BROWN, JOHN, Radical abolitionist . Autograph letter signed in full to Simon Perkins ("Friend Perkins") of Akron, Ohio; Springfield, Massachusetts, 17 March 1848. 1 1/2 pages, 4to, closely written on grey paper, integral address leaf with panel in Brown's hand and original postmark. Fine condition. BROWN TO HIS LAST BUSINESS PARTNER A revealing letter providing unusual details on Brown's wool-trading business in Springfield, while they wait for the canals and rivers to re-open for ship transport. "When I wrote you last I promised to give you some further particulars in regard to our business soon. At the time I thought matters were so arranged [ sic ] with Burlington that we should have no further trouble with them; & we have got $10,000 in Acceptances most of which we have got discounted. This helps a little for the present but the prospect is dull about getting the matter closed before the opening of navigation; which however we look for soon; as we have had but very little winter. We have some 20 to 30 thousand lbs. of fine wool....Money is still very tight & manufacturers talk quite as poor as usual. I am not yet able to set a time exactly when we can refund the money you have advanced....We have now got so much into our hands from the Burlington Co. that I think there is no reason to fear flying off the handle. Were it otherwise I do not believe we should be able to hold them as I think they would raise some excuse that the wool was not so fine, or not so clean, or that they were to take none but what was delivered before the close of navigation, or some other pretense....As it now stands we have some $17,000....more than will pay for all the wool they have yet received. The wool to fill up the contract is all in their Bags; weighed off, & ready, & amounts to about 120,000 lbs....I have not a particle of faith in their integrity. I mean to keep my eye on them till full receipts are passed. Our Boston Co. have conducted honorably so far....Have not another moment to write now...." According to DAB, Brown, after establishing himself in partnership with Perkins, "...went to Springfield...and opened an office, but failure soon overtook the enterprise. Prolonged litigation followed; and one suit involving $60,000 for breach of contract was settled out of court...."
BROWN, JOHN, Radical abolitionist . Autograph letter signed in full to Simon Perkins ("Friend Perkins") of Akron, Ohio; Springfield, Massachusetts, 17 March 1848. 1 1/2 pages, 4to, closely written on grey paper, integral address leaf with panel in Brown's hand and original postmark. Fine condition. BROWN TO HIS LAST BUSINESS PARTNER A revealing letter providing unusual details on Brown's wool-trading business in Springfield, while they wait for the canals and rivers to re-open for ship transport. "When I wrote you last I promised to give you some further particulars in regard to our business soon. At the time I thought matters were so arranged [ sic ] with Burlington that we should have no further trouble with them; & we have got $10,000 in Acceptances most of which we have got discounted. This helps a little for the present but the prospect is dull about getting the matter closed before the opening of navigation; which however we look for soon; as we have had but very little winter. We have some 20 to 30 thousand lbs. of fine wool....Money is still very tight & manufacturers talk quite as poor as usual. I am not yet able to set a time exactly when we can refund the money you have advanced....We have now got so much into our hands from the Burlington Co. that I think there is no reason to fear flying off the handle. Were it otherwise I do not believe we should be able to hold them as I think they would raise some excuse that the wool was not so fine, or not so clean, or that they were to take none but what was delivered before the close of navigation, or some other pretense....As it now stands we have some $17,000....more than will pay for all the wool they have yet received. The wool to fill up the contract is all in their Bags; weighed off, & ready, & amounts to about 120,000 lbs....I have not a particle of faith in their integrity. I mean to keep my eye on them till full receipts are passed. Our Boston Co. have conducted honorably so far....Have not another moment to write now...." According to DAB, Brown, after establishing himself in partnership with Perkins, "...went to Springfield...and opened an office, but failure soon overtook the enterprise. Prolonged litigation followed; and one suit involving $60,000 for breach of contract was settled out of court...."
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
