1821 Antique Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) – Israel Williams to Asher RobbinsOverview:An original folded stampless-era letter dated October 11, 1821, written and signed by Israel Williams (endorsed on the docketing fold as "Israel Williams 1821") and addressed to Mr. [Asher] Robbins.
The letter details a heated business dispute over poorly constructed wagons ("miserable, clumsy work"), financial settlements, cash enclosures, and specific transportation/freight costs involving steamships and shipping between Wilmington and Fayette.
Key Highlights & Context:Date: October 11, 1821
Writer: Israel Williams
Recipient: Mr. Robbins
Content Highlights:
Wagon Quality Complaint: Criticizes wagon builder Taylor: "the most miserable, clumsy work—and any man to make such never ought to get pay for them."
1820s Shipping & Logistics: Itemized expenses for moving goods to Fayette and Wilmington via steamboat ("Up the river in Steamboat").
Partial / Full Transcription:[Page 1 / Date Header]Oct 11th 1821Mr. RobbinsDear Sir,I wrote you a few days since, but a letter yesterday from William induces me to write again—Respecting Taylor’s wagon—You know very well how he disappointed us respecting those wagons—I was obliged to buy two more for Whitmore & Horace—those two wagons were sent out, but they exceed anything of the kind I ever saw—the most miserable, clumsy work—and any man to make such never ought to get pay for them...
We have paid out in expenses in getting them to Fayette 34 dollars (viz):To Wilmington 9 dolls ea — $18Receiving & Shipping at Wilm. to agent — $6Up the river in Steamboat — $10Total: $34
[Page 2 / Signature Side]I now enclose you fifty dollars... I also enclose twenty dollars...Please to write Taylor that you have credited him fifty dollars on rec'd from me...Will you be good enough to hand the enclosed line to Mr. Riley...
[Signed] J. Williams[Docketed]: Israel Williams 1821
