Ann Chase writes to husband, Franklin Chase, about business and financial matters. She discusses a contract for a steamer in Mexico of which Franklin could be an agent. She also discusses a piece in a newspaper that spoke poorly of Franklin and assures him that his reputation is good in Washington. The letter contains mostly personal and family matters.
[Page 1]
Washington Sept 24th 1852
My dear Husband
Your various letters of the
23 up to the 27 Nov'br and Amelias all safe
to hand. I was rejoiced to hear from you and
at such a late date. I was rejoiced that the
goods all arrived safe, and that you were
saved the mortification of the [word illegible] of the
invoice. Mr [name illegible] had promised me
that all marks and yardage on the bales
would be allowed by him and have no
risk, but the old adage is true if you
want a thing well done do it yourself. I am
informed that all passed off as it did Many
thanks to Mr Musgrove[?]. [words illegible] something
pretty to his wife. I must truthfully promise
that nothing of the kind shall occur again.
Could you not make arrangements
through the customs to let in goods to gain
some great advantage - say two bales
of prints[?] for me? If you could make such
an arrangement through the Collector & [word illegible]
then you could do something--but rest assured
since I shall invoice every thing straight
in future, if that have no funds. I have
not purchased any [word illegible], and for the reason
that no vessel but Watson's[?] was going direct
and the agent preferred to carry my cargo for me
[Page 2]
as in other words they told Mr Stewart that they
presumed there would be no room--and hence
I was prudent enough not to make any purchase.
I have bought no dry goods either as I [word illegible]
that two [word illegible], and two insurances was more
probably than the goods would [have] been to make
it an object to ship via N. Orleans.
You need not have any fear of my going
to Europe. I am not so anxious for traveling at
least when we cannot do an relatives[?] business.
I shall now abide by your advice and in the
mean time await your orders. You will find
me careful and prudent how I invest money
have in hand. I know that all risks devolve
upon us, as well as all the outlay. I also
notice your numbers with regard to Mr [name illegible]
conduction of the Spanish merchants. Thus I
know also the correctness of your statement,
and my dear Franklin I also know your [word illegible]
attention, and prudence in business, I love to
dwell in mind on your noble & generous nature
and your refined and gentlemanly conduct - every
of my sensative[sic] heart is alive to those feelings
this death alone can subdue. I notice your
remarks about not investing all our capital
[words illegible] is in the hands of the Furst[?] Company
in New York and in my letter of Nov 22nd I
gave you a statement of my [word illegible] bonds and
cash sum $25,375--nor have I spent a dollar
that I could save, still my outlay is petty
[Page 3]
I notice your remark about the piece that
was published in the time[?] Delta. I think you
are right in the authors. They are being envious [word illegible]
and all in that dilapidated old House of Watson
poor devils--they need not be--God has cut
out a different path for you. They cannot by
all their deceit hurt you. My coming in the
[words illegible] gave the lie to that deceitful
puppy. He wrote in too great[word underlined] a flurry" [word underlined]
*I think that Harris and [name illegible] will
will[sic] give the contract for the steamer to Vera Cruz
and Tampico. I wish you would drop them a
line. Mr Harris will visit you in Dec'br or
Jan'ry night, make him your guest if possi-
-able[sic]. Mr. [name illegible] wrote me yesterday, and
told he thought you would be the man, but
take time by the [word illegible] I have every confid
-ence that you will but you have [word illegible] to con
-tend with as I think Dickinson will also
try through Egencia of N. Orleans - still
the commander thinks that you will be the
agent throughout.* I also rejoice that
you stand so well here. Your presence in
Washington would cause quite a sensation
I assure you. Mr [name illegible] has not as yet made
his appearance but is looked for about the
last of this month. I hope to see him in N. York
as he means to visit it so it is said. I
omited[sic] to state to you with reference to our
[Page 4]
claim those gentlemen will press this
thing without my attention to it. This
is quite a relief to me and the[y] attend to no
other thing one of them was a long time in the
Dept. and knows the wives. They were
astonished that I got through as I did--not
being acquainted--but his very name Mr [name illegible]
says -- and Carlisle-- could not give it any
attention--and my energy and business habits
that saved the small [word illegible] that those
pityful[sic] commissioners gave me. I hope
my dear husband that you will be satis-
fied with what I have done. You know
that I do the best I can--and I trust you will
approve of my course. You have no idea at the
indignity of many at the decision in our case.
I really think that we have only heard the best.
In statement - this is only an opinion here [word underlined]
Your article is most [word illegile] but
with regard to [name illegible] I corrected only one or
two sentences--and I have written from the spirit
of your letters some others with regard to Mr Garcy[?]
[word illegible] it is well known here about Genl. Valencia
sale to Rubio[?] - but the [word illegible] influence is not known
I have touched it up. Mr [name illegible] mentioned it
officially--so that Garcy told you no secret but I
have done it up nicely and shall send you all[word underlined]
The [word illegible] has been copied[?] into several papers
for its style, and truthfulness. God bless you
my dear husband and watch over your truthfulness[?]
and happiness. I shall write the [word illegible] tomor
-row --even Amelia. My complements[sic] to little
Hunmpry[?] Plura[?], and the old gentleman. May this [word illegible]
God be with you Your affectionate wife
Ann Chase
