Description:

Revolution Industrial 0 - 0 Industrial Revolution clothing merchant James Talcott archive documenting 30+ years of business in NYC and Connecticut.

The archive is comprised of 35 ALS (50+pp total) signed by James Talcott; 14 ALS and ANS sent to his firm Talcott & Brace from other individuals; and five other items ranging from receipts to change of address announcements. The documents address the weight, quantity, price, and quality of textiles (mostly cotton), with the majority dating from the period 1857-1858. A few outlying documents date as late as 1888. Documents in our archive were from Connecticut (New Britain, Hartford, Plymouth Hollow, Berlin, Union City, Naugatuck, and Meriden), New York City, and as far afield as Chicago, Illinois. Archive is in very good to near fine condition, with expected folds, uneven edges, and scattered stains. Some documents show evidence of having once been affixed to another support, like a scrapbook.

James Talcott's collection of ALS provides us with remarkable insights into the American economy before, during, and after the Panic of 1857. Our collection contains numerous letters addressed to "Mess Talcott + Brace" and signed by James Talcott as "James Talcott", "J. Talcott", "James", and "J.T." Average size of letters is 4.75" x 7.75". In these letters to his business partners, he discusses matters of business, such as what customer requested how much of what, deadlines, travel itineraries, and shipment schedules. Talcott frequently exhorts his partners in Connecticut to hurry up an order delivery. The overall tone of his communication could best be described as disapproving. A letter dated May 15, 1858 is representative:

"Dear Sirs,

Your favors of the 12th + 14 are at hand. also the 44 Bales of Batts I was sorry no 4 oz came. I have just opened 2 Bales of the fancy papers and find that you have put them up very badly. All one or two colors in a Bale. I have just opened a Bale and find ownly 1 print colored Batt in it. and I find also some heavy papered Batts which will not do. You must put them up regular 1 White Batts 1 Pink 1 Blue &c all through ever + every Bale. I wish you were here to look at some that I could show you in the market put up as regular as possibly which makes them look beautiful. one of very very best customers would not buy a Bale at any price went right and sought the other. you must have them right or I cannot sell at a good price. you will excuse my writing so much about it but I must tell the truth ... "

Other documents in the archive include receipts from Windsor Locks, Connecticut merchants, letters from individuals inquiring about employment opportunities, and advertisements. A May 1, 1858 change of address card describes James Talcott as: "James Talcott, Commission Merchant, Agent for the sale of Knit Shirts, Drawers and Half Hose, Woolen Stocking Yarn, Cotton Batts, Wadding, Hooks and Eyes, &c".

James Talcott (1835-1916) was an unlikely clothing merchant. He grew up in rural West Hartford, Connecticut and only went to New York City to serve as a clothing selling agent at the request of his brother John. James Talcott proved a very capable representative of his brother's firm, especially following the Panic of 1857. Talcott & Co. multiplied considerably its profit margins during the Civil War, when they provided clothing and other textiles to the Union Army. James Talcott continued to run the business out of New York until the early twentieth century.

A remarkable archive treating the New England Industrial Revolution!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. ***PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR SHIPMENT TO BE SENT TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN THE ONE YOU HAVE ON FILE WITH INVALUABLE, YOU WILL NEED TO INFORM US OF THIS AS SOON AS PAYMENT IS SUBMITTED FOR YOUR WINNINGS*** Shipping and handling costs are competitive as we maintain discounted contracts with FedEx. If you have any questions, contact University Archives prior to bidding. After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item. We currently ship via FedEx but if your purchase is shipping to a P.O. Box, we ship via USPS. All items are insured. We ship from our offices in Westport, CT. We may opt to use a third party shipper for very fragile, bulky or oversized items. Items requiring third party shipping will be denoted in the item description. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000