civil war and reconstruc - gwdg

CIVIL WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION: THE MAKING OF MODERN AMERICA Series One: The Papers of Jay Cooke (1821-1905) from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania

Part 1: General Correspondence, 1843 - April 1865 Part 2: General Correspondence, May 1865 - December 1867 Part 3: General Correspondence, January 1868 - April 1870 Part 4: General Correspondence, May 1870 - December 1871 Part 5: General Correspondence, January 1872 - June 1874 7 n.d.

Contents listing

EDITORIAL INTRODUCTION

CHRONOLOGY 1843-1875

BIOGRAPHIES

PUBLISHER'S NOTE - PART 1

CONTENTS OF REELS - PART 1 (Reels 1-20)

DETAILED LISTING - PART 1 (PDF File 36 Pages)

PUBLISHER'S NOTE - PARTS 2 TO 5









CIVIL WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION: THE MAKING OF MODERN AMERICA: Series On...

Editorial Introduction by Mark W Summers Professor of History at the University of Kentucky at Lexington

No study of politics or finance in Civil War America would be complete without Jay Cooke's papers. The leading banker of his day, Cooke managed to involve himself in just about everything: from the endowment of churches and charities to the building of railroads and the sale of securities. Because of his Philadelphia banking house, the United States was able to market the bonds that paid for the Union war effort; the Northern Pacific railroad was begun, from Lake Superior to the Pacific Northwest; and Minnesota and the Dakotas were opened for white settlement. Because of his speculative schemes, the Freedman's Savings Bank was gutted and Wall Street was thrown into a panic, from which it took six years to recover. Because of his family's political involvement, the District of Columbia went on a spending spree that led to its bankruptcy and the loss of self-government.

Best of all for historian's purposes, he kept his correspondence. Because the House of Cooke had branches in New York and Washington manned by Jay's brothers Henry and Pitt, foreign emissaries, and countless informants, the Jay Cooke Papers include a wealth of material from the financial and political centers of Gilded Age America. Because U S bond prices depended on government policy and the Northern Pacific needed public aid and protection, Cooke carried on a constant interchange with well-placed public officials and lobbyists about what Congress or state officials were going to do. Thus, one might find inside reports on the Presidential impeachment trial in 1868, the prospects for a coup d'etat in 1866, the outcome of the New Hampshire state elections in 1872, and the progress of bills on the House floor in 1870. Few sources give a clearer picture of the financial policy of the Grant Administration, or the methods lobbyists used to win congressmen and influence newspaper reporters.

Whether the subject is the day-to-day construction of the Northern Pacific, its branches and rivals, the Alabama claims, the manipulation of land titles, the opening of Indian territory to white encroachment, the war effort, religious philanthropy, campaign finance, or lobbying in general, Cooke's papers provide an indispensable source. Among the correspondents are William E Chandler, Treasury official, Republican operative, and paid lobbyist for Cooke's interests; Salmon P Chase, Lincoln's Secretary of the Treasury and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; Robert Schenck, head of the House Ways and Means Committee and - thanks to the well-documented lobbying of the Cooke's - Minister to England; Vice President Schulyer Colfax, shill for the Cooke's railroad schemes; Ignatius Donnelly, lobbyist and later crusader against the railroads; and a host of small-fry, less known to history but so well-placed in politics that their observations and political influence were invaluable.

Jay Cooke was America's great financier during the Civil War and the economic boom that followed - so influential that his failure brought on the Panic of 1873 and threw the country into a lasting depression. The collection contains 106 boxes of correspondence with influential figures from the period 1842-1880, but concentrates on the years 1860-1874, with particular strength from late 1867 to late 1873. Even during the Civil War years, there are some three or four boxes of correspondence for each year.

The correspondents include a relatively small number of highly-placed, influential figures, among them the three Cooke brothers and their financial partner H C Fahnestock. Jay Cooke controlled the banking house in Philadelphia, Henry the Washington DC branch, and his brother Pitt the New York firm. They wrote each other frankly, comprehensively and regularly - indeed in the early 1870's as often as once a day; Jay saved copies of his own letters, as well as his brothers'. Together, they form a remarkable picture of financial conditions in America, and of the rivalries with other American and British banking houses, not to mention the methods used to make public officials do right by the Cookes.

During the Civil War, the letters tell much about how the Union financed its efforts. The postwar correspondence provides revealing source material on:

banking and bond: market business westward expansion railroad construction, especially in the Old Northwest political and economic trends public ethics in ‘the Era of Good Stealing’ church and civic affairs

Some letters of Henry D Cooke relate to his enterprises in Western mines, lands and shipping. There are also letterbooks of Jay Cooke, 1870-1873; newspaper clippings, 1865-1901; and family letters and papers. Starting in 1839, Jay Cooke worked for the banking house of E W Clark & Co. Leaving it in 1857 to set up on his own, he formed a partnership, Jay Cooke & Co four years later. When the government found itself unable to sell its bond-issues to support the Union war effort, Cooke's house stepped in and made a spectacular success of it. From then on, the Cookes became indispensable for the Treasury's money-raising. Out of this partnership of bankers and public officials came a close relationship, political as well as financial, with Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P Chase and his successors Hugh McCulloch and George S Boutwell. Up to 1873, no US bond issue could take place without consulting the Cookes, and always they had a share in setting the terms and arranging the sale.

Necessarily, the relationship relied on close political connections with whatever Administration happened to be in power, and deep involvement in legislation and in partisan politics. The Cookes helped fill Republican party coffers, put prominent officeholders on their payrolls, and used their business connections to bestow favors and loans on high-placed figures who could do them service. For political as well as economic reasons, Jay Cooke & Co opened branch offices in New York and Washington, and put McCulloch in charge of their London branch when it opened in 1870. As head of the Washington branch, Henry handled much of the lobbying and applied the social skills the firm's success required. His money and political involvement helped keep Republicans in charge of the District of Columbia's city government. President Ulysses S Grant made him governor of the District.

The Cooke's shift from banking to speculation and promotion, typical of the postwar ‘boom’ atmosphere, led to their ill-fated involvement in the subsidy and construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the early 1870s. It was more than the house could bear, and on September 18, 1873, it closed its doors, creating a panic that brought down hundreds of other firms as well. Amid the financial wreckage, many reputations were lost - including those of politicians involved in some of the Cooke's

Civil War and Reconstruction, Series One: Parts 1 to 5

more desperate schemes.

Jay Cooke did recover. Later he regained his estates. Fortunate investments in mines in Utah restored much of his income, but he never again wielded the political and financial influence he had in the Civil War years.

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Chronology; Personal, Bamking, Railroads, Civil War & Reconstruction 1843-1875

1843 March

- Appointment of John C. Spencer as Secretary of the Treasury

1844 May

- Samuel F.B. Morse sends first message by telegraph between Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

July

- Appointment of George Bibb as Secretary of the Treasury.

August

- Jay Cooke marries Elizabeth Dorothea Allen.

1845 March

- Appointment of Robert J. Walker as Secretary of the Treasury.

August

- Irish Potato famine, 1.3 million Irish emigrate to United States of America.

1846 May

- At President Polk's request, Congress declares the U.S. at war with Mexico.

1847 December

- New congressman Abraham Lincoln makes a speech opposing the Mexican War.

1848 January

- Gold discovered in California.

1849 February

- First gold seekers arrive in San Francisco.

March

- Appointment of William M. Meredith as Secretary of the Treasury.

1850 July

- Vice President Millard Fillmore becomes president after Zachary Taylor dies on 9 July 1850. - Appointment of Thomas Corwin as Secretary of the Treasury.

1851 July

- Sioux sign Treaty of Traverse des Sioux giving up land in Iowa and Minnesota.

1852


Nov

- Democrat Franklin Pierce, defeats General Winfield Scott for the presidency.

1853 March

- Appointment of James Guthrie as Secretary of the Treasury.

1854

1855

1856

1857 March

- Appointment of Howell Cobb as Secretary of the Treasury.

August

- Panic of 1857 begins when the New York branch of the Ohio Life Insurance and Trust Company fails, preceding a number of other business failures.

1858 June

- Abraham Lincoln accepts the Republican nomination for US Senate.

1859

1860 Dec

- Appointment of Philip F. Thomas as Secretary of the Treasury.

1861 January

- Jay Cooke opens the private banking house of Jay Cooke & Company in Philadelphia. - Appointment of John A. Dix as Secretary of the Treasury.

February

- Abraham Lincoln became President of the United States of America. - The Confederate States of America was formed by seven southern States: South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Texas and Louisiana. March

- Appointment of Salmon P. Chase as Secretary of the Treasury.

April

- Start of American Civil War.

September

- Jay Cooke & Co. officially appointed subscription agent for Treasury and promotion of “7-30’s”

1862 February

- Jay Cooke & Co. open Washington DC house.

May


- Homestead Act was signed by President Lincoln.

July

- Congress passes Pacific Railway Act, authorizing construction of Transcontinental railroad. Act creates Union Pacific Railroad Company. - First journey of Washington and Georgetown Street Railroad Company, headed by Henry Cooke.

September

- General McClellan crosses the Potomac River.

October

- Jay Cooke appointed agent to sell “5-20’s”.

1863 June

- First National Bank of Philadelphia receives its charter.

July

- Battle of Gettysburg. - First National Bank of Washington receives its charter.

December

- First national Bank note is issued.

1864 March

- Grant is promoted from commander of the Union forces in the west to commander of the Union armies.

July

- Appointment of William P. Fessenden as Secretary of the Treasury. - Burning of Chambersburg.

December

- Death of Jay Cooke’s father.

1865 March

- Appointment of Hugh McCulloch as Secretary of the Treasury.

April

- Assassination of President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre in Washington by John Wilkes Booth. - Civil War ends with the surrender of General Robert E. Lee. - First National Bank failure. - Fall of Richmond.

1866 January

- Jay Cooke & Co. open New York house.

1867

1868 April

- Sioux War ends with the Treaty of Fort Laramie.

1869


March

- Appointment of George S. Boutwell as Secretary of the Treasury.

April

- Ulysses S. Grant becomes president.

May

- Union Pacific and Central Pacific drive "Golden Spike" at Promontory Point, Utah, completing the transcontinental railroad.

June

- Party of engineers and Jay Cooke’s representatives travel from the west cost to investigate route of Northern Pacific Railroad.

September

- Jay Gould and James Fisk precipitate "Black Friday" gold market crash after driving gold to 162. Earlier in the year, Jay Gould and Jay Fisk attempted to drive up the price of gold and corner the market. On "Black Friday," President Grant releases $4 million and drives the price down, an action that causes a stock-market panic.

1870 May

- Northern Pacific Bill passed and approved by Grant.

July

- Franco-Prussian War starts. - Construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad begins.

1871 Jan

- Launch of National Pacific Bond Sales to General Public.

January

- Jay Cooke & Co opens a London house.

July

- Death of Jay Cooke’s Wife.

October

- Chicago is almost destroyed by fire. Known as the ‘Great Chicago Fire’.

1872 June

- The Republican party meets in Philadelphia and nominates Grant for re-election to the presidency.

September

- New York Sun begins exposing Credit Mobilier financing which culminates in huge railroad financing scandal.

1873 February

- The House Committee investigating the Credit Mobilier Scandal finds Massachusetts Representative Oakes Ames guilty of bribery and recommends his expulsion from Congress.

March


- Homesteaders willing to plant trees on their land are granted an additional quarter section (160 acres). - Appointment of William A. Richardson as Secretary of the Treasury

September

- Jay Cooke & Co brokerage fails because of problems financing the Northern Pacific. Failure of Cooke and 37 additional brokerages and banks precipitates the Financial Panic of 1873, this after years of inflation, speculation and the overproduction of paper currency. New York Stock Exchange closed for 10 days. Five-year depression follows.

1874 June

- Appointment of Benjamin Bristow as Secretary of the Treasury.

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Biographies

Cookes

Eleutheros Cooke (1787-1864) Born on Christmas Day of 1787. He read law and at first practiced at home. He was drafted into the war of 1812 but procured a substitute who was later killed. He married Martha Carswell, the daughter of David Carswell of Fort Edward, in Washington Country and their first child Sarah E. was born on January 15th 1816. Soon after her birth the family moved to what was then considered the far West. But returned due to business commitments and their second child Pitt was born in Bloomingville near Sandusky in 1819. Their third child was Jay Cooke who was born on August 10th 1821. He had three more children Henry D. who was born in 1825 and Eleutheros and Catherine E. born in 1828 and 1831 respectively, both of whom died in infancy. He was a member of the State House of Representatives for Ohio in 1822, 1823, 1825, 1831 and 1840. He died in December in 1864.

Jay Cooke (1821-1905) After a brief period working as a clerk for his brother in law’s packet line company, Jay Cooke worked for the banking house of E. W. Clark & Co. from 1839. Leaving it in 1857 to set up on his own, he formed a partnership, Jay Cooke & Co four years later. When the government found itself unable to sell its bond-issues to support the Union war effort, Cooke's house stepped in and made a spectacular success of it. From then on, the Cookes became indispensable for the Treasury's money-raising. Out of this partnership of bankers and public officials came a close relationship, political as well as financial, with Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase and his successors Hugh McCulloch and George S. Boutwell. Up to 1873, no US bond issue could take place without consulting the Cookes, and always they had a share in setting the terms and arranging the sale.

Necessarily, the relationship relied on close political connections with whatever Administration happened to be in power, and deep involvement in legislation and in partisan politics. The Cookes helped fill Republican party coffers, put prominent officeholders on their payrolls, and used their business connections to bestow favours and loans on high-placed figures who could do them service. For political as well as economic reasons, Jay Cooke & Co opened branch offices in New York and Washington, and put McCulloch in charge of their London branch when it opened in 1870.

Jay Cooke had many interests in land and mining, but also provided large donations to divinity schools, church building projects and various charitable interests. Jay Cooke and Co. regularly dontated 10% of their profits to the church.

The Cooke's shift from banking to speculation and promotion, typical of the post-war "boom" atmosphere, led to their ill-fated involvement in the subsidy and construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the early 1870s. It was more than the house could bear, and on 18 September 1873, it closed its doors, creating a panic that brought down hundreds of other firms as well. Amid the financial wreckage, many reputations were lost - including those of politicians involved in some of the Cooke's more desperate schemes.

Jay Cooke did recover. Later he regained his estates. Fortunate investments in mines in Utah restored much of his income, but he never again wielded the political and financial influence he had in the Civil War.

Henry Cooke (1825-1881) He studied law at Allegheny College and went to Chile with W. G. Moorhead, consul and naval agent to trade on the Pacific Coast. For a time he settled in San Francisco but a fire there left him burdened with debts. He returned to the east coast and joined the Sandusky Register as a journalist. He became the sole editor and proprietor of the Register’ by 1856. He became presidential elector on the Fremont ticket in 1856 and also became the leading proprietor of the Ohio State Journal. The Journal was unprofitable but helped form alliances with Republicans like Salmon P. Chase and John Sherman. Sherman’s position on the Commission of Ways and Means aided Henry Cooke to gain the profitable contract for Government binding. From 1862 he was President of the Washington and Georgetown Street Railroad Company, and partner and head of the Washington branch of Jay Cooke & Co. He also became President of the 1st Washington National Bank. Henry handled much of the lobbying and applied the social skills that the firm's success required. His money and political involvement helped keep Republicans in charge of the District of Columbia's city government. President Ulysses S. Grant made him governor of the district.

Pitt Cooke (1819-1879) Studied law and found employment in real estate dealings. He was commissioned by Jay Cooke and W. G. Moorhead to go to Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska where tracts were being opened up to settlement by the government. He was made a partner in Jay Cooke & Co. and played a leading role with H. C. Fahnestock when the New York office was opened in 1866.

Bankers and Partners

Harris C. Fahnestock (1835-1914)

Investment banker. Nephew of J. W. Weir, Cashier of Harrisburg Bank. His banking career began in his hometown of Harrisburg, Pa. In 1862 he became a partner in Jay Cooke and Company, taking a leading role in the Washington, D.C. branch, and later in New York. After Cooke's bankruptcy in 1873, Fahnestock was involved with the New Jersey Junction Railroad and the Southern Railway Company. He joined George F. Baker at the First National Bank of New York. He was a senior officer there for forty years.

W. G. Moorhead (fl.1839-1873) Partner and Brother in Law of Jay Cooke. He a launched the Washington Packet Line company between Philadelphia and Pittsburg, and employed Jay Cooke as a clerk. The company ultimately failed but via his Democratic connections he obtained a lucrative position as consul and naval agent at Valparaiso, Chile. He went on to become a successful railway financier as President of Philadelphia and Erie Railroad Co. In 1861 he entered into partnership with Jay Cooke, taking a third share


interest in Jay Cook & Co. banking house. He continued to be a silent partner in most of Jay Cooke’s business dealings, including becoming a Director of the Northern Pacific Railroad. The town of Moorhead on the route of the Northern Pacific was named after him in September 22, 1871.

Secretaries of Treasury and State Treasurers

Henry Dunning Moore (1817-1887) State Treasurer. Born in New York, he became a Republican. U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania 1849-53 and was the Pennsylvania state treasurer, 1861-63, 1864-65. He worked with Jay Cooke in selling the state loan of 1861 and became heavily involved in one of Jay Cooke’s struggling investments at the Preston Coal and Improvement Mining Company.

Salmon Portland Chase (1808-1873) Senator, Secretary of the Treasury, and chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He started a career in law based in Cincinnati and gained a reputation for defending fugitive slaves and abolitionists. He continued to campaign against slavery and was elected to the Senate in 1849, where he remained until 1854. Joining the Republican party in the wake of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, Chase became Governor of Ohio in 1855 and lost out to Lincoln as a Presidential candidate. After resuming his Senate seat in 1861, he resigned to become Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of the Treasury, a post which he served until July 1864, launching government loans and the National banking system in association with Jay Cooke & Co., which helped to fund the Union war effort. Relations with Lincoln deteriorated and shortly after his resignation Lincoln appointed him to be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. In that role Chase presided over the 1868 impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson. Chase went on to attempt to become the Democratic Presidential candidate in 1868 but attracted little support. He died of a stroke.

Hugh McCulloch (1808-1895) Secretary of the Treasury, and head of Jay Cooke & McCulloch & Co. in London. Hugh McCulloch was born in Kennebunk, Maine, and studied law in Boston. In 1833 he moved to Fort Wayne, and became the branch manager of the Bank of the State of Indiana. After twenty years as a manager at Fort Wayne he was appointed president of the parent bank in Indianapolis. In 1863 Salmon Chase Secretary of the Treasury, appointed McCulloch as Comptroller of the Currency and presided over the National Banking system. When William Fessenden resigned as Secretary of the Treasury in March, 1865, Abraham Lincoln appointed McCulloch to take his place and continued in the position after Lincoln’s assassination. McCulloch left office when Ulysses S. Grant became president in March, 1869 and soon became a partner in the London banking house of Jay Cooke and McCulloch & Co. He attempted to keep the company afloat after the collapse of Jay Cooke’s American branches but ultimately lacked financial backing. He briefly returned to the post of Secretary of the Treasury under President Arthur in1884-1885. He died in Maryland in 1895.

William E. Chandler (1835-1917) Senator, Naval and Treasury Official. Born in Concord and graduated from Harvard law school in 1855 and served as a New Hampshire State Representative 1862-1864 and was Speaker of the House. In 1865, President Lincoln appointed him Solicitor and Judge Advocate General for the U.S. Navy, and went on to become Assistant Secretary of the United States Treasury before returning to law in 1867. He continued to serve the Republican party and in 1880 he was a member of the Committee on Credentials at the 1880 Republican National Convention, a member of the Republican National Committee and nominated for Solicitor General by President Garfield in1881 but after much party wrangling he returned to New Hampshire to serve as a State Representative. He was appointed Secretary of the Navy in 1882 and went on to become a Senator between 1897-1901, President McKinley appointed Chandler to be Spanish War Claims Commissioner.

Journalists

Lorenzo L. Crownse “Star” Journalist. Washington correspondent of the New York Times from the Lincoln to the second Grant Administration. He had very close connections to the White House, and reported to Jay Cooke under the pseudonym “Star” during Johnson’s impeachment trial.

C. C. Norvell (fl.1869-1874) Journalist. Financial editor of the New York Times in 1869. He later took charge of the New York Republic and New York Commercial Advertiser.

John Russell Young (1840-1899) Journalist. Helped to promote government bonds during 1865, and became managing editor of the New York Tribune in 1866 aged 26. His employment of writers such as Mark Twain, George Smalley, and John Hassard led to the paper to a 1 million dollar turnover by 1868. He was forced to resign in 1869 following allegations in rival papers about his dealings to gain funding for his personal projects of Philadelphia Star and Post. He joined the New York Herald in 1872, was the Minister to China 1882-1889 and from 1897 was the Librarian of Congress.

Uriah Hunt Painter (fl.1860-1891) Journalist and lobbyist. Reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer during the Civil War and Washington correspondent for the New York Sun from 1868. His report for the Inquirer on the defeat of the Union troops at the first battle of Bull Run prompted a crowd to threaten the inquirer building. In his later years he became a stock holder and official in the Edison lighting company.

General A. B. Nettleton Soldier and Editor. After a distinguished army career Nettleton studied law and purchased a half interest in the Sandusky


Register. The Register and Nettelton’s Chicago paper, became a strong ally of Jay Cooke and promoted the National Banking system. He was later employed by the Northern Pacific Railroad, leading an executive department promoting the railroad, from its headquarters above Jay Cooke & Co. in Philadephia.

Samuel W. Wilkeson (1817-1889) Journalist and Secretary of the Northern Pacific Railroad. He was the editor and proprietor of the Albany Evening Journal, before returning to the New York Tribune which he first joined in 1851. He was a Civil war reporter for the New York Tribune and the New York Times. In 1865 he promoted war bonds on behalf of Jay Cooke, and took part on the coast to coast reconnaissance trip to plan the route of the Northern Pacific Railroad, which he helped publicise, lobbied for the Northern Pacific Bill and became Secretary of. He had excellent political connections and was heavily involved in the campaign to rebuild the cabinet under Johnson and Lincoln’s assassination.

Horace Greeley (1811-1872) Editor and Presidential Candidate. Born in Amherst, New Hampshire, he trained as a printer but he later moved to New York City where he became a journalist. Greeley worked for the New Yorker and in 1841 established the New York Tribune which he edited for over thirty years. Greeley took a strong moral tone in his newspaper and campaigned against alcohol, tobacco, gambling, prostitution and capital punishment. However, his main concern was the abolition of slavery. Initially he supported the Whigs but after their demise he supported the Free Soil Party. He was one of the leaders of the campaign against the 1850 Fugitive Slave Law and in 1856 helped form the Republican Party. In 1860 Greeley supported the presidential campaign of Abraham Lincoln, but was critical of his slavery policy. He was also critical of Ulysses Grant, became associated with the Radical Republicans and helped form the Liberal Republican Party. In 1872 the Liberal Republican Party nominated Greeley as their candidate and he stood against Ulysses G. Grant for the presidency but died soon afterwards.

Whitelaw Reid (1837-1912) Politician and editor. Educated at Miami University. He was the longtime editor of the New York Tribune and close friend of Horace Greeley. He was a leader of the Liberal Republican movement in 1872. He served as U.S. ambassador to France from 1889 to 1892, and again as U.S. Ambassador to the Court of St. James from 1905 to 1912. In 1892, he was the Republican vice presidential nominee was appointed to the Peace Commission following the Spanish-American War.

Politicians

James Kennedy Moorhead (1806-1884) Congressional Representative from Pennsylvania and brother of Jay Cooke’s partner and brother in law, William G. Moorhead. born in Halifax, Pennsylvania, and after serving an apprenticeship as a tanner he formed a career on the Canals. He started as a contractor and supervisor on the Juniata Canal in 1828 and went on to establish a passenger packet line on the Pennsylvania Canal in 1835. He was appointed adjutant general of Pennsylvania in 1838 and was the long serving president of the Monongahela Navigation Canal and the Atlantic & Ohio Telegraph Co. His political career saw him elected as a Republican Congressman 1859-1869. He was a regular correspondent of Jay Cooke regarding canals and railroad issues, and was a subscriber to the initial “pool” of investors in the National Pacific Railroad. He saw out his later years as president of the Pittsburgh chamber of commerce.

John Sherman (1823-1900) Representative; Senator. Born in Lancaster, Ohio and practiced law in Ohio and a brief period as a canal engineer. He was elected as a Republican Congressman 1855-1861 and was chairman of Committee on Ways and Means. He was elected to the Senate 1861-1877, and 1881-1897. He served on numerous committees and supported many of Jay Cooke’s causes, which, in turn, Jay Cooke supported him for government posts. He was an initial stockholder in Jay Cooke’s insurance company and was appointed Secretary of the Treasury by President Hayes in 1877-1881.He was appointed Secretary of State in the Cabinet of President McKinley and served from 1897-1898 when he retired.

Inatius Donnelly (1831-1901) Representative from Minnesota. Born in Philadelphia, where he studied and practiced law until moving to Minnesota in 1857, appointed Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota 1859-1863. He was elected as a Republican member of Congress 1863-1869, and to the Senate in 1874-1878. In between his periods in office he acted as a lobbyist for the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad Company and advised Jay Cooke on the Northern Pacific Bill. He continued his law practice and was nominated by the People’s Party in 1892 for Vice President of the United States.

