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- Description:
- Half-folded handwritten letter from writer Julian Hawthorne in Philadelphia, to Eli Ransom Sutton of the University of Michigan, dated May 2, 1902, concerning the proposition of writing a biography of Hazen S. Pingree. The letter is on Julian Hawthorne's stationery. The letter reads: 1208 Spruce St. Phila. May 2, 1902 My dear Sutton, I have looked through the type-written book you finally sent me. I am [?] written you briefly, agreeing, for reasons which I partially indicate, my object in doing so. I have received no communication since then from Mrs. Pingree or any one acting in his behalf; [?] since the correspondence hitherto has been between you and me, I will now number my first [?] on the subject, and thoughts[?] to it above. Let me say, in passing, that the book of memorabilia[?] has great [?] judgment and diligence, and would, I think, fulfill the [?] for which it was completed[?]. I wish also to express my [?] of our unfailing [?] and look [?] throughout these [?]. But Mrs. Pingree seems to have been maligned by his friends. The biography of a man like her late husband is a [?], and should not be treated or regarded like a matter of bargaining for a parcel of merchandise.. When I was first invited to consider the biography, I had no anticipation of such treatment as I have received. The proposition which I first made was [?] to the interests of both parties. It was desirable that the biography should be brought out in a form adequate to the reputation both of the subject and of the writer--a dignified and thorough book, such as would be generally recognized as a worthy and acceptable ambition[?] to the march[?] of our epoch. The sum I asked for my work--ten thousand dollars--would have repaid me in some degree for the [?] of labor which I wanted to devote to it; and I should have made such magnitude with the [?] as would have [?] to Mrs. Pingree returns[?] which would[?] in the [?] have [?] this expenditure[?]. No attention was paid by her to my proposition, and I understand that the letter was [?] to her. Meanwhile, time went by; and time in relation to the issue of a biography, in this hurrying and forgetting age, is of great importance. The book might now to be nearing completion, and to have been [?] thoroughly[?] [?] by the ambitious[?]. It has been constantly delayed, to its serious detriment; our [?] then next insofar, it might as well be [?] altogether. Especially is this the case in view of the fact that the widow of Governor Pingree has thought it [?] to publish a [?] manuscript of her late husband, instead of an [?] biography. She will truly incur the risk of ridicule form Gov. Pingree admirers, who knowing his financial circumstances, will question the motives of her conduct and such[?] to cast doubt upon her loyalty to him. I am bound to say, in justice[?] to myself, am not of [?] to the memory of Gov. Pingree, that the only thing which can now save this book from contempt and regret[?] will be my name-or that of some literary name as well known and of good standing-upon the page. I can [?] save it; but if the matter be further delayed, I will not save it, and I will feel compelled to decline to have anything to do with it. My reputation will not allow me to connect myself with a failure. I must ask a word about the financial aspect of this affair. I calculated my average[?] [?] from literary work in a year at $15,000. When therefore I undertake to spend four to five months on this biography for $2500. Mrs. Pingree will understand that I am [?] making her a percent of an equal amount. I would gladly give more than that if I could afford, for the sake of receiving[?] the memory of a Great American from [?] or misconception; but that is the limit of which I am able to do. Mrs. Pingree must [?] make no misconception as to the matters which have prompted me to make the concession I have made. I can make no more. If she wishes me to write the book, I must repeat that she take action upon my [?] at once[?]. A check for $2500 must be sent to me immediately, and an agreement drawn up to pay me one half of the sum received as royalties, after the said royalties shall have repaid her the advance to me of $2500. Unless I hear from her to this effect on or before May 10th, I shall conclude that she has decided not to go on with the negotiations, and will return the typewritten volume of memorabilia. Meanwhile I remain available [?] Julian Hawthorne Let me know how to [?] with the [?]
