Joseph W. Stow

I dont know what has been written you about the goods sent you for Hooker &Co - but the order has been bobbin about until it has lost character, and I recommended sending the goods to you – that you might handle it accordingly to your ideas of right in the premises on arrival –

Immediately on the Hookers leaving here - his agent called to say that the order which had just come to us need not be filled until further advised – but we went on at once & shipped the goods to you - thinking those particular goods would be wanted by others if not by them, and if they do not order the goods shipped from here, as they have not – that order is cancelled. & you can get such prices for the goods as the market will afford.

AWN

I had supposed the Newspapers were aboard the Str [Steamer] but have just learned we were too late

Newyork New York Feby [Feruary] 4. 1864

Mr J. W. Stow

Dear Sir

We write to say that we said over the Wires, that the Belting has been bought at 30% Disct. Net Cash. And that we have effected Insurance on goods in 106 & 108 Battery St. to the amt [amount] of $25000 at 1% percent, and we are waiting to know how much more to take. We could not answer the question of what the Cornice was made of, or whether the roof was Tin, Cement, or ?

Yours Truly J. D. Russell

Recd & Answd [Recived and Answered] Mch [March] 3/64

Answer fully Mch 7/64

New York Feby 6, 1864

Mr J W Stow

Dear Sir –

The Str of the 3 Inst. took a letter & the power of atty for you and the present is to confirm our telegram of the 4 Inst. "Betting bought at (30%) thirty per cent. Twenty Five Thousand Insured at one per cent." many of our Insurance Cos have agency in S.F. those, will not entertain any proposition here, hence we have to work with those who do not think enough of far off risks to make it their study – and of course but little headway could have been made were it not for our reputation at home, so we

& you would be shipped has not been got off Mr L says the new National Banks take all that class of safes as fast as they can be turned out. but he will write you on this subject, We have to endorse you of per their advance on nails, to $6.25 5% off cash price firm we can sell all our nails at this price – now if your market will not bear this advance over expenses, what do you think about our selling here & so secure a profit, would you be injured more than our gain? we have ordered 500 kegs to be delivd on board a Cald Ship – but since doing so this advance takes place and we are really at a loss to know what to do. Query what will be the price of nails on arrival 5 mo hence? Strap & Hinges are now 30% advance & 7½% cash by the case at Factory & 30% advance & 5% cash here – always net cash – our profit is our coms 7½% – This com you know is highly confidential as it is not strictly regular. In conclusion let me impress you with the fact that goods are very very very hard to get and you will please take off your hat should you have a pile of goods to look at. our shipments will pour the necessities of the case grow beautifully less just now.

Yrs truly

A W North