Special Collections Department
George Handy Papers
1845 - 1871
(bulk dates 1846 - 1850)
Manuscript Collection Number: 133
Accessioned: Gift of Daniel Moore
Bates, 1945
Extent: .6 linear ft. (273 items)
Content: Letters and business
documents
Access: The collection is open for research.
Processed: 1945 by Margaret
Larson
Special Collections, University of Delaware Library
Newark, Delaware 19717-5267
(302) 831-2229
Table of Contents
Introductory Note
The George Handy Papers, 1845-1871 (bulk 1846-1850), comprises 273 letters and business documents from a prominent Philadelphia-based nineteenth-century merchant. The collection, as a whole, reflects social and personal relations with Handy family members in Philadelphia, New Orleans, and Mississippi, as well as other friends; and business and economic affairs of domestic and foreign commerce, much of which was conducted by shipping through the ports of Philadelphia and New Orleans, or via the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.
Correspondence in the collection is addressed to George Handy in either Philadelphia or New Orleans, where he conducted business on behalf of his Philadelphia firm, Samuel Hildeburn & Co. There is frequent reference to St. Louis, Louisville, and Cincinnati, as well as New Orleans and Philadelphia; and travel is described as undertaken via steamboat, canal boat, stage, and rail. Handy engaged in purchase and sale of cotton, sugar, pork, lard, bacon, wheat, corn, molasses, turpentine, and, to a lesser extent, gunpowder, pecans, and peaches. Other business ventures involved loans, mortgages, and property transfers.
Throughout the letters, Handy received news of national events, such as the 1848 presidential election of Zachary Taylor, the swelling “California gold fever,” or fires in Nashville and St. Louis, in 1847 and 1849, respectively. Epidemics of smallpox, yellow fever, and cholera were specifically reported in the correspondence, as such episodes threatened quarantines and other risks for commercial shipping. Cholera swept the country in 1848/1849, as described in news from New Orleans, Kentucky, Tennessee, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati.
The collection was arranged chronologically by Margaret Lawson in 1945, who wrote the following comments and calendar for the papers.
Comments On George Handy Papers
The correspondence of George Handy from 1846 to 1850 reveals him to be a man well-known and respected in the Philadelphia of his day. His association with Samuel Hildeburn & Co., merchants, made his name prominent in the business world, and the warm and gracious personality that is evident in his personal letters won for him a large circle of friends.
George Handy was the only living member of his generation in the Handy family in the years from 1846 to 1850, except for three cousins: A.H. Handy, of Canton, Mississippi, who had occasion to write very infrequently on business; Martha Marshall, also of Canton; and George Martin, a cousin, of Charleston, Mississippi. Most of Handy's personal correspondence consists of letters from his nephews. Three of them, Isaac, Edward, and Aleck Handy, are usually spoken about together and presumably were brothers. There are letters from two of them, Edward and Isaac, written from Philadelphia, where Isaac was active in politics, and Edward in business. There is no mention made of Aleck's place of residence or occupation, and he never found occasion to write to Handy. A fourth nephew, John Ewing, bought a tract of land in St. Mary's, Elk County, Pennsylvania, and moved there from Philadelphia in 1848. He was evidently in a poor position financially, and was discouraged about his new surroundings amid a group of German settlers, who lived under primitive conditions, but to all appearances must have stayed on his farm, which was rich in undeveloped resources. There is a rather large group of letters from Joseph W. Allen, a nephew who lived in New Orleans. He was an emotional young man, and reacted very strongly to current events, seeing in them the hand of God. His writings, however, are informative, speaking of politics, business, and world affairs with understanding. It is possible that Allen was a preacher, for he mentions speaking before church groups. Among George Handy's letters are several from nieces in St. Louis, Elizabeth and Margaret Carroll. They are written during the cholera epidemic and fires in St. Louis, and are interesting in that they reflect the religious attitude of the period toward events of a disastrous nature.
The friends of George Handy from whom he received correspondence during the years from 1846 to 1850 were numerous. Those who figure most prominently are his friends in Dover, Delaware, Mr. and Mrs. Bates, and Mr. and Mrs. Gove Saulsbury. Handy was often a visitor in Dover and Wilmington. In New Orleans, where Handy spent the winter months until 1849, his best friends were Dr. Scott, a minister, and Robert Powell, with whom he had business dealings, and with whom Joseph Allen lived during the winter of 1849, when Handy was unable to make the journey to New Orleans. There is a letter from John Richardson of Philadelphia, written from Warm Springs, Georgia, a fashionable resort at the time. Mr. Richardson writes with excellent style, describing the countryside, and telling of traveling conditions and the lot of the southern Negro. Thomas Robins, a business associate of Philadelphia, was a frequent correspondent, and speaks of the effect on business of the California gold rush, the cholera epidemic, and the cholera quarantine for ships. Among the other friends of George Handy were George Collier, of St. Louis, who saw in the cholera epidemic and fire in St. Louis the need for the establishment of a reliable insurance agency in the West; Ralph King, a merchant, who writes from Bremen, Germany, of the conditions of international trade, and of economic prospects for Germany; and Lewis Whiteman of Cincinnati, who considers Handy very lucky to be living with his (Handy's) adopted daughter and her children. In addition to these, George Handy had acquaintances in New York, Memphis, Nashville, and other cities. He was constantly the recipient of requests for financial aid, and his reputation indicated that he was generous in his compliance. In one instance Littleton Quinton of Cincinnati asked Handy to use his influence with the Secretary of Treasury or other persons in Washington to encourage his appointment as Surveyor of the Port in Cincinnati. Again, Theodore Dahlgren, a stranger to Handy, asks his aid in obtaining work, having been injured at sea, and interned in the Marine Hospital. Handy advanced the money necessary for Joseph Calvin, an aspiring young minister, to attend Princeton Theological Seminary, and gave his financial assistance to many other persons, some of them unknown to him.
