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The Dudley Woodbridge papers contain incoming correspondence related to the Connecticut merchant's business affairs in the late 18th century.

The Dudley Woodbridge papers contain incoming correspondence related to the Connecticut merchant's business affairs in the late 18th century. Though the collection contains two items written by Dudley and Samuel Woodbridge, the majority of the material originated from the brothers' business partners, and reflects the many financial aspects of their business. Many of the letters refer to bills owed by or to the firm and to the transfer of money and one early letter provides a list of prices for various foodstuffs, including sugar, chocolate, and brandy, and notes that prices for "all the above Articles are rising" (December 12, 1778). Rum is mentioned most frequently, though sugar and flaxseed also recur often. Dudley undertook a voyage to the West Indies in the summer of 1788, during which time he continued to receive business-related letters. One writer nominated his son for a trial job with Woodbridge's firm (September 19, 1788). The correspondence from a network of traders throughout New England and New York reflects trade during and just after the Revolutionary War.