Other

William Milnor Roberts, (1810-1881) Engineer. Born in Philadelphia, the son of the treasurer of the Union canal. He worked on canal surveys from an early age and by his early twenties he was in senior engineering positions on the Union railroad and Union canal feeder and Allegheny Portage railroad. In 1835 he built the first combined railroad and highway bridge in the United States and was made chief engineer on the Harrisburg and Lancaster railroad, and Cumberland Valley railroad. After 1836 he was chief engineer in charge of various projects including the Pennsylvania state canal, and the Erie canal of Pennsylvania; Allegheny Valley railroad; Atlantic and Mississippi railroad, Iron Mountain railroad; Pittsburg and Erie, and Terre Haute, Vandalia, and St. Louis railroads. In 1857 he went to Brazil to examine the route of the Dom Pedro II. railroad. In 1866 he was appointed United States civil engineer and given charge of the improvement of the Ohio river, and in 1868 the of associate chief engineer with the great bridge across the Missouri at St. Louis. He undertook, a coast to coast surveying trip of the route of the Northern Pacific Railroad and in 1870 he accepted the position of chief engineer of the Northern Pacific railroad., and in 1874 was appointed on the commission of civil and military engineers to examine and report upon plans for the improvement of the mouth of the Mississippi.

Rice Harper (b1803)


Lawyer and land agent. He originally practiced law, but due to ill health changed careers and worked on developing the Ohio Railroad. He helped to organize Erie county, Ohio, by being appointed Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and Clerk of the Supreme Court for Erie county, Ohio. He was in regular contact with Jay Cooke regarding actual and potential land purchases.

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Publisher's Note - Part 1

The strength of the Cooke collection lies in the detail of its 106 boxes containing over 30 years worth of correspondence (1843-1874).

The core of the Jay Cooke Papers relate to the world of banking and finance, but in the course of their affairs the Cooke family had influence and correspondence that relates to every aspect of American metropolitan society. The Cooke financial house with locations in Philadelphia, Washington DC, New York and London administered Government Bonds that funded the Union in the Civil War, were responsible for the foundation of the National Banking system, set up insurance companies and traded in stocks and gold. They were also involved in many land and mining acquisitions, and numerous railroad companies that resulted in Cooke acting as prime mover in the ambitious Northern Pacific Railroad project. This enterprise brought about the collapse of Jay Cooke’s banking house and was a catalyst in the economic crash of 1873.

Primarily through the contacts of Jay’s brother Henry, in Washington DC, the Cookes held powerful contacts in the Judiciary, Legislature and Executive branches of the American Government, and in the Fourth Estate as they attempted to influence the political and financial climate in favour of their business interests. Jay Cooke was a front runner for the position of Secretary of the Treasury under the Grant administration.

Underlying the political and business dealings is a considerable amount of personal, religious and charitable correspondence. Jay Cooke consistently gave 10% of his profits to the Church and was in regular contact with churchmen and received requests for charity, many of which he acted upon.

At the heart of the collection is a remarkable body of letters, mainly between Jay Cooke, the great financier, in Philadelphia and his brothers Henry, in Washington, DC, and Pitt, in New York. At their peak, the brothers corresponded with each other daily. The letters were full and frank. Jay Cooke retained copies of his own correspondence as well as those sent to him, and these now provide a unique historical record of a period in which they wielded considerable power. In addition to their own letters, there are also reports from contacts all over America - from congressmen to newspaper reporters, and from foreign emissaries to land agents.

Part 1 covers the period from 1843 to 1865, and is dominated by the American Civil War. The material provides many insights into the outbreak, conduct and financing of the war from personal, political and economic aspects.

The documents chart the rise of the Cooke’s banking houses in Philadelphia and Washington DC and early land and railroad enterprises, but the core of the correspondence relates to the Civil War. Letters cover the fear and financial uncertainty leading up to the outbreak of war, its funding through the sale of government bonds, the conduct of the war and later items comment on the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.

Many letters cover early land and railroad deals that set the tone for the Cookes’ later involvement in coast to coast railroad projects covered in later parts of this microfilm project.

There are hundreds of letters addressed to Jay Cooke from his brother, Pitt Cooke, in New York; also frequent letters from Pitt when he is staying at Sandusky, in Ohio; also many letters documenting Pitt’s business trips throughout America, especially Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Kentucky.

There are a number of letters from Salmon P Chase regarding sales of Pacific Railroad Bonds.

There is quite a lot of correspondence from William J Barney (Western Land Agent based in Chicago) who sent back frequent reports to Jay Cooke along the lines of the brief extract below:

“…We are & have been doing all in our power to hurry the business connected with deeds. You must recollect that we do not live in the East where Railroads annihilate space and where the rumbling of the old fashioned Stage coach has forever ceased. Here the latter is the only conveyance we possess. Yet we hope soon to finish off some of our projected Rail Roads & then to travel into the Interior will be no task. Your Eastern friends can have their deeds recorded etc in double quick time …” W J Barney to Jay Cooke, dated 7 May 1857.

A letter from Eleutheros Cooke is typical of many documents which highlight fears and economic tension in the lead up to the outbreak of the Civil War:

“…the fact is, the panic affects us here as well as in other kindred cities: and since I last wrote you it has extended as far south as Cary – afflicting the Gormans with its spasms. Our understanding was all perfected with them to go down with me to examine the lands with a view to purchase or permanently lease them – But the secession movement in the south has so frightened them that they have utterly abandoned the idea. They fear lynching for no other cause than they are from the north …” Eleutheros Cooke to Jay Cooke, dated 26 November 1860.

There is lots of material on the conduct of the Civil War and support for the North, with many political and military insights from Henry Cooke who had personal contact with President Lincoln, the War Office and the Treasury. He kept his brother informed about all important developments as this extract illustrates:

“… The President visited McClellan to see for himself the position of affairs. He returned much cheered and brings glowing accounts of the splendid condition and enthusiasm of the troops … Governor C. [S. P. Chase] has told me very fully the result of the President’s observations. The President is impressed with the skill displayed by McClellan in his change of base of operations (and Gov. C. unites in giving him credit to that extent) but both the President and Gov. C. are far from being satisfied that the movement itself – however well executed – was one that ought to have been made … The blunder of McClellan in the estimation of the Governor Chase (and in this the Gov. thinks the President agrees with him) was two fold, firstly stretching out his lines so far and not leaving his divisions within closer supporting distance … secondly when he found that Paster [General Fitzjohn Paster] could whip the enemy if he had reinforcements, he made a great mistake in persisting in his original plan …”


Henry Cooke to Jay Cooke, dated 12 July 1862.

Other letters relate to particular battles and the story of human suffering throughout the towns and villages affected:

“Scenes of suffering beyond description are around about this place. The wounded by hundreds and by thousands are lying in the woods and in their little shelter tents, & very many in the mud along the river bank. The Churches, Farmhouses Barns and Sheds etc. are full. The government are sending them away daily …” R Parrin, Pastor at Gettysburg, with first-hand account of the battle, to Jay Cooke, 9 July 1863, including description of the aftermath of Gettysburg.

The following extract details efforts to finance the Civil War, with the Cookes in regular contact with Salmon P Chase, Secretary of the Treasury and later Supreme Court Judge, as their banking houses, agents and press contacts worked round the clock to raise funds for the North through the sale of government bonds:

“… At half past seven I am here at the office after the biggest days work on record – too tired to give you anything but a summary…the office was besieged inside and out. Scores had to wait and wait, although we had four subscription tables at full blast. Local sales to customers amounted to $1,800,000. Our orders from the west etc. were about $1,600,000 and the subscriptions from New York and Boston, Baltimore etc., were a trifle over $10,000,000, making a total of between 13 and 14 millions. We sold bonds until we had not a single bond left on hand …” Henry Cooke to Jay Cooke, dated 31 October 1863.

Henry Cooke also reports on the Fall of Richmond, the Surrender of General Lee, and the Assassination of President Lincoln. The Washington house forwarded the last cheque issued by them to John Wilkes Booth (Lincoln’s assassin) to Jay Cooke.

“… A night of horrors and a day of impenetrable gloom! I was aroused in my sleep last night about half past one o’clock by the fearful tidings of murder and assassination. Huntington came over to tell me the President was dying and that Seward and his son Frederick, the assistant secretary, were not expected to live till morning. I slept but little after he had gone. I cannot dwell upon the details of this stupendous tragedy. The newspapers will tell you all about them … Facts enough are already developed to show that there was an organized conspiracy to assassinate the President and his whole cabinet, together with the Vice-President. The murderer of the President was Booth beyond all doubt. He is in custody, although the fact is kept from the public for fear of violence. Johnston was sworn in this morning by Chief Justice Chase in the presence of McCulloch, Dennison and Speed …” Henry Cooke to Jay Cooke, dated 15 April 1865.

Lots of letters deal with personal and family matters, as well as numerous Christian and charitable issues that were constant throughout Jay Cooke’s life.

Other leading correspondents include:

Henry C Fahenstock (Henry Cooke's partner in Washington)

Salmon P Chase and W. P. Fessenden (Secretaries of the Treasury)

John A Stewart (Treasury Department)

William J Barney (Western Land Agent based in Chicago)

J W Weir (of the Harrisburg National Bank)

H D Moore (State Treasurer, Pennsylvania)

J K Moorhead (from the House of Representatives)

John Russell Young and Samuel Wilkeson (of the New York Tribune)

G R Messersmith (at the Bank of Chambersburg)

George B Sargent (Banker and Land Agent in Duluth)

W L Banning (Banking House, St Paul, Minnesota)

E T H Gibson (Commission Merchant and Dealer in Railway, City and County Bonds, often regarding the Vermont Central Railroad Company)

J J Cisco (Bond Dealer in New York and future Assistant Treasurer of New York)

H C Storms (travelling agent in Ohio)

G A Bassett (travelling agent, Chicago and Indianapolis)

M F Field (Assistant Secretary to the Treasury, Washington DC)

The years between 1843 and 1874 witnessed many important changes in American life and society. In the Civil War the Union was tested and survived. In 1865 the Thirteenth Amendment was passed abolishing slavery. The Reconstruction Acts and the Fourteenth Amendment paved the way for universal manhood suffrage (excepting Native Americans) and wider access to public office. Railroads opened up the West and led to the rapid development of towns and cities along their routes. The first transcontinental railway was completed in 1869, symbolically linking the nation.

This is an important collection of papers for all those interested in US History during the American Civil War, Reconstruction and Gilded Age periods, with much material on American Economic History and Westward Expansion.

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Contents of Reels - Part 1

REEL 1 Box 1 Folders 1-15 1843 - December 1856 REEL 2 Box 2 Folders 1-9 January - December 1857 REEL 3 Box 2 Folders 10-18 January - October 1858 Box 3 Folders 1-3 November - December 1858 REEL 4 Box 3 Folders 4-20 January - July 1859 REEL 5 Box 4 Folders 1-29 August 1859 - July 1860 REEL 6 Box 5 Folders 1-22 August 1860-Apr 1861 REEL 7 Box 5 Folders 23-27 May - June 1861 Box 6 Folders 1-21 June - December 1861 REEL 8 Box 7 Folders 1-13 January - June 1862

REEL 9 Box 7 Folder 14 July 1862 Box 8 Folders 1-6 August - October 1862 REEL 10 Box 8 Folders 7-11 November - December 1862 Box 9 Folders 1-5 January - March 1863 REEL 11 Box 9 Folders 6-12 April - August 1863


Box 10 Folders 1-2 September 1863 REEL 12 Box 10 Folders 3-13 October - December 1863 REEL 13 Box 11 Folders 1-10 January - March 1864 REEL 14 Box 11 Folders 11-14 April 1864 Box 12 Folders 1-6 May - June 1864 REEL 15 Box 12 Folders 7-12 July - August 1864 Box 13 Folders 1-2 September 1864 REEL 16 Box 13 Folders 3-12 October - December 1864 REEL 17 Box 14 Folders 1-7 January 1865 REEL 18 Box 14 Folders 8-16 February 1865 REEL 19 Box 15 Folders 1-13 March 1865 REEL 20 Box 16 Folders 1-12 April 1865

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CIVIL WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION: THE MAKING OF MODERN AMERICA Series One: The Papers of Jay Cooke (18211905) from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania Part 1: General Correspondence, 1843April 1865

DETAILED LISTING

(Most letters are addressed to Jay Cooke, unless otherwise indicated below).

REEL 1

Dates: January 1843December 1856

Principal and most interesting correspondence:

• to and from his brother Henry David Cooke, in Washington DC, especially letters from Henry D. Cooke, dated Washington DC, 26 November 1854, and 22 March 1856, on his arrival at the Cooke family home in Sandusky, Ohio, with business and family news.

• many letters from his brother, Pitt Cooke, in New York; also frequent letters from Pitt when he is staying at Sandusky, in Ohio; also many letters documenting Pitt’s business trips throughout America, especially Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Kentucky.

• from Edward W. Clark (of the Banking House, E. W. Clark & Company, where Jay Cooke worked between 1836 and 1857).

• from J. K. Moorhead, Member of the House of Representatives. • from Rory S. Russell. • from S. J. Attwood, in Detroit. • from H. Dyer, No. 11 Bible House, Astor Place, New York. • from William Chapin, Principal of the Institute for the Blind. • from L.C. Clark and Edward Dodge, colleagues at E.W. Clark & Company. • from Thomas Haslam. • from Eleutheros Cooke (his father), from Sandusky, Ohio. • from Salmon P. Chase, 20 June 1856, regarding sales of Pacific Railroad Bonds • from Samuel Marks and from Rice Harper. • from William J. Barney, Western Land Agent based in Chicago. • from E. T. H. Gibson, regarding certificates of stock in the Vermont Central Railroad

Company. • from Jonathan G. Camp.

Key topics include:

• News regarding various banks, business and financial matters. • Lots of letters from his brother Pitt, enabling scholars to see the web of contacts he was

already building throughout many States. • Philanthropic activity. • The selling and buying of land, e.g. Pitt’s long letter to Jay Cooke, 4 June 1855, from

Fort Dodge, Iowa (9 folios; see brief extract below). • Westward expansion.

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• Sales of bonds. • Railroads.

Extract from Pitt’s long letter to Jay Cooke, dated 4 June 1855, from Fort Dodge, Iowa “… Dubuque, Iowa, June 11 ‘55. We reached this City late Saturday evening and are satisfied from all we have seen that our Entries already made, were well selected, and could not be better made; it is said here that General Sargent frequently enter large tracts from the general reputation of the Country & from the Surveys but we shall make no Entries of lands we have not personally inspected. It may be that Genl. Sargent & Cooke do not do this but it is said they make bold Entries and have seldom missed fire, in fact, after having travelled over a good part of the Northern half of Iowa we can say, there is no waste land in it. It is all good, some choice, timber is valued on the Rivers at 10 $ per acre and good prairie near at 4 & 5 $ I trust we shall not be disappointed in the result of our operations. I feel more sensitive about making locations that might not pay, than if I was using my own funds, as I am acting in a fiduciary capacity & entering for those whom I consider my friends & it would be extremely mortifying to me hereafter should we be disappointed in our anticipations …”

Extract from letter to Jay Cooke from Rice Harper, dated Sandusky, Ohio, 4 August 1855 “… if we could spend sometime before the land sales commence in these New Land Districts we could probably assist the Settlers and get their friendship and about 40 per cent well secured which would be a very safe investment and at the same time we could select good locations for future entry …”

REEL 2

Dates: JanuaryDecember 1857


• from his brothers Henry D. Cooke & Pitt Cooke (lots of letters from Pitt, from Sandusky, and many from Pitt whilst he is on his travels is in the Interior).

• from William Banning. • from Edward Dodge. • from George W. Paine. • from Eleutheros Cooke (his father), from Sandusky, Ohio. • from Jonathan G. Camp. • from William J. Barney, Secretary of the Dubuque Gas Light & Coke Co. who also heads

up W. J. Barney & Co. Exchange and Banking House, and Land Agency. He is a Western Land Agent based in Chicago. See extract from one of his letters below.

• from Sarah E. Cooke • from William Chapin. • from Henry Getz (& Caroline E. Getz). • from the Office of E. W. Clark, Dodge & Co. • from Hade Frame (?) of the Banking House: Cook & Sargent. • from sister Wendy (?) in Nice, France. • from A. B. Fretteur (?) signature difficult to decipher. • from S. B. Dalrymple, Rector of St. Pauls Church, Lockhaven, PA. • from Richard Newton, friend and pastor in Lausanne.

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• from George Harrison, Pennsylvania Steam Sugar Refinery. • from W. J. Chesney of the American Sunday School Union. • from J. C. Harris, Samuel Harris & Sons, Baltimore. • from Rice Harper, relating to possible land purchases. • from J. K. Moorhead, Member of the House of Representatives. • from E. T. H. Gibson regarding the Vermont Central Railroad Company and other

business matters. • from H. Dyer, No. 11 Bible House, Astor Place, New York.

Key topics include:

• Land development, purchasing of land (especially in Iowa and Missouri). • Sales of bonds, banking and finance. • Projected railroads & westward expansion (e.g. Southern Pacific Railroad Company). • News on crops & commodities.

Extract from letter to Jay Cooke from W. J. Barney of W. J. Barney & Co. Exchange and Banking House, and Land Agency, dated 7 May 1857 “We are & have been doing all in our power to hurry the business connected with deeds. You must recollect that we do not live in the East where Railroads annihilate space & where the rumbling of the old fashioned Stage coach has forever ceased. Here the latter is the only conveyance we possess. Yet we hope soon to finish off some of our projected Rail Roads & then to travel into the Interior will be no task. Your Eastern friends can have their deeds recorded etc in double quick time …”

Extract from brother Pitt’s letter dated 14 July 1857 from Planters House, St Louis “Dear Bro Jay

John got here last night. Today we have called on Post Master Armstrong who took us to the Surveyor General’s Office & we have been paid ourselves up fully. He handed me yours of 7 th . As to Crops I hear not once word of grumbling. Southern Illinois wheat is coming in & Missouri of fine quality and they say the largest crops for years. Corn has improved very much in the last ten days & all report it as doing well, oats, potatoes etc are an unprecedented crop. The weather is very warm, good for corn, but I have had 2 days confinement to my room with Diarrhea better now John having arrived I feel better every way. Judges, Collecton, Bart Martens are all calling on Jno. He stands high among the National Officials. I attended Unitarian Church Sunday with Mr Chase, dined with him same day. He has treated me very kindly & Mrs Chase received me very cordially and made me feel quite at home. She and Mr Chase expressed great regret that you did not come to see them they lost a beautiful child this last Spring, 2 years old & still feel it very much. The Torrey likes his place much we expect to leave here tomorrow & will write you constantly. In Tony ?’s dispatch to me he says Brodhead (?) has been elected President of the Caribbean & Atlantic …”

REEL 3

Dates: JanuaryDecember 1858


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• from Pitt Cooke (Jay Cooke’s brother) the most frequent and longest letters, written on his numerous travels or from the family home in Sandusky.

• from Salmon P. Chase. • from E. T. H. Gibson, Commission Merchant, and Dealer in Railway, City and County

Bonds, 54 William Street, New York. • from John C. Knox (Attorney General’s Office) to E. W. Clark & Co., Harrisburg PA. • from Henry S. Getz. • from L. C. Clark (Office of E. W. Clark, Dodge & Co.). • from Eleutheros Cooke especially long letter to his son, dated

Sandusky, 27 March 1858; also long letter of 30 August 1858. • from J. K. Moorhead (Member of the House of Representatives). • from William H. Williams & Co. Bankers (from Pittsburgh). • from John W. Reid. • from Edward Dodge (Office of Clark, Dodge & Co.) and from Edward W. Clark. • from Samuel Marks. • from S. C. Harbert. • from Moss Brothers’ Banking House. • from W. C. Crosby. • from Thomas Chambers, Office of the Montour Iron Co. • quite a few letters from Henry C. Fahnestock (from Harrisburg Bank; later he was

Henry D. Cooke’s partner in Washington DC) see extract below from letter of 13 April 1858.

• from A. B. Fretteur (?) signature difficult to decipher. • from J. W. Roseberry. • from D. P. Rupert, New Orleans. • from D. S. Miller, Frankford, Philadelphia regarding “the Frankford Mission and the

other labors in which I am engaged for the physical and spiritual interests of the poor people among whom my lot is cast…” (letter of 24 April 1858 and a number of further letters about missionaries and financial aid).

• from R. Bethell Claxton. • from Lizzie (dated the Cedars, 24 May 1858). • from A. J. Jones, Harrisburg. • from F. Humphreys, New York. • from the Office of the Morris Canal and Banking Company, most signed by E. Marsh. • from W. J. Barney, Dubuque, Iowa. • from Samuel Hepburn, Carlisle, PA. • from Jonathan G. Camp, Wells Fargo & Co., New York. • from the Banking House of Cook & Sargent. • from William H. Smith, Pittsburgh. • from E. R. Biddle, No. 35, Wall Street. • from D. C. Wilder, of the Office of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. • from Jeptha Fowlkes, President, Office of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. • from the Office of the Sunbury and Erie Railroad Company. • from H. W. Nichols, Pottsville. • from Jay Cooke to his brother Henry D. Cooke. • from Henry D. Cooke to his brother Jay Cooke.

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• from John A. Gamble, President, Office of the West Branch and Susquehanna Canal Co.

Key topics include:

• Bonds, land development, purchase of land. • Railroads (e.g. Vermont Central Railroad Bonds mentioned in letters of

13 February 1858 and 14 April 1858, from E. T. H. Gibson to Jay Cooke; e.g. Southern Pacific Railroad Company).

• Banking. • Exploration of Land in the Interior, quite a lot of letters relating to St Louis and proposed

trip to Tennessee. • Canal companies.

Letter from Henry C. Fahnestock to Jay Cooke dated 13 April 1858 from Harrisburg “Dear Sir Your favor of yesterday received. My broad brimmed friend appears to have the fidgets, and is down again today to see me. His first proposition was to give the chattel bonds & take them up in one and two years. I can now bring him to this to give the 10% bonds as per circular, and with them the individual guarantee of Kimber and Harries to pay in fourths, three months apart, or thirds four months apart (i.e. $333 every y. sum). I have no knowledge of Kimber’s personal responsibility. If he arranges in this way can I depend upon his fulfilment of the contract? The amount is not large, but I am desirous to get the thing into good shape before surrendering the notes. Think I shall not have to trouble you again about it, if you tell me how far I can rely upon Mr Kimber in as individual contract such as this will be to some extent. Yours truly H.C. Fahnestock”

REEL 4

Dates: JanuaryJuly 1859


• from Pitt Cooke to his brother Jay Cooke (again very frequent, and many long, detailed letters) the first instance of Pitt writing on the P. Cooke & Co. letterhead (Successors of Henderson and Cooke) Forwarding & Commission Merchants, Sandusky City, Ohio, is on 20 April 1859.

• letters from clients and business contacts to Messrs. E. W. Clark & Co. • from E. T. H. Gibson, Commission Merchant, and Dealer in Railway, City and

County Bonds, 54 William Street, New York, including letters concerning the Great Western Railroad Company.

• from George W. Quigley to E. W. Clark & Co. • from A. J. Jones, Harrisburg. • from A. Armstrong. • from the Resident Engineer’s Office, Pennsylvania Railroad to

Messrs. E. W. Clark & Co. • from D. S. Miller, Frankford, Philadelphia regarding missionary work.

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• from G.R. Messersmith, Cashier at the Bank of Chambersburg, to E. W. Clark & Co., Bankers.

• from Willoughby H. Reed & Co. regarding Patent for Hoop Skirts. • from J. W. Reid of Harrisburg Bank. • from James Mill. • from James Mason. • from Harris C. Fahnestock, Harrisburg, regarding banking and railroad matters. • from John G. Camp, Wells Fargo & Co., New York. • from John Rowe. • from B. S. Russell. • from E. R. Biddle, No. 35, Wall Street. • from Henry S. Getz. • from O. N. Luce, Cumberland Valley Railroad Superintendent’s Office. • from his father, Eleutheros Cooke. • from P. McMartin. • from Joseph Leeds. • from Samuel Marks. • from J. K. Moorhead, Member of the House of Representatives. • from A. B. Fretteur. • from his brother, Henry D. Cooke. • from the Office of William H. Williams & Co., Bankers, Pittsburgh. • from E. Marsh, Office of the Morris Canal & Banking Co. • from L. C. Clark and D. Crawford Jr., in New York. • from Thomas Chambers in New York. • from C. C. Townsend, missionary, from Orphans’ Home of Industry, Iowa City. • from Jeptha Fowlkes, President of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, concerning

railroad troubles. • from E. R. Hard with advice on legal matters.

Key topics include:

• Sale of bonds. • Banking business. • Railroads, especially the Great Western Railroad Company, the Cumberland Valley

Railroad, the Vermont and Central Railroad, the Franklin Railroad Company, and the Sunbury and Erie Railroad Company.

• Railroad stock and bonds. • Land development, purchase of land. • Corporate legal matters. • Canal companies.

