1853 Bill of Lading, illustrated with a vessel under full sail, 10 x 8. Providence Tool Co., goods shipped on propeller (propeller is an old term for a steamship or steamboat) Osceola from Providence to New York.
<br> The Providence Tool Company was the outgrowth of the business ventures of two brothers. In 1834, Joseph and Jeremiah Arnold began manufacturing nuts and washers in Pawtucket. When Joseph retired, Jeremiah joined William Field, named their business William Field & Co., and moved to Providence in 1846. In April 1847 the name was changed to the Providence Tool Company. The company is known for its ammunition production. The Civil War created a demand for companies to make munitions for the Union army. The Providence Tool Company took up the call and began weapons manufacturing in 1861. In 1873, it received a contract from Singer Sewing Machines to make sewing machines and made machines under other brand names.
 
<br>This propeller Osceloa  was owned by Messrs. ALBERT DAILEY & Co., New-York. She was originally intended for a river steamer, but was chartered by the Government during the Civil War, was running between New-York and Providence. She was built of white oak, &c., and fastened in an excellent manner. She was built in this New York City in 1840, and had extensive repairs made to her hull and machinery in 1858. She had condensing engines, and boiler on deck. Her tonnage was 644 tons. In Nov, 1861, she was  loaded with cattle, was wrecked in a gale off North Island , N.C.
<br> Some staining near bottom edge of paper, minor light stain ( resembles a reverse number 3) near center, original fold lines, overall VG condition.   trma117