In 1846 Samuel Hildeburn & Co., with whom Handy had his business affiliations, was conducting a profitable commission business. The company was located in Philadelphia, where both foreign and domestic trade was handled. During the winter George Handy represented the company in New Orleans, supervising the purchase of goods for shipment to Philadelphia and selling goods to the South. The purchases Handy made consisted for the most part of cotton, tobacco, sugar from the West Indies, pork from up the river, wheat and corn, also from the up-river country, molasses, and turpentine. Goods were shipped to New Orleans from Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Louisville by steamboat and flatboat. The purchase of perishable goods involved a large risk, for cotton was damaged by rain while being shipped in open boats, and often pork and lard was spoiled. From New Orleans the goods were shipped around to Philadelphia. During the cholera epidemic in 1848-1849 a quarantine of cholera-infected ships from New Orleans was instituted in Philadelphia.
Because of adverse business conditions created by the cholera epidemic, a poor cotton season, and probably a number of undetermined causes, the Hildeburn Co. began to decline in 1849. In January Watson Hildeburn was "dissolved by limitation," and the remaining members of the company formed a co-partnership as Hildeburn & Bros. Co. A letter from John Hildeburn the same month reviews the financial status of the firm. He is not pessimistic, but looks forward to a good year, for good reason. In 1847 the company had lost $20,000, but $6,000 profit in 1848 had dissolved a part of the debt. Plans were made to make up the rest of the deficit by November, 1849, when the senior partner planned to retire. John Hildeburn planned to do a very large business of $350,000 in the coming year with 4% profit. In February foreign imports showed a decrease of 1/4 to 1/3 from 1848. By April only $2000 worth of business had been transacted, as compared to $70,000 by April of the preceding year. In November letters appeared regretting the news that Handy's firm has been dissolved. At the same time land belonging to Handy was sold to repay a note held by the United States Bank.
After April, 1850, there are no letters to Handy, and no mention is made in documents relating to his estate of the date of his death. The rest of the papers deal with the taxes on his estate, and are addressed to George Handy Bates, Wilmington, Delaware. William Woodruff, land agent in Arkansas, advised Bates and Edward Handy to sell the lands belonging to George Handy's estate in Arkansas, since they were not of very great value. There is no indication of the actual worth of Handy's estate.
Contents List
Box -- Folder -- Contents
1 F1 1845
Dec 12 Certificate of Insurance for T. B.
Eastland for $14,000
Dec 17 Certificate of Insurance for T. B.
Eastland for $6,000
F2 1846 May-Dec
May 14 Commercial Court of New Orleans to George
Handy, Philadelphia.
Petition of William Karr for a privilege
claim of $600 against the sale by George
Handy for payment of a debt of a boat owned
by James Lee. Judgement was in favor of
petitioner.
Jun 20 Settlement of a debt of N.D. Elliott of
Tennessee to George Handy.
Jul 13 Timothy D. Lincoln, Philadelphia, to George
Handy, Philadelphia.
Summary of law on holding to bail and upon
attaching property in courts of the State of
Pennsylvania, County of Pennsylvania, and
City of Philadelphia.
Jul 21 W. W. Hoffman, New Orleans, to George Handy,
Philadelphia.
Tells of sale of the boat of “James Lee” at
$15,000 to satisfy the claims of George Handy
and others.
Jul 25 C. Woodburn, Madison, La., to George Handy,
Philadelphia.
Information concerning market price of sides
of bacon in New Orleans and advice to Handy
to retain those he has for awhile.
Jul 28 C. Woodburn, Madison, La., to George Handy,
Philadelphia.
Continuation of matters of previous letter.
Aug 4 George Handy, Philadelphia, to C. Woodburn,
Madison, La.
Advises selling bacon at high price.
Aug 15 C. Woodburn, Madison, La., to George Handy,
Philadelphia.
Concerning sale of sides of bacon owned by
George Handy.
Aug 19 Powell & Bryan, Peoria, La.(?), to George
Handy, Philadelphia.
Concerning an offer from Mr. Donlin to buy
notes held by George Handy on Mr. Donlin's
brother, who has absconded. Powell & Bryan
ask for power of attorney for the
transaction.
Aug 26 C. Woodburn, Madison, La., to George Handy,
Philadelphia.
Is preparing to ship bacon to New Orleans for
sale.
Aug 31 J. B. McIlwain, Maysville, Ky., to George
Handy, Philadelphia.
Request for the loan of $5,000 at 6% semi-
annual interest. Money derangement caused by
the war has lessened. Crops of corn and
number of hogs very large.
Sep 4 Duncan Ripley, Louisville, Ky., to George
Handy, Philadelphia.
Matters relating to the deed for the Bayless
property; the mortgage on the Clendenin
property; insurance on the Clendenin
property.
Sep 30 David Macy, Lawrenceburg, Ind. to George
Handy, Philadelphia.
Concerning the purchase of a tract of land
for George Handy.
Oct 6 Garnett Duncan, Louisville, Ky., to George
Handy, Philadelphia.
Regarding a lien by the Bank of New Orleans
on property purchased for George Handy, who
must now pay the debt.
Oct 19 David Macy, Lawrenceburg, Ind. to George
Handy, Philadelphia.
Account of cost of land bought for George
Handy at public auction, as a result of the
decision in the case of Symington vs.
Campbell. Asks whether Handy wants land sold
at less than cost.
Oct 28 Elizabeth Carroll, St. Louis, Mo., to George
Handy, Philadelphia.
Personal and family news items. Speaks of
Charly, Maggie, and
Ellen.
Oct 28 Margaret Carroll, St. Louis, to her uncle,
George Handy, Philadelphia.
Personal. Asks why he doesn't write. Speaks
of Anne, Charly, Lizzie, Uncle Isaac, Mr. P.
