



Figure 55. — Receipted bill from Samuel Thaxter to Sam Brown, Boston, August 4, 

 1801. In collection of Massachusetts Historical Society. 



John Dupee 



John Dupee of Boston apparently was another instrument maker 

 of the pre-Revolutionary period actively engaged in producing 

 wooden surveying compasses. Three wooden instruments with 

 his compass card exist in private and public collections. The 

 instruments are quite similar: the wood in each case is walnut or 

 applewood, with an engraved paper mariner's compass card; a 

 schooner at sea is figured within the central medallion, and in- 

 scribed within the riband enclosing it are the words "Made and 

 Sold by John Dupee Ye North Side of Swing Bridge Boston New 

 Eng." One of the instruments is owned by the South Natick 

 [Massachusetts] Historical Society; a second example is in the 



104 



