Charles Apthorp

[16][full citation needed][17] In 1733 Apthorp acted as agent for a man seeking his enslaved servant, Hannah Smyth, who had run away with a stolen diamond "and has lately been seen here in Boston.

"[18][full citation needed] He performed a similar role in 1742, authorized to furnish "five pounds reward" for the return of a "negro man named Jack about 35 years old" to his enslaver, Stephen Eastwick.

[19][full citation needed] In 1756 Apthorp & Son served as agent for someone looking for an anchor lost on Cape Cod "with two iron clasps on one of the flukes, a solid pine buoy, and buoy-rope.

"[20][full citation needed] Along with Thomas Hancock, Apthorp represented the British government in its efforts to recruit personnel to Nova Scotia—ship pilots, bricklayers, carpenters, settlers, etc.

[21][22][23][24][full citation needed] He also served as "paymaster and commissary under the British Government of the land and naval forces quartered in Boston".

The two merchants also lent money to finance the operation, and the poor quality of ships supplied by Apthorp and Hancock led to instances of malnutrition, disease and death among the Acadians on board.

[4][26][nb 1] A descendant of the couple, great-grandson Joseph Coolidge, stated that: "Her portrait, painted by Sir Peter Lely, and showing her to have been remarkably beautiful, remains in the family.

[5] Among the Apthorp's personal possessions were "a set of eight chairs ... probably purchased from the chairmaker and upholsterer Samuel Grant, [with] carving ... attributed to John Welch.

"[39] A wall monument sculpted by Henry Cheere and shipped from England, memorializes Apthorp inside King's Chapel; it "is crowned by a cherub weeping over a cinerary urn.