Powell.
1 F2 1846 May-Dec (cont’d)
Nov 26 Charles C. Ware, Texas County, Mo., to George
Handy, Philadelphia.
Asks for gift of money that George Handy had
promised to leave him in his will. Is in poor
health and needs money for debts and for
improving a piece of public land.
Dec 8 John Rust, Louisville, Ky., to George Handy,
Philadelphia.
Asks return of two drafts sent to George
Handy, since they have not been used. Is in
poor health.
F3 1847
Jan 2 G. Duncan, Louisville, Ky., to George Handy,
New Orleans.
Says there is possibility of redeeming Rust's
notes by selling them to Judge McKauley, who
wishes to buy a lot owned by Handy.
Jan 13 J. Cleves Short, Cleveland, Ohio, to George
Handy, New Orleans.
Thanks for business transacted for him.
Tells of trip home by way of Mobile,
Montgomery, Savannah, Charleston, Wilmington,
Richmond, Washington City, Baltimore, and
Pittsburgh. Traveled by steamboat, stage,
and railroad.
Jan 22 Thos. R. Fassett, Philadelphia, to George
Handy, New Orleans.
Has found a St. Louis Bond of 1837 belonging
to George Handy, the interest on which,
amounting to $70 a year, has not been
collected since 1840 or 1841.
Jan 23 C. Woodburn, Madison, [LA], to George Handy,
New Orleans.
Concerning a debt of $4,354 to be settled.
Jan 23 D. Cochran, Memphis, Tenn., to George
Handy, New Orleans.
Concerning payment of a debt to McCorry.
Jan 27 [Unidentified] to George Handy, New
Orleans.
1 F3 1847 (cont’d)
Feb 4 A. Symington, Philadelphia, to George Handy,
New Orleans.
In order to change investments, thinks it
wise that he be appointed guardian to the
children. Gives Handy power of attorney.
Feb 13 C. H. Sipple, Dover, Del. to George Handy,
New Orleans.
Appointment of Dan as Secretary of State.
Satisfactory to party and people. Grain
market very prosperous. Mentions D. M.
Bates, Margaret, George, Mrs. Pennewill,
Hester, John, and Cabe.
Mar 11 A. Symington, Philadelphia, to George
Handy, New Orleans.
Inquiry concerning a power of attorney sent
of Feb. 4.
Mar 11 Wm. Palmer, Pittsburgh, to George Handy,
New Orleans.
Concerning purchases on the sugar market.
Commodity has risen slightly in consequence
of the anticipated action of Congress.
Mar 20 Nelson & Donelson, Lafourch, (?), to Samuel
M. McClain, New Orleans. Description of a
shipment of sugar and molasses to McClain.
May 6 James A. Woods, Nashville, Tenn., to George
Handy, New Orleans. Acknowledges receipt of
McLeans's bill. Fire in Nashville.
May 14 John C. Boyd, Philadelphia, to George Handy,
New Orleans.
Concerning taxes and a lien held by Handy on
a tract of land.
Jul 9 Memorandum of W. D. Elliott.
To insure George Handy against action by
creditors of James Lee of the steamboat “Old
Hickory,” taken by Handy for a debt.
Jul 24 Benjamin Darlington, Pittsburgh, to
George Handy, Philadelphia.
Concerning redemption of lots purchased years
ago at New Brighton.
Nov 4 Henry M. Hildeburn, Philadelphia, to George
Handy, New Orleans. Concerning sales on the
sugar market. Has had large loss. List of
sugar prices. Mentions fever in New Orleans.
1 F4 1848 Apr-Jul
Apr 13 Samuel Hildeburn & Co., Philadelphia, to
George Handy, Cincinnati. Concerning debts
owed to George Handy in the West. Quotes
prices of commodities such as pork and lard.
Apr 24 Judge John R. Donnell, Philadelphia, to
George Handy, New
Orleans.
Forwarded to Cincinnati. Concerning George
Handy's part as a witness in the case of
Donnell v. the Bank of the United States.
Mr. Porter is Donnell's attorney. Mr. James
Robertson is President of the U.S. Bank.
Jun 6 Samuel Hildeburn, Son & Co.,
Philadelphia, to George Handy,
Cincinnati. Concerning the execution of
business matters for George Handy,
particularly in relation to one Tom Smith, on
whose account Handy had purchased cotton.
Jun 26 Jos. W. Allen, New Orleans, to his
uncle, George Handy,
Philadelphia. Speaks of a "Mexican heroes"
returning. Whig ratification meeting in the
open air in Canal Street, New Orleans.
Politics--one General Butler seems to be
prominent. Tobacco and cotton markets poor.
Sends check for copying press sent by Handy
to his friend Charles. Mentions friends--
Powell, Dr. Scott, Mr. Martin, Mr. Bradle.
Seems to be looking for a wife.
Jun 29 J. M. Freeman, for Hildeburn, Philadelphia,
to George Handy, Cincinnati. Acknowledges
receipt of telegram.
Jun 30 Jonathan Hildeburn, Philadelphia, to
George Handy, Cincinnati.
Routine business letter. Payment of debts
owed to Handy.
Jul 2 Hughey H. Beard, Camden, Arkansas, to
George Handy,
Philadelphia. Written during a visit.
Speaks of Mr. Powell. Asks Handy to write.
Jul 13 R. P. Curran, Nashville, Tenn., to
George Handy, Philadelphia.
Asks for a loan, with a mortgage on farmland
as security.
Jul 21 Jos. W. Allen, Nashville, Tenn., to his
uncle, George Handy, Philadelphia.
Introduction of Mr. A. J. Duncan, of Shepherd
& Duncan, Nashville.
Jul 21 Daniel Hadden, New Orleans, La., to
George Handy, Philadelphia.
Report on sales, chiefly of tobacco, in New
Orleans for George Handy.