Extract from Pitt Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke, dated 31 January 1859, from Sandusky “… Wm G. left this morning with Nicki for Kenyon, he will reach Pittsburgh Tuesday Evening & Philadelphia Wednesday or Thursday. The death of Uncle Henry saddened our holiday reunion, but still Wm says he never left Sandusky with more pleasant recollections. His visit has been quiet but he seemed to enjoy it, & so expressed himself. He told me before he left that he would put what I owe him $1400 down from 10% to 7%, this is very generous & kind in him,

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I did not ask it. He proposed it himself. He is a generous & good Br. is he not! I paid him a little, & offered him more but he refused it, saying he knew my taxes etc. had put me on sufficiently short allowance. He has also examined into my affairs & says he has a plan (in connection with getting supplies of flour etc. on to the Mountain portions of the S & Erie R. R.) by which he thinks I can make enough to pay off the debt to Kenyon, which is my heaviest load, I have just paid one instalment of the Int. from June to the 27 th & I had to scratch to raise it, which I did through “Moss” Wm G knows if I could sell I could soon pay what I owe & have enough left, but that nothing can be realised towards paying debts from Property in S. & therefore he is satisfied that the Int. & taxes etc. will eat it all up unless I do do something & hence he is going to put me in the way. Now about the Mansfield R R matter, Bueha & I have had our cogitations over it & your letter we come back that on the whole the best thing to be done is to keep all we have got, & get as much from the Receiver of the Bal. due as we can. In that shape we have concluded hereafter to treat with him if it meets your concessional. He would not Entertain your proposition a moment, yet we shall Submit it to him the Bonds are not a Special Bond & do not come in before the 1,290,000 they are like the Notes of the Co. yet they are due so soon, that Everybody here regards them as good & the Receiver thinks them nearly same as cash …”

Letter from D. Crawford Jr., to Jay Cooke, dated 12 April 1859 from New York “Dear Jay C, Yours of yesterday to L.C.C. rec’d, as his eyes are not well enough to admit of his writing much, he has requested me to reply to it. We have sold all our Minnesota ° but # 31,000, but if your parties wanted enough to make up say # 50,000 or even a few more the St Louis Office will sell a few to make up the lot. We ask # 105 and accrued interest for ours & will allow you a liberal commission off & give you the time required say 60 days at 7% & if they desire it will take the July coupons as Cash less interest for the time they run. Illinois 6 ° are about 104½. Ohios 102 a 108½ according to time they run. Georgia’s 101½ bid, Louisianas 96 bid Michigan about 102½ & Iowa 7 ° are held at 110. So you will see that the Minnesota 8 ° are the cheapest on the list. They have the money now on hand for next coupons. We sold last lot of 30,000 at 106½ & interest not for currency. Virginia’s, Tenn ° & others are below par. North Carolinas 100½ if we can do anything for you let me know soon as we have several parties trying to make arrangements for their currency so as to take balance of our Bonds. We had rather sell to you at lower rates than send them out ourselves for currency although it pays better. Yours truly D. Crawford Jnr. ”

REEL 5

Dates: August 1859July 1860

Principal and most interesting correspondence: • from his brother, Pitt Cooke. • from his brother, Henry D. Cooke. • from Samuel Marks regarding the American Sunday School Union and other

Church matters. • from John G. Camp, Wells Fargo & Co., New York. • from A. Armstrong.

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• from J. K. Moorhead, Member of the House of Representatives. • from Abel Bench, Iowa City. • from O. N. Luce, Cumberland Valley Railroad Superintendent’s Office. • from S. P. Bankson. • from G. R. Messersmith, Cashier at the Bank of Chambersburg. • from his father, Eleutheros Cooke. • from E. T. H. Gibson, Commission Merchant, and Dealer in Railway, City and

County Bonds, 54 William Street, New York, including letters concerning the Great Western Railroad Company.

• from Amos Chapman. • from Charles H. Willson regarding Sunday School and New Union Hymn Books. • from W. J. Cheyney, American Sunday School Union, Philadelphia. • from the Office of William H. Williams & Co., Bankers, Pittsburgh. • from Joseph Leeds. • from Harris C. Fahnestock, Harrisburg regarding banking and railroad matters. • from Edwin Mitchell at the Office of the Western Mining and Manufacturing Company. • from D. C. Wilder, Secretary of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. • from Henry S. Getz. • from the Banking House of Clark, Cheney & Co., Boston. • from the Office of B. S. Russell & Co., Bankers, Iowanda, PA. • from W. L. Banning & Co., Banking House, St Paul, Minnesota. • from the Office of Clark, Dodge & Co. • from E. R. Hard on legal matters. • from E. W. Clark & Co., Bankers. • from Robert Earle. • from John C. Campbell. • from Simon Stevens. • from D. S. Miller about missionary work. • from Morris Buckman. • from his brother, William G. Cooke, long letter of 25 November 1859 from the Tavistock

Hotel, Covent Garden, London. • from William Chapin, Pennsylvania Institute for the Blind. • from C. J. Sturdevent. • from J. C. Henry. • from James McAuley, President of the Iron City Bank, Pittsburgh, to J. K. Moorhead. • from E. A. Strong about Patrons and Friends of Free Education for the Ministry at Kenyon

College • from Algernon and John S. Gilliat in London. • from J. M. Pinkerton, Boston. • letters from the General Land Office. • from W. W. White, Burlington, Iowa, about town affairs, business and financial matters.

Key topics include:

• Railroads, especially the Great Western Railroad Company, the Lehigh Luzerne Railroad, the Vermont and Canada Railroad Company, the Vermont Central Trustees, the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, and the

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Franklin Railroad Company. • Stock and bonds. • Westward expansion; dealings of Land Agencies; sale of lands. • Banking business. • Politics in Washington DC, e.g. Henry D. Cooke’s letters about the

contest for the Speakership, December 1859 to January 1860, described by Henry as being absolutely crucial: “my dear brother, my whole future life hangs upon the result”, in a letter of 16 January 1860. Henry is frustrated by how long the election process takes please see text of his letters of 12 and 14 December 1859, below.

From Henry D. Cooke to his brother, Jay Cooke dated 12 December 1859 from Washington DC “My dear Jay, I have not written before because I have been hoping that each day would close the contest for the Speakership. It is now definitely ascertained that Mr Sherman will be the Speaker; but the Administration are determined to stave off this (to them) unpleasant result as long as possible. You will notice Harvey’s correspondence in the North American which will give you a correct idea of the position of the parties. The Republican vote is some 15 ahead of the Locofoco vote; outside of these two parties there are some 23 “Amn” votes, and three or four doubtful votes, by combining with which the Administration still hopes to defeat Sherman; but our friends regard such a combination as impossible, since the South Americans are even more hostile to the Democrats than they are to the Republicans. I send you a check on the Clinton Bank of Columbus for $75, for which I wish you would send me the money. I found Willards too expensive, so I have taken private rooms, and board at the Kirkwood house. It costs me only half as much as at Willards. Please forward any letters that you may have received for me, since you sent the last package. Address me at the Kirkwood House, and I will get the letters promptly. Should there be a prospect of a prolonged contest, like that which resulted in Banks’ election, I shall leave here; this will be determined by Wednesday or Thursday. I am rejoiced to hear that Lizzie is improving. Lollie sent her much love in the letter which you forwarded. Last week was one of intense anxiety to me. I hope I shall not soon have to pass such another. I am taking it more philosophically now. Let me hear from you by return mail. As ever your Affec. Bro. Henry. Best & warmest love to Lizzie, and the little ones all.”

From Henry D. Cooke, Reporters’ Gallery, House of Representatives, Washington DC to his brother, Jay Cooke, 14 December 1859. “Dear Jay Yours enclosing a check on Riggs for $75 was received this morning, and I hasten to acknowledge its receipt. Sherman’s prospects are brightening. The Administration gives it up, and it is now a mere question of time. It will be impossible for the South Amns and AntiLecomptonists to unite in sufficient numbers upon Bocock, (or upon any other man who will be satisfactory to the Administration), to secure him a plurality over Sherman. If the contest shall be protracted, I shall come over to Philadelphia and await the result there. A day or two more will determine this. I am heartily tired of this delay, anxiety and uncertainty. and I am homesick besides. I want to see the wife and babies. Give Lizzie my best love. I am glad to hear she is so rapidly improving. I will telegraph you, on the morning I start for Philadelphia. Ever affectionate Your Bro. Henry D. Cooke.”

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REEL 6

Dates: August 1860–April 1861


• many letters to and from his brother, Pitt Cooke, most frequently from Sandusky, Ohio, often relating to personal land issues.

• to and from his brother, Henry David Cooke, in Washington DC, especially regarding the potential for the sale of Treasury Bonds.

• from J. M. Pinkerton, Boston, attorney and bondholder. • from G. R. Messersmith, Bank of Chambersburg. • from Abel Beach, State Bank of Iowa. • from J. Weir, Bank of Harrisburg. • from John S. Gilliat. • from Charles Vose. • from L .C. Clark and Edward Dodge, colleagues at E. W. Clark & Company. • from Lizzie, dated Rockwood, 17 & 21 September 1860. • from Eleutheros Cooke, from Sandusky, Ohio. • to and from Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury, regarding Bonds and advising

Treasury, especially letter of 20 April 1861. • from Henry S. Getz. • from Edward W. Clark, the Banking House, E. W. Clark & Company. • from J. K. Moorhead, then President of Chartier Valley Railroad Co. • from E. T. H. Gibson. • from J. Morris, Balto. • from E. Dodge. • from J. G. Sidney. • from Col. B. Roberts, regarding expenses for Railroad construction. • from H. Gregson. • from George W. O’Malley.

Key topics include:

• Issues surrounding the outbreak of Civil War: Fear for safety, unsettled financial situation, strong support for the North and Lincoln.

• Correspondence between S. P. Chase, Henry Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding the raising of Treasury notes and Bonds for the war effort.

• Legal proceedings. • Banking business and financial matters especially with Banks of Harrisburg (J. Weir) and

Chambersburg (GR Messersmith). Start of Jay Cooke & Co. • The selling and buying of land, for personal interests and railroads. • The tax issues and payments for those lands. • Family Life and Christmas, especially from Lizzie, Pitt, Henry and Eleutheros. • Railroads: Competing claims, bonds, trustees, raising finance, costs

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for companies such as Chartier Valley, Vermont Central, Vermont & Canada, Cleveland, Painsville & Ashtabula and Steubenville & Pittsburgh

• Requests for Philanthropic works and Charity

Extract from Eleutheros Cooke letter to Jay Cooke, dated 26 November 1860, from Sandusky, Ohio “… You complain that Pitt and I don’t write often enough – the fact is, the panic affects us here as well as in other kindred (?) cities: and since I last wrote you it has extended as far south as Cary – afflicting the Gormans (?) with its spasms. Our understanding was all perfected with them to go down with me to examine the lands with a view to purchase or permanently lease them – But the secession movement in the south has so frightened them that they have utterly abandoned the idea. They fear lynching for no other cause than they are from the north …”

Extract from Henry Cooke to his brother Jay, dated 9 April 1861, from Washington D.C. regarding potential Treasury Bond deal “…[Private – Harrington tells me that all the indications are that ? will be as high as any bids will reach. Should a larger amount than that … be bid for it will be distributed prorata. Among the bidders Chase does not expect the sum of bids to be above that figure – though he intimated that some fraction might be as high as a quarter. It is not for me to advise you what to do but I give the facts as I get them, from which I infer that a bid at ? would be successful. If you can’t get the Banks generally to go in; I should think you could induce some of them …”

Extract from Pitt Cooke to his brother Jay, dated 13 April 1861, from Sandusky, Ohio “… I see by the Tribune of the 12 th that you succeeded in your bid for the $200,000 treasury notes, I was delighted. It was patriotic and I trust will be profitable. Our Government now that they have commenced the war at Charleston must be sustained at all Hazards. There is no half way about it …”

REEL 7

Dates: May–December 1861


• many letters to and from Pitt Cooke, most frequently from Sandusky, Ohio, often relating to personal and financial issues.

• to and from his brother, Henry David Cooke, in Washington DC. • from H. D. Moore, State Treasurer, Pennsylvania. • to and from Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury regarding Bonds and advising

Treasury. • from A. G. Curtin, Governor, Pennsylvania. • from J. M. Pinkerton, Boston, attorney and bondholder. • from H. C. Fahnestock, partner of J. Cooke & Co. • from J. Weir, Harrisburg. • from A. Armstrong. • from J. J. Cisco, New York, Bond Dealer and future Assistant Treasurer of New York. • from Townsend Cooke, nephew, Sandusky. • from G. R. Messersmith.

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• from Eleutheros Cooke, from Sandusky, Ohio. • from G. W. Harrington, Treasury Department, Washington DC. • from H. M. Murray, Exchange Bank, Pittsburgh. • from J. K. Moorhead. • from W. G. Moorhead, partner in Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia. • from F. Sellers, Citizens Bank, Pittsburgh. • from J. W. Cook, Allegheny Bank, Pittsburgh. • from E. T. H. Gibson, New York. • from H. S. Getz. • from J. Childs, Pittsburgh. • from G. B. Ayers, Chambersburg, with end of year reports on Railroad passengers and

freight.

Key topics include:

• Early skirmishes of the Civil War: AntiSouthern rhetoric. • Correspondence between S. P Chase, Henry Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding the raising of

Treasury notes and Bonds for the war effort, most notably J. Cooke & Co. officially appointed subscription agent for Treasury and promotion of “seven thirties”. Jay Cooke meets President Lincoln (August).

• The Pennsylvania State Loan conducted by J. Cooke & Co. and Drexel & Co. • Banking business and financial matters. Numerous contacts with regional banks regarding

loan issues. • The pushing and promotion of loans, helped by J. Weir and H. Fahnestock. • Initial problems of getting State loans to be taken up in difficult financial circumstances. In

a letter to his brother Henry on 13 June 1861, Jay Cooke describes the eventual success as an achievement “as great or as greater than Napoleon crossing the Alps”. See extract below of State Governor’s gratitude.

• Sharp contrast to prewar years with very little Railroad correspondence as summed up by E. T. H. Gibson’s extract below.

• Payroll issues for troops. • Land Patents and problems with property in the South. • The tax issues and payments for those lands. • Family Life, especially from Pitt. • Requests for charity and favours to provide work.

Extract from E. T. H. Gibson’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 9th July 1861 from New York “… I want to try and get my old matters in such shape that I shall be able to do something when the war is over: and in the mean time, only expect to subsist …”

Extract from A.G. Curtin’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 14 June 1861 from Pennsylvania “… In the midst of painful circumstances alluded to by you, I feel the triumph which, through the exertions of yourselves and the present invaluable State Treasurer, the good old Commonwealth has achieved. I trust that the day is not distant when the names of those who exerted themselves in procuring the “sinews of war” will stand recorded, if not on a page as glorious, certainly as enduring, as that of those who have gone forward to seek upon the field of fame a name in their country’s history …”

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Extract from S. P. Chase’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 4 September 1861 from Washington DC “… Sir, you are hereby appointed a Subscription Agent for the National Loan…and will receive herewith your instructions, with forms of bond, certificates and advertisements, and a blank book for subscriptions. Your high character and known devotions to the public welfare inspires a confident belief that you will perform the required duty with the utmost fortitude and fidelity …” REEL 8

Dates: JanuaryJune 1862


• many letters to and from his brother, Henry David Cooke, in Washington regarding new banking house, and city railroad. See extract below.

• from H. D. Moore, State Treasurer, Pennsylvania. • to and from Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury, regarding Treasury Loans.

Cooke and Chase have by now struck up a strong friendship. See extracts below. • from J. M. Pinkerton, Boston, attorney and bondholder. • from H. C. Fahnestock (now often called “Farney” or “Harris”), Washington DC. • to and from Pitt Cooke, most frequently from Sandusky, Ohio, often relating to personal

and financial issues. • from J. Weir, Harrisburg. • from R. Clarkson, new clerk at Jay Cooke and Co., Washington DC. • from J. J. Cisco, New York. • from W. J. Barney, attorney/bond agent from Dubuque, long letter dated 19 to Pitt and 24

February to Jay Cooke regarding tax and land issues. • from G. R. Messersmith, Chambersburg. • from Eleutheros Cooke, from Sandusky, Ohio. • from Lizzie. • from H. M. Murray, Exchange Bank, Pittsburgh. • from J. K. Moorhead. • from W. G. Moorhead, partner in Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia. • from F. Sellers, Citizens Bank, Pittsburgh. • from J. W. Cook, Allegheny Bank, Pittsburgh. • from E. T. H. Gibson, New York. • from H. S. Getz. • from J. Childs, Pittsburgh. • from O. A. Lull, Cumberland Valley Railroad. In letter of 7 January he is threatening legal

action because he hasn’t been paid. • from B. S. Russell, Towanda Christ Church Sunday School.

Key topics include:

• Credit problems for the Treasury, cash shortages, currency issues, depreciation fears. Public accountability e.g. S. P. Chase’s letter to Jay Cooke on 29 April 1862 highlighting how he cannot benefit from any dealings in public property.

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• Correspondence between S. P. Chase, Henry Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding the raising of “Certificates of Indebtedness”, “Demand notes”, Bonds etc. for the war effort. Telegraph correspondence sent in cipher.

• Jay Cooke & Co. open new banking house in Washington DC, opposite Treasury Building, to deal in national loans. Henry D. Cooke and H. C. Fahnestock take control. Other partners were J. Weir and W. G. Moorhead.

• Henry Cooke takes control of Washington and Georgetown Street Railroad Co. and helps steer the appropriate Bill through congress, in order to build the first street railroad in Washington DC.

• Banking business and financial matters. Numerous contacts with regional banks regarding loan issues. Continued pushing and promotion of loans.

• Various matters concerning Civil War. e.g. post being stopped (Henry to Jay on 27 February 1862), conditions at the front including requests for 1000 prayer books.

• Land and tax issue. • Family life. • Requests for charity and favours to provide work, Church matters.

Extract from Jay Cooke’s letter to S. P. Chase dated 31 January 1862 from Philadelphia “… Demand notes are plenty and banks refuse to use them, except as they need to pay up to the Treasury. After they pay up the balance I fear they will decline to take the government notes – if so they will be sure to go to a discount – cannot something be done at once to stop this bad state of affairs? I have my own ideas and see my way clear – but I am afraid you don’t agree with me! We could probably arrange the finances in ten days if you let me act as mediator between yourself and the banks of the three cities. Unless something is done speedily I am fearful that it will be too late …”

Extract from Jay Cooke’s letter to S. P. Chase dated 1 May 1862 from Philadelphia “… in about ten days I am going up Pennsylvania for a few days trout fishing … I shall only fish … I need rest and I know you do also – won’t you go along incog? I will guarantee a good time …”

Extract from Henry D. Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 2 June 1862 from Washington DC “… I found Farney [H.C. Fahnestock] and Gideon ‘at the ranche’ this morning on my arrival. We talked Railroad matters at breakfast and agreed upon a plan of action. Things look squally and decidedly as if we were ‘in the lion’s mouth’ …”

REEL 9

Dates: July–October 1862


• This reel is dominated by letters from Henry David Cooke, in Washington DC, to Jay Cooke regarding the changing events of the Civil War. Henry has “several sources of information” in the War Department and especially through S. P. Chase who, as Secretary of the Treasury, had direct access to the President. Most notable and detailed letters are dated 9 July, 30 & 31 August, 2 & 23 September when McClellan’s forces were crossing the Potomac River.

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• to and from Salmon P. Chase, who in close contact with Jay Cooke regarding the national finances and his own.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“Farney”), Washington DC. • to and from Pitt Cooke, most frequently from Sandusky, Ohio, often relating to personal

and financial issues. • from J. G. Camp, Wells & Fargo & Co., New York, requesting $100,000 capital for

Minnesota Railroad and land. • from R. Clarkson, new clerk at Jay Cooke and Co., Washington DC. • from R. Maxwell, Philadelphia, accusing J. Cooke of holding back small currency. See

letter dated 16 September. • from W. J. Barney, Dubuque. • from O. H. Wheeler, Hudson River Bank. • from G. R. Messersmith, Chambersburg. • from Eleutheros Cooke, from Sandusky, Ohio. • from H. D. Moore, State Treasurer, Pennsylvania. • from H. Johnston, Baltimore. • from J. M. Pinkerton, Boston, attorney and bondholder. • from Judge Hepburn, regarding Railroad business. • from W. G. Moorhead, Philadelphia. • from J. Weir, Harrisburg. • from E. T. H. Gibson, New York. • from H. S. Getz.

Key topics include:

• The course of events at the front and the impact they had in Washington DC, e.g. the fear that the government was “drifting to certain destruction upon the rocks of petty jealousies and rivalries” (Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay dated 2 September 1862). S. P. Chase’s dislike and distrust of General McClellan provides the focal point, see extract below.

• Correspondence between S. P. Chase, Henry Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding national loans, banking business and financial matters. Numerous contacts with regional banks regarding loan issues. Continued pushing and promotion of loans. In a letter dated 20 October 1862 Henry Cooke reveals the public debt to be $650,768,243 on the 17 October. The figure had grown by $5,000,000 in the preceding three days.

• Washington and Georgetown Street Railroad Co. begins running and is soon earning $400 per day. See extract below.

• Land and railroad matters. • Family life. • Church matters.

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 12 July 1862 from Washington DC “… The President visited McClellan to see for himself the position of affairs. He returned much cheered and brings glowing accounts of the splendid condition and enthusiasm of the troops … Governor C. [S. P. Chase] has told me very fully the result of the President’s observations. The President is impressed with the skill displayed by McClellan in his change of base of operations (and Gov. C. unites in giving him credit to that extent) but both the President and Gov. C. are far

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from being satisfied that the movement itself – however well executed – was one that ought to have been made … The blunder of McClellan in the estimation of the Governor Chase (and in this the Gov. thinks the President agrees with him) was two fold, firstly stretching out his lines so far and not leaving his divisions within closer supporting distance … secondly when he found that Paster [General Fitzjohn Paster] could whip the enemy if he had reinforcements, he made a great mistake in persisting in his original plan …”

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 12 July 1862 from Washington DC “… Our railroad is progressing finally – on yesterday evening, Wharton and I with Farney and Harding; and one or two other newspaper men tried it for the first time running cars from the capital to Willands and back. The track is splendid …”

REEL 10

Dates: November 1862March 1863


• Letters to and from Henry David Cooke, in Washington DC. • to and from Salmon P. Chase, who in close contact with Jay Cooke regarding the national

finances and his own. • from H. C. Fahnestock (“Farney”), Washington DC. • to and from Pitt Cooke, most frequently from Cincinnati, Columbus and Sandusky often

relating to personal and financial issues. A fascinating series dated 21, 26 November and 1 December to Jay Cooke and including Pitt’s (15 November) and G. O’Harra’s (18 November) letters to G. Scott, relate to a plan to buy Cotton from the Southern States, smuggle it through the Northern lines and export it. Jay Cooke had provided $30, 000 before he realised the dubious nature of the scheme, at which point he had to request his money back. By 1 December, a reassuring Pitt had only recovered $20,500. Henry Cooke was also involved and his letter to Jay dated 18 November states that the cotton operation is in “abeyance for the time being” following the death of one of their contacts. See extract below.

• from R. Clarkson, now employed as a travelling agent promoting national loans and assessing the mood of cities in the West. See extract below.

• from W. J. Barney, Dubuque. • from J. W. Drexel, Drexel & Co. • from O. H. Wheeler, Hudson River Bank. • from G. R. Messersmith, Chambersburg. • from J. R. Young, The Press, Philadelphia. • from Eleutheros Cooke, from Sandusky, Ohio. • from H. D. Moore, State Treasurer, Pennsylvania. • from J. M. Pinkerton, Boston, attorney and bondholder. • from Judge Hepburn, regarding Railroad business. • from J. Weir, Harrisburg. • from E. T .H. Gibson, New York. • from H. S. Getz. • from J. Bell, Hollindaybay, Penn.

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Key topics include:

• The course of events at the front and the impact they had in Washington DC, e.g. the resignation and quick reinstatement of Seward and Chase in December 1862, and the removal and reinstatement of McClellan.

• Correspondence between S. P. Chase, Henry Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding national loans, banking business and financial matters, especially the “fivetwenty” loan and “seventhirties”. In November 1862 Jay Cooke owed the Government $1,500,000 for bonds. The passage of National banking Bill, designed to reform the national banking system, strongly supported by the Cookes.

• Strong speculation in the Gold market in early 1863, due to currency fears. In a letter dated 24 February 1863 R. Clarkson described the ‘excitement in gold today baffled description”. The market was steadied as Government stocks were supported by Jay Cooke.

• Private land deals and trading, especially through Pitt Cooke e.g. on 12 December 1862 he reported to his brother Jay that he had purchased “all the beans in Milwaukee”.

Extract from G. O’Harra’s letter to G.Scott dated 14 November 1862 from Louisville “… We are in connection with Gen. Rosencranse, confidential spy who is here and returns with us … he has told us where the most cotton is … he goes all through the Confederate lines and in these camps and can be of much benefit to us, he will tell us when the Army is going to move and in what direction, and where to find cotton …”

Extract from R. Clarkson’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 7 December 1862 from Columbus. Ohio “… there is growing disposition to have Ohio take care of herself, and the murmurs are by no means concealed that while the war is employing the machinery and capital of the Eastern States the West is left in the cold, with communication entirely cut off., the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad left almost criminally out of use and goods and freight of all descriptions lying on the sidings for want of cars and transportation. The loco foco element do not pour any oil on the troubled waters, but point to the fact that New England and New York and Pennsylvania are gaining all, and that the Northwest had better join the Southern Confederacy than see things continue this way …”

REEL 11

Dates: AprilSeptember 1863


• to and from Henry D. Cooke, in Washington DC. • to and from Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington DC. • from H. C. Fahnestock (“Farney”), Washington DC. • from Pitt Cooke, Cincinnati and Sandusky, relating to personal and financial issues. Pitt’s

letters are less frequent than in previous reels. On 22 April 1863, he reported the Cincinnati “ fivetwenty” loan agent being very busy and assuming this meant that Jay Cooke would be also, he resolved to keep his correspondence brief.

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• from R. Clarkson, Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia. On 28 May 1863 he reported an incident of attempted forgery in Eastern Pennsylvania.