- Date Issued:
- 1902-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- This 5-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by James Schermerhorn who was the Editor of the TO-DAY newspaper. The newspaper letterhead is printed in black text at the top and each page and has the watermark, "Persian Bond." The text of the letter has been transcribed as follows: "New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, 1900. The press of 1901 salutes the "fourth estate" of 2001. The newspapers of the present time speak for themselves even as the public prints of that distant day when these words shall be read, will speak for themselves. They must bear their own testimonies of the times through the printed words and the testimonies of their own traits and merits. In the Free Press and the Tribune, of the morning field, the News, Journal and To-Day, of the evening field, and the Abend Post and the Volksblat, of the German evening field, Detroit has better than the average specimens of American daily newspaper making. The Free Press, the pathfinder of Michigan newpaperdom, found glory and distinction formerly through its humorous sketches and other literary features. Late years, like all the once flourishingly journals of light vein, it has been happy to put aside the reputation of being a funny paper and has aspired to the higher rank and influence of the great and serious newspapers of the times. The Tribune - once the pillar of fire by night and the cloud by day to the faithful Republicans of the state - no longer essays political leadership or claims party followers. The decline of partisan newspaper-making is revealed in the situation in Detroit at this writing, one daily paper only being an out-and-out exponent of a political faith. Happily the thick-and-thin party organ appears to be passing away. The German papers have their appreciative constituencies - not very large, but very loyal. The Evening News led the way into the two-cent newspaper field twenty eight years ago and achieved a great success. The Journal has followed it through many vicissitudes to prosperity. "To-Day," the latest comer, has received a welcome in the closing weeks of the nineteenth century that presages permanency and prestige. The last is least in price, selling for one cent and foreshadowing that twentieth century day when the smallest coin will be the universal newspaper price. One hundred years hence will see the newspapers mightily increased in number, but reduced in size. In good time the daily prints must take on more compact and manageable form. There must needs be increasing discrimination in the selection of news as the country grows older, and the business of printing the happenings of the passing day will absorb all of the daily paper's energies and resources. Twentieth century newspapers will be compelled by the necessities of the situation to devote themselves exclusively to the chronicling of the weightier facts of the hour, leaving to other publications the mission of serious discussion of pending problems and the moulding of public opinion. Prophecy: The twentieth century newspaper will be a newspaper and nothing else, and there will not be so much of it. James Schermerhorn, Editor, TO-DAY."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Handwritten note on Michigan Central Railroad Company letterhead asking for a free pass in New Hampshire for Nelson Bowen, the favor would be returned. Signed by Thomas Frazer, general ticket agent, M.C.R.R. Dated July 31, 1854
- Date Issued:
- 1854-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- This 7-page letter was typewritten in black text on light gray paper by Jeremiah Dwyer who was the President of the Michigan Stove Company. The first page shows the letterhead of the Michigan Stove Company and is dated "December 31, 1900." The first page also has the watermark, "Crane's." The remaining pages have a watermark that shows the "Garland Stoves and Ranges" emblem along with "The Michigan Stove Company." The body of the letter gives some company history and a list of approximately 90 of the largest manufacturing companies in Detroit. The last pages offer some general descriptions of the city, high hopes for the continued success of manufacturing, predictions for the benefits of electricity, and best wishes to future residents of the city. Several pages have some handwritten corrections.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- This 3-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by Charles L. Freer. The sender's address, "33 Ferry Avenue," is printed at the top in black text. The paper also has a watermark that shows "Scribner's Linen." The handwritten text is transcribed as follows: "December 31st, 1900 Congratulations to the citizens of Detroit on the Centennial Anniversary of this day! In looking forward to that day I see Detroit ablaze with the radiance of more perfect and higher life; brilliant with the light of shining ideas and noble actions - gracious in simpler and truer relations between men - useful in broader and countless ways. The "Possibilities of Detroit as a Manufacturing Center" are immeasurable! Her excellent climate, her blue skies, her clear running waters will not change! Her educational, mechanical and business methods will change - for the better! And in her onward march will follow a long train of scientific and mechanical practices, having chiefly in aim, the economic utilization of natures forces and materials, and improvement of the means of transportation by rail by water, underground and in the air. In the invention, development, adoption and possible manufacture (in part) of each of these powerful