Jul 27 Sturges Bennett, New York, to George
Handy, Philadelphia.
Report on sales for George Handy in New York.
Jul 29 Jos. W. Allen, Lebanon, Tenn., to his
uncle, George Handy,
Philadelphia. Apathy in the South toward the
coming presidential election. Predicts
"Zack" Taylor will carry Tennessee, but not
Louisiana. Written during a visit to his
sister and her nine children. Says he is
looking for a wife. Mentions a relative,
Alexander Allison.
F5 1848 Aug-Nov
Aug 8 George Martin, Bon Air to his cousin,
George Handy,
Philadelphia. Looks forward to cotton-
picking at home and the installation of a new
steam mill. Spending vacation in Cumberland
Mts. Sends regards to Dr. Chapman, Mr. Wilson
druggist, Mr. John Richardson, cousins George
and John Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Bates.
Aug 16 Thomas Warfield, Cincinnati, to George
Handy, Philadelphia.
Asks Handy's aid in clearing up a claim of
the U.S. Bank on T. B. and W. P. Warfield.
(Undated) B. Martin, St. Mary's, Tenn., to her cousin,
George Handy,
Philadelphia. Personal matters. Speaks of
death of Aunt Mary Donelson.
Sep 8 M. D. Carneal, Cincinnati, Ohio, to
George Handy, Philadelphia.
Asks for a loan in order to buy property in
Louisville.
Sep 8 J. M. Woodbridge, Marietta, Ohio to
George Handy, Philadelphia.
Complains of poor molasses sold to him by
Handy's agent and asks to be repaid,
threatening to sue for the money.
1 F5 1848 Aug-Nov (cont’d)
Sep 9 Yeatman Woods & Co., Nashville, Tenn., to
Samuel Hildeburn, Son & Co., Philadelphia.
In answer to a complaint about a shipment of
cotton, the writer says his company is not
responsible.
Sep 18 John S. Ewing, St. Mary's, Pa., to his
uncle, George Handy,
Philadelphia. Arrival in Elk County after
six days' journey from (Philadelphia?),
partly by canal boat, by way of Harrisburg
and Lewistown.
Sep 23 N. G. Nye, Yazoo City, Miss., to George
Handy, Philadelphia.
Good cotton crop in the South. Low prices,
however. Planters all ship to New Orleans.
Sep 27 Wm. Stokes, Elk County, Pa., to George
Handy, Philadelphia.
Reports on the arrival of Handy's nephew,
Jno. Ewing, and the prospects offered by his
new farm.
Oct 5 Bullitts and Fairthorne, Louisville,
Ky., to George Handy,
Philadelphia. Introduction of Francis McKay,
a merchant who will visit Philadelphia to
purchase gunpowder and who desires to connect
himself with a commission house.
Oct 9 Alfred Thurston, Louisville, Ky., to
George Handy, Philadelphia.
Wants Handy to negotiate for the purchase of
some lots.
Oct 15 Jno. Ewing, Elk County, Pa., to his
uncle, George Handy,
Philadelphia. Describes new farmland into
which he has moved, rich resources (iron,
coal, lime), primitive condition of German
settlers. Discouraged about his "low and
deplorable position" and gossip about him in
town.
Oct 18 Robert Hyslop, New York, to George
Handy, Philadelphia.
Acknowledges receipt of letter.
Nov 14 Wm. Bowen, Philadelphia, to George
Handy, Louisville, Ky.
Routine business matters.
Nov 14 Samuel Hildeburn, Co., Philadelphia, to
George Handy, Louisville.
Concerning business matters. Prices on
tobacco and cotton.
Nov 15 David Macy, Lawrenceburg, to George
Handy.
Concerning the advisability of selling land.
Makes an offer for land.
Nov 18 Jno. Neff, Cincinnati, Ohio to George
Handy, New Orleans, La.
Orders the purchase of 200 bales of cotton
for his son.
Nov 29 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George
Handy, New Orleans.
Concerning recovery of debts and other
business matters.
F6 1848 Dec
Dec 6 A. Ross, Rotherwood, (Tenn.?) to George
Handy, New Orleans.
Recommends Mr. Wallace in Knoxville, who
needs help in business. Tells about his
family.
Dec 6 Thomas Robins, Philadelphia, to George
Handy, New Orleans.
Business. Speaks of Mary, Mr. Powell, death
of Mrs. Parker.
Dec 12-14 S. H. Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to
George Handy, New Orleans.
Routine business matters. Good prices for
sugar from the West Indies, cotton, and
tobacco.
Dec 15 Shipping invoice to George Handy.
317 Bales of cotton.
Dec 15 John T. Jeter (?) , New Orleans, to
Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia.
Inquires whether there is a market in
Philadelphia for pecan nuts grown in Texas.
Dec 15-20 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy,
New Orleans.
Business letters. Low prices of cotton and
sugar quoted; expected to rise. Information
about the advisability of granting credit to
a Mr. A., a businessman of Philadelphia.
Pork prices high, expected to decline.
Dec 21 Edw. L. Handy, Philadelphia, to his
uncle, George Handy, New
Orleans. Reports epidemic of small pox in
Philadelphia; approach of cholera to city.
Speaks of California gold fever and
possibility of inflation. Speaks of Sally
(his wife?); Isaac, who is visiting
Germantown.
1 F6 1848 Dec (cont’d)
Dec 21 Daniel Cochran, Philadelphia, to George
Handy, New Orleans.
Introduction and recommendation of Mr. P.
Twisin(?), a young man recently arrived from
Ireland.
Dec 22 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George
Handy, New Orleans.
Business letter. Predicts good season ahead
for produce commission houses. Says that the
cholera epidemic will not affect business.
Rainy season.
Dec 23 Shipping invoice to George Handy. 149
barrels of pork.
