LONDON, Sept. 21, 1849.
DEAR SON JOHN, — I have nothing new to write excepting that
I am still well, and that on Monday a lot of No. 2 wool was sold at the auction
sale, at from twenty-six to twenty-nine cents per pound. This is a bad sale,
and I have withdrawn all other wools from the market, or public sales. Since
the other wools have been withdrawn, I have discovered a much greater interest
among the buyers, and I am in hopes to succeed better with the other wools; but
cannot say yet how it will prove on the whole. I have a great deal of stupid,
obstinate prejudice to contend with, as well as conflicting interests, both in
this country and from the United States. I can only say that I have exerted
myself to the utmost, and that if I cannot effect a better sale of the other
wools privately I shall start them back. I believe that not a pound of No. 2
wool was bought for the United States; and I learn that the general feeling is
now that it was quite undersold. About one hundred and fifty bales were sold. I
regret that so many bales were put up; but it cannot be helped now, for after
wool has been subjected to a London examination for public sale, it is very
much injured for selling again. The agent of Thirion, Mailard, & Co., has
been looking at them to-day, and seemed highly pleased; said he had never seen
superior wools, and that he would see me again. We have not yet talked about
price. I now think I shall begin to think of home quite in earnest at least in
another fortnight, possibly sooner. I do not think the sale made a full test of
the operation. Farewell.
Your affectionate
father,
JOHN BROWN
SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of
John Brown, p. 72-3
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