Manuscript Group 1302, Gibbons Family (Savannah, GA and Madison, NJ) Papers, 1811 – 1856 (Bulk dates:1811 – 1822, 1831 – 1839, 1850 – 1856)

The merchant writes regarding shipments of rice and cotton shipped from Savannah in brig Sally Barker and schooner Diadama. Suggests holding rice off the market until the fall when the demand will be higher. Discusses problems of weevils in the rice; that there is little problem if it is shipped from the South before May or “unless considerable expense and attention is paid by standing tobacco among the casks.”

Refers to Gibbons’ letter of the 30th. Discusses a discount on the last payment of Gibbons’ rice, and instructs him on writing a draft for $2000. Gives his expenses in obtaining evidence about Robert Smith, Jr. and says he is enclosing copies of the Boston Gazette of November 7 and the New England Palladium of November 8 “each containing an advertisement for Robert Smith, Jr.” (Gibbons wanted Smith to testify in a forgery case on November 25.)

November 8, 1811

Accepts Gibbons’ draft of $3500 by direction of Henry W. Hills, Savannah.

Asks for advance of money to complete the steamboat Golden Fleece. (This letter is addressed to John Gibbons, but was probably meant for Thomas Gibbons.)

Warner writes at the request of J. Shillaber and L. Bingham of New York who had learned that their partner, Junia Curtis, mortgaged to Gibbons his half of the rights in the patent and manufacture of steam engines for propelling boats. Warner details the business arrangement between Shillaber, Bingham, Curtis, and Bristol, invites Gibbons to examine the legal contracts, and asks that he make further inquiry about the rights of Curtis’ partners before proceeding.

Tells of his proposal to run two steam stages on a route between New York and Philadelphia. Each stage would carry 50-60 passengers “as comfortably as could be desired,” and the trip could be made in one day. The stages would cost $7,000-$8,000 each and he asks Gibbons to invest $10,000 to put one stage in operation in exchange for “half the privilege for the U.S.,” and he promises to refund the money out of the first proceeds.

Writes to his father concerning state legislation on steamboats and a letter to Aaron Ogden, which led up to the U.S. Supreme Court case of Gibbons v. Ogden

Writes that Mrs. Cook is sending “12 good Bacon hams” and other items. Refers to Gibbons letter of February 26 acknowledging receipt of 180 pounds of oranges. Says they began to trench for rice on February 22 and expect to have in “325 acres for the tides” on the 14th.

Concerns the buying, selling, and breeding of various horses.

Refers to Gibbons’ letter of the 14th. Lamar has purchased Lady Alert from Gibbons for $870. Discusses various other horses.

Asks for an extension of his obligation, says the notes are “falling due as thick as leaves in Vallanbrosa.” Mentions the races at Camden and “the Island” (Argyle Island) as well as the Sweepstakes and other races.

Concerns Gibbons’ niece, Hannah Gibbons Wheelwright. A trust was set up by William Gibbons in 1836, the year she married, in order to keep her property out of the control of her husband, Washington Wheelwright. This letter refers to Hannah’s claims, as General Dayton’s heir, to land near Cincinnati. (This is related to land speculation in the “Old Northwest” in which General Dayton was involved.)

Discusses continued difficulties in settling claims as described in previous letter. Refers to a power of attorney Gibbons gave him as too limited and asks that it be expanded to allow him “to sell and convey under any circumstances.”

Encloses copy of a letter Elias Reed sent him on November 27, and a copy of Lathrop’s answer to Reed on December 2. Discusses shipments and prices of rice and the advisability of selling the rice in Savannah rather than shipping it to New York. Mentions paying Bloom, the contractor, $944.44 as the second payment on the bulkhead, “the whole will be complete before New Years.”

Replies to Gibbons’ earlier letter. Refers to a “Port Martin letter to Mr. Coddington” and a missing package sent from Madison to New York, possibly to a Mr. Ridgeway. Also refers to Adams, “the land broker” who has two or three propositions in mind for Gibbons’ Schooley’s Mountain Hotel.

Encloses 40 shares of stock Gibbons bought for $2120. The stock in Gibbons’ name as trustee for his children: Sarah T., William H., Caroline G., and Isabel. (At his death in 1856, Gibbons held 210 shares of State Bank of Newark stock valued at $53 a share.)

Refers to Gibbons’ “favor” of the 13th handed to him by Mr. Darby. Makes an appointment to meet Gibbons at office of Elias Van Arsdale (Gibbons’ attorney) on October 1 to receive the deed for the Walnut Hill Farm and to deliver the mortgage for the same for a balance of $10,000 of the purchase price. Tells of his willingness to make the cash payment at once “as the money is idle in my hands.”