Dec 25 Thomas Robins, Philadelphia, to George
Handy, New Orleans.
Business and personal letter. Orders cotton.
Deaths of Robert Toland and Wm. [illegible].
Mr. Powell, to arrive on the ship “Europa;”
his friend, Richardson; and Edward.
Dec 26 C. Wallace, Knoxville, Tenn., to George
Handy, New Orleans.
Business letter, evidently from a beginner in
business.
Dec 27 Wm. A. Porter, Philadelphia, to George
Handy, New Orleans.
Business letter, concerning money owed by
Handy to a bank in Philadelphia.
Dec 27 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George
Handy, New Orleans.
Business letter.
Dec 27 Charles W. Brooke, Philadelphia, to
George Handy, New Orleans.
Notification from the Bank of the U.S. that
Handy's property in Northumberland County,
mortgaged for $8,000 in 1846, will be sold,
since the interest has not been paid.
Dec 29 Isaac S. Handy, Germantown, to his
uncle, George Handy, New
Orleans. The president-elect has been to New
Orleans. Writer hears that Mr. Clay will
visit there and that Clay carried Pa. by a
large majority. Hears that Clayton is to be
Secretary of State. Others say Crittenden
will get the post. Has moved to Germantown
from Philadelphia to get benefit of country
air. Went to see D. Ewing at Agricultural
School at Mt. Airy, but D. was not there.
Speaks of Mr. Richardson; Dr. Powell; death
of Mrs. Parker; Rosa and Alexander at Dover.
1 1849 Jan
Jan 1 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Concerned over cholera in New Orleans and the
effect on prices. Foreign news regarded as
favorable.
Jan 3 Thomas Robins, Philadelphia, to GeorgeHandy, New Orleans.
Business. Speaks of selling carpets.
Jan 4 Wm. M. Churchwell, Nashville, Tenn., to George Handy, New
Orleans. Business. Asks Handy to patronize
Campbell Wallace, merchant of Knoxville.
Lists commodities to be sold by Wallace.
Jan 5-8 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Fears that a quarantine of ships from New
Orleans at Philadelphia will harm business.
Cholera abating somewhat.
Jan 9 Daniel Hawkins, Cincinnati, to GeorgeHandy, New Orleans.
Notice of consignment of cotton.
Jan 10 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business letter. Sales of pork, molasses,
cotton, sugar.
Jan 15 Thomas Robins, Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business and personal letter. Cholera in
West bad for spring business. Regrets death
of Hugh Thompson. Encloses business circular
from Liverpool date Dec. 29, 1848: Good
market, stabilized by French Presidential
election. Quotes prices of cotton, wheat,
corn, turpentine.
Jan 15 Jno. McCrea, Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Order for cotton through Hildeburn Co.
Jan 15 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business matters.
Jan 16 Miller, Brown, & Hawkins, Cincinnati, to George Handy, New
Orleans. Concerning a shipment of pork and
lard via South America to Handy's company for
sale.
1 F7 1849 Jan (cont’d)
Jan 17 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business. Fear of quarantine of ships gone
since cholera abated. Wants Hildeburn
dissolved by limitation. Joseph, William,
and Henry Hildeburn formed copartnership as
Hildeburn & Bros. Co. Senior gave them
$100,000 capital.
Jan 18 Jno. Hildeburn, Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Reviews business of 1848. Profit was $6,000.
In 1847 $20,000 was lost. Writer asks effort
to make up deficit by Nov., 1849, when senior
partner will retire. Wants to do business of
$350,000 in coming year with 4% profit.
Jan 18 Miller, Brown, and Hawkins, Cincinnati, to George Handy, New
Orleans. Business letter.
Jan 19 William Porter, Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans
Concerning sale of Handy's Northumberland
property to redeem bond held by the Bank of
the United States.
Jan 19 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business. Asks lists of rates of New Orleans
underwriters for rates on steamboats,
flatboats, and hulls from Cincinnati,
Louisville, and St. Louis.
Jan 20 Robert Ewing, Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Inquires of David Ewing, who left for
Pittsburgh, wrote for money to return home,
and then presumably went down the river,
possibly to New Orleans.
Jan 20-26 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Concerning arrival of long-awaited shipment
of cotton on the "Robert Burton." Cotton has
been damaged badly by rain. Proclamation of
the Board of Health of Philadelphia for
examination of cholera-infected ships from
New Orleans.
Jan 26 Valentine Holmes, Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Asks Handy's aid in recovering a debt owed by
a Mme. Poultney and her daughter, formerly of
Philadelphia, now residing in New Orleans.
1 F7 1849 Jan (cont’d)
Jan 29 Margaret Carroll, St. Louis, Mo., George Handy, New Orleans.
Concerned over cholera epidemic. Speaks of
her father's recent marriage. Mentions Ellen
Powell, now Mrs. Wilgus.
Jan 30 Hildeburn Bros., Philadelphia, to George
Handy, New Orleans.
Asks that an inquiry be made about Mr. P.N.
Revera, merchant.
Jan 30-Feb 2 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business. Order of Mr. Frierson and Mr.
Powell for cotton filled. Unable to fill
order for Mr. McCrea.
F8 1849 Feb
Feb 2 Thomas Robins, Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Arrival of steamer "Canada" with news from
abroad has sent cotton prices down. Death of
F. G. Critcher.
Feb 6 George Collier, St. Louis, Mo., to George Handy, New Orleans.
Personal matters. Mentions friends--Lindell
and C. Carrol.
Feb 10 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business. Market dull. Anticipates small
business for 1849.
Feb 10 Ellen Powell, St. Louis, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Personal letter in response to
congratulations on her marriage.
Feb 12 Thomas Robins, Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business. Arrival of ship "Niagara" from
Liverpool causes prices to rise. Foreign
imports 1/4 to 1/3 below 1848.
Feb 13 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business matters.
