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Archiver > ATWOOD > 2005-03 > 1110050249
From: "R Bradley Potts" <>
Subject: Letter from Fred Atwood, Winterport, Maine, regarding his brother Benjamin 1866; eBay Item #6516623836
Date: Sat, 5 Mar 2005 14:17:29 -0500
This was found on eBay today.....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6516623836&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1
I believe this is referring to Fred Atwood, b 1838 in Frankfort, ME, to John and Mehitable (Stubbs) Atwood. He was married to Susan J Coffren in 1860. He studied chemistry, medicine, and probably best known as a Poultry Breeder. He was also a member of Maine's Senate.
His brother Benjamin Atwood, b 1828, is probably the brother, to her refers as the Captain of Webster Treat's vessel...........
This seller wrote:
"I came across a box of "ship's papers" and other business papers that once belonged to Webster Treat. Beginning in 1858 Webster Treat was the active partner running the affairs of the E.A. Treat Company. E.A. Treat was a prosperous General Merchandise company and operated a fleet of schooners largely engaged in the circular lumber and coal trade (Maine lumber shipped outwards and the return voyage with coal). They also owned about half of downtown Bangor and numerous mills. Business in the 19th century was conducted using "notes" which acted as bills and receipts and were kept in iron strong boxes.
This is a very interesting letter. The firm of E.A. Treat & Co. was located in Bangor and Webster Treat himself lived in Winterport, Maine outside of Bangor. Apparently this letter was written from Winterport to Treat who was in Boston on business. It is dated Winterport, May 18, 1866 and addressed to Webster Treat Esq. Boston. It reads: "Sir Your favor of 17 did not reach me untill this A.M. As Philbrook had declined taking her I immediately got the Papers and had them straightened and put my brother in. He is now getting crew, putting cargoe in order and will sail tonight if possible. I am of an opinion he will suite you. I see by the manner you treat Cap'n Dorr that I gessed right when I recomended him. My brother has not had so much experience, but he is energetic, cautious, and will have care for everything, and your money will be ready = I will do the best I can to look after her in the way of freights and I think alround it will be profitable for the vessel - The vess!
el has no signal lights and you had better write him or see him and advise him about it = I have told him unless he heard from you to buy a pair at lowest price possible - as he is liable to a fine without them - If you wish he will lease, amt(amount) due you or moneys with me if you are to be aways. I would like to see you when you come home. I Am Sir Yours as ever, Fred Atwood" The letter is written on a large piece of lined paper 10" x 15" folded in half.
I am offering this very interesting old maritime document with NO RESERVE. Buyer pays fixed shipping of $1.50 for delivery in the US, $3.00 for international delivery. Please see my other auctions for more ship's papers from this strongbox. Happy bidding!"
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