vessel. The remaining folder of ship's papers contains primarily invoices, receipts, and bonds for John's exportation of dry goods, fish, grains, and produce. Ship's papers for John's importation of dry goods are located in the dry goods business papers.

During the Revolutionary War, John purchased shares in the prize goods of numerous Salem privateers. An indirect method of supporting the war, the shares provided money for outfitting the privateers. The papers possessed by John include the legal transfer of shares and invoices of prize goods received from captured vessels. Of special interest is the list of prizes received from the Grand Turk.

Included with the shipping papers are the materials generated by Thomas Webb while John served as his attorney. The correspondence and business relationship between the two men with regards to shipping, account for its addition to this series. The papers range from 1797 to 1805 and reflect Webb's absence on voyages during this period. They include correspondence, invoices, receipts, and a power of attorney for John.

While the goldsmith and dry goods business papers range from 1768 to 1826, the bulk of the records are between 1783 and 1802. They include correspondence, accounts, receipts, a ledger, inventory of goods in the store, and ship's papers for cargo imported from England. The correspondence, primarily to and from the English merchant house Lane Son & Frazer, discusses seasonal orders and shipment of goods. Enclosed with the appropriate letters are bills of lading, invoices, accounts, and bills of exchange.

The receipts and accounts of the businesses comprise the bulk of the goldsmith and dry goods business papers. They are filed chronologically by year only and include receipts for goods purchased by John, sales slips, advertisements, request for goods, and accounts of goods bought and sold. Of special note are the entries made in Volume 4 for accounts with Samuel and Joseph McIntire.

Papers generated from the management of the farm span the years 1770 to 1828. They include business contracts, accounts, receipts, and account books. In addition, there are blueprints and dimensions for the construction and renovation of the farmhouse. The account books are mainly daybooks and therefore note business transactions as well as purchases. The one exception is the 1809 field book, which itemizes crops planted for that year.

The miscellaneous business correspondence primarily contains letters concerning petitions for assistance and settlement of debts by Arthur Dennis and John Piemont. Among the remaining materials are letters from a cousin, John McCutchen, referring to attempts to gain his inheritance, William Plummer, governor of New Hampshire, as well as bank business, receipts, and accounts.

All transactions with the Salem, Essex, and Merchant Banks have been placed in the banking business file. Located here are shares in stock, interest due notices, letters asking for payment on loans, a warrant to claim money owed, and a bankbook.

The large quantity of miscellaneous receipts and accounts of John Hathorne range from 1760 to 1829 and are filed chronologically by year only. All receipts of ambiguous origin have been placed here; therefore shipping and farm receipts may be interfiled. Of special interest are the Samuel McIntire receipts (Jan. 13, 1779, Sept. 24, 1779, Dec. 10, 1786) and a food and room bill for the Salem Hospital (Aug. 1798).

John's civic and military papers reflect his role as selectman, representative, committee member, and lieutenant colonel of the militia. His political records include petitions, announcements, a list of subscribers for the sufferers in the Portsmouth fire, and a pamphlet evaluating religious societies. In addition, there is correspondence and assignments to the fire wardens and rules of the Salem-Danvers Aqueduct. John's military papers, which range from 1788 to 1796, include orders, notices of musters, medical excuses, accounts of expenses, resignation of an officer, and fines for non-attendance.

Hathorne's legal documents range from 1774 to 1824. They include property deeds, promissory notes, powers of attorney, indentures, leases, and an undated copy of John's will. In addition, there are estate papers of Mary Norris. These papers include court summonses for the contestment of her will, an inventory of stocks inherited by the Hathorne family, and an account of expenses.

All correspondence between John and his children that does not involve business affairs has been filed with family correspondence. The letters from John Jr., Benjamin Herbert, and Sarah were written primarily during their childhood and as young adults. Correspondence from Ebenezer to his father and siblings is located with his papers. Of particular interest are the letters from John Jr. written in 1801 during his visit to England that relate the political situation in England and Holland. In addition to the correspondence, this folder contains childhood poetry by Benjamin Herbert, Ellen, and Ebenezer, and a workbook of John Jr.'s. There is also a list of books in John's personal library. The family receipts range from 1776 to 1823. They include bills for the schooling of the children, doctors' receipts, and fees for dancing instruction.