Feb 14 Littleton Quinton, Cincinnati, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Asks Handy's influence with the Secretary of
Treasury or other persons in Washington to
encourage his appointment as Surveyor of the
Port in Cincinnati.
Feb 16 W. J. Morris, New York, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business letter.
1 F8 1849 Feb (cont’d)
Feb 17-20 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business. Trying to make up loss on damaged
cotton. Dull market.
Feb 21 Theodore Dahlgren, Marine Hospital, to George Handy, New
Orleans. A stranger to Handy, he asks his
assistance in obtaining work, having been
injured while at sea and unable to pursue
further a seaman's life.
Feb 23 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business matters.
Feb 24 Thomas Robins, Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Emigrants to California are draining silver
supply from East. World trade stable.
Feb 24 Armel & Clough, Madison, La., to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business. Handy is to sell produce and
invest money in molasses, sugar, and coffee.
Feb 26 W. H. Overstreet, Franklin, La., to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business.
Feb 26 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business matters.
F9 1849 Mar 1-16
Mar 1 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business.
Mar 5-7 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Discussion of business conditions in the
market of New Orleans as compared with the
West.
Mar 9 George Handy, New Orleans, to Armel & Clough, Madison, La.
Business.
1 F9 1849 Mar 1-16 (cont’d)
Mar 10 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business. Directs Handy in attempt to
recover $8,000 owed to Hildeburn Co. by
Nelson & Donaldson.
Mar 12 William Porter, Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Concerning impending sale of Handy's property
for U.S. Bank note.
Mar 12 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business.
Mar 12 Watson Hildeburn, Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business.
Mar 14 Wm. E. Brown, Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Personal and business letter.
Mar 14 Dwight Martin, New Orleans, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Application for a position in a commission
house.
Mar 14 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business matters.
Mar 14 George Handy, New Orleans, to Armel & Clough, Madison, La.
Business letter concerning a shipment of
groceries.
Mar 15 Fire insurance policy.
For goods stored by Handy in warehouses of
New Orleans and Lafayette.
Mar 16 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business matters.
F10 1849 Mar 18-31
Mar 18 Armel & Clough, Madison, La., to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business matter.
Mar 19-21 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business. Losses incurred through damage to
goods.
1 F10 1849 Mar 18-31 (cont’d)
Mar 21 W. L. Lanier, Memphis, Tenn., to George Handy, New Orleans.
Personal letter. Health of his family.
Regards to Col. Powell.
Mar 23 A. H. Handy, Canton, Miss., to his cousin, George Handy, New
Orleans. Personal matters.
Mar 24 Robert Buchanan, Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Asks help, presumably financial, in building
stabling.
Mar 24 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business. Sold pecans for Mr. Powell at very
low price.
Mar 25 Isaac Handy, Philadelphia, to his uncle, George Handy, New
Orleans. Has attended dull session of
Legislature. Favorable impression of new
governor, W.F. Johnson. Items about
Pennsylvania politics. Coming Methodist
Episcopal conference. News of friends: Mr.
& Mrs. Buchler moved to Harrisburg; "Brother
E" and widow Dickinson expected to marry; Mr.
& Mrs. Powell left for France.
Mar 26 George Handy, New Orleans, to Armel &
Clough, Madison, La.
Business matters.
Mar 26 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business. Pork and cotton market dull.
Mar 26 G. Duncan, Louisville, Ky., to George
Handy, New Orleans.
Concerning sale of Handy's property for debt
to bank.
Mar 30 Thomas P. Sparhawk, Philadelphia, to George
Handy, New Orleans. Personal letter:
Mentions friends.
Mar 31-Apr 3 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business. Cholera worse in Kentucky and
Tennessee.
1 F11 1849 Apr
Apr 4-May 11 T. L. MacKay, Memphis, Tenn., to George Handy, New
Orleans. George Handy, New Orleans,
reply to T. L. MacKay, Alton, Ill.
Business transaction.
Apr 5-12 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business. Wish to limit consignments to
$200,000 in summer because of fear of
cholera. Business dull.
Apr 12 Martha Marshall, Canton, Miss., to cousin,
George Handy, New Orleans. Personal matters.
Speaks of children, Rebecca and Susan.
Apr 12 Martin & Smith, Philadelphia, to GeorgeHandy, New Orleans.
Business matter.
Apr 13 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business. Dull market.
Apr 16 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business matters.
Apr 17 Martin & Smith, Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business. Encloses draft.
Apr 19 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Dull business. $70,000 in Apr. 1848,
compared to $2,000 in 1849. Asks Handy's
quick return.
Apr 21 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business matters.
Apr 25 Wm. Porter, Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Sale of Handy's Northumberland property to
take place in three weeks.
Apr 26 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business matters.
Apr 28 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business matters.
1 F11 1849 Apr (cont’d)
Apr 28 A. H. Handy, Canton, Miss., to his cousin, George Handy, New
Orleans. Business transaction.
Apr 30 W. H. Stockwell, Miss. City, (Miss.?), to George Handy, New
Orleans. Personal. Invites Handy for a
visit. On back of letter, in pencil, account
of a sermon.
2 F12 1849 May
May 1-3 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business. Dull Market worsened "warlike"
news from Europe.
May 4 J. M. Keyes, New Orleans, to Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia.
Notification of a shipment of cotton to
Hildeburn Co. through George Handy.
May 4-5 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business. Last letters written before Handy
leaves New Orleans for Philadelphia.
May 8 Isaac Handy, Philadelphia, to his uncle, George Handy, New
Orleans. May and Rosa, Mr. Bates, and Dr.
Saulsbury have been visiting. Hopes Bates
will not carry out his plans to leave Dover.
Edward, Isaac's brother, has married Mrs.
Dickinson, his second wife. Death of Mr.
Charles Bird.
May 10 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, Louisville, Ky.