• from W. J. Barney, Dubuque. • from W. S. Huntington, Cashier for Jay Cooke & Co., Washington DC. • from G. Harrington, Assistant Treasurer, Washington DC. • from G. R. Messersmith, Chambersburg. • fromW. G. Moorhead, Philadelphia. • from Eleutheros Cooke, Sandusky, Ohio. • from H. D. Moore, State Treasurer, Pennsylvania. • from H. Fisk, Fisk & Hatch Bond Agents, New York. • from A. S. Hatch, Fisk & Hatch Bond Agents, New York. • from Judge Hepburn, regarding Railroad business. • from J. Weir, Harrisburg. • from S. M. Davis, loan agent. See extract below. • from R. J. Parvin, Pastor at Gettysburg, with firsthand account of the battle. See extract

below. • from H. S. Getz. • from G. Scott, Cincinnati. • from H. M. Murray, Exchange Bank, Pittsburgh. • from S. Marks, Huron, regarding church matters.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between S. P. Chase, Henry Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding national loans, banking business and financial matters, especially the “fivetwenty” loan. The 520 loan dominates reels 11 and 12 with most correspondence relating to it. Key issues include:

• Jay Cooke’s mobilization of publicity through travelling agents, posters and newspapers. • The resulting demand outstrips the Treasury’s physical ability to supply e.g. on 1 April

1863 Henry Cooke at last welcomed the introduction of a third printing plate but still had to complain of long delays in fulfilment of their orders.

• Accusations of corruption and favouritism, especially from banking interests in New York who resent Jay Cooke & Co.’s appointment as the Treasury’s sole agents for the loan.

• S. P. Chase, in an attempt to defend accusations of corruption, and to create a better deal for the war effort consistently pushes Jay Cooke to keep control on the allocation of commission which is subagents use and the overall commission paid to Jay Cooke. A patriotic Jay Cooke strongly resents such accusations and what he sees as an extremely small commission package. See extracts below.

• The setting up of various National Banks. Henry Cooke elected president of the 1 st National Bank of Washington DC Jay Cooke placed on the board of the 1 st National Bank of Philadelphia. Large capital and share holdings held by Jay Cooke, Henry Cooke, W. G. Moorhead and H. C. Fahnestock.

• The Civil War; news from the front at Gettysburg and Washington DC coming under threat in June and July.

• Private land deals, trading and tax. • Church matters.

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Extract from R. Parvin’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 9 July 1863 from Gettysburg “… Scenes of suffering beyond description are around about this place. The wounded by hundreds and by thousands are lying in the woods and in their little shelter tents, & very many in the mud along the river bank. The Churches, Farmhouses Barns and Sheds etc. are full. The government are sending them away daily …”

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 14 May 1863 from Washington D.C. “… The governor sent for me yesterday evening about 5 o’clock; and I found him greatly excited by the pressure brought to bear upon him by parties wanting to sell bonds and get the ¼% commission. He said he was hit by very numerous – daily – complaints while on his Eastern trip because he had given you and the agents appointed by you “the monopoly” in selling the bonds; and on his return he was beset by letters of similar import. He says your agents have been indiscreet in letting the impression get out that they received ¼ commission that he had repeatedly told parties it was not so and that their commission was only ? …”

Extract from S. M. Davis’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 3 June 1863. No location is provided “… I fear the Secretary of the Treasury does not appreciate the effect produced through the Loyal States, by carrying out with the vigor you have, the program you adopted for making the 5 20 loan a popular one. I shall act on the assumption that he has good and sufficient reasons for the course he has taken and shall cooperate with you to the extent of my ability to carry the loan to another hundred million … whether I get a commission or not, for the little I make is as nothing compared to the good I think I am doing…for every dollar taken of this loan is not only a blow against the Rebellion, but is cementing the people by the tie of interest to the General Government …”

REEL 12

Dates: OctoberDecember 1863


• to and from Henry D. Cooke, in Washington DC. • to and from Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington DC. • to and from H. C. Fahnestock (“Farney”), Washington DC e.g. Fahnestock’s letter to Jay

Cooke on 20 October 1863 states that the Washington DC office had “sold all the Railroad stock held by the Philadelphia and Washington Houses” and then joked that Jay would not be charged commission as long as he forwarded his holiday photos!

• from Pitt Cooke, Sandusky, relating to personal and financial issues. • from R. Clarkson, Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia. • from W .J. Barney, Dubuque. • from W. S. Huntington, Cashier for Jay Cooke & Co., Washington DC. • from F .J. Loes, travelling agent, Cleveland, Milwaukee. See extract below. • from G. R. Messersmith, Chambersburg. • from H. C. Storms, travelling agent for Jay Cooke & Co., Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton,

Sandusky, Springfield, Bannersville and Lancaster. • from G. A. Bassett, travelling agent, Chicago, Indianapolis. • from W. B. Hubbard, travelling agent, Columbus. • from T. Shewell, travelling agent, Chicago.

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• fromW. I. Poulterer, travelling agent, Flint, Michigan, Detroit and Grand Rapids. See extract below.

• from C. Sherman, Quartermaster’s offices, Portsmouth, Virginia. • from J. Rambo, McGregor, Iowa, church matters. • from J. J. Cisco, Assistant State Treasurer, New York. • from Eleutheros Cooke, Sandusky, Ohio. • from H. D. Moore, State Treasurer, Pennsylvania. • from H. Fisk, Fisk & Hatch Bond Agents, New York. • from A. S. Hatch, Fisk & Hatch Bond Agents, New York. • from E. B. Judson, 1 st National Bank, Syracuse, New York. • from J. Weir, Harrisburg. • from S. M. Davis, loan agent, Philadelphia. • from M. F. Field, Assistant Secretary to the Treasury, Washington DC.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between S. P. Chase, Henry Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding national loans, banking business and financial matters, especially the “fivetwenty” loan. The 520 loan sales peaked on 2931 October 1863 with incredible daily figures. See extract below.

• Jay Cooke’s mobilization of publicity continued apace through travelling agents who provided regular updates on their progress. Newspapers were targeted not just for advertisements but also positive editorials. See extracts below.

• The continued growth and promotion of the National banking system. Jay Cooke’s support for the proposed setting up of the 4 th National Bank of New York and talks with English Bankers. Henry Cooke’s letter of 26 October 1863 highlights Jay Cooke’s strong reputation in England.

• The Civil War and the progress of the army under U.S. Grant. • Private land deals, trading and tax. • Family matters.

Extract from W. I. Poulterer’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 18 October 1863 from Flint, Michigan “… I left Detroit Friday Oct. 16. at 8 a.m. – spread circulars through the cars – arrived at Pontiac 9 ½ o’clock – visited the two banking houses, and opened to them the advantages of the National System, found both well disposed but short of capital – urged that they should promote the sale of 520s among friends and customers getting them to join their investments for the establishment of National Banks. Having made satisfactory progress with the bankers, I called on the Post Master and other officials and prominent men to enlist them in the Cause distributed circulars freely, and at 1 ½ 0’0 P.M. started in a hired conveyance for Romeo …”

Extract from F.S. Loes’ letter to Jay Cooke dated 21 October 1863 from Cleveland “… We have been here since Saturday night, the Convention adjourned today. As far as we have been able to see the proprietors and editors, who were represented but very slimly in this convention they seem to be mostly in favor for the position in question of our particular friend. Those who were decidedly favorable to our project have promised what we asked of them, and we will keep up a correspondence with them on the subject. We shall receive copies of their papers and will take care of them until we return to Philadelphia …”

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 31 October 1863 from

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Washington DC. “… At half past seven I am here at the office after the biggest days work on record – too tired to give you anything but a summary…the office was besieged inside and out. Scores had to wait and wait, although we had four subscription tables at full blast. Local sales to customers amounted to $1,800,000. Our orders from the west etc. were about $1,600,000 and the subscriptions from New York and Boston, Baltimore etc., were a trifle over $10,000,000, making a total of between 13 and 14 millions. We sold bonds until we had not a single bond left on hand …”

REEL 13

Dates: JanuaryMarch 1864


• to and from Henry D. Cooke, in Washington DC. • to and from Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington DC, especially Jay

Cooke’s long letter dated 16 January 1864 in which he outlines the success of the 520 loan but details why it should be stopped.

• to and from H. C. Fahnestock (“Farney”), Washington DC whose letters become more frequent from February 1864 through Henry Cooke’s ill health and subsequent trip to Europe.

• from Pitt Cooke, Sandusky, relating to personal and financial issues e.g. his letter dated 13 January 1864 in which he is annoyed at a tax decision by the Supreme Court of Iowa and states that “such is always the case in the new States of the West, where legislation is always changing”.

• from R. Clarkson, Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia. • from W. J. Barney, Chicago. • from W. S. Huntington, Cashier for Jay Cooke & Co., Washington DC. • from George S. Coe, president of American Exchange Bank, New York. His letter on 18

January 1864 highlights the need for the old State banks to establish a foothold in the National system.

• from G. R. Messersmith, Chambersburg. Banking and an interesting land deal between himself Jay Cooke, W. G. Moorhead and a Mr Biddle. See his letter to Jay Cooke dated 7 January 1864.

• from H. Murray, Pittsburgh. • from Mary Cooke, Sandusky on 12 January refers to Pitt’s ill health and being confined to

bed. • fromW. G. Moorhead, Philadelphia, especially his letter dated 8 January 1864 in which he

requests Jay Cooke use his influence with Governor Chase to allow the movement of another potential cotton deal in Florida.

• from S. M. Fellow, Philadelphia, Washington and Baltimore Railroad Co. His letter dated 18 January 1864 explains how they could take no responsibility following Jay Cooke’s complaint that his friends had missed their connection.

• from Jay Cooke to J. K. Moorhead dated 5 February 1864 complaining about the poor postal service.

• from L. Clark, Clarke & Dodge. • from Jesse Mann, East Greeenwich.

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• from Joshua Hann, Pittsburgh. • from W. Evans, London, England, Jay Cooke’s representative promoting government

bonds. • from Eleutheros Cooke, Sandusky, Ohio. • from Emma Mills, Sandusky. • from H. Fisk, Fisk & Hatch Bond Agents, New York, especially long letters to Jay Cooke

dated 13, 14 and 15 January 1864 regarding government loan business. • from H. Dyer. New York, Church matters. • from J. Weir, Harrisburg. • from Abel Beach, Washington. • from J. Sexton, J. Cooke & Co., Philadelphia. • from S. A. Bronson, Sandusky. His letter dated 21 January 1864 provided details of a new

chapel.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between S. P. Chase, Henry Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding national loans, banking business and financial matters. The 520 loan comes to an end and is heralded a great success, see extract below. Chase and the Jay Cooke disagree on whether to extend the loan period, with Chase eventually giving way. Its replacement, the 1040 loan, offered a lower return and Jay Cooke refused to participate as he did with the 520.

• The continued growth and promotion of the National banking system. Jay Cooke helps the financing of the 4 th National Bank of New York under the directorship of G. Opdyke.

• S. P. Chase’s desire to run against Lincoln in the Presidential elections is supported particularly by Henry Cooke, but it eventually comes to nothing. There were accusations that Chase’s relationship with Jay Cooke was a factor. See extracts below.

• The promotion of bond sales in England through W. Evans in London. • Private land deals, trading and tax. • Church matters,

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 4 March 1864 from Washington DC “… The Secretary will probably let the public understand shortly that he is not seeking a nomination against Mr. Lincoln. He is content to leave the choice to the people. If they prefer Lincoln he will make no effort to supplant him in that preference. If on the other hand they manifestly prefer him he would not feel at liberty to decline the nomination, if tendered …”

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 13 January 1864 from Washington DC “… the Govn. showed me an anonymous note reading (as near as I can remember, as follows ‘the action of the Philadelphia Union League in declaring for Lincoln is the result of your connection with Jay Cooke, such men as McMichael, Carey and others see through it’ … the Governor said that it was only one of many attempts, anonymous and open, of the same character …”

Extract from Jay Cooke’s letter to S. P. Chase dated 16 January 1864 from Philadelphia “… In conclusion allow me to congratulate you, upon the final success of this loan – a loan which in the option reserved by the government as to the time of payment, and consquent uncertainty of the period of the investment, presented to the purchaser a strongly objectionable feature, which at the outset materially distracted from its popularity, but which, not

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withstanding, has since met with a degree of popular favor never before accorded to any similar loan, in this or any other country …”

REEL 14

Dates: April–June 1864


• to and from H.C. Fahnestock (“Farney”), Washington DC who writes almost daily due to Henry Cooke’s absence from the Washington office. Pitt Cooke’s letters are also absent from this reel because he was too ill to write.

• to and from Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington DC. • from Jay Cooke to Henry Cooke in Europe, dated 14 April 1864. See extract below. • from W. B. Shattuck, advertising agent, New York. • from W .J. Barney, Chicago. • from W. S. Huntington, Cashier for Jay Cooke & Co., Washington DC. • from G. Opdyke, Director of 4 th National Bank of New York, appealing for Jay Cooke’s

help in sorting out serious boardroom problems. See letter dated 3 April 1864. • from G. R. Messersmith, Chambersburg. • from W. Vermilye, bankers and dealers in government securities, New York. • from J. Blackburn, to S. P. Chase and Jay Cooke concerning nickel mines on the shore of

Lake Heron. He includes letters from J. Wharton, J. Sheppard and C. Ogdens. The letters are dated between 15 March and 11 May 1864.

• fromW. G. Moorhead, Washington DC. • from J. Dallett, Philadelphia, complaining of the unfair privileges used by New York

dealers in the Gold market. See his letter dated 5 April 1864. • from J. K. Moorhead, Washington DC. • from L. Clark, Clarke & Dodge. • from. T. Chambers, New York. • from J. Rambo, Fayette, Iowa regarding Church matters. • from W. Evans, London, England, Jay Cooke’s representative promoting government

bonds. • from Eleutheros Cooke, Sandusky, Ohio. • from H. D. Moore, Philadelphia. • from J. J. Cisco, New York. • from H. Townsend, Waverly, Iowa, regarding church business. • from J. Weir, Harrisburg. • from B. J. Hannah, Washington DC. • from Albert Nicholay, Columbia Gold Mining Co., New York, offering stock options. See

letter dated 8 June 1864. • from R. A. Parrish, Philadelphia, see latter dated 8 April 1864 regarding potential land

deal. • from Z. Fuller, editor of United States journal, Philadelphia, who expresses his desire to

see S. P. Chase “on the road to the presidential chair” and states “who knows but one day Jay Cooke will be a member of his cabinet”. See his letter dated 27 May 1864.

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Key topics include:

• Correspondence between S. P. Chase, H. C. Fahnestock and Jay Cooke regarding national loans, banking business and financial matters. Continued concerns with the slow progress of the 1040 loan.

• Fluctuations in the gold market. With the high price of gold having a depreciating effect on the government’s paper money, Jay Cooke secretly enters the market, on Chase’s behalf, to sell off government gold reserves in order to force the price down. See extract below.

• The continued growth and promotion of the National banking system. Jay Cooke’s concerns about the upheaval at the 4 th National Bank of New York.

• S. P. Chase’s disagreements with Lincoln, particularly over the appointment of a new Assistant Treasurer in New York. Chase resigns on 29 June 1864. See extract below.

• The promotion of bond sales in England through W. Evans in London. • Private land deals, railroads, coal and nickel mines. • Church matters.

Extract from Jay Cooke’s letter to S. P. Chase dated 6 April 1864 from New York “… I have had interviews yesterday and today with Mr O [G. Opdyke] and with the investors & have conferred with the largest stockholders here as to the best course to pursue. – two sides to all questions – after looking all over the ground I decide that we were unfortunate in choice of Directors and President. Mr O really has a hard time of it but the fault lies not entirely with the Directors. They all have – it appears to me allowed childish and wicked feelings to distract the harmony of action & to jeopardise the best interest of this Bank and the National System…six out of the eight Directors went to the bank today prepared to dethrone Mr O …”

Extract from Jay Cook’s letter to Henry Cooke dated 14 April 1864 from New York “… I had my orders and you can see results of first days work – it opened at 89 – and closed off at 74 ½. I sold about 2 million … I have just left the 4 th National meeting and they voted to require Board and President to resign …”

Extract from Jay Cooke’s letter to S. P. Chase dated 30 June 1864 from Philadelphia “… For our dear country’s sake I am deeply pained to learn of your resignation. How may it be possible to leave the helm of finance in the midst of this great storm? The reasons must be mighty and all powerful! And knowing your patriotism and self sacrificing spirit I have certain confidence that these reasons will satisfy you God keep us!…”

REEL 15

Dates: JulySeptember 1864


• to and from H. C. Fahnestock (“Farney”), Washington DC. who writes almost daily due to Henry Cooke’s absence from the Washington office until early September. Interesting letters dated 10, 11 & 26 July and 4 August 1864 relate to fighting around Washington DC. Also Fahnestock’s views on slavery and the North’s war aims. See extract below. Fahnestock’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 12 September 1864 is also very

25

interesting in its defence of Henry Cooke’s financial acumen and role in the Washington banking house. Pitt Cooke’s letters are absent from this reel due to illness.

• to and from Salmon P. Chase, most notable regarding the shortcomings of his replacement as Secretary of the Treasury, W. P. Fessenden. See letter dated 3 August 1864.

• to and from Henry Cooke, Paris and Washington D.C. Henry’s letters of 28 July and 13 September 1864 promote the idea of European loans.

• from Jay Cooke to W. P. Fessenden, especially long letter dated 21 July 1864 making recommendations regarding the nation’s finances.

• from W. S. Huntington, Cashier for Jay Cooke & Co., Washington DC. • from G. R. Messersmith, Chambersburg, especially regarding the burning of

Chambersburg. See extract below. • from G. Scott, New York. • from T. Chambers, New York, especially letters dated 7 & 8 July promoting an investment

of $100,000 in an Indian estate. Chambers urged Cooke to visit the sight now he was “relieved from the necessity of daily helping your friend Chase”.

• from R. Remmington, advising that T. Chambers was not a man to trust. • from J. Rambo, Fayette, Iowa regarding Church matters. • from William Evans, London, England, Jay Cooke’s representative promoting government

bonds. • from A. Peacocke, P. Smith and J. Westward, Prisoner of War camp, Elmira, New York,

requesting clothing and tobacco. See letter dated 10 August 1864. • from H. D. Moore, Harrisburg, especially letter dated 4 August urging Jay Cooke to help

provide extra railroad cars for the coal mine at South Mountain in order to make up the losses in production following a strike.

• from J. B. Banking, office of North Clear Creek Gold & Sliver Mining Co., New York. • from W. J. Spencer, Vineland, New Jersey, regarding Trinity church appeal. • from Rev. H. Townsend, Waverly, Iowa, regarding church business. • from J. Weir, Harrisburg. • from J. Mills Kendwick, Put in Bay, regarding church matters. • from A. M. Kurn, Philadelphia, regarding church matters. • from J.K. Moorhead, Hassington.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between S. P. Chase, H. C. Fahnestock and Jay Cooke regarding national loans, banking business and financial matters. By 1 September the Treasury required $150,000,000 to pay 1.2 million troops. Fessenden’s loans and his financial ability are questioned. Fessenden requests Jay Cook’s advice but he does not get involved with Cooke as S. P. Chase did. See extracts below.

• Henry Cooke supports the proposal for European loans. • The Civil War. The fighting reaches Washington DC and the southern armies burn

Chambersburg. • President Lincoln’s request to see Jay Cooke on 12 August 1864 and three letters in

particular from H. C. Fahnestock dated 28 July, 16 & 19 August 1864 which reflect the debate over the North’s war aims, slavery and the clash of McClellan against Lincoln. See extract below.

• Private land deals, railroads, mines.

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• Church matters.

Extract from H. Fahnestock’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 23 July 1864 from Washington D.C. “… I have not been able to talk with G. H. [George Harrington, Assistant Secretary] today but have seen Fd. [Fessenden] may see former this evening. The appeal to the people is still on and the Secretary took it home with him this p.m. to further digest it. Meanwhile he remains at sea regarding many points of policy and I handed him his * recommendations in writing today. He discovers he’s not on a bed of roses and said to I today * ‘I wish the President would do some damned outrageous thing that would force me to resign’. Getting along fast, isn’t he? * Private! …”

Extract from Jay Cooke’s letter to S. P. Chase dated 20 September 1864 from Philadelphia “… He [Fessenden] expressed to me at our interview in Washington a sentiment that has hurt me ever since and to this effect: that he thought it right to say to me that he could not think of engaging in any business negotiations with our firms. As such matters had in the past been animadverted upon so constantly by the press and various parties disadvantageously to the Treasury (as I interpreted it) he thought it would be best to steer clear of anything that could be found fault with … I thought it cruel after all my hard night and day services, which as far as I know my heart was as disinterested and patriotic and pure as earth ever saw…”

Extract from G. R. Messersmith’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 31 July 1864 from Chambersburg “… It is with great sorrow I inform you that our beautiful town is a ruin…Personally I have lost everything and myself and my family barely escaped with our lives with nothing but clothing we had on. The wretches did not give us five minutes notice, but fired the entire circle of buildings in the diamond simultaneously. I know not what to do. I am appalled with the distress and ruin around me. My little family is scattered, the remaining part of the town is crowded to excess and what to do for the future I know not …”

Extract from H. Fahnestock’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 19 August 1864 from Washington DC “… I have received your scolding letter of yesterday … I hate slavery and regard its baneful influence upon Southern society as the root of all our troubles, yet it must be remembered that it is as old as the nation, and extends through every portion of every Southern state and underlies the whole industrial system and the social life of the community … I hate slavery. It is intrinsically wrong and disgraceful to the nation, yet in demolishing it we must be careful not to inflict a greater injustice upon its victims. Have you seen any extensive disposition in the northern states to invite negro settlement in the north? Do you think that even Massachusetts would relish an importation of 10, 000 of them? Will it not take along time to so care for the poor creatures that habits of systematic industry and self support can be taught them, and, during all this transition state, must not all that are freed become a great burden to their emancipators? Just now it is convenient to put them into our armies and make them do our fighting (and their own), but after a while they will have to be returned to civil life and its going to be no small undertaking. If I am coppery Mr Lincoln is. Dig up and read his letter to Horace Greely in ‘62when he said if he could save the Union with slavery he would do it, and if he could save the Union without slavery he would do it, and if he could save it half and half he would do it … now dear Jay , if the Union can be restored before we have entirely wiped out slavery let it be done for we can’t afford to fight a day longer than we absolutely must and after the war we want to harmonize and be brothers again just as soon as possible …”

REEL 16

27

Dates: October–December 1864


• to and from Henry Cooke, Washington DC. • to and from Salmon P. Chase, Cincinnati and Cleveland, especially regarding the

appointment of Chase to the position of Chief Justice. See Chase’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 16 November 1864 requesting support from his influential friends.

• to and from H. C. Fahnestock (“Farney”), Washington DC. • to and from W. P. Fessenden, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington DC. Most notable is

Fessenden’s letter of 18 November 1864, outlining what he wanted from Jay Cooke and M. Ketchum. This reel also contains Jay Cooke’s long official response of 19 November and the original draft that Jay Cooke has annotated in great detail.

• to and from Morris Ketchum, New York, competing with Jay Cooke for the major role as the Treasury’s bond agent.

• from H. D. Cooke to M. Ketchum, especially letter dated 26 November 1864. • from H. D. Cooke to S. P. Chase. See extract below. • from W. S. Huntington, Cashier for Jay Cooke & Co., Washington DC. • from G. R. Messersmith, New National Bank of Chambersburg. • from D. Crawford Jr., Clark & Dodge, New York. • from W. Liegerson, St Louis. His letter dated 7 November 1864 looked forward to the end

of the Civil War and predicted that “the great pacific railroad will be built”. • from T. Chambers, New York, especially letter dated 1 October 1864 promoting the

investment of $50100,000 in Oil. • from J. B. Bunting, J. B. Bunting & Co. Dealers in Metal and Tin Plates, New York,

regarding mineral rich land. • from W. S. Cadwallis, Philadelphia, Oil matters. • from William Evans, London, England. • from H. D. Moore, Treasury Department, Harrisburg, relating potential profits of his and

Jay Cooke’s coal mine investments. See extract below. • from J. W. Sexton, Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia. • from John A. Stewart, Treasury Department, Washington DC especially his letter to Jay

Cooke, dated 1 December 1864, in which he urges Jay to go to the capital to close his 7 30 negotiations because ‘K. [M. Ketchum] is laid out’.

• from H. P. Rutter, Office of Preston Coal Co., Philadelphia. • from Joseph Wharton, Camden Nickel Works, New York. • from J. B. Murray, petroleum company, New York. • from J. Gulliver, Philadelphia, who enclosed a prospectus for a ‘superior’ oil company.

See his letter dated 19 October 1964. • from L. E. Chittenden, Fisk & Hatch, New York. • from J. W. Schuckers, ex private secretary to S.P. Chase, Albany, New York, who made

a successful request for Jay Cooke to help fund him through Law School. • from G. Bassett, Washington D.C. regarding land and oil. • from J. Weir, the new National Bank of Harrisburg. • from J. Mills Kendwick, Put in Bay and Sandusky, regarding church matters. • from A. M. Bancroft, Hononk, regarding church matters.

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• from Jesse B. Mann, East Greenwich. • from Bishop Potter, Philadelphia. • from H. S. Getz. • from E. T. H. Gibson, New York.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between W. P. Fessenden, H. D. Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding national loans, banking business and financial matters. The Treasury required $2m per day to cover the war effort. See H. D. Cooke’s letter dated 10 October 1864. A new 520 loan issue is launched. Jay Cooke and Fessenden’s relationship is promoted by J.A. Stewart and Cooke takes on $3m of the new loan himself. See H. D. Cooke’s letter’s dated 7, 8 and 9 November 1864.

• The rivalry between the Houses of Jay Cooke and Maurice Ketchum to establish themselves as the Treasury’s sole agent for distributing the new loan. The negotiations are detailed in Henry Cooke’s letters to Jay Cooke dated 14, 24, 25, 26 and 28 November 1864.