Refers to a previous letter from Judge Whitehead. Advises Gibbons to come to the city with the Judge as soon as possible and to bring his (Anderson’s) bond and mortgage and also those against W.B. Tallmage. He says authority must be given by the girls, except Sarah, to someone to “relet the premises belonging to them.” Asks Gibbons to consult Caroline and says Belle can be conferred with in the city.

Refers to William Heyward Gibbons’ communications of January 2 and 20 in which Gibbons enclosed a certified copy of his father’s will. Mentions need for making an inventory of William Gibbons’ property and expresses hope that William Heyward Gibbons will come to Savannah. Asks that Gibbons see Judge Whitehead “on the subject of the money lying idle there.” He refers to a debt in New York and asks whether to pay it with the said “idle money.” Mentions lots on corner of West Broad and Tubly Streets (in Savannah) and the impossibility of going on with the contemplated improvements.

Written after Gibbons’ arrival back in New York from Savannah. Thinks Mr. Astor’s refusal to accept the money due him may retard the settlement of William Gibbons’ estate. Expects settlement of estate in Georgia to be concluded by July 1. Asks for Judge Whitehead’s directions for disposition of balance of money on hand. Concerning plantation matters, says Mr. Stacy gives sad accounts of the crop. Mentions cotton at Fair Lawn plantation. Says Lufburrow is to build up the front wall of the Cracker Hall building.

Asks for advice on extending Joseph Lippman’s lease an additional 10 years, the lease having been transferred to him from James Oliver. Refers to a shipment of a barrel of rice, a barrel of sweet potatoes, and a box of Georgia hams sent on the Agustin to the care of F.S. Lathrop. Remarks about the lack of rain and poor prospects for a cotton crop.

Concerning a stable fire on May 5 which was confined to the loft. Says Mrs. Cassidy “thinks the fire must have been put there by some designing person.” Describes damage and asks if repairs should be made.

Refers to Gibbons’ letter of May 8 in which he asked if “Fair Lawn” was the only plantation with poor prospects for a cotton crop and asks why the rice on “the Island” (Argyle Island) needed to be replanted. Stacy writes here of the drought which affected all the plantations “when they did not plant very early.” Says they have had rain since he last wrote and cotton is “now about all up,” and that they could yet have a fair crop. Adds that the rice at “Fair Lawn” and on “the Island” is doing fine, though they lost 300 acres of the first planting because of a cold spring and defective seed.

Refers to Gibbons’ letter of June 16. Says he has asked Mr. Stacy to write to Gibbons about the condition and prospect for the crops. Reports that Mr. Stacy says “both crops are backward.” Says Mr. Lufburrow’s work on the wall is postponed “for want of bricks.”

Refers to “the lumber matter,” Gibbons’ lumber, and a mill “unemployed.” Says if Gibbons is coming to New York and is to be at home for some time, it’s likely Judge Lathrop or he will call on him.

Regarding the “Anderson Petition.” Gibbons’ has previously asked him to get a copy of Anderson’s petition with a list of signers. Mr. Anderson has declined to furnish a copy until he knows “what Mr. Gibbons want with it.” Hamilton goes on to discuss Mr. Anderson and the petition which he expects will be introduced by one of the family who will be elected to the Georgia Senate. Hamilton apologizes for not being successful in obtaining the petition.

Discusses the roof of the brick building which needs repair due to leaking. Mr. Lufburrow has tried to fix the problem. Stacy says he has been on the roof himself and found it in bad condition. Gives his opinion as to what should be done, discusses the relative merits of different roofing materials, and asks for Gibbons’ advice.

Informs Gibbons that he has sold to the Delaware and Raritan Canal Co. a portion of the property Gibbons sold to him. He holds a bond for $9500 payable at the same time as his bond to Gibbons falls due and asks if Miss Gibbons would accept this bond and the balance due to pay his obligation in full.

Expresses disappointment that Gibbons had not visited her the previous Saturday as expected, but that he had gone to Savannah “without my having seen you alone.” Mentions that “Dr. Anderson has attended to the business of the note.” (Dr. James Anderson of New York was one of William Gibbons’ three executors.) She goes on to talk about the “girls” (her sisters), her husband’s health, and other family matters.

Writes of her homesickness, of social events, her sisters “Cad” (Caroline) and “Bel” (Isabel) and “my opinion of Judge Whitehead.” Tells her brother about the Newport house she and her husband are building on land bought for $100 an acre.