Business matters.
May 21 Edw. S. Handy, Nashville, Tenn., to his uncle, George Handy,
Louisville. Great fire in St. Louis.
Cholera epidemic bad in Tennessee. News of
friends.
May 22 J. A. Otte, New Orleans, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Asks Handy to deliver parcels for him.
May 23 Bullitts & Fairthorne, Louisville, Ky., to George Handy, New
Orleans. Business matter.
May 29 Hildeburn Co., Philadelphia, to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business matters. Dull market.
2 F13 1849 Jun-Jul
Jun 1 E. S. Handy, Nashville, to his uncle,George Handy.
Congratulates Handy on his ability to enjoy a
rigorous steamboat and stage journey home.
Personal matters. His wife, Virginia, has
been ill. Drawing on back of letter.
Jun 5 Jos. W. Allen, Carthage, Tenn., to his uncle, George Handy,
Philadelphia. Floods in New Orleans. Is in
bad health.
Jun 15 Washington & New Orleans Telegraph Co to George Handy,
Philadelphia. Notification of stockholders'
meeting.
Jun 23 Josiah Lawrence, Cincinnati, Ohio, to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Asks Handy to obtain an insurance agency for
him.
Jun 23 Robert M. Powell, New Orleans, to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Business matters. Encloses bill of lading.
Jun 23 H. H. Beard, New Orleans, to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Personal matters. Encloses bill of lading.
Jun 28 Jos. Allen, Lebanon, Tenn., to his uncle, George Handy,
Philadelphia. Still in bad health.
Jul 2 Margaret Carroll, Lebanon, Ill, to her uncle, George Handy,
Philadelphia. Deaths from cholera and fire
in St. Louis. Inquires about relatives:
Uncle Isaac, Edward, and Aleck.
Jul 7 Wm. Chamberlain, Philadelphia, to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Asks him to answer letter of Alex McChurg,
Pittsburgh.
Jul 10 D. O. Hadden, New Orleans, to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Business. Writes for company of Shults and
Hadden.
Jul 17-20 Jos. Allen, Lebanon, Tenn., to his uncle, George Handy,
Philadelphia. In the midst of the cholera
epidemic. People evacuating town. Deems it
the judgement of God.
Jul 20 George Collier, St. Louis, Mo., to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Cholera and fire in St. Louis. Sees need of
insurance agency.
Jul 29 G. Duncan, Louisville, Ky., to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Business matter.
2 F13 1849 Jun-Jul (cont’d)
Jul 30 Jos. Carroll, New Orleans, to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Small cotton crop because of rains. Prices
are up because of speculation and Spanish
buyers. Orders window shades for office.
F14 1849 Aug-Sep
Aug 3 R. C. Cummings, New Orleans, to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Rain damaging cotton crop. Several cases of
yellow fever.
Aug 4 David Hadden, New Orleans, to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Asks advice and financial aid to his nephew,
Joseph Calvin, who is beginning Princeton
Theological Seminary. Market dull, except
tobacco and cotton. Greetings from Dr.
Scott. The Canal Bank has been discovered as
dishonest, and its personnel has to be
changed.
Aug 7 Jos. Allen, Lebanon, Tenn., to his uncle, George Handy,
Philadelphia. Cholera still prevalent.
Lebanon depopulated by migration and death.
Death of Mr. Morris.
Aug 8 Robert Powell, New Orleans, to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Asks Handy to promote his interests with a
reliable company in Philadelphia.
Aug 11 Lewis Whiteman, Cincinnati, to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Cholera epidemic. Comments on Handy's good
fortune to live with his adopted daughter and
her children. Wishes he could join Handy in
a trip to Wilmington. News of Presbyterian
church.
Aug 11 Ralph King, Bremen, Germany, to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Tells of trip across Atlantic in 16 days.
Took steamboat from the harbor up the Weser
to Bremen, an old city, within the ramparts
of which has been built the New City. Under
the City Hall he had some wine from the
famous wine cellars, vintage of 1624. Large
tobacco business. Free port. Cotton market
increasing. Germans are turning to the
manufacture of cotton. Business suffering
from Danish blockade, expected to be
withdrawn. Stays at best hotel, Hellman, at
one half the price it would cost in New York.
2 F14 1849 Aug-Sep (cont’d)
Aug 19 George Martin, (Aulorgne?), to his cousin, George Handy,
Philadelphia. Trouble with the cotton crop--
rain, frost, floods, bowl worn." Intends to
send his daughter to Philadelphia or Virginia
to school, his son to Washington College in
Virginia. Sends greeting to his cousins,
George and John Martin; Jas. and Jno.
Richards; Mr. & Mrs. Bates.
Aug 24 Jno. Richardson, Warm Springs, Ga., to George Handy,
Philadelphia. Describes the surrounding
countryside as very beautiful. Very
fashionable resort. Surprised at absence of
intoxicating drinks and travel on Sunday.
Superior coaches and roads. With freedom
from slavery, he thinks it would be a
glorious country. Thinks this will surely
come, although it may be postponed by foreign
intervention. Blacks treated well in this
section. Springs have temperature of 98
degrees; very beneficial. He is on his way
home. Travels 20 to 30 miles a day by coach
with his family.
Aug 29 N. G. Nye, Yazoo City, Miss., to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Asks Handy to further his interests with a
Mr. Fisher, representative of the English of
Morrison Bros. & Co. Cotton crop very poor.
One-half of usual crop.
Aug 31-Sep 3 J. H. Calvin, Princeton, N. J., to George Handy,
Philadelphia. Lists his expenses, which
Handy has arranged to meet. Asks more
money for winter. Likes Princeton.
Good library. 140 students. Likes his
professors, especially one Dr.
Alexander. Acknowledges receipt of
draft. Asks $20 more.