• S. P. Chase’s appointment to the position of Chief Justice which is strongly promoted by the Cookes. See extract below.

• Jay Cooke receives many offers regarding private land deals, railroads, mines, oil, minerals and tax.

• The Civil War and Lincoln’s reelection. Henry Cooke continues to use his contacts in Washington to keep up to date with the progress of the war. See extract below.

• Church matters. • Death of Jay Cooke’s father, Eleutheros.

Extract from H. D. Cooke’s letter to S. P. Chase dated 22 November 1864 from Washington DC “… We have been taking steps to get an expression from home of our leading banks, and financial men, showing how your appointment would confirm and strengthen the govt.’s credit and the public confidence in the present system of National Banks, the currency and the revenue system etc. These are all your children and as Chief Justice of the Court of ultimate appeal, it is fact that no future effort to impair their validity and efficiency or to bring about upudiation of any point of the interest on our bonds …”

Extract from H. D. Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 20 October 1864 from Washington DC “… We enclose clip from our ‘Extra’ Evening papers which is authentic and fully reliable except that it didn’t tell quite the whole truth. The fact is that during Sheridan’s absence(he was here on Monday) Longstreet severely defeated his army – breaking up Gask’s cavalry and capturing twenty pieces of artillery – He was driving Sheridan’s forces (which were bewildered and demoralized in a perfect route towards the Potomac, when Sheridan met them, on his return from Washington. He at once stopped their stampede, massed them, put them ‘face about’, and hurling them with sudden impetuosity upon them…whipped them in detail, and before they could conciliate, they were a broken, flying mob. He retook the 23 guns, the prisoners etc. etc. hitherto captured from us and in addition 20 guns from Longstreet’s army, the 2000 prisoners, as reported, and at last accounts was in hot pursuit. This is reliable …”

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Extract from H. D. Moore’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 13 October 1864 from Harrisburg “… I am writing a few lines about Preston – My object is to say to you, that my confidence in the ultimate value of the stock is not only unimpaired, but strengthened, and to give you my reasons for it – I yesterday made a calculation of the probable proceeds of our property for the coming year from the 1 st of January next. And I want to show it to you to let you see what a valuable property we have got…We would yet get out 228, 000 ton – Our net profit per ton for the last few months was about $3.27 say $3 on 228, 000 ton this would be $684, 000 or more than 20 % of our Capital … without including the royalty from the mine we rent, and the income from the sale of lots … from this view of it you can understand why I have such implicit confidence in the value of the stock. I am told that some of the stock is offered at £35 in the market. If I had the money I would buy every dollars worth I could get at that price and even up to $40 …”

REEL 17

Dates: January 1865


• to and from Henry Cooke, Washington DC. • to and from H. C. Fahnestock (“Farney”), Washington DC, especially his letter dated 3

January which confirms the annual profit of the Washington house as $241,000. • to and from W. P. Fessenden, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington DC. See letter dated

28 January 1865 confirming Jay Cooke’s appointment as Treasury’s sole agent. • from Morris Ketchum, New York, competing with Jay Cooke for the major role as the

Treasury’s bond agent. See his letter to Jay Cooke dated 31 January 1865 in which he declines to participate in the new loan following his failure to secure a primary role in its administration.

• from Pitt Cooke, Sandusky, especially regarding the death of Eleutheros Cooke and his own ill health. See his letter to Jay Cooke dated 7 January in which his wife, Mary had to finish and 16 January in which he continues to discuss financial matters despite being bedridden.

• from Mary Cooke, Pitt’s wife, Sandusky. See her letter dated 14 January in which she describes the ‘oppresive pain’ in Pitt’s lungs.

• from Margaret G. McClellan, New York. See her letters dated 4, 13 and 26 January in which she is complaining about an administrative error in the issuing of her bond by Jay Cooke & Co.

• from G. Stewart, Christian Commission, Philadelphia. • from S. P. Chase, Cincinnati. • from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC. • from. T. Chambers, New York. • from F. H. Evans, London. • from G. S. Scott, New York. • from S. B. Caldwell, New York. • from H. D. Moore, Treasury Department, Harrisburg. • from T. Maclean, Philadelphia, promoting the cause of ‘colored’ people in Barbados who

want to emigrate back to Liberia, Africa.

30

• from J. Rambo, Fayette, Iowa. • from Morris Buchman, Philadelphia, especially his letter dated 17 January promoting

investment in lands ‘now that the government are well out of the woods’. • from J. K. Moorhead, House of Representatives, Washington DC. • from A. G. Miller, Farmers and Mechanics Bank, Shippensberg, Pennsylvania. See letter

dated 24 January in which he states that the bank will not be entering the National system. • from J. Camp, Louisville, Kentucky, regarding land issues. • from J. Weir, the new National Bank of Harrisburg. • from J. Mills Kendwick, Put in Bay, regarding church matters.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between W. P. Fessenden, H. D. Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding national loans, banking business and financial matters. Fessenden gives notice of his resignation in order to become a Senator, although he does not leave until March 1865. His eventual replacement, Hugh McCulloch, is discussed.

• The bond sales through the Treasury are not as successful as hoped and Fessenden appoints Jay Cooke as the official sole agent over M. Ketchum. See extracts below.

• Land and family matters. In particular, the ill health of Pitt Cooke and Henry Cooke’s son, Harry.

• Church matters. • Many letter’s of condolence following the death of Jay Cooke’s father.

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 12 January 1865 from Washington DC “… The subscription to the 730 loan today can only be $500,000. The Secretary is not satisfied with this, and says he will wait a few days longer, and then if there is no improvement or if they don’t come up to the mark, he will resort to the Agency. We want to get up a good showing in what we have done in getting subscription to the new 730s and 1040s through our two houses, and the National Banks of Philadelphia and Washington. In order that the statement may be complete, please send in the footing of the subscription of the Philadelphia national tomorrow without fail. We can make a bigger showing than any other two or three parties in the U.S …”

Extract from W. S. Fessenden’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 28 January 1985 from Washington DC “… Having this day been appointed the fiscal agent of this Department, you will prepare yourself to assume the duties of general agent for the disposition of the 7.30 loan, and commence your operations on the 1 st February next. The necessities of the treasury require that at least two millions of dollars shall be daily realized from the sale of 730 notes, and it is expected that, after sufficient time shall have elapsed to enable you to complete the arrangements, this sum will be the minimum amount of daily sales. When this loan was first put on the market, the several national deposit banks were made agents therefore, and the commission allowed was onefourth of one per cent … the department assuming all the expenses of advertising and otherwise necessary in making the loan known to the people. My expectations have not been realized, as a further stimulus all banks and banking associations and other persons or parties were invited to act as agents of this department, and the maximum

31

commission offered was increased to one half of one per cent. The amount of daily sales, I regret to say, falls short of the necessities of the treasury …”

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 20 January 1865 from Washington DC “… I can only send you a line today. I was up all last night with Harry – Laura and I worked over him as we would a cholera patient. His fever culminated and left him suddenly – He began to sink rapidly – his pulse almost gone, and cold at his extremities. We rubbed him with hot whiskey and forced some brandy down his throat, and this brought about a reaction – Thank God!!…”

REEL 18

Dates: February 1865


• to and from Henry D. Cooke, Washington DC. • to and from H. C. Fahnestock (“Farney”), Washington DC., especially regarding

complaints about commission rates. See extract below. • to and from W. P. Fessenden, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington DC. • from Pitt Cooke, Sandusky, regarding his health, land and Jay Cooke’s offer of Pitt

opening a New York office of Jay Cooke & Co. See letter dated 3 February. • from Mary Cooke, Pitt’s wife, Sandusky. See letters dated 5, 10 and 13 February. • from Michael Hennessy, editorial rooms, New York Times, keen to promote Jay Cooke

and the government loans. See extract below. • from Alfred Galliner, West Chester, especially his letter dated 9 February regarding the

cost of advertising space. • from C. R. Cornwell, New York, promoting Newspapers in support of Jay Cooke. • from Samuel Wilkeson, journalist and promoter of the 730 loan and Jay Cooke,

New York Tribune. • from Fisk & Hatch, New York. See letter dated 1 February in which they report that ‘we

are with you heart and soul in the seventhirty arrangement’. • from G. S. Bowdon, New York. His letter dated 7 February is a typical response from

many bond agents happy to comply with Jay Cooke’s terms and conditions to selling the 7 30 loan.

• from H. C. McCulloch, Treasury Department, Washington DC, with a copy of P. H. Myers & Co.’s letter complaining about commission rates given to them compared with Jay Cooke’s preferred subagents. See letter dated 10 February.

• from P. Barker, 1st National Bank, New Bedford, complaining about commission rates in letter dated 27 February.

• from D. Crawford Jr., Clarke & Dodge, New York. • from W. M. Vermilye, Banker and Dealer in Government securities, New York. • from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC, especially his letter dated 27

February in which he complains that ‘oilmen’ are using his name as their agent. • from. T. Chambers, New York. • from J. W. Sexton, Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia.

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• from G. B. Smith, Detroit, promoting a fair for aiding ‘freedmen and other refugees from the South’. See his letter dated 6 February.

• from H. D. Moore, Treasury Department, Harrisburg, offering his services to Jay Cooke in the promotion of the 730s.

• from F. H. Evans, London, promoting to Jay Cooke the potential for a London ‘European House’ of Jay Cooke & Co.

• from Isaac H. Steever, travelling agent, New York. • from H. C. Storms, travelling agent, Cincinnati. • from G. A. Bassett, Committee of Ways & Means, House of Representatives, Washington

DC. See letter dated 24 February regarding the potential drugging of his brother. • from J. K. Moorhead, Washington DC. • from J. A. Stewart, Treasury Department, Washington DC. • from D. H. Rust, New York, regarding a silver mine in California. • from J. Hough, Indiana Land Company. • from J. Weir, the new National Bank of Harrisburg. • from Jesse B. Mann, East Greenwich. • from Rev. H. Townsend, Waterloo, Iowa. • from H. Dyer, New York, church matters • from G. H. Halin, on behalf of Pitt Cooke and the Sandusky Petroleum Oil & Mining Co.

on 2 February. • from Mr Noarse, Washington DC, regarding land on 2 February. • from R. Irvine, Philadelphia.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between H. D. Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding national loans, banking business and financial matters. As newly appointed sole agent for the 730 loan, the Cookes relaunch the publicity machine which they used to promote the 520 loan. National banks, travelling agents, circulars and in particular the Press are all used to push the loan. S. Wilkeson was hired by Jay Cooke, from the New York Tribune on a salary of $6,000. See Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 6 February 1865.

• The sale of the bonds becomes a great success. In the seven months prior to Jay Cooke’s appointment $133m of bonds were issued. The six months after Jay Cooke’s appointment saw the issue of $830m. The initial success of the bonds can be seen in Henry Cooke’s letters dated 15, 16 and 17 February 1865. See extract below.

• Commission issues continued to between the Secretary of the Treasury and Jay Cooke, and in turn between Jay Cooke and his subagents. See extract below.

• Land and family matters. In particular, the ill health of Pitt Cooke. • Church matters.

Extract from H. C. Fahnestock’s telegram to Jay Cooke dated 11 February 1865 from Philadelphia “… Tenth New York, Central Cincinnati and Fremont Boston, asking better terms. In order to quiet dissatisfaction, everywhere growing out of injudicious allowances of past occasions, I think you should consider at once policy of allowing measure to all banks selling specific sum, say $2m per month …”

Extract from Michael Hennessy’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 13 February 1865 from New York

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“… Financial men here are pleased to say that my articles in it [the Union newspaper] are well adapted to promote the interests of the Government, which is my main design in writing them. I would ask you to read them, if you should have time to do so, but I fear you have too many other and more important duties to attend to. The Union circulates to the extent of 1518,000 copies in Brooklyn, and freely in financial circles here. I mention my connection with it to you in confidence. If it were known who writes its money editorials, the writer would be less at liberty to ‘speak out’ …”

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 15 February 1865 from Washington DC “… Horace Greeley [editor of New York Tribune] came in to see us today and sat for over an hour. He was very curious to know how we got up the furore and I showed him our circulars, hand bills, advertisements, etc., etc., and explained the whole system to him … He asked a good many questions about this and I am sure got a full insight into the glorious workings and results of the popular agency system. He said at the close of our talk ‘If you succeed, as you will, you will save the government at least half a million dollars a day in its purchases,’ and he promised the earnest and cordial aid and support of the Tribune in the good work …”

REEL 19

Dates: March 1865


• to and from Henry Cooke, Washington DC. • to and from H. C. Fahnestock (“Farney”), Washington DC. • to and from Hugh C. McCulloch, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington DC. • from Pitt Cooke, Sandusky and Washington, especially letters dated 8 and 9 March

outlining an invitation from General J.K. Moorhead from the Cooke family to join him and General Grant on a steamer provided by the Secretary of War.

• from Michael Hennessy, editorial rooms, New York Times, keen to promote Jay Cooke and the government loans.

• from Whitelaw Reid. See his long letter dated 23 March which detailed his investigation into charges against J. O’Conner and the 4 th National Bank, Pittsburgh. Various witness statements are included alleging the payment of commissions to individuals purchasing 7 30s.

• from J. O’Conner, President of 4 th National Bank, Pittsburgh. Several letters which protest his good character, citing General Moorhead as a friend, and desire to continue in the business following corruption allegations.

• from Samuel Wilkeson, New York, Boston, Lavell. His letters are numerous, entertaining and outspoken. See extract below.

• from Fisk & Hatch, New York. • from D. Crawford Jr., Clarke & Dodge, New York. • from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC. • from. T. Chambers, New York. • from J. W. Sexton, Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia. • from Julian Jones, Philadelphia. • from H. D. Moore, Treasury Department, Harrisburg, regarding the price of Gold. • from F. H, Evans, London.

34

• from W. Evans, London. • from Isaac Steever, travelling agent, Colombia, Harrisburg, Shippensberg. • from H. C. Storms, travelling agent, Ohio. • from A. Robb, travelling agent, Meadville and Pittsville Pennsylvania. • from E. Sacket, travelling agent, Wisconsin. See letter dated 8 March in which he requests

$15 per day expenses and regularly provides details of banks visited. • from Julian Brewers, travelling agent, Baltimore. • from E. Rowana, travelling agent, Kentucky and Louisville, reporting delays in receiving

bonds. • from J. K. Moorhead, Washington DC. • from J. A. Stewart, Treasury Department, Washington DC. • from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia. • from J. W. Schuckers, Albany, New York. • from J. W. Weir, the new National Bank of Harrisburg. • from S. M. Pettengill, Newspaper advertising agency, New York. • from H. Dyer, New York, church matters. • from E. Wheelan, Philadelphia. See his letter dated 2 March acknowledging receipt of

$30,000 in 1040 coupons, for the foundation of the professorship in the school of the Protestant Episcopalian Church, under the conditions named by Jay Cooke.

• from J. Rambo, Fayette, regarding church matters.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between H. McCulloch, H.D. Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding national loans, banking business and financial matters. Gold prices and bond sales fell heavily in mid March due largely to an expected end to the Civil War. Jay Cooke was authorized by the new Secretary of the Treasury to secretly buy gold and their own bonds with underwritten government funding to prop up the value of gold and demand for bonds. See in particular correspondence between numerous parties dated 1622 March. See extract below.

• The Continued promotion of the loan through the press and numerous travelling agents who regularly reported back on their progress.

• Commission issues continued to between the Secretary of the Treasury and Jay Cooke, and in turn between Jay Cooke and his subagents.

• Land and family matters. • Church matters.

Extract from S. Wilkeson’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 3 March 1865 from New York “… I can’t get out of these Seven Thirty Wall St. men, more than monosyllables chucked in between scrutiny of notes, receiving of whispered communications, sending of messages, conferences with copartners, signing of papers, and all the perfectly absorbed work of their half insane life. Very polite, very willing, but wholly unable to command their time. And Mr Cooke, I have found out that the whole crowd of them put together don’t know as much as you and Fahnestock about the business, nor half as much as you about the resources of the nation …”.

Extract from H. McCulloch’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 21 March 1865 fromWashington DC

35

“… In order to arrest the further decline of government securities which under what appears to be a panic, caused by the rapid depreciation in the price of coin, threatens to derange the financial plans of this Department by stopping the subscriptions to the seventhirties I hereby authorize you to purchase fivetwenty and tenforty bonds and seventhirty notes in such proportions, not exceeding in the aggregate ten millions of dollars … I have authorized the Asst. Treasurer to redeem from you such an amount of these securities as you may wish to have so redeemed upon an invoice being presented him therefore at the rates which you have been compelled for them. You will use the utmost discretion in making these purchases and it is expected that, through the earnest cooperation of such of your several agents in New York as you may confide this matter to, the objects in view may be accomplished without the expenditure of the whole sum thus authorize … The utmost caution must be observed to prevent the fact of the government agency in this matter being known to the public. Two millions in currency will be transmitted to New York by this evening’s express and other amounts will follow as may be necessary …”

REEL 20

Dates: April 1865


• to and from Henry Cooke, Washington DC. • to and from H. C. Fahnestock (“Farney”), Washington DC. See correspondence between 2

and 4 April which relate the fall of Richmond, surrender of General Lee and the following celebrations: “all Washington was drunk yesterday. You never saw the like of it anywhere”.

• from Jay Cooke to S. P. Chase dated 22 April regarding the ‘terrible events of the past few days’ from Philadelphia.

• letters to and from Hugh McCulloch, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington DC. • from Pitt Cooke, New York and on board a steamer in the ‘Caribbean sea’, en route to San

Francisco. See 20 page letter dated 29 April 1865. • from Whitelaw Reid, Hamburg. • from J. O’Conner, President of 4 th National Bank, Pittsburgh. Several letters outlining the

progress of business at the bank. See letter dated 1 April in which he requests Jay Cooke to recommend a new Cashier following the resignation of his own due to a ‘lack of courage and backbone’ to cope with demand.

• from Samuel Wilkeson, New York, His letters are numerous, entertaining and outspoken. See extract below.

• from Fisk & Hatch, New York. • from D. Crawford Jr., Clarke & Dodge, New York. • from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC. • from. T. Chambers, New York. • from J. W. Sexton, Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia. • from J. U. Orvis, 9th National Bank, New York. • from H. D. Moore, Treasury Department, Harrisburg. • from F. H. Evans, London. • from P. Dorvis, New York, promoting 520s in France.

36

• from J. Tucker, Commission merchant, Paris , France. His letter dated 1 December 1864 was forwarded by G. W. Fahnestock on 11 April 1865, to H. C. Fahnestock looking for business when the war is over.

• from Isaac Steever , travelling agent, Colombia, Harrisburg, Shippensberg. • from H. C. Storms, travelling agent, Dayton Columbus, Ohio, and Parkesburg, Virginia. • from A. Robb, travelling agent, Indianapolis and La Fayette. • from E. Sacket, travelling agent, Milwaukee. See letter dated 8 March in which he requests

$15 per day expenses and regularly provides details of banks visited. • from Julian Brewers, travelling agent, Rockville and Washington DC. • from E. Rowana, travelling agent, Kentucky and Louisville. • from M. Field, Assistant Secretary to the Treasury, Washington DC. • from J. A. Stewart, Treasury Department, Washington D.C. • from P. C. Calhoun, President of 4 th National Bank, New York. • from J. H. Miller, travelling agent, Cincinnati.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between H. C. McCulloch, H. D. Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding national loans, banking business and financial matters. Commission and market speculation remained high on the agenda, especially after Lincoln’s assassination.

• Fall of Richmond, Surrender of General Lee, and the Assassination of President Lincoln. The Washington house forwarded the last cheque issued by them to John Wilkes Booth (Lincoln’s assassin) to Jay Cooke. A copy is included in this reel.

• Lincoln is replaced by Andrew Johnson, which heralded further political machinations as highlighted by Henry Cooke on 17 and 18 April 1865.

• The Continued promotion of the loan through the National banking system, the press and numerous travelling agents who regularly reported back on their progress.

• Church matters.

Extract from S. Wilkeson’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 1 April 1865 from New York “… Mr Greeley is dead ’agin’ the holding up by Government of the price of Gold. He declares it to be unlawful in fact, impolite in finance, unjust to agriculture and all interests which suffer from high wages and that it will accomplish nothing in the end but an interference … Mrs Lincoln is reported here as saying that Grant promised Olde Abe yesterday that he should be in Richmond in 48 hours …”

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 15 April 1865 from Washington DC “… A night of horrors and a day of impenetrable gloom! I was aroused in my sleep last night about half past one o’clock by the fearful tidings of murder and assassination. Huntington came over to tell me the President was dying and that Seward and his son Frederick, the assistant secretary, were not expected to live till morning. I slept but little after he had gone. I cannot dwell upon the details of this stupendous tragedy. The newspapers will tell you all about them … Facts enough are already developed to show that there was an organized conspiracy to assassinate the President and his whole cabinet, together with the VicePresident. The murderer of the President was Booth beyond all doubt. He is in custody, although the fact is kept from the public for fear of violence. Johnston was sworn in this morning by Chief Justice Chase in the presence of McCulloch, Dennison and Speed …”

37

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to jay Cooke dated 17 April 1865 from Washington DC “… A violent effort is being made by an immensely strong combination, embracing all the radicals, to oust the President’s cabinet root and branch. We – that is, Colfax, Defrees, Wilkeson, Huntington, Thurlow Weed, myself and others – have (judiciously) blocked the game, at least for the present; and in any event I think there is no doubt of McC.s [McCulloch] being retained. It is a fight between the two factions – the radicals and the conservatives – and fortunately for McC. He has not been a politician enough to be obnoxious to either party … Great confidence is shown in the new President, who has displayed admirable qualities in his new position already. We haven’t been idle, but have kept in the background. In any event, our agency will not be disturbed …”

Publisher's Note - Parts 2 to 5

The years between 1843 and 1874 witnessed many important changes in American life and society. In the Civil War the Union was tested and survived. In 1865 the Thirteenth Amendment was passed abolishing slavery. The Reconstruction Acts and the Fourteenth Amendment paved the way for universal manhood suffrage (excepting Native Americans) and wider access to public office. Railroads opened up the West and led to the rapid development of towns and cities along their routes. The first transcontinental railway was completed in 1869, symbolically linking the nation.

The Papers of Jay Cooke show how many of these developments were bound up with commerce, from his successful handling of the sale of 'seven-thirty' Treasury notes which helped to bankroll the Union war effort, to his speculations on distant lands and railroads, fuelled by the promises of land agents.

At the heart of the collection is a remarkable body of letters, mainly between Jay Cooke, the great financier, in Philadelphia and his brothers Henry, in Washington, DC, and Pitt, in New York. Henry was famous for his lavish entertaining of politicians and newspapermen and his letters provide valuable insights into lobbying practices. Pitt's correspondence enables scholars to see the web of contacts connecting the main financial centres of Gilded Age America.

There are also many letters from:

Henry C Fahenstock (Henry's partner in Washington) Salmon P Chase (Lincoln's Secretary of the Treasury and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court) John Russell Young and Samuel Wilkeson of the New York Tribune Senator John Sherman William E Chandler (Treasury official, Republican operative, and paid lobbyist for Cooke's interests) W J Barney (Western Land Agent based in Chicago) J W Weir of the Harrisburg National Bank H Durant (Vice President, Union Pacific Railroad) W B Sloan (Attorney and Land Agent in Ohio) W C Ralston of the Bank of California W L Banning of the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Company, St Paul E P Smith of the American Missionary Association, working among coloured people in Atlanta W L Bancroft of the Port Huron and Lake Michigan Railroad Company J K Moorhead from the House of Representatives George B Sargent (Banker and Land Agent in Duluth) Robert Schenck (head of the House Ways and Means Committee and, thanks to the well-documented lobbying of the

Cookes, Minister to England) This is an important collection of papers for all those interested in US History during the American Civil War, Reconstruction and Gilded Age periods, with much on American Economic History and Westward Expansion.

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REEL 21 Box 17 Folders 1-14 1-25 May 1865 REEL 22 Box 17 Folders 15-17 26-31 May 1865 Box 18 Folders 1-11 June 1865 REEL 23 Box 19 Folders 1-12 July 1865 REEL 24 Box 20 Folders 1-9 August 1865 REEL 25 Box 21 Folders 1-13 September - October 1865 REEL 26 Box 22 Folders 1-17 November - December 1865 REEL 27 Box 23 Folders 1-9 January 1866 REEL 28 Box 23 Folders 10-16 February 1866 Box 24 Folders 1-9 March 1866 REEL 29 Box 24 Folders 10-17 April 1866 Box 25 Folders 1-5 1-12 May 1866 REEL 30 Box 25 Folders 6-13 13-31 May & 1-15 June 1866 Box 26 Folders 1-4 16-30 June 1866 REEL 31 Box 26 Folders 5-13 July 1866


Box 27 Folders 1-4 1-15 August 1866 REEL 32 Box 27 Folders 5-13 16-31 August & 1-13 September 1866 Box 28 Folders 1-4 14-30 September 1866 REEL 33 Box 28 Folders 5-13 October 1866 Box 29 Folders 1-4 1-16 November 1866 REEL 34 Box 29 Folders 5-8 18-31 November 1866 Box 30 Folders 1-9 December 1866 REEL 35 Box 31 Folders 1-14 January & 1-12 February 1867 REEL 36 Box 32 Folders 1-14 13-28 February & 1-26 March 1867 Box 33 Folders 1-2 27-31 March 1867 REEL 37 Box 33 Folders 3-13 April & 1-10 May 1867 Box 34 Folders 1-6 11-31 May 1867 REEL 38 Box 34 Folders 7-15 June & 1-12 July 1867 Box 35 Folders 1-12 13-31 July & 1-20 August 1867 REEL 39 Box 35 Folders 13-15 21-31 August 1867 Box 36 Folders 1-15 September-October 1867 REEL 40 Box 37 Folders 1-18 November-December 1867


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1

CIVIL WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION: THE MAKING OF MODERN AMERICA Series One: The Papers of Jay Cooke (18211905) from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania Part 2: General Correspondence, May 1856December 1867

DETAILED LISTING


REEL 21

Dates: 125 May 1865


• to and from Henry Cooke (HDC), Sandusky and Washington DC. Letters of the 5 and 9 May relate the success of the loan, exclaiming “What glorious subscriptions. Truly God has blessed our work”. On 18 May exSecretary Fessenden is criticised for budgeting $150m short for payments on maturing bond certificates, and on 20 May he urges Jay Cooke to come to Washington DC for a “good friendly chat” with Hugh McCulloch to discuss the terms of the third series of the 730 loan.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Farney”), Washington DC. See letters dated 1, 2, 12 and 17 May, which report large bond sales, debate with McCulloch over commission rates for the third series of 730s, and allegations that Jay Cooke’s old associate A. J. “Tony” Drexel was actively criticising Cooke and putting himself forward to the Secretary of the Treasury as a more competitive candidate as a bond salesman.

