UNITED STATES LETTER 1845 ELKTON MARYLAND HOLLINGSWORTH, EVANS, FAMILIES F946

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Country

United States

Condition

Unused

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Single

Item Description

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This is a fascinating letter that offers a window into the financial difficulties faced by American cities in the wake of the Panic of 1837. Here is a detailed analysis of the document and biographies of the individuals involved.Summary of the LetterThis is a business letter dated September 20, 1845, from Samuel Hollingsworth in New York City to Robert Evans, Esq., in Elkton, Maryland. Hollingsworth is acting as a financial agent for Evans, attempting to collect payment on $160.50 worth of coupons from bonds issued by the Corporation of Detroit. The letter details the city's inability to pay its interest in New York and its offer to pay in a depreciated currency. Hollingsworth also informs Evans that his previous notary, Mr. Keeler, has died, and he has hired a new, more affordable agent, Mr. Nelson, to handle the matter.Full Transcription of the Letter[Address Panel - Scan 5.jpg]Sam'l Hollingsworth Sept. 20th / 1845Robert Evans Esqr. Elkton MarylandPostmark: NEW YORK, SEP 20 (in red)[Letter Interior - Scan 6.jpg & 7.jpg]New York Sept 20 1845Robert Evans Esq. Dear Sir I duly received yours of the 11th inst enclosing me 8 Coupons viz Nos 1 to 20 Detroit Corp. Coupons $7.50 ea due Oct 1 last - $150 No 14 1 Coupon of Certificate for back interest of Corp of Detroit's due Oct 1. 1845 - 10.50$160.50On Tuesday last I received a reply to the letter which I wrote to Mayor Williams of Detroit. He states that the Corporation of Detroit have not as yet made any arrangements to pay interest in New York. "But" says he "if you will send on your Coupons they will be paid in Dft on New York; deducting only premium on 'Jeffn' which is about 7/8ths." Mr Keeler the Notary through whom I have hitherto forwarded my Coupons being deceased, I have employed Mr Nelson a gentleman with whom I have for many years been acquainted in his stead - Mr Nelson's charges are about half the amount that Mr Keeler's were - through Mr Nelson I have this day forwarded on Coupons to the Mayor, when I receive the money for the Coupons I will forward you Dfts to you. Present my respects to Mrs Hollingsworth and her family -Very Respectfully Yours &c Sam'l HollingsworthHistorical and Financial ContextDetroit's Debt: The letter was written during a period of severe economic depression that followed the Panic of 1837. Many states, territories, and municipalities had taken on massive debts to fund infrastructure projects (canals, railroads, etc.). When the economy collapsed, they were often unable to make their interest payments. Detroit was one such city."Premium on 'Jeffn'": Hollingsworth's quote from the mayor mentioning payment "deducting only premium on 'Jeffn'" is significant. "Jeffn" likely refers to "Jefferson" currency, possibly notes issued by a specific bank or a type of local scrip that was not worth its face value in "hard" currency like gold or a stable New York bank draft. The city was essentially offering to pay its debt, but in a depreciated currency, meaning the bondholder (Evans) would take a loss. This was a common situation in the 1840s.Financial Agents: Men like Samuel Hollingsworth acted as crucial intermediaries, or factors, for out-of-town clients. For a commission, they would conduct business, collect debts, and manage financial instruments like these coupons in major financial centers like New York.Postal HistoryThis is a "stampless cover," as it was sent before the United States issued its first official postage stamps in 1847. The red circular datestamp ("CDS") from New York on September 20 is typical for the era. The postage would have been paid in cash by the sender at the post office.Detailed BiographiesSamuel Hollingsworth (Sender, c. 1788-1857)Samuel Hollingsworth was a prominent merchant with deep family roots in both the Philadelphia/Delaware area and the community of Elkton, Maryland.Birth and Family: He was born around 1788, a son of Levi Hollingsworth (1739-1824) and Hannah Paschall. His father was a highly influential Philadelphia merchant, a patriot who supplied the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, and a member of the city's elite. The Hollingsworth family was one of the earliest and most powerful families in northern Delaware and Cecil County, Maryland, having arrived with William Penn's colonists.Career: Like his father, Samuel became a merchant. While his family's primary base was Philadelphia, he established himself in New York City, a rapidly growing commercial hub. This letter shows him operating as a commission merchant or factor, handling financial transactions for clients like Robert Evans, who was likely a family acquaintance or relative from his ancestral home region.Connections: His family ties to Cecil County, Maryland (where Elkton is located) are undeniable and explain his business relationship with Evans. The closing of the letter, "Present my respects to Mrs Hollingsworth and her family," strongly suggests there were other Hollingsworth relatives living in or near Elkton with whom Evans was acquainted.Death: Samuel Hollingsworth died in 1857 and is buried at the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in his family's plot.Robert Evans, Esq. (Recipient, c. 1779-1851)Robert Evans was a distinguished lawyer, politician, and landowner in Elkton, Cecil County, Maryland. The honorific "Esquire" used on the address panel was typically reserved for lawyers and other men of high social standing.Birth and Family: Born around 1779, Robert Evans became one of the leading citizens of Cecil County. He married Mary Thomas, and they had several children. He was a man of considerable wealth and property, which explains his ability to invest in municipal bonds from a city as distant as Detroit.Career and Public Service: Evans was a respected member of the Maryland Bar. He was deeply involved in local and state politics, serving multiple terms in the Maryland House of Delegates representing Cecil County between 1809 and 1834. His political career placed him among the most influential men in the region.Residence: He lived and practiced law in Elkton, the county seat of Cecil County. His position would have made him a central figure in the town's legal and business affairs.Death: Robert Evans died on September 1, 1851, and is buried in the Elkton Presbyterian Cemetery.John R. Williams (Mayor of Detroit, 1782-1854)The "Mayor Williams" mentioned in the letter was John R. Williams. He was a dominant figure in early Detroit history, serving as the city's first elected mayor and holding the office for six non-consecutive terms. His term in 1845 was his fifth. He was also a soldier, merchant, and businessman, and his correspondence confirming the city's financial struggles provides a valuable first-hand account of the economic realities of the time.SEE MY 20,000+ EXCEPTIONAL LISTINGS IN MY STORE! WATCH MY ITEMS USING YOUR WATCH-LIST FOR SPECIAL DISCOUNTS AND ADD ME AS A FAVORITE SELLER FOR A GREAT NEWSLETTER!Attention Sellers - Get TemplatesImage Hosting, Scheduling at Auctiva.com. Track Page Views WithAuctiva's FREE Counter

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