In the 18th and early 19th centuries, sloops were the work horses of the Hudson River, carrying commercial and industrial supplies. The sloop Nancy license, shown here, is dated August 4, 1797, at the New York City Custom House and is affixed with official seals. Also shown is the agreement, dated March 19, 1796, in which the owner, John Casper Heyes, leased the boat to Philip Forgey and Corbus Lefurgey for a year and a day. Both Forgey and Lefurgey are variations of a familiar Hastings family name.