• from Michael Hennessy, New York Times. See his letter of 8 May describing “evidences of my attention to duty” and how he made $972 from selling bonds that Jay Cooke provided in the form of options, which he did for many key journalists.

• from Jay Cook to Hugh McCulloch, Secretary of the Treasury. See letter dated 18 May from Philadelphia strongly refuting an attack on his financial conduct and his relationship with the Treasury. The article is included and has been annotated by Cooke with lines like “How silly!”, “what a lie!”, “this is all false” and “too silly to comment upon”.

• from Pitt Cooke and Judge E. B. Sadler, San Francisco, promoting the 730 loan and Jay Cooke & Co. in California. See letter dated 12 May.

• from J. W. Schuckers, New York. Having qualified as a lawyer, part funded by Jay Cooke, he moves to New York, which he describes as “dreadfully dirty and noisy”, to set up a promotional office for Jay Cooke & Co. with John Russell Young. See letters dated 5, 10, 22 and 23 May.

• from W. A. Collard & Co., Cincinnati, relating commission payments in return for advertising. See extract below.

• from H. A. Heiser & Sons, New York. Following complaints from Fisk and Hatch they relate why they were offering higher commission rates. See extract below.

• from Fisk & Hatch, New York. Moved offices, reported large bond sales and raised concerns over the commission issue. See letters dated 5 and 6 May.

• from D. Crawford Jr., Clarke & Dodge, New York. • from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC. • from. T. Chambers, New York.

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• from J. W. Sexton, Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia, especially his reporting of strong loan sales. On 2 May he wrote “I have reported sales $5,231,100; afraid to go too high to scare the monied people, but the actual sales were $6,500,000 … at this rate the whole loan will be taken in a few weeks”.

• from T. Stanwood, 1 st National Bank Cincinnati, complaining of the inconsistencies in commission payments. See letters dated 8 and 16 May.

• from H. W. Graydon, Harrisburg, regarding legal matters, stating that Jay Cooke wanted the case concerned “shoved off”. See his letter to Fahnestock on 3 May and to Jay Cooke on 5 May.

• Richard Randolph, New Orleans. • from W. L. Souther, travelling agent, Davenport and Cedar Falls, relating commission

and promotion issues. See letter dated 1 May. • from J. W. Weir, Harrisburg National Bank. • from Isaac Steever, travelling agent, . • from H. C. Storms, travelling agent, Cincinnati, relating commission worries. See letter

dated 1 May. • from A. Robb, travelling agent, Indianapolis, La Fayette, Crawfordsville, and Plymouth,

Indiana. Reports on the condition of land, crops and wood. • from E. Sacket, travelling agent, Berlin, Wisconsin and Chicago. • from C. G. Galloway, travelling agent, Rockford. • from E. Rowana, travelling agent, Louisville and Clarksville, relating the opportunity and

effort of promoting the 730 loan to troops remaining in the army and those being discharged after the Civil War. See printout below.

• from M. Field, Assistant Secretary to the Treasury, Washington DC. • from J. A. Stewart, Assistant Treasurer, New York. See letter dated 15 May in which he

shares Jay Cooke’s concerns over the payment criteria of the third series of the 730 loan.

• from. Jesse B. Mann, East Greenwich. • from W. C. Ralston, Cashier, Bank of California, San Francisco. • from John Russell Young, New York. • from C. C. Norvell, New York Times. • from A. G. Hammond, President of National Exchange Bank, Hartford, complaining that

the terms of the third series of the 730 loan were not as competitive as previous series. See letter dated 18 May.

• from J. S. Tryon, Cashier, 1 st National Bank Hartford, also complaining that the terms of the third series of the 730 loan were not as competitive as previous series. See letter dated 18 May.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between H. D. Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock and Jay Cooke regarding national loans, banking business and financial matters. Especially the large upsurge in sales of the 730 bonds. The second series of $300m was completed on 13 May in 30 working days. The press, national banks and travelling agents continued to be used to promote sales. Pitt Cooke was sent to California, and arrangements were made to set up a promotional agency in New York through J. W. Schuckers and John Russell Young, of the New York Tribune. The large numbers of soldiers returning from the Civil War were particularly targeted. See extract below.

3

• The ongoing debate over commission payments is particularly prominent in this reel. Previously, the smaller agents had complained of receiving lower payments than the larger organizations, which were paid more to cover advertising costs. Jay Cooke’s move to create greater parity only brought complaints from his large agents. The number of parties involved in the loan issue made regulation very difficult. See extracts below.

• Jay Cooke was appointed the government’s agent for the third series of the loan but there was much debate over the terms on which the loan should be offered.

• Other topics include, church, legal and land matters.

Extract from E. Rowana’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 3 May 1865 from Clarksville “… South of Nashville there is little business doing except that connected with the government, but all the towns are largely garrisoned with troops, and in anticipation of their early payment, I considered it important that they should all be visited, and informed of the advantages of the loan Being unable to visit all the points myself previous to the anticipated pay day, I took the liberty of engaging the services of Lieut. Gillis of Ohio, lately mustered out of service, and well acquainted with the different commands … I was pleased to find many farmers in the Southern part of the State preparing their grounds and planting cotton and corn, and wish a good season, quite a fair crop will be made …”

Extract from H. A. Heiser & Son’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 6 May 1865 from New York “… Our advertisement allowing ‘1/4 per cent. Commission to all investors’ will be withdrawn after today. It was with deep regret that we felt ourselves compelled to offer an allowance to investors and to raise an issue between ourselves and one who was doing so much for our country as yourself. But when you refused to grant our application for the agency on the same terms as other leading bankers here had it, and which were the only terms on which we could make anything out of it, as our business was altogether in supplying banks and brokers, and we could not sell at 3/8 off and make a profit if you would not allow us the ½ we felt compelled to offer such inducements to investors as would induce them to give us a call…”

Extract from W. A. Collard’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 6 May 1865 from Cincinnati “… The First National Bank and the Fourth also, promise us, with you consent, to allow us the ½% commission here We requested this because our capital is hardly sufficient to enable us to keep the requisite supply of 730s on hand if we had to procure them from Philadelphia. Except the National Banks we have advertised them more than any house in town. Half the brokers here never have advertised them, and have received the 3/8 commission alike. We have a conspicuous office, and now have your larger placard “The People’s SevenThirty Loan”, pasted in the middle of a plane of glass 6½ by 10 feet …”

REEL 22

Dates: 2630 May30 June 1865


• to and from Henry Cooke (HDC), Washington DC, especially regarding Henry Cooke’s long standing debts to a man in California called Naglee. See extract below. Henry’s letters dated 17 and 19 June relates his and McCulloch’s views on the strong reaction to S. Wilkeson’s article on the national debt.

4

• from Pitt Cooke, San Francisco, promoting the 730 loan and Jay Cooke & Co. in California. In his letter dated 26 May he relates his clashes with D.W. Cheesman, Assistant Treasurer of San Francisco. H. D. Cooke describes the latter’s reprimand from H. McCulloch on 29 May. Also, see letter dated 16 June in which Pitt describes negotiations with Naglee regarding H. D. Cooke’s east coast debts.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Farney”), Washington DC, especially regarding Henry Cooke’s debts. See letter dated 15 June.

• to and from, 1 st National Bank New Orleans. Following a report from Richard Randolph, Jay Cooke addressed the bank on 29 May with a strong rebuke for failing to accept subscriptions and promote the government loans. They replied on 19 June with accusations about the conduct of agent Randolph.

• from J. W. Schuckers, New York. He relates the progress of the new promotions office (see extract below) and his own problems on 5 June when he once again has to humbly request more funds from Jay Cooke.

• from Mary Lincoln (widow of Abraham) to a Mr. Newton (copy). See extract below. • from Samuel W. Wilkeson, proCooke Journalist, Philadelphia and New York. Numerous

letters and telegrams throughout the reel, following the release of his article “Our National Debt a National blessing”. “Listen for thunder” he wrote to Jay Cooke on 14 June. See other letters dated 16, 17, 19 and 20 June.

• from Fisk & Hatch, New York, regarding the money markets and gold speculation. See letter dated 30 May.

• from D. Crawford Jr., Clarke & Dodge, New York. • from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC. • from. T. Chambers, New York. Land offers. • from J. M. Lansby, College Journal, Rutland, offering advertising space to Jay Cooke,

“observing you advertise the 730 loan in almost every paper.” • from J. U. Orvis, 9 th National Bank New York, offering advertising space on behalf of

the “Dry Goods Report”. • from H. W. Graydon, Harrisburg, regarding legal matters. • from Richard Randolph, New Orleans and Montgomery, Alabama. • from M. M. Hillwell, Relief Association for Union refugees. • from D. Brown Jr., Philadelphia & Norristown Telegraph, proposing a private telegraph

line between Jay Cooke’s offices in Philadelphia and New York. 5 June. • from J. W. Weir, Harrisburg National Bank, especially his letter dated 10 June including

various illustrations of nineteenth century American scenes. • from H. C. Storms, travelling agent, Dayton and Cleveland. • from A. Robb, travelling agent, South Bend and Evansville. • from E. Sacket, travelling agent, Chicago, Milwaukee. • from J. Edgar Zug, travelling agent, Lewie, Delaware. • from W. W. White, travelling agent, Detroit, Chicago and Clinton, Iowa, pushing the

sales of bonds to soldiers. See letters dated 23 and 24 June. • from J. Pittenger, Tiffin, Ohio (?) reporting on the condition of crops. See letter dated 6

June. • from E. Rowana, travelling agent, Louisville, relating the arrangements to pay troops

with the 730 loan issue. See letter dated 17 June. • from M. Field, Assistant Secretary to the Treasury, Washington DC. • from J. A. Stewart, Assistant Treasurer, New York. • from W. J. Barney, New York, referring to numerous acres of Jay Cooke’s land in

Chickasaw. See letter dated 8 June.

5

• from G. B. Sargent, New York, regarding the prospect of Oil in Canada and requesting a loan from Jay Cooke to buy the land concerned. See letter dated 8 June.

• from John Russell Young, New York, especially 2, 14 and 16 June, relating to setting up night offices, cost of placing articles and promoting bond sales to soldiers. Also included is his letter to Sam Wilkeson dated 6 June.

• from C. C. Norvell, New York Times. • from H. Dyer, Bible House, New York. • from W. B. Shattuck, New York. • from Wilmerding, Cornwell & Heckscher, New York.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between H. D. Cooke, and Jay Cooke regarding national loans, banking business and financial matters. The third series of the 730 loan was not as successful as the others and there was much market speculation. Henry and Jay Cooke considered McCulloch’s proposition of leading a consortium to buy up American securities in Europe. See letters dated 2730 May.

• Henry Cooke was under pressure to relieve himself of large debts he had accrued in California. Both his brothers helped to sort out the problem. See extract below.

• The press, national banks and travelling agents continued to be used to promote sales. The New York agency started work through the auspices of J. W. Schuckers, John Russell Young and I. Steever. They concentrated on newspapers and the setting up of night offices to make the loan more available to shift and manual workers. See extract below.

• S. Wilkeson’s article “The National Debt a National Blessing” was written on Jay Cooke’s behalf and carried his name. However, Wilkeson’s lively style caused much debate and reaction.

• Other topics include, church, legal and land matters.

Extract from Mary Lincoln’s letter to Mr. Newton dated 26 May 1865 from Chicago “…We arrived here in safety on Wednesday at noon, wearied in body and very sick at heart, as you may well imagine. If our merciful Father, when He allowed, my Beloved Husband to have been removed, had only permitted my own worthless life, to have been taken, I feel assured, from the future of sorrow and privation, which is unmistakably before us, much anguish would have been spared me … Dr Henry left here this morning for Springfield, he says, it is just as he feared here, not the least sign of anything being done for us & we not able to board at a first class house! Dear Mr. Newton, what a sad change for us; without my darling Husband in this world, and reduced after occupying the station we did! If we had him with us again, a crust would be sufficient for me. As it is, it is humiliating for us to know, and have the world feel, that the blight has fallen upon us in every way …”

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 14 June 1865 from Washington DC “… I received this morning Pitt’s dispatch conveying Naglee’s ultimatum, and your answer to it. I agree with you that Naglee’s demand is extortionate; but I appreciate more forcibly than you can do, the further fact, that unreasonable as it is, he has a legal claim, which he can enforce for twenty times the amount of his demand; or drive me to the alternative of skulking through life, a judgment cuditer all my days, with property in other people’s hands. The contemplation of neither alternative is agreeable. I would rather be worth nothing at all and be free from these claims hanging over me. You know how good a negotiator Pitt is – shrewd, patient and persevering. He

6

has been at work more than a month with Naglee – has all the arguments that you can even use hereafter, and after all his efforts, this is Naglee’s ultimatum …”

Extract from J. W. Schuckers’ letter to Jay Cooke dated 29 May 1865 from New York “… I had an interview with Mr Orvis this morning which convinces me that he is more or less indifferent to the success of the night offices. He complains that those of his young men engaged in them spend more of the day in talking of their labours at night. Nethertheless, he was quite cordial, and said he would us more of his employees if he could, but that the labours of the bank were very heavy and often extended long into the night. I found both Mr Fiske and Mr Hatch interested very deeply in our success and willing to lend us all the aid in their power. They agreed, however, that the effort will be one of great labour; Mr Fiske seemed to think more could be done by individual labour in the big manufacturing establishments than by any other means. Mr Hatch has no doubt of the usefulness of the plan if energetically pushed, but he says, and says truly, that most of the banks are opposed to it. What we need is, after getting twenty of thirty night offices established, funds to operate thro’ newspapers …”

REEL 23

Dates: July 1865


• to and from Henry Cooke (HDC), Washington DC. See letters dated 5 July for postwar 4 July celebrations, and 15 & 18 July for Henry arranging for Jay Cooke to meet President Johnson.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Farney”), Washington DC. • to and from J. A. Stewart, Assistant Treasurer, New York, especially Jay Cooke’s letter

dated 18 July in which he defends numerous attacks from the press on Wilkeson’s article and his relationship with the Treasury. He claims that his firm lost money selling the last $150m of the 730 loan due to advertising costs. See extract below.

• from J. W. Schuckers, New York. He relates the progress of the promotions office. See letter dated10 July.

• from John Russell Young, New York, especially letters dated 10 and 12 July which provide detailed expenses and details of the New York agency. Also included are Young’s letters to S. Wilkeson and J.W. Sexton.

• to and from Samuel Wilkeson. • from Fisk & Hatch, New York. • from D. Crawford Jr., Clarke & Dodge, New York. • from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC. • from Henry D. Moore, Philadelphia. Three letters dated 11 July regarding his $35,000

loan request to Jay Cooke in order to cover his existing debts. He aims to help his cause by highlighting how he helped Cooke sell the Philadelphia State loan and that their “operations had been mutually beneficial”. One letter includes a listing of Moore’s shareholdings.

• from M. Hennessy, New York Times, relating the role of himself and C. C. Norvell in promoting the government loans. See extract below.

• from H. W. Graydon, Harrisburg, regarding legal matters. • from W. Ralston, Cashier, Bank of California. See his 10 page letter dated 1 July

regarding his bank gaining ‘National’ status

7

• from Hinkley & Morris, Attorneys and Counsellors at Law, Baltimore, in response to the opportunity of purchasing ‘Greenwood’ from Jay Cooke, state that they “don’t believe there is anyone in Balto. who wants it in its present condition. We advise you to put up some houses.” See letter dated 7 July.

• from J. W. Weir, Harrisburg National Bank. • from H. C. Storms, travelling agent, Marietta. • from R. N. Allen, St Louis. • from I. Steever, travelling agent, New York and Philadelphia. • from E. Sacket, travelling agent, Madison, Wisconsin and Milwaukee. • from Richard Randolph, New Orleans, explaining the bounced cheque he was accused of

cashing by 1 st National Bank New Orleans. See letter dated 1 July. • from J. Pittenger, Tiffin, regarding crops and wood. See letter dated 18 July. • fromW. W. White, travelling agent, St Pauls, regarding bond sales to troops. See letter

dated 6 July. • from M. Steward, Chicago Republican, chasing $30 for publishing an article charged

against S. Wilkeson. The bill had been sent to Wilkeson’s address but had been returned. See letter dated 15 July.

• from B. B. Wiggins, Greenport, in reaction to S. Wilkeson’s article on the national debt described it as an “unmitigated curse” not a national blessing. See letter dated 21 July.

• from W. J. Barney, New York, regarding taxes. See letter dated 22 July. • from H. Townsend, Gibraltar. • from J. B. Mann, East Greenwich. • from H. Lee, Gibraltar. • from C. C. Norvell, New York Times. • from H. Dyer, Bible, Gibraltar and New York. • from J. Mills Kendwick, Put in Bay. • from G. J. Bedell, Gibraltar, Put in Bay. One letter is 17 pages long relating his holiday

on Jay Cooke’s recently purchased island in Put in Bay, Ohio. • from Jay Cooke Jr., Philadelphia. Now working in his father’s office his letter dated 26

highlights the slowing down of bond sales throughout the month: “everything fearfully dull and awfully dull, nothing doing, even 730s at a stand still”.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between H. D. Cooke, and Jay Cooke regarding national loans, banking business and financial matters. Debates continued over the role of Jay Cooke and the Treasury. Numerous National Banks keep regular contact with Jay Cooke, including 1 st Sandusky, 1 st New Orleans, 1 st Syracuse, 1st Norfolk, 4 th St Louis and 3 rd Chicago.

• Travelling agents and newspapers continued to be employed to promote the government loans, of which the third series of 730s was completed. The bond business was certainly slowing down and colleagues at Jay Cooke & Co. began to relax in the first summer after the Civil War and busy activity of high bond purchases. See extracts below.

• Other topics include, church, legal and land matters. Following the purchase of Gibraltar, a small island in Put in Bay, Ohio, Jay Cooke invited many friends and colleagues to take advantage of the facility. Jay received numerous letters of thanks and praise, mainly from the numerous Churchmen he was acquainted with.

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Extract from Jay Cooke’s letter to John A Stewart dated 18 July 1865 from Philadelphia “… Now why should I be attacked for opinion’s sake? Why should Mr. Wilkeson be called harsh names for aiding me in disseminating my thoughts and clothing them in the beautiful and appropriate garments which his eloquent imagination and wonderful talent have enabled him to bestow upon them? And what has Mr. Chase to do with the whole matter, or what possible reason is there for linking his honoured name and on so humble as mine? Why couple the Treasury Department with myself in this publication when it had nothing whatever to do with it? Why say that it was damaging the loan sales and reducing the daily average when the contrary was the truth, as the daily publication of the aggregate sales in the Herald abundantly shows? …”

Extract from M. Hennessy’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 7 July 1865 from New York “… Although I have not heard from you, or written to you, for nearly two months, I have not neglected government loan interests, as will be indicated by the specimen articles. This fertile topic, which I have worked ‘ into print’ from time to time, which may or may not, have already come under your observation. I presumed Norvell told you how earnestly we laboured to get Wilkeson’s defence of Sec. McCulloch, into the Post. I copied the article myself, took to maverick managing editor of the Post; and after some diplomacy, got a promise that it should appear next day – a promise that was never fulfilled such is the Post’s style. Fortunately. Norvell had answered the Post’s attack, in advance in the Times and I was enabled to get in a vindicatory paragraph in the Union money article …”

Extract from H. D. Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 5 July 1865 from Washington DC “…We had a very quiet, pleasant ‘4 th ’. I spent the day in the woods with our Sunday School – picnicking. We had the ‘Declaration’ read an oration by one of the scholars – some speeches and anthems and patriotic hymns – plenty to eat, and a happy time generally. In the evening I had the usual display of fireworks at home … tonight we are going on a moonlight excursion down the river – start at half past six and back at eleven. Going to try the new boat by the Ferry Compan … We received addressed to JC & Co. a box containing two magnificent photographs of my glorious brother Jay (the photos though perfection do not approach in excellence their original) but we have no advices as to what to do with them – whether they were for me and Fahny, or me and Huntington, or for me and the office – for of course one of them was for me …”

REEL 24

Dates: August 1865


• to and from Henry Cooke (HDC), Washington DC. • to and from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahny”), Washington DC. Many letters

because of Henry Cooke’s holiday, most notably the downfall of the Ketchum Banking House. See extract below.

• from Pitt Cooke, West Port & Sandusky, regarding the low demand for iron ore. See letter dated 4 August.

• from J. W. Schuckers, Worster, Ohio. • from John Russell Young, New York, especially letter dated 17 August thanking Jay

Cooke on the closing of the promotional office in New York. Also included are letters to J. W. Sexton.

9

• to and from Samuel Wilkeson, New York & Pigeon Cove, regarding various matters including iron and steel interests and the downfall of the Ketchum banking house. See entertaining extract below.

• from Fisk & Hatch, New York, regarding propping up the money markets. See letters between 1722 August.

• from D. Crawford Jr., Clarke & Dodge, New York. • from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC. • from H. P. Rutter, Preston Coal & Improvement Company, relating the latest company

figures. See letter dated 18 August. • from A. M. Rambo, The Columbia Spy, and J. Beazel, Union Town, both complaining

about Peaslee & Co., advertising agents, overcharging. See letters dated 5 August. • from J. H. Alexander, St Louis, on behalf of the North Missouri Railroad, requesting J.

Cooke to sell their bonds. See extracts below. • from J. L. Douglass, New York, The Mineral City Mining & Manufacturing Company,

offering J. Cooke a directorship. See letter dated 16 August. • from J. W. Ellis, First National Bank, Cincinnati, offering further details of a new railroad

from Dayton, Ohio to Cincinnati. See letter dated 1 August. • from J. W. Weir, Harrisburg National Bank, full of praise about Jay Cooke’s Gibraltar.

See letters dated 11 and 17 August. • from H. C. Storms, travelling agent, Dayton, long letter dated 16 August relating his

dealings as an agent, which were now concluded. • from J. S. Southers, Philadelphia, long letter dated 12 August relating to his role as agent

now concluded. • from I. Steever, travelling agent, Philadelphia. • from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding prospect of mining profits at various

locations. See letter dated 21 August. • from J. J. Lawrence, Pennsylvania Railroad Company. • from H. Townsend, Buffalo. • from Wilmerding, Cornwell and Heckscher, New York, requesting payment of $1705 to

cover expenses of running night offices. See letter dated 23 August. • from Mary Pitt Cooke, Sandusky, regarding holiday at Gibraltar. See letter dated

24 August. • from W. C. Canant, Brooklyn, 11 pages regarding the silver mines in east Nevada. No

date. • from Joseph Leeds, Philadelphia, relating the success of his iron and coal company,

funded by a loan from J. Cooke. • from E. T. H. Gibson, New York, requesting a meeting. See letter dated 29 August.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between H. C. Fahnestock, and Jay Cooke regarding national loans, banking business and financial matters. The 730 loan issue was concluded and J. Cooke and Co.’s attention turned to market fluctuations and other business interests. J. Cooke received numerous propositions regarding railroads, mining and vineyards.

• The downfall of the Ketchum banking house. • Other topics include, church, legal and land matters.

10

Extract from J. H Alexander’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 4 August 1865 from St Louis “… having been appointed by the fund commissioned of the North Missouri Railroad, in connection with F. Overslob Esq., to sell the first mortgage bonds of that company. I wish to ascertain if you can sell a portion of these bonds in your city, or elsewhere, among your very numerous clients. Your very successful management of the great government loans induces me to believe that you might be able to place this loan through the same machinery. The whole issue of these bonds amounts to 6 million dollars but we do not propose offering more than two millions at the present time. I send you by this mail a pamphlet …”

Extract from S. Wilkeson’s letter to J. Cooke dated 17 August 1865 from Pigeon Cove “…What a retribution has overtaken Maurice Ketchum! Sharp broker, unscrupulous money maker, how little he knew that in training his son to make a profit out of the embarrassment of his country’s finances, and to thrive upon the business of depreciating his country’s credit, that he undermined his integrity, and effaced his sense of honour. Chuckling and grinning over the occasional successes of the war of his house upon the government securities, he was blind to the huge proportions of theft and scoundrelism into which his unpatriotic business was developing his son. But the inexorable laws of God worked while the father worked and chuckled. As out of a thundercloud and many the ripe product of this schooling a son, a forger and a thief… Jay Cooke, you are safe from such a cruel catastrophe. You boys are of an honest breed. Pigeon Cove What a misnomer! No bird short of a bald eagle dare fly here…”

Extract from H. C. Fahnestock’s letter to J. Cooke dated 16 August 1865 from Washington DC “…We could not believe the Ketchum story in evening papers yesterday, but the press telegrams of today do make it horrible. What can that young scamp have done with such piles of money? And I always thought him the best of the family. Telegraphed you early the amount of Huntington’s balances in N.Y. Didn’t know that some of the banks might have trouble and you could order transfers to suit…”

REEL 25

Dates: SeptemberOctober 1865


• to and from Henry Cooke (HDC), Washington DC. See extract below relating J. Cooke’s concerns following numerous offers of business from telegraph companies.