Sep 4 Jos. Allen, Bon Air, Tenn., to his uncle, George Handy,
Philadelphia. Cholera is abating. Tobacco
market good in New Orleans. Has moved to Bon
Air for his health. Speaks constantly of
death.
Sep 10 George Martin, Charleston, Miss., to cousin, George Handy,
Philadelphia. Is on his way to Philadelphia.
Sep 15 J. H. Calvin, Princeton, to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Acknowledges receipt of money.
2 F14 1849 Aug-Sep (cont’d)
Sep 15 David Hadden, New Orleans, to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Directions about finances of his nephew at
Princeton.
Sep 18 Gove Saulsbury, Dover, Del., to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Orders household articles for his wife, Rosa.
Sep 22 Jos. Allen, Bon Air, Tenn., to his uncle, George Handy,
Philadelphia. Is recovering from his
illness. Has met a friend of Handy's, a Mr.
Hoffman from New Orleans.
Sep 21 Robert Patterson, Co., to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Business matter.
F15 1849 Oct-Dec
Oct 8 Elizabeth Warren, Wilmington, Del., to George Handy,
Philadelphia. Asks for money for herself and
widowed sister, who are in great need.
Oct 9 Sturgis Bennett & Co., New York, to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Account sales for peaches sold for Handy.
Poor sale.
Oct 19 Jos. W. Allen, Lebanon, Tenn., to his uncle, George Handy,
Philadelphia. Sympathizes with Handy on
death of his small grandson. Is in better
health after visit to Bon Air.
Nov 17 Gove Saulsbury, Dover, Del., to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Orders utensils for his fireplace and an
invention to keep the chimney from smoking.
Nov 21 Jos. Allen, New Orleans, to his uncle, George Handy, Philadelphia.
Speaks of explosion of boilers on steamboat
"Louisiana." He was on another boat and
narrowly escaped. Lives with Robert Powell,
who had also reserved a room for Handy, but
regrets to hear that Handy's company has gone
out of business, and Handy will not be in New
Orleans for the winter. It appears that
Allen is a preacher.
Nov 23 David Hadden, New Orleans, to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Business. Sorry to hear of dissolution of
Handy's firm.
2 F15 1849 Oct-Dec (cont’d)
Dec 4 J. H. Calvin, Princeton, to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Asks for money. Sickness in the seminary.
Dec 11 Robert Powell, New Orleans, to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Asks return of some letters. Jos. Allen
encloses note.
Dec 24 Jos. Allen, New Orleans, to Mr. McAllister, Philadelphia.
Orders new pair of gold-rimmed spectacles
like those he bought in 1842.
Dec 24 Jos. Allen, New Orleans, to his uncle, George Handy, Philadelphia.
Describes Christmas scenes. Healthful
surroundings, pleasant weather, in contrast
to last year's cholera epidemic. News of
friends--Powell, Whiteman. Encloses letter
to McAllister.
F16 1850-1852
1850
Jan 1 J. H. Calvin, Princeton, to George Handy, Philadelphia.
Asks for money.
Jan 10-15 Jos. Allen, New Orleans, to his uncle, George Handy, Philadelphia.
Personal matters. Cotton and tobacco market
good. Wishes for a good wife. Anxious to
see his "little boy." Coat of arms on seal.
Jan 30 Charles Ripley, Louisville, Ky., toGeorge Handy, Philadelphia.
Business. Concerning payment of a debt.
Apr 30 A. I. Meeker(?), Co., New Orleans, to George Handy,
Philadelphia. Business matters.
1852
Oct 20 Map of Arkansas, showing extent of public
surveys there on September 30, 1851. Map
removed to oversize.
2 F17 1859-1861
Tax receipts and a letter from Wm. Woodruff,
Little Rock, Ark., to Edward Handy, Philadelphia.
Notification that annual taxes on land in Arkansas
belonging to George Handy’s estate are increased
by 50%, as a result of the war.
2 F18 1866-1867
Tax receipts on land belonging to the estate of
George Handy in Arkansas.
Letter from Wm. Woodruff, land agent in Arkansas,
to D. M. Bates, Dover, Delaware in which he
advises sale of Arkansas lands to the first person
who has applied for them in 20 years. Thinks the
land is not very good, and in any event would not
bring a better offer, since money is scarce under
the "Negro rule" of the government.
F19 1869-1871
Tax receipts on land belonging to the estate of
George Handy in Arkansas.
1871
May 8 Letter from J. H. Haney, Little Rock,
Ark., to G. H. Bates,
Wilmington. In reply to an inquiry about the
legality of the claim of the children of a
niece of a testator (George Handy?) who died
before the testator. Recommends Bates go to
Gould's Digest of Statutes for information.
Jul 3 John Taylor, Little Rock, Arkansas, toGeorge Handy Bates.
Land commissioner for Arkansas Central
Railroad, he asks Bates to trade his land for
stock in the railroad company.
Dec 27 J. H. Haney, Little Rock, Ark., to George Bates, Wilmington, Del.
Information on taxes to be paid.
F20 1848 Dec – 1849 Apr
Bills of lading, receipts, and accounts sales
relating to George Handy's business.
2 F21 Undated correspondence
[n.d.] Payment receipt for steamer. Chief
Justice Marshall, Dr.
[n.d.] Receipt of SB Chief Justice Marshall,
Dr.
[n.d.] Patrick Turpin, New Orleans, to George
Handy, New Orleans.
Asks to be remembered for past favors.
[n.y.]: Aug 6 J. Richardson, White Sulphur
Springs, Ga., to George
Handy. Journeyed to springs by railroad--250
miles--and stage--150 miles. Describes
location as very beautiful.
[n.d.] Unidentified to George Handy, New Orleans.
Business. Shipment of flour.
[n.d.] Report of a business conversation
between George Handy and a Mr. Baer.
[n.d.] Circular--Brooklyn Warehouse Company.
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