Hallowell, Morris L., copy of a letter, Philadelphia, September 19, 1854, to Cha[rle]s A. Gurley, New London, Conn.
Transcription
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Copy.
Phila
9th month 19th 1854.
Respected Friend.
An extraordinary press of business and sickness in my family has prevented an earlier reply to thy letter of the 9th I am rejoiced to learn that Peter has been so successful in making collections. and he may rest assured that I will not divulge the facts. for I am aware that it is all important it should be kept a profound secret. I think that when Peter understands the position in which the affair now is that he will recall his instructions to me to call on Birney & Goodrich. Soon after Peter requested me to act for him I became satisfied after as thorough investigation as the circumstances would admit of that the negotiation for the purchase of his family woud never be carried to a successful termination by correspondence and therefore despatched a gentleman (in whom I have full confidence) to Florence Ala with
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instructions if he could get possession of the wife and children and carry them to Cincinnati. I instructed him to place himself under the advice and direction of John Simpson an old personal friend and wealthy merchant to whom I wrote giving him all the facts and asking his personal interest and attention. Simpson recollected Peter and promised to give all the aid in his power; but he said the owner had been so frequently approached by letter and otherwise that it would be very unwise for my agent to go to him; that his feeling towards Peter was very bitter and that the family could not now be bought on any terms. He said further that if we would place the affair in his hands he would embrace the earliest opportunity of carrying out our views.
Thou will readily perceive that in this position of affairs it would be very unwise again to call on Birney & Goodrich who are not lawyers but are proprietors of what is known here as a Commercial Agency. The amount named to Simpson as the sum Peter can pay for his family is $3500. and he is authorized to draw on me at sight for that amount wherever he can make the purchase. I think it would be unwise to let Simpson know that. Peter can raise[?] command
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a larger sum and I would ardently earnestly advise the latter not to move in the matter in any way until he again hears from me.
Very [Respectfully]
Morris L Hallowell
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