• to and from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahny”), Washington DC. Many letters relating banking business, including letters to J. W. Sexton.

• from Pitt Cooke, Sandusky. • from J. Cooke to Hugh McCulloch, highlighting the $28,562 commission due on the sales

of the 520s. See letter dated 19 September. • from J. W. Schuckers, New York, requesting further funds to aid his new law practice.

See extract below. • from John Russell Young, New York Tribune. Following the closure of the New York

promotional office, Young returns to the Tribune and promises to do all in his ‘power to assist’ J. Cooke’s ideas. See letter dated 9 September.

• to and from Samuel Wilkeson, New York Tribune & Canaan. See letter dated

11

18 September, relating his trip to Gibraltar prior to returning to the Tribune. He claims that the fish and J. Cooke “would cure anything would stay the plague would bar the cholera.”

• from Fisk & Hatch, New York. • from D. Crawford Jr., Clarke & Dodge, New York. • from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC. • from R. W Latham, New York, regarding J. Cooke opening a banking house in New

York. See letter dated 4 September stating that the only reason not to is the need for a reliable individual to front the operation.

• from H. P. Rutter, Preston Coal & Improvement Company, relating the latest company figures. See long letter dated 29 September explaining the company’s poor performance.

• from J. W. Sexton, J. Cooke & Company, Philadelphia, particularly his letter dated 21 September regarding the mismanagement of the Preston Coal Company.

• from M. Hennessy, New York Times. See his sixpage letter dated 11 September thanking J Cooke for an extension on a bond option, which remained a perk for many pro Cooke journalists.

• from W. P Pierson, Hudson, regarding a shipment of iron awaiting J Cooke’s instructions. See letter dated 17 September.

• from E. C. Knight, Philadelphia, regarding steamship shares linked to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. See extract below.

• from George Thomas, J Cooke & Company, Philadelphia. See letter dated 20 September reporting that he had ‘done nothing today’ but offered farmland for sale at $115 per acre which J. Cooke used to shoot rabbits.

• from Caroline Cox, New York, requesting a charitable donation following her forced retirement from teaching due to lung and throat disease.

• from F. H . Evans, Erie Railroad Company, London, England. • from W. Evans, Erie Railroad Company, New York. • from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh. • from W. G. Moorhead, Paris, France & Gibraltar, Ohio. • to and from Mary B. McClure, Huron, Ohio. The aunt of M. E. Williams, a travelling

agent for J. Cooke. See letter dated 23 October in response to J. Cooke & Co.’s attempts to contact her nephew following his failure to submit a report on his findings.

• from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Company. • from C. C. Norvell, New York Times. • from J. A. Brown, Gettysburg, requesting a contribution towards a $30,000 fund for a

monument in honour of Christian soldiers. • from E. T. H. Gibson, New York, asking J. Cooke’s opinion on land issues. See letter

dated 8 September. • from Henry D. Moore, Philadelphia, Regarding Preston Coal Company investment. See

letter dated 26 September. • from A. B. Stone, President of the Society for the Protection of American Industry,

Cleveland, promoting protective tariffs on imports. See circular dated 10 August. • from Edmund. E. Jones, President of McClean Silver Mining Company, Philadelphia.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between H. C. Fahnestock, and Jay Cooke regarding banking business and financial matters. The possibility of starting a house in New York, bond markets and the potential for further government loans are discussed.

12

• Railroads, steamships and mining investments. • Other topics include, church, legal and land matters.

Extract from J. W. Schuckers’ letter to J. Cooke dated 13 October 1865 from New York “… this letter is not the letter I promised to write you; I hope you will read this through with patience and answer it with kindness. I am already under so many obligations to you and yours (I mean members of your firm at Washington) for generous favours done to me, that I hesitate to write this letter; and yet I must write to somebody who will help one. For now that I have been admitted to the practice of the profession of the law, I need some money (I hate to say it) to give me a start… Please answer soon; as I shall be anxious. I should like to get $500 if you are willing. I have to get an office, and put a little furniture into it stove and the like which will cost something …”

Extract from J. Cooke’s letter to H. D. Cooke dated 15 September 1865 from Philadelphia “… Yours of yesterday received. We have always refused applications from telegraph companies to put wires into our houses. If we have more large government loans to manage it might answer to give them the privilege, but if we were to grant it to one and refuse it to another, those excluded might refuse us the usual accommodations. We had better keep aloof and give our work to those who do it best…”

Extract from E.C. Knight & Co.’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 22 September 1865 from Philadelphia “…We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, do promise to pay the sum of $500 for each and every share of stock set opposite our respective names, to the steamship company to be organized to run a line of steamships between Philadelphia and Liverpool, in connections with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company … present capital one million of dollars for two first class iron steamers, to be built in the united states…”

REEL 26

Dates: NovemberDecember 1865


• to and from Henry Cooke (HDC), Washington DC, regarding various financial matters including discussions on a long proposed loan to the Mexican government (see letter dated 26 December) McCulloch’s request for Jay Cooke’s advice, and detailed talks between Jay Cooke, H. D. Cooke and McCulloch over the money markets. The Secretary of the Treasury was urging Jay Cooke to New York to help the government steady the gold market. See the numerous letters between the end of November and early December.

• to and from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahny”), Washington DC. Many letters relating banking business, especially Jay Cooke’s letter (faint copy) dated 19 December relating the new partnership arrangements for Jay Cooke & Co. following the decision to open a house in New York. See extract below.

• from Pitt Cooke, Gibraltar and Sandusky, Ohio. • from J. W. Schuckers, New York, informing Jay Cooke that his new law office has been

established. See letter dated 13 November. • from John Russell Young, New York Tribune. • to and from Samuel Wilkeson, New York Tribune, advising Henry Cooke against

investments in a mining company, and urging Jay Cooke to wave his ‘gold converting hand over the stock market’ because Santa Clause will not be driving to his roof. See

13

letters dated 15 November and 4 December. At the end of the reel there are a further ten letters from S. Wilkeson, all undated.

• from H. C. Storms, travelling agent, Charleston, relating the condition of the Southern states after the Civil War. See extract below.

• from D. Crawford Jr., Clarke & Dodge, New York, especially his good clear 4 page letter dated 16 November, outlining the condition of the money markets and the prospects for gold and government bonds.

• from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC. • from Rice Harper, Sandusky, regarding land deals. See letter dated 9 November. • from H. P. Rutter, Preston Coal & Improvement Company. • from J. W. Sexton, J. Cooke & Company, Philadelphia and Gibraltar. • from M. Hennessy, New York Times. • from F. L. Taylor, applying for a job with Jay Cooke & Co., and enclosed details of his

role in the Civil War and his appeal to Presidents Lincoln and Johnson after receiving a dishonourable discharge. See letter dated 12 December.

• from Malcolm E. Williams, Milan, Ohio. See his 7 page letter dated 11 November reporting on his role as a travelling agent.

• from John A. Stewart, New York. • from F. H . Evans, Erie Railroad Company, London, England. • from W. Evans, Erie Railroad Company, New York. • from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh. • from W. G. Moorhead, Pittsburgh. • from J. B. Moorhead, providing a statement of the Sterling Iron and railway Co.’s stock

holdings, offering them for sale. See letter dated 10 November. • from C. M. Ford, Stering Iron Works, regarding a charge of Carelessness following the

death of Rev. Romain on the Erie Railroad. See letter dated 13 November. • from Turner Bros., New York, offering basement floor space for the proposed New York

branch of Jay Cooke & Co. • from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Company. • from H. D. Steever, Philadelphia. • from Petersburg Iron Works, requesting a loan. See letter dated 25 November. • from J. W. Weir, Harrisburg National Bank. • from Henry D. Moore, Philadelphia.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between H. C. Fahnestock, H. D. Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding banking business and financial matters. Through Henry Cooke, Hugh McCulloch, Secretary of the Treasury, urges Jay Cooke to aid the government to steady the money markets and promote foreign loans. Jay Cooke fears a clash with Van Dyke, the new Assistant Treasurer in New York. McCulloch urges against Jay Cooke & Co. investing in Mexico.

• The reorganization of Jay Cooke & Co. with firm arrangements to open a house in New York with Pitt Cooke in charge, and new arrangements of shareholdings. J. W. Weir’s interest in the firm ceases. As was always the case, “O.P.J” or Old Patriarch Jacob i.e. the church, received 10% of company profits. See extract below.

• Reconstruction and the condition of the Southern States. See extract below. • Railroads and mining investments and safety issues. • Other topics include, church, charity and land matters.

14

Extract from Jay Cook’s letter to H. C. Fahnestock dated 19 December 1865 from Philadelphia “… A day or two since I had a final talk with W. G. [Moorhead] and found that he had determined unreservedly to remain a full partner and by retaining his interest thus give the firm the additional strength of his millions. Pitt and H. D. [Cooke] and I go to New York this morning and shall remain there probably until 6 p.m. tomorrow. We shall try to arrange for an office to be opened about the first of January, Pitt as the wheelhorse, with the selection of someone in New York as the active trader, and then fill up with selections from our two offices and banks etc. This extension to New York contemplates a speedy extension of interests to London, but say nothing of this at present …”

Extract from H. C. Storms letter to Jay Cooke dated 27 November 1865 from Charleston “… Since I left Philadelphia I have travelled through the states of Virginia, North Carolina, and will finish up this state in a very short time. It will not take long for it has very nearly finished itself. The whole country is very poor. The farms show it, the houses in the towns show it for want of paint and repairs, and the people show it in their very countenances. Everything is in mourning. The women all look sad; they have lost all their property and worst of all they have now got to lose their pride. Desolation and ruin present themselves to your view, look where you will – the Navy Yard opposite Norfolk burnt down, Richmond half burnt down, a part of Petersburg and almost every other place I have been in. One third of this city has been destroyed by fire and I think it very doubtful whether it will be built up in fifty years as it was before. The Negroes are starving and freezing, not so much here as in Virginia. The poor souls have a hard time of it. The prisons are full, some working on the streets, in many places with ball and chain fastened to their legs. They have been taken up for stealing by the military. Thousands have already died and thousands more must die from exposure and starvation…”

REEL 27

Dates: January 1866


• to and from Henry Cooke (HDC), Washington DC. H. D. Cooke’s letter dated 3 January relates his plans to host a supper to entertain editors and ‘other attackers of Congress’ and departments who are connected with the press. Jay Cooke’s letter the following day relates his disgust at ‘the want of boldness, faith, originality etc., in our financial and reconstruction plans’. There is also an interesting exchange between 22 and 29 January in which Jay Cooke urges his brother to enlist the aid of the President and Judge S. P. Chase in order to attain a pardon for a ‘Brother Robert’. On 29 January Henry affirmed ‘there is no doubt that Col. Roberts will get his pardon’.

• to and from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahny”), Washington DC. See letter dated 1 January which details the profits of the Washington House for 1865 ($190,000). 10% went to the church, Jay received $63,000, W. G. Moorhead $31,000, H. D. Cooke and Fahnestock $31,000 and J. W. Weir $11,000.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, Washington and Sandusky, winding down his interests outside Jay Cooke & Co. (see extract below) and the first official letter dated 3 January from the New York house on the corner of Wall Street. The proud letterhead includes a stars and stripes badge; Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia, Washington DC and New York.

• from John Russell Young, New York Tribune.

15

• from Samuel Wilkeson, New York Tribune, relating his appointment as Secretary of the Home Labor League. See letter dated 3 January.

• from Fisk & Hatch, New York. • from D. Crawford Jr., Clarke & Dodge, New York, requesting to sell Preston Coal bonds

and as a closing remark relates that Mr. J. C. Dodge ‘met with a sad accident’ (hit by a dray on Broadway) and died.

• from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC. • from J. W. Sexton, J. Cooke & Company, Philadelphia. • from M. Hennessy, New York Times. • from F. H . Evans, London, England, regarding the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad and

London money markets. See extract below and his 8 page letter dated 7 January. • from W. Evans, London, England, regarding the Pennsylvania Railroad and London

money markets. • from S. P. Chase, Washington DC. A telegram stating that ‘The Supreme Court’ has

decided that Jay Cooke’s son must stay in Washington was meant as a joke and taken by Jay Cooke as an unamusing hoax. Subsequent letters from Jay Cooke Jr., Henry Cooke and Chase all try to play down the incident.

• from W. G. Moorhead, Washington DC and Philadelphia, regarding Preston Coal stock. See letters dated 19 and 20 January.

• from G. W. Reed, Union Mission Sabbath School Association, Philadelphia, informing Jay Cooke that he had been elected President of the Association and requesting a picture. Presumably this occurred without Jay Cooke’s permission because he as written ‘Decline’ on the front and back of the letter.

• from W. B. Sloan, Office of Probate Judge, Ohio, threatening the sale of Jay Cooke’s Gibraltar if taxes remain unpaid. See letter dated 1 January.

• from S. W. Thomas, Philadelphia, regarding church donations and his operations as city pastor.

• from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Company. • from E. W. Clark & Co., Philadelphia. • from Sarah Anne Ross, Philadelphia, regarding a deed for 7,000 acres of land and

offering it for sale. See letter dated 25 January. • from J. W. Weir, Harrisburg National Bank. • from H. A. Weir, Harrisburg.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between H. C. Fahnestock, H. D. Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding banking business and financial matters. Jay Cooke & Co. open their New York House under the supervision of Pitt Cooke. Reconstruction is also discussed

• Railroads and mining investments, particularly the Preston Coal Co. and the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad. Legal matters are addressed e.g. a Supreme Court ruling on the Act for the completion of the North Missouri Railroad bridge.

• Other topics include, church, charity and land matters.

Extract from Pitt Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 22 January 1866 from Washington DC “… I find Mother and Aunty very well and all our friends in like good health. I shall visit Balto. [Baltimore] before returning to arrange the taxes and look to the property – tomorrow I have agreed to meet Judge Fields about our California mine & as Judge Sadler will soon be here we will hold a meeting. Judges Fields and Sadler have $1600 each & I have $800!

16

& Marshall Raud and the operators of the mine $800 & $1600. Its not a very important interest but like Champaign must be looked after. It’s my last operation outside & if Marshall Raud reports favourably I can close it without loss. I will return any moment you deem it necessary. I hold myself subject to order …”

Extract from F. H. Evans’ letter to Jay Cooke dated 13 January 1866 from London, England “… It is with much pleasure that I receive your favour of Dec. 30 th – with a document enclosed specifically & officially declaring that the bonds of the Philadelphia & Erie which you have sent forward are payable in London & Philadelphia … until receipt of your letter with this document, I have felt considerably uneasy for the opposition is strong and determined. For my own part I am sanguine of success and certainly it will be a hard struggle if they persist in visiting. My father on the other hand is not so sanguine, but by the next mail which sails on Wednesday you will hear the result – if we get a quotation all will be first class except the profits – which you, by your letter seem to have estimated so highly. – I see quite clearly how the mistake arose – but my father is writing a line to you. To my mind a profit of five percent on such a transaction is ample – Morgan & Co. with Erie Sterling bonds lately issued in this market did not make as much…”

REEL 28

Dates: FebruaryMarch 1866


• to and from Henry Cooke (HDC), Washington DC. Numerous letters are exchanged following the approach of investors in the Northern Pacific Railroad to Jay Cooke to promote the sale of bonds and potentially invest himself. See letters dated 5, 13, 16 and 17 February and extract below. On 2 February Henry Cooke wrote that the New York Office should not be in a basement for both business and health reasons. His letter dated 9 February, relating McCulloch’s instructions of ‘hands off the Mexican loan’ put an end to any further plans in that region. Also, see Jay Cooke’s letter to the Washington DC house, dated 7 February stating that Vermilye & Co. should not complain that they have lost business now that Jay Cooke & Co. was in New York operating for itself.

• to and from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahny”), Washington DC. Many letters from Jay Cooke, until March when Fahnestock transfers to the New York house, are addressed jointly to H.D. & H.C.F.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, relating the appointment of H. Dodge to the board of the New York house with ‘not one black ball’. See letter dated 2 March.

• from Mary Pitt Cooke, Sandusky, requesting Jay Cooke’s help to persuade Pitt Cooke to be confirmed and aid his ‘striving to be a Christian.’

• from John Russell Young, New York Tribune. • from Ed. Dodge, Jay Cooke & Co., New York, relating the possibility of a London

banking house. See letter dated 31 March. • from J. Gregory Smith, President of the Northern Pacific Railroad Co.,

Washington DC, arranging a visit to Jay Cooke. See letter dated 17 February. • from D. Crawford Jr., Clarke & Dodge, New York. • from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC.

17

• from B. B. French, Washington DC, requesting a donation to the Freemasons for a new Masonic Hall. His letter dated 8 February reports W. S. Huntington as their treasurer and Henry Cooke giving $200.

• from J. W. Sexton, J. Cooke & Company, Philadelphia. • from J. Pander, New York, regarding the Union Pacific Railroad’s first 100 miles. See

letter dated 8 March. • from F. H . Evans, London, England, regarding the sale of £23,000 of Philadelphia &

Erie Railroad bonds. See letter dated 17 March. • from W. Evans, London, England. • from J. W. Corties & Co., Financial Agency of the republic of Mexico, New York,

promoting investments. See letter dated 2 February. • from W. G. Moorhead, regarding land deals. See letters dated 27 February. • from John Sherman, Senate Chambers, Washington DC, regarding new loan bill. See

letter dated 30 March. • from Robert Hale, House of Representatives, Washington DC. • from J. Mills Kendwick, Put in Bay, Ohio, regarding church and social matters. See letter

dated 12 February: “Our young girls are exposed to very corrupting influences here, and some of our best girls have, I fear, been injured. We have some very bad boys and our girls ought to be removed from the public schools.”

• from J. Rambo, New Oregon, Iowa, 8 page letter dated 15 February regarding church matters.

• from E. W. Clark & Co., Philadelphia. • from H. J. Hassall, Philadelphia, relating details of the Preston Coal Co. AGM. See letter

dated 30 March. • from J. W. Weir, Harrisburg National Bank. • from Jay Cooke Jr., Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia, to Henry Cooke.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between H. C. Fahnestock, H. D. Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding banking business and financial matters. H. Dodge and Fahnestock join Pitt Cooke in running the New York office. The Mexican loan continues to be discussed as does the Cooke’s attempts to support a new loan bill through Congress, and reform of the National Banks. See extract below.

• Railroads and mining investments. The potential involvement in the Pacific railroad projects is discussed. Jay Cooke and W. G. Moorhead are not keen to rush into a decision and over commit themselves. See extract below.


Extract from Jay Cooke’s letter to H. D. Cooke dated 17 February 1866 from Philadelphia “… I wrote you fully then in regard to the Pacific RR matter … what Wm. G. [Moorhead] & myself fear is becoming identified with any of these great projects, is such a way, as to inevitably draw us into advances. Our true future is to keep out of large entanglements & to undertake nothing or be connected with nothing that will require any advances. We will always have plenty of opportunities offered to negotiate after concerns are fully organized and plenty of opportunities to use our money and our time; so don’t let us get into any of these entanglements except those that grow out of our connection with the govt & for the govt…”

18

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 17 March 1866 from Washington DC “… I am deeply mortified and pained at Gen. Moorhead’s vote last night against the loan bill, after he had promised me and also McC [McCulloch] that he would vote for it. They are all laughing at him today, saying he was afraid of Stevens, who induced him to change his vote. McC feels sore about it the vote comes up Monday to reconsider would there be any harm in Wm. G’s [Moorhead] telegraphing him Monday morning something like this – ‘Your friends are disappointed at your vote against the loan bill. Can’t you reconsider it?’ We are marshalling our fires today, and on Monday hope to have strength enough to carry Field’s motion to reconsider the vote of last night…”

REEL 29

Dates: April12 May 1866


• to and from Henry Cooke (HDC), Washington DC. Numerous letters regarding the latest government loan bills progress through Congress. Henry Cooke is urged to ‘explain’ the loan matter to S. P. Chase so he won’t ‘impede’ it. See letters date 7, 21, 23 and 28 April and 3 May. Also, see Henry Cooke’s letter dated 2 April regarding the numerous requests for charity: ‘Colly called today with your letter in relation to Church in Vermont. His ideas were too high. I told him we had so many appeals of the same kind, from all parts of the country that we couldn’t give to the church named anything like the sum named.’

• to and from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahny”), New York. • to and from S. P. Chase, Supreme Court Judge. See extract of Jay Cooke’s letter below,

offering good terms on Chase’s investments at the same time as requesting his support for the new Loan bills in Congress.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, relating numerous offers from Railroad companies to sell their bonds. See extract below.

• from John Sherman, Senate Chambers, Washington DC, regarding new loan bill. See letter dated 7 April.

• from Ed. Dodge, Jay Cooke & Co., New York. • from T. Fletcher, Fund Commissioner for North Missouri Railroad Co., St Louis,

authorising Jay Cooke to sell $300,000 of their bonds. • from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC. • from J. W. Sexton, J. Cooke & Company, Philadelphia. • from G. P. Smith, New York, under the impression that Jay Cooke was an investor he

was informing him that S. P. Chase had been contacted about the Milwaukee & Minnesota Railroad.

• from F. H . Evans, London, England, regarding a loss on the sale of £40,000 of Philadelphia & Erie Railroad bonds. See letter dated 14 April and 2 May.

• from W. Evans, London, England. • from Sarah Garrison, Cincinnati, requesting capital following the loss of her husband. • from J. K. Moorhead, Washington DC, regarding the Pennsylvania Railroads Co. See

letter dated 7 April. • from G. W. Williams, Gambier, Ohio, requesting college fees and costs to be forwarded

as soon as possible. • from J. Mills Kendwick, Put in Bay, Ohio, regarding church and social matters. • from J. Rambo, New Oregon, Iowa, regarding church matters. • from M. Hennessy, New York Time.

19

• from C. C. Norvell, Washington DC. • from J. W. Weir, Harrisburg National Bank. • from Jay Cooke Jr., Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia, to Jay Cooke and Henry Cooke.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between H. C. Fahnestock, H. D. Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding banking business and financial matters. The failure of the Merchants national Bank raises concerns. The Cooke’s attempts to support a new loan bill through Congress, is backed by John Sherman. He helps Jay Cooke with a draft of a bill for his preferred 5% loan. The support of S. P. Chase, is also courted. See extract below.

• Railroads and mining investments. The potential involvement in the Pacific railroad projects, among others, continues to be discussed. See extract below.


Extract from Jay Cooke’s letter to S. P. Chase dated 3 May 1866 from Philadelphia “…We have credited your account with all the interest on the $30,000 520s. I was in error in stating that they were registered … don’t be uneasy about your Franklin bonds. If you would like to get out of debt I think I can sell your stock after a little while at a good sound price. You have of course observed that I have persevered in the matter of the 5 percent loan & I earnestly hope that if you do not even approve of it, you will throw no obstacle in the way of its fair trial. I mean by this that you will not discourage any members who may consult you in regard to the bill and its main feature exemption from income tax. You will see in a few days a full & cordial cooperation on the part of the democratic press …”

Extract from Pitt Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 3 April 1866 from New York “… I Came down to the office at 8 O’clock and at half past eight Mr Dodge was on had & received me very cordially & I was soon at work Dr. L. Rawson & Mr Thebb (?) have been here urging us to become trustees of the bonds of their RR from Freemont, Ohio to Louisville etc. etc. & to sell the bonds for them. I tell the Dr. the prospect for negotiations is a poor one, Mr Dodge has 2 or 3 things on his desk of the same kind. The Chicago & Great Eastern & others, and he has shoved them over on to my desk – Also a gentleman has just called, & Fahny has just turned him over to me, about the South Missouri Road. This is a ‘good thing’ no doubt, but we cannot afford to build RR’s & neglect our manipulations of Govt. securities. They are good enough …”

REEL 30



• to and from Henry Cooke (HDC), Washington DC. Numerous letters regarding the latest government loan bills progress through Congress. Jay Cooke aimed to put pressure on Secretary of the Treasury, McCulloch by requesting Henry to inform him that the Philadelphia house was doing ‘comparatively little business.’ See letter dated 4 June and extract below. Jay Cooke is also keeping a close eye on his accounts and chastises Henry Cooke for Huntington providing him with one day’s unbalanced books. See letters dated 30 and 31 May.

• to and from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahny”), New York.

20

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, relating a ‘splendid’ days business on 22 May in reaction to a financial panic in London, stating that he wished ‘the Bank of England would bust about once a week.’

• from H. D. Moore, Philadelphia, relating a pessimistic view to the financial panic in England. See extract below. Also, see letters dated 15 and 18 May and 5 June regarding the poor performance of the Preston Coal Co. which made him ‘almost sick at heart’, but remained ultimately optimistic.

• from John Sherman, Senate Chambers, Washington DC. • from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia. • from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC. See letter dated 31 May

defending his sending Jay Cooke some poorly produced accounts. • from J. W. Sexton, J. Cooke & Company, Philadelphia. • from J. H. Cambell, Surveyor General, Harrisburg, inviting proposals for the purchase of

233,000 acres of Pennsylvanian land. See letter dated 24 May. • from F. H . Evans, London, England, relating the ‘most disastrous times here in our

money market’. See letter dated 19 May. • from W. Evans, London, England. • from W. J. Palmer, Office of Union Pacific Railway, St. Louis, relating initial earnings of

70 miles of track. See letter dated 26 June. • from E. E. Stevens, Garrattsville, a discharged soldier requesting a job where he can

‘receive some compensation for my service, and during this time acquire a thorough knowledge of business.’

