Business Papers, 1829-1902 and undated

This series consists mainly of transaction records for Robert Garrett and Sons between 1829 and 1863. The checks issued are from accounts in the Commercial & Farmer’s Bank of Baltimore and the Western Bank of Maryland. Most of the correspondence concerns the firm’s daily business dealings.

John Garrett supported the Union in the Civil War. A letter to John Garrett dated September 8, 1862, from John Gregg asks Garrett to write to Colonel Dixon S. Miles, commander of Union troops at Harper’s Ferry, who is visiting Baltimore. Mr. Gregg requests Garrett’s help because “a note from you will be much more likely to command his attention”. On September 15, 1862, Colonel Miles was mortally wounded and his troops surrendered to the Confederate Major General “Stonewall” Jackson.

The Produce and Receipt records indicate the firm dealt with a variety of products that were purchased from and shipped to clients from Boston to New Orleans. Meat products included bacon, ham and pork. Dairy products included butter, lard and cheese. Other popular items were flour, coffee, cotton, sugar, snuff, tobacco, salt, molasses, wine and whiskey.

By the 1850’s Robert Garrett and Sons provided foreign exchange for their clients. Receipts from 1853 and 1857 indicate the extent of their dealings in London.