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Colt and Donaldson records

 Collection 0023-MDHC

The collection contains the correspondence and financial records of the mercantile firm Colt and Donaldson who supplied Baltimore and Philadelphia with agricultural and other general merchandise. The materials span the period from 1825-1848.

Dates

  • 1825-1848
  • Majority of material found within 1831-1834

Use and Access to Collection

This collection is open for research.

Duplication and Copyright Information

Photocopies of original materials may be provided for a fee and at the discretion of the curator. Please see our Duplication of Materials policy for more information. Queries regarding publication rights and copyright status of materials within this collection should be directed to the appropriate curator.

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet

Scope and Content of Collection

The collection consists of the financial records of and correspondence to the merchants Colt and Donaldson from their merchants in Baltimore during the years 1825 to 1848, with bulk of the materials dating from 1831 to 1834. The correspondence primarily concerns financial information, such as the running price for the various goods or the status of accounts. Of particular interest are the discussions of the activity of interest rates, foreign investors, demand for goods, and fluctuations in their prices, as well as costs of transportation, processing, and inspection. The financial records consist of ledger sheets recording purchasing and sales.

Administrative History

The nineteenth-century mercantile firm of Colt and Donaldson supplied Philadelphia and Baltimore with agricultural products and other general merchandise through agents in Baltimore and Philadelphia. With the development of railroad lines connecting the backcountry with the major cities, Colt and Donaldson began to flourish. Based in Danville, Pennsylvania, the company involved in bringing the cities products that were immediately available in Danville's hinterland and Columbia County but were in strong demand in the cities. The firm was involved in supplying grain, meat, dairy, and other farm products and by-products. Included in their inventories were grains and seed, including wheat, oats, barley, corn, and clover. Also included were various staples and general merchandise items such as whiskey, gin, and brandy; hogs, hams, port, and lard; salt; and butter

Arrangement

The collection has been arranged into one series

Series 1
Correspondence and Financial Records

Custodial History and Acquisition Information

The collection was purchased from Charles Apfelbaum Rare Books and Collections of Valley Stream, New York in 1987.

Processing Information

The records were placed in acid-neutral folders in an acid-neutral box.

Title
Guide to the Colt and Donaldson records
Status
Completed
Author
Processed by Christopher Becker.
Date
1989-07-01
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Library Details

Part of the Special Collections and University Archives

Contact:
University of Maryland Libraries
Hornbake Library
4130 Campus Drive
College Park Maryland 20742
301-405-9212