Business partner of F. W. Woolworth. Uncommon TLS signed “F. M. Kirby,” one page, 8.25 x 11, F. M. Kirby & Co. letterhead, January 26, 1907. Kirby writes Fay S. Dean of New Orleans. In part: “I enclose herewith check for $8635.09, being your share of the profits of last year’s business as per the enclosed statement…I note an increase in your expense account of about $12,000. As almost all of the improvements on the building have been charged to the cost of the building, I am somewhat at a loss to account for this large increase in expense. I suppose of course that you scrutinize your pay roll closely and are satisfied that nothing appears on it that should not…that $12,000 additional expense would look mighty good in our profit column. I notice that your stock is a little less this year than it was a year ago…There is food for thought in these facts.” Two sentences have been circled in pencil. In fine condition, with light wrinkling, staple holes, and a few spots of soiling. A strongly worded letter from a businessman concerned with his bottom line. RRAuction COA.
