#MD43
1854
Quarto bifolium (ca. 24x20 cm or 9 ½ x 7 ¾ in). 1 p. Brown ink on bluish laid paper. Foldmarks and creases, paper slightly soiled, occasional tears on extremities, but overall a very good letter written in a legible hand.
An interesting early letter from a possible future drugstore owner in the Midwest or Pacific West, written in 1854 in Boonville (likely, Missouri, but other locations are possible – there are settlements with this name in Texas, California, Indiana, New York and North Carolina). The author talks about his plans to “engage in the Drug business in or near Elgin” (possibly, in Missouri, Oregon, Texas or elsewhere), and offers the addressee to join him as a partner, noting that the latter had talked before about his “intention of going west with me to look out a suitable place for business.”
Overall a nice early letter illustrating the process of the Westward migration in the United States in the 1850s, stimulated by the California Gold Rush (1848-1855).
Text of the letter: “Friend John, By favour from Brother Jonis I write to give you an idea of my intentions for future business, founded upon information received from Jonis and from what you have said to me heretofore and of your intention of going west with me to look out a suitable place for business. I thought that what I have to say may meet your views.
It is my object to engage in the Drug business in or near Elgin so soon as I reach that section of the country and can make the necessary arrangements. I am extremely desirous of having you as a partner, more so indeed than any person that I am acquainted with, so I hope you will not make any arrangements or make any promises untill [sic!] I see you which will be in the course of a couple of weeks. I am satisfied that it will be much better for both of us to act together. You can talk with Lou and he will give you all necessary information which will be more conclusive than anything I can write. Write to me at Boonville. Your friend Marcus.”
