Letters from Matthew Bartlett and John F. Brooks to Aaron W. Berry. With the exception of one note, all the letters in this folder are from either Matthew Bartlett or his clerk, John F. Brooks, to Berry on the West Coast of Africa. Their contents deal with business matters and conditions, particularly the prices realized for outward cargoes and those paid for the returns. Return cargoes were largely palm oil with fillers of gum, ivory or gold dust. Brooks was allowed to ship small private cargoes for his benefit and he frequently begs Berry "to make some money." Bartlett consistently preaches his business philosophy to Berry, i.e., keep down expenses, make quick turnarounds, do not leave any unsettled accounts for a vessel before she sails and do not trust anyone, particularly those you do business with on the African Coast. Brooks occasionally includes some local news and happenings in his letters, 1860
Scope and Contents
Series I. Business Correspondence and Receipts contains material largely associated with Berry’s service as agent on the West Coast of Africa for Matthew Bartlett and Charles H. Miller. The Bartlett collection is extensive and includes letters from Bartlett and his clerk, John F. Brooks, covering the years 1859 to early 1864. The Miller correspondence covers the remainder of 1864. This material contains information largely related to trade matters such as prices, business conditions, etc. Of interest is a nearly constant reiteration of his business philosophy by Matthew Bartlett. There is some discussion of the Civil War and its impact on business and trade conditions as well as a smattering of local (Salem) news and gossip. Few letters from Berry exist in this series. Bills and receipts for the period 1860-1864 are for goods and services on the West Coast of Africa, which include gold and palm oil, hospital and medical care, board and lodging, provisions, water, hardware and services rendered.
Dates
- Creation: 1860
Creator
- From the Collection: Berry, Aaron W., 1827-1865 (Person)
Restrictions on Access
This collection is open for research use.
Extent
From the Collection: 0.5 linear feet (1 box)
Language of Materials
From the Series: English
Repository Details
Part of the Phillips Library Repository