ALS, one page both sides, 7.5 x 9.75, March 17, 1848. Handwritten letter to his business partner, Simon Perkins of Akron, Ohio, sent from Springfield, Massachusetts. In part: "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 wronged 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 or 30 thousand lbs of fine wool not contracted away, & we think there is some prospect that we may have to put it down some to realize the cash on it. Money is still 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 but should be glad to know when you will probably need it. We have now got so much into our hands from the Burlington Co. that I think there is no reason to fear their 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 able to take none but what was delivered before the close of navigation, or some other pretense to get rid of taking it...Have not another moment to write now." Addressed on the integral leaf in Brown's own hand. In fine condition.
Perkins and Brown, formed with his partner Simon Perkins, was a firm which dealt in the classification and sale of wool between the states and abroad. Moderately successful, the company collapsed as the two men had trouble collecting and making payments; both blamed each other for the failure. It was during this time that Brown became involved with the underground railway and became obsessed with abolishing slavery by force.
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