agents Detroit will occupy high rank. Her geographical position will enable her to compete most successfully in the markets of the whole world, not only in the varied lines of present manufacturing but also in many others, as yet, unknown. The growth and expansion of Detroit's beautiful streets and parks, more general use of her charming river and lakes, keener appreciation of her exceptional educational and religious advantages will attract to her gates exceptional artisans and laborers - Nothing will bar them out! The intelligence, loyalty and skill of her workmen, which today, is unsurpassed, will continue and broaden superiority of workmanship and quality of materials used will long distinguish articles of Detroit manufacture. Men of vigor and resources, honest and fearless, will direct her splendid manufacturing establishments, and their wisdom in respecting both manual and mental labor, and in sharing fairly with each, will open the perfect way to the great advantages of fittest employment for each worker - factory conditions possibly only in cultivated and beautiful communities. Surrounded as Detroit is with vast quantities of natural wealth, blessed with armies of energetic and courageous workers, governed by a free people, here, surely, the battle of progress will be constant and the possession of health, wealth and happiness will be the probable reward of all those fortunate ones who may cast their lot with the manufacturing industries of our fair city during the coming century. Charles L. Freer"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- One 2-page letter from W. G. Turner of the Mount Royal Park Incline Railway Co. of Montreal, to Messrs. Dunbar & Sullivan Dredging Co., of Buffalo. The letter is handwritten in black ink on white linen paper that is watermarked "Superfine Linen Record." The letter is transcribed as follows: "18th Feby. 1909 Messrs. Dunbar & Sullivan Dredging Co. 644 Prudential Building Buffalo, N.Y. Dear Sirs Yours of 16th inst. [instant] enquiring about your transactions in Abbey Salt recd. You invested $6500.00 in this Co. and part of the scrip was given to you by the Abbey Co. I now enclose you Scrip No. 00846 for 95 shares of £10 Stg. [Sterling] each or = $4750.00. This scrip was left in my charge by Mr. F. E. Dunbar ('Alley") to sell if a good chance offered, but unfortunately no such chance presented itself. There was a lot of juggling with Abbey stock. 1st A Canadian Co. was formed, then 2nd An American Co. then 3rd The English Co. took over the Canadian and I think the American Co. also and gave stock pro rata to these shareholders in the English Co. I hope this will give you the necessary information and the scrip enclosed will be what you are lacking. Give my best regards to Harry & Alley and acknowledge receipt of this. Yours truly, W. G. Turner"
- Date Issued:
- 1909-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Handwritten letter from the Huron Woolen Manufacturing Co. of Ypsilanti, Michigan, to Theodore H. Eaton & Son, dated July 21, 1870. The paper is slightly yellowed with faint blue lines and is printed with the Huron Woolen Manufacturing Company letterhead.
- Date Issued:
- 1870-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Form letter from N.W. Ayer and Son, Philadelphia; April 3, 1880. A very early example of a printed form letter with blank spaces for the insertion of an address. This particular letter was in reference to publication of a D.M. Ferry and Company advertisement.
- Date Issued:
- 1880-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Handwritten letter of reference for a Mrs. W. Miller on Hull Brothers Company, Wholesale and Retail Grocers, stationery addressed "To whom it may concern!," signed, "Hull Brothers Co.," and dated April 26, 1895. The letterhead features an engraving of the Hall Brothers Company Building and Hull's Annex located on the corner of Gratiot Avenue and Farmer Street. The letter reads: Detroit, Mich. April 26, 1895 To whom it may concern! This is to certify that the bearer hereof Mrs. W. Miller was in the employ of Hull Brothers for two years. We found her to be faithful in the discharge of her duty and strictly honest in every way. Any favors extended her will be appreciated by us. Hull Brothers Co. Me.
- Date Issued:
- 1895-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- Partial half-folded handwritten letter written presumably by Dora Wright, daughter of Stevens T. Mason and Julia Elizabeth [Phelps] Mason, addressed to "my dear husband," with the address 334 West 124th Avenue, New York, concerning several inherited items, including an underlined section about a silver service set. The letter is printed on beige stationery with a black border indicating mourning. Only the top portion of the second half of the letter remains. The letter reads: 334 W. 124th A-. Oct. 16th '89 My dear husband-, Annie & Eleanor wake so late that I have taken to writing in bed as I do not like to wait for my breakfast after I am dressed, and I can not sleep later then 7 o'clk so excuse pencil. We are going to Ohio [?] various things mother left and did [?] in that paper. The old dinner service of gill and white china which came from Paris in 1816. Grandpa Phelps bought it. Of course it is such budernful[?] some of the larger pieces are left. Then also some plated silver is to be divided. You may remember brother left you that silver goblet[?] which is [?] Phelps gave to father . I did not - and it to you as I considered it belonged to father but it is yours. […] Laid up in heave I wish you could write to Walden. He […]
- Date Issued:
- 1889-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society