• from J. Rambo, New Oregon, Iowa, regarding church matters. • from A. J. Macarty, Philadelphia, informing Jay Cooke that his salary is inadequate to

support his family and requests $300 loan to leave and start his own business. See Letter dated June 18.

• from John Russell Young, New York Tribune. • from J. W. Weir, Harrisburg National Bank. • from Jay Cooke Jr., Niagara Falls and Sandusky.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between H. C. Fahnestock, H. D. Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding banking business and financial matters. The Cooke’s attempts to support a new loan bill through Congress, is backed by John Sherman. There is concern over the impact of a financial panic in London and potential of further closures of National banks. See extract below.

• Railroads, canals and mining investments. The potential involvement in the Pacific railroad projects, among others, continues to be discussed.


Extract from Jay Cooke’s letter to H. D. Cooke dated 12 June 1866 from Philadelphia “ I am decidedly in favour of pushing the bill through the Senate. I have written to Sherman all about it & I have no doubt at all that it can be put thro’ the House by a proper execution & that the President will give it his adhesion when the whole thing is fairly explained to him. You know that such an explanation as McCulloch & other men like him make of a matter of that kind does not reach the point. In the first place they do not understand it themselves & in the second place they do not put it in such a shape as to carry conviction…”

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Extract from H. D. Moore’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 22 May 1866 from Philadelphia “…We have had some excitement here this morning over the foreign news which you will get in the papers of today. What effect this financial panic in England will have on our country it is difficult to say yet. I suppose it will send home a good many of our government securities, but I think Jay, we can take them all and not be broke either! It may cause a momentary depression and a little excitement, but I don’t believe it will blast (?) a single plank in our good old ship of State if they would send back every dollar of our securities! We have a great nation financially as well as in other respects …”

REEL 31

Dates: July15 August 1866


• to and from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, relating an investigation into the Treasury’s handling of the gold market and national loans (7, 9 and 10 July), and the interest of the Northern Pacific Railroad Co. See extracts below. Jay Cooke tells his ill brother to “let the business go the dogs, health is the first object”, and that he hardly knows what to do with a dividend cheque for $5871.86. See letters dated 10and 11 July.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahny”), New York, relating to Jay Cooke or his son on 10 July that “’Uncle Pitt’ is slightly busted today having drank too much water in his whisky the past few days – a dangerous thing to do”. On 21 July he reported that he was employing Shattuck to save him from going “staring crazy under the presentations of advertising agents.”

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, quoting Edward Dodge describing one of Jay Cooke’s prayers as “the most chaste and beautiful” he had ever heard. Also wanting a holiday to see his family who are not based in New York. See letters dated 5 and 10 July.

• to and from S. P. Chase, U. S. Chief Justice, Washington DC. Jay Cooke resumes his contact regarding his attempts to pass the new loan bill and railroad business. See extract below.

• from John Sherman, U. S. Senate Chamber, regarding the selling of stock in the National Telegraph Company. See letter dated 16 July.

• from J. A. Stewart, Wall Street, New York, informing Jay Cooke of his decision not to take hold of the new telegraph enterprise due to other commitments, and recommends D. Crawford Jr. See letter dated 24 July.

• from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC, several letters regarding the progress of the loan bill, and requesting a donation of $60 to clear a debt from his local church. See letter dated 19 July.

• from G. S. Scott, Scott Capron & Co., New York bankers, requesting a cash donation on behalf of his Pastor. See letter dated 11 July.

• from Thales Lindsley, New York, relating his discovery of 350,000 feet of gold and silver veins, “a gold and silver estate more extensive and valuable perhaps, than that of any in the United States”. He requests capital from Jay Cooke to develop the site. See letter dated 2 July.

• from John Hume, Fund Commissioner of the State of Missouri, representing the North Missouri Railroad Co., regarding negotiations on the sale of $3,000,000 of bonds. See letters dated 6, 10, 24 and 29 July, and 6 August.

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• from J. B. Stoddard, President of the South Missouri Railroad, requesting an interview with Jay Cooke, after hearing of his involvement with the North Missouri Railroad Co. See letter dated 15 July.

• from J. K. Edgerton, President of Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Co. • from T. C. Durant, Union Pacific Railroad Co., New York. • from D. Belisle, Atlantic City, requesting a publicity role after reading in the papers that

Jay Cooke was selling $6 million of railroad stock. • from J. Dutton Steele, President of the Sterling Iron & Railway Co. to

J. B. Moorhead, with a review of their accounts and a list of bond holders, including Jay Cooke, W. G. Moorhead and D. Crawford Jr. See letter dated 14 July.

• from J. L. Hilgrove and J. S. Weisz, from different areas of Pennsylvania, both wrote to Jay Cooke requesting money to help build churches. See their letters dated 10 July which are typical of the many that Jay Cooke received.

• from F. H . Evans, London, England. • from W. G. Stewart, Christ Church Rectory, Pennsylvania. • from H. S. Getz, Mahanoy City, regarding church matters. • from J. Mills Kendwick, Put in Bay, Ohio, regarding church matters. • from J. Rambo, New Oregon, Iowa, regarding church matters. • from H. Dyer, Bible House, New York. • from T. H. Vale, Kansas, a 15 page letter regarding church matters. • From A. S. Barnard, Office of Chief of the Detective Department of Police, Philadelphia,

pleading for mercy following his arrest for presenting a forged cheque at Jay Cooke & Co. See letter dated 20 July.

• from John Russell Young, New York Tribune • from William E. Chandler, Treasury Department, Washington DC, turning down an

invitation from Jay Cooke to visit his island, Gibraltar. • from Jay Cooke Jr., with his ill mother, enjoying turkey, chicken and ice cream on

4 July.

Key topics include:

• The first twelve days of this reel are dominated by Church matters. This will provide a typical overview of the many letters Jay Cooke consistently received regarding theological issues and charity requests. Regular contributions come from J. Mills Kendwick, H. Dyer, J. Rambo, R. J. Parvin and H. S . Getz. In this reel, even nonclergy like the bankers W. S. Huntington and G. S. Scott make specific requests for charity on behalf of their respective churches.

• Correspondence between H. C. Fahnestock, H. D. Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding banking business and financial matters. There is concern over Congressional investigations into the Treasury’s conduct in issuing national loans and manipulating the gold markets. The Cooke’s attempts to support a new loan bill through Congress, is continued to be backed by John Sherman. See extracts below.

• Railroads, mining and telegraph investments. Jay Cooke & Co. are appointed the general agents for selling the North Missouri Railroad bonds. Other railroad companies mentioned include the Sterling Iron and Railway Co., the Southern Missouri, Northern Pacific, Baltimore & Potomac, and the Grand Rapids & Indiana. See extract below.

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Extract from H. D. Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 7 July 1866 from Washington DC “… [The] Chairman of the Bank Committee, and Hooper of the same committee, were with the Secretary [of the Treasury] nearly two hours this morning. It is arranged that the latter will go before the Committee on Monday, and testify in regard to all gold sales and purchases. He will also give a statement of bond and 730 purchases and sales. I will probably go before the Committee on Monday also – and Van Dyke and Myers too will follow. So far as our operations for the Department are concerned, there is nothing which we cannot explain satisfactorily. We have always done the best we could for the Government and can court investigation, as it will afford us an opportunity of showing how much we have done, and how well we have done it…”

Extract from Jay Cooke’s letter to ex Secretary of the Treasury, and now Chief Justice S. P. Chase dated 16 July 1866 from Philadelphia “… I know that it is very hard for one to murder one’s own children but if I am not mistaken, history records some instances where the statesmen of other days have even suffered in this way for the public good I do not consider that the new bill was in any way intended to kill off or set aside the admirable plans by which money was raised during your administration of the Treasury. Certainly there was no such thought in the minds of Sherman and myself, and I do not think that the public would have understood it in that way …”

Extract from a representative of Jay Cooke & Co.’s telegram to Jay Cooke dated 16 July 1866 from Washington DC “… President and executive Committee of Northern Pacific Railway which has passed into strong hands are here and very anxious to have you come down tonight to meet them all tomorrow for a conference in reference to undertaking the entire negotiation of one hundred millions (100,000,000). Having a full meeting and immediate action being necessary we think it very important that you should come. They want your counsel in regard to their whole financial policy. Come if possible, answer immediately …”

REEL 32

Dates: 16 August–30 September 1866


• to and from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding various financial issues including the appointment of new staff and directors for a bank at Georgetown, all “first class” Christians; the status of the national debt with $57m paid off in August; the renewed prospect of funding a loan to the Mexicans and that of a banking house in London are discussed. See letters dated 24 and 25 August, 6, 7 and 11 September.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahny”), New York. • from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding bank business and railroad stocks. • to and from S. P. Chase, U. S. Chief Justice, Rhode Island and St Louis, regarding

various matters including personal finances, the loan bill, his role as Secretary of the Treasury, the prospects of the North Missouri Railroad and tax. See letters dated 16 and 26 September.

• from Hugh McCulloch, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington DC, requesting

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Jay Cooke to respond to a circular criticising the Treasury. A copy of the circular is included See extract below.

• from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC. • from E. M. Eberman, cashier, 1 st National Bank, Strasburg, Pennsylvania, requesting Jay

Cooke’s recommendation of the North Missouri Railroad bonds. See extract below. • from Jay Cooke Jr., Philadelphia, reporting the sale of 50,000 Northern Missouri Railroad

bonds at 80 cents and suggesting that if they were sold at 90 cents they would “have gone off more rapidly, people are afraid of anything so cheap”. A few days later he reported the “dullest day of the season”. See letters dated 17 and 21 August.

• from John Hume, Fund Commissioner of the State of Missouri, representing the North Missouri Railroad Co.

• from Isaac H. Sturgeon, President of the North Missouri Railroad Co., St Louis. See letters dated 21 & 23 August and 14 & 19 September.

• from J. D. Champlin, Litchfield, contractor for the North Missouri Railroad Co. • from Samuel Wilkeson, Long Island, following up an enquiry he had received regarding

Jay Cooke’s potential involvement in the National Telegraph Co. See letter dated 23 August.

• from J. W. Sexton, Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia. • from T. C. Durant, VicePresident , Union Pacific Railroad Co., New York, inviting Jay

Cooke to the opening of the line westward, up to the 100 th meridian of longitude. • from H. Milnor Roberts, Engineer, Pittsburgh, regarding railroad bonds. • from Orland Smith, Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad Co., Ohio, enquiring about work on

the North Missouri Railroad. • from William Evans, London, England. • from R. J. Parvin, Pennsylvania, regarding church matters. • from J. Mills Kendwick, Put in Bay, Ohio, regarding church matters. • from J. Rambo, New Oregon, Iowa, regarding church matters. • from Lewis B. Gunckel, National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. • from Henry D. Moore, Philadelphia. • from John Russell Young, New York Tribune, reporting an increase in the papers

circulation to 300,000 and his placement of an article promoting the Northern Missouri Railroad bonds. See letters dated 23 and 31 August.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between H. C. Fahnestock, H. D. Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding banking business and financial matters. Markets are down and business slow; railroad bond speculation, Mexican loans and the potential for an English branch of Jay Cooke & Co. The media are again used to promote the Government’s cause. See extract below.

• Railroads. This reel is dominated by the sale of North Missouri Railroad bonds. Jay Cooke is in regular contact with, John Hume, Fund Commissioner, Isaac Sturgeon, President, Champlin Smith & Co., contractors and other bankers pushing investments. See extract below. Other railroads mentioned include the Warren & Franklin, and the legal fees for the Chartier Valley project.

• Other topics include Church, family and charity matters.

25

Extract from Hugh McCulloch’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 24 August 1866 from the Treasury Department Washington DC “… I enclose an atrocious circular of Wotherspoon & Co. which is calculated to do us material injury on the other side. Will you do me the favour to call the attention of Editors of journals whom you have used in times past for the protection and advancement of the Government credit to this circulation and request them to deal with it and the authors in such manner as will be likely to prevent similar publications in the future. When you are again in New York it would be well for you, I think, to call upon Wotherspoon and give him a ‘raking down’. Hanging would be too light a punishment for such a scoundrel…”

Extract from E. M. Eberman’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 20 August 1866 from 1 st National Bank of Strasburg, Pennsylvania “… I am in receipt of a letter and circulars from your firm, also report by Mr. Milnor Roberts, relative to the $6,000,000 7 percent. First Class, First Mortgage Bonds of the North Missouri Railroad Co., and upon the strength of the same, have recommended them as being a good investment. Some of the ‘moniedmen’ desire your private opinion respecting these bonds, which, if satisfactory, I think will be the means of obtaining some subscriptions …”

REEL 33

Dates: October–16 November 1866


• to and from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding various financial and political issues, especially the impact of the Reconstruction debate and the fear of Presidential impeachment. There are numerous letters between the two brothers on 11 and 12 October. See extracts below. Other issues include Henry Cooke’s defence of Huntington and Jay Cooke’s request for Huntington to be kept an eye on (25 October), a discussion over S. P. Chase being considered for the Presidency of the union Pacific Railroad (2 and 3 November), and an intriguing letter from Jay Cooke dated 23 October, telling Henry to tear “into small pieces” letters from Pitt and Huntington because they contained unreliable information. The letters have not survived so one can assume Henry carried out his brother’s instructions.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahny”), New York. • from Pitt Cooke, New York, reporting a “big thing”, the net profit of the New York house

in September was $7,017.49. He also highlights that the Cooke’s Christian charity does not extend to the Catholic Church: “I have no desire to donate a Dollar to the Catholic Church, I regard that sect as inimical to the best interests of our country, as favouring ignorance, bigotry and superstition”. See letters dated 2 and 30 October.

• to and from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC, relating a suggestion from a Mr Browning that the prospect of a financial collapse could lead to Jay Cooke & Co. losing millions of dollars. Jay Cooke responds by dismissing the fears and then berates Huntington for being seen riding in a carriage on a Sunday, which he deemed un Christian behaviour and risked the reputation of the bank. See letters dated 23 and 14 October. On 29 October Huntington again had to defend his conduct following an allegation of fraud against his friend, a Mr. Webb.

• from William E. Chandler, Treasury Department, Washington DC, defending the behaviour of W. S. Huntington. See letter dated 24 October.

26

• from John Hume, Fund Commissioner of the State of Missouri, representing the North Missouri Railroad Co., relating the State election results being good for bond sales. See letter dated 8 November.

• from Isaac H. Sturgeon, President of the North Missouri Railroad Co., St Louis. See letters dated 8 and 19 October.

• from J. J. Cisco, from the President’s office of the Union Pacific Railroad Co. • from Rice Harper, St Paul, providing details of his trip to buy land alongside Railroads on

Jay Cooke’s behalf. See his 8 Page letter dated 5 November and a further 12 pages and two extra letters dated 15 November.

• from J. W. Sexton, Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia. • from J. W. Schuckers, New York, informing Jay Cooke of a new daily evening

newspaper, encouraging his investment for profit and press coverage. See letter dated 8 October.

• from H. Milnor Roberts, Engineer, Pittsburgh and St Louis, regarding various railroad projects including the North Missouri, Union Pacific and the Iron Mountain. See letters dated 5, 8 and 26 October.

• from Thomas Nelson & Sons, publishers, Edinburgh, threatening to sell $500,000 of US government bonds if the rumour is correct that interest will be paid in currency rather than gold.

• from Tiernon & Hay, Pittsburgh, requesting a loan of $90,000 to buy 1,400 acres of farmland with coal deposits, allegedly worth $200,000 with no development required. See letter dated 8 October.

• from S. W. Davis, Philadelphia, providing details of what has been done with Jay Cooke’s cash donations to the church. See letters dated 17, 18 and 29 October and 8 November.

• from J. Falwell, Colleague of Jay Rambo, New Oregan, explaining why he has taken so long to respond to Jay Cooke’s gift of 40 acres of land. See 10 page letter dated 13 October.

• from W. L. Banning, St Paul. • from E. W. Patterson, attorney, appealing for help to set up a church for coloured people

in St Louis. See letter dated 30 October. • from Griffeth Owen, Baltimore, offering a rifle for sale as his only means of getting any

money. See letter dated 20 October. • from George Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia. • to and from J. Rambo, New Oregon, Iowa, regarding church matters. • from Jay Cooke Jr., Philadelphia. • from Henry D. Moore, Preston Coal & Improvement Co., Philadelphia, relating that he

has not earned any money since 1864 but remains confident about the company’s prospects. See letter dated 21 October.

• from John Russell Young, New York Tribune.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between H. D. Cooke Jay Cooke regarding Reconstruction and fears of impeachment and even a return to Civil War. Following an article in the Ledger, which reported dramatic instructions to the Attorney General from President Johnson to block Constitutional amendments supported by a strong, ‘radical’ Congress. Jay Cooke and Henry Cooke exchanged 3 telegrams and 5 letters on the subject on 11 and 12 October. See extracts below. There was much confusion and rumour as the post

27

and telegraph was delayed due to severe flooding. On 13 October, Henry Cooke denied that any such instructions were sent to the Attorney General. On 12 and 13 October H. C. Fahnestock wrote to Jay Cooke stating that they had been sent.

• Correspondence between H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke, H. D. Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding banking business and financial matters. Political uncertainty was past on to the financial sector and rumours of a market collapse circulated. Jay Cooke remained confident but instructed his staff to limit risk. He dealt firmly with W. S. Huntington misdemeanour, and instructed that loans should not be provided for friends.

• Railroads and land. Rice Harper was directed to buy thousands of acres for Jay Cooke along the lines of projected railroads such as the Lake Superior & Mississippi. Other railroads discussed include the Union Pacific, Iron Mountain, Sterling Iron & Railway, Grand Rapids and Indiana, and the South West Pacific.

• Other topics include Church, family and charity matters, including the death of Jay Cooke’s mother inlaw.

Extract from Jay Cooke’s letter to Henry Cooke dated 11 October 1866 from Philadelphia “…We were all astounded this morning to find in the Ledger a special dispatch giving the inquiries which the President made is said to have sent to the Attorney General for answer … it has created a profound sensation, especially among holders of American funds who are really alarmed … we telegraphed you at 10 O’clock in regard to this matter and as yet 2 o’clock have no answer. Please write me by return of mail what has occurred. If it is true, I shall advise all our offices to at once sell their government securities, because the next thing may be a declaration of war against France or any other wild and damaging project that the President may originate … of course, I have no idea, but that if anything were done by the President against Congress, Congress would be supported by ninetenths of the people under such circumstances. We are all ready to shoulder our muskets, if necessary to sustain it…”

Extracts from Henry Cooke’s letters to Jay Cooke dated 12 October 1866 from Washington DC “… As you request, I have gotten all the light I could on the political ‘situation’ … rest assured, we are not going to have any war or any violence. Seward, who is the master spirit of the Administration is too shrewd for that. He is building his hopes upon an entirely different policy. He will be for ‘lying low’ and awaiting the action of Congress. His hope is, that flushed with victory, and relying on the popular majorities in its favour, the counsels of the more moderate (which prevailed last session, in the enactment of the Constitutional Amendments) will be set aside, and the Stevens summer program of universal Negro suffrage, and possibly of Confiscation too, will be set up instead …”

“… Mr McC[ulloch] says that the President never dreamed of such a position as the Ledger dispatch attached to him; that he is sincere in his views, and perhaps obstinate in sticking to them: but that he will not under any circumstances venture upon a policy of… revolutionary factioness … to quote McC’s own words as near as I can ‘Mr Johnson is honest and he is law abiding and is now as ever anxious and willing to obey and carry out the fairly expressed will of the people’ … others of the President’s friends think he will still adhere to his old policy though powerless to do anything against Congress. They think the trouble will come form Congress attempting to impeach the President – rather than from the President attempting to interfere with Congress…”

REEL 34

Dates: 17 November–31 December 1866

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Principal and most interesting correspondence

• to and from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding various financial and political issues, especially Henry’s meeting with radical congressmen on 30 November, and urging Jay Cooke to meet new Congressmen so they ‘start right’ (1 December). See extract below. Jay Cooke related his concerns over market speculation and the need to keep a close eye on the bank. See letters dated 20 and 22 November.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahny”), New York. Many letters regarding bank business including speculation that some banks were failing due to stock speculation. See letter dated 22 November.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York. Numerous letters regarding banking speculation including ‘the most excited day we have ever had here’, and Co. profits of $27,000 for November. See letters dated 22 November and 3 December.

• to and from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC. • from Horace Greeley, New York Tribune, to W. E. Chandler, Treasury Department,

relating cotton, gold and government finances. See letter dated 18 October (copy). • from Isaac H. Sturgeon, President of the North Missouri Railroad Co., St Louis. • from J. Baker, Philadelphia, with a mining proposition, guaranteed to raise millions with

great quality ore. • from Rice Harper, Sandusky, providing details of his trip to buy land alongside Railroads

on Jay Cooke’s behalf. He details water power and pine forests on the St Louis River, and lands at Deluth. See letters dated 21 and 22 November and 1 December.

• from J. W. Sexton, Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia. • from John Gulliver, Rhode Island, raising money for the Chicago Theological Seminary,

with the most colourful words of praise for Jay Cooke. See extract below. • from Miss Annie Daudley, Reading. A good comparison to some larger financial

requests. She only wants $10 for a sewing machine and a water proof coat. • from E. W. Davis, regarding the sale of land with drawings and layout. See letter dated

27 November and 26 December. • from H. Van Duck, US Treasury, New York, recommending the Washington Life

Assurance Co. See letter dated 29 December. • from Hugh McCulloch, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington DC, regretfully turning

down an invitation from Jay Cooke to visit over Christmas. • from J. Rambo, New Oregon, Iowa, regarding church matters.

Key topics include:

• This reel is dominated by correspondence between H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke, H. D. Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding detailed business affairs of the bank, including maintaining loan accounts at $100,000 and limiting local discounts on sales. Political uncertainty continued to be past on to the financial sector. There were rumours that Clarke & Dodge, among others had failed. Panic selling occurred and markets fell. Legal matters regarding the right of the Secretary of the Treasury to raise funds, and exchange bonds are also discussed.

• Railroads and land. Rice Harper continues to act for Jay Cooke along the lines of projected railroads. Sales for the North Missouri Railroad bonds slow dramatically.

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• Other topics include Church, family and charity matters. Among the numerous requests Jay Cooke received range from $40, 000 to $10. See extract below.

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 30 November 1866 from Washington DC “”… Colfax, Washburne, Spaulding, Sherman, General Moorhead and others were among the callers. They all talk alike about the political future. They feel that they as victors are masters of the situation and can with their twothirds majority run the machine of government themselves. The position of the President and the Administration is a matter of comparative indifference to them. All that the President and his Cabinet will have to do will be to execute the laws which Congress makes. With all this, there is no disposition to make war on the former – they feel that the President is powerless to do any great harm, and are not disposed to be harsh or unreasonable … As for impeachment no one talks about it – and I am satisfied that no one thinks of it – unless hereafter just cause should arise for it …”

Extract from J. Gulliver’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 22 November 1866 from Chicago “… There is something so noble and grand, in the idea of placing money, where it will be the means sending forth a constant stream of able and devoted ministers of the Gospel, down to the Millennium, that I have concluded although my means are small, to give 5000 dollars to the Seminary myself. If you were to give eight times that amount (which is about the sum needed) would it not be as well as you would do with your money … In a waking dream I found myself pushed forward five hundred years into the future. Sinner as I am, I found myself in heaven! A sinner saved by grace. My robes were pure and spotless because they had been washed and made whole by the blood of the lamb… in the centre of a semicircle stood a youthful saint, with his face beaming with gladness and joy. In the front rank of the circle, stood about ten thousand venerable saints and behind each of them stood a well nigh innumerable company of redeemed ones, singing the song of Moses and the Lamb – I approached the shining one in the centre of the semicircle, and to my great surprise and joy, I found it was the honoured millionaire banker Jay Cooke, who though classed among the rich men, so few of whom enter heaven, was there with his harp of gold …”

REEL 35

Dates: January –12 February 1867


• to and from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, especially regarding the potential for impeachment of President Johnson. On 4 January Henry Cooke stated that “I don’t believe there is the remotest possibility of an impeachment of the President”. By the 19 January he had changed his mind. See extract below. Jay Cooke was particularly keen to see the Reconstruction of the South, and interested in a ‘Credit Mobilier’ to help fund it. See extract below.

• from “Star”, Jay Cooke’s source of contact at the House of Representatives. Regular letters are received by Cooke keeping him updated with the ongoing situation in the House, including the potential impeachment of Johnson; wild speculators sending telegrams from the House that McCulloch was selling gold; other rumours released by the Philadelphia Inquirer; the Ways and Means Committee; the Gold Bill; the Banking and Currency Committee and the Senate Finance Committee. See letters dated 4, 7, 9, 14, 16, 18, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28 January and 4, 5, 9, 11 of February, and three telegrams dated 4 February. On 21 January Jay Cooke described his contact in a letter to his brother Henry, as a “star of the first magnitude”.

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• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahny”), New York. Many letters regarding bank business including annual profits of $520,554, 84, and relating his strong dislike of a Scandinavian historian who mentioned that he looked like Abraham Lincoln. He asked Jay Cooke to ‘punch’ and later ‘pinch’ him on the nose! See letters dated 2 and 3 January, and 5 February.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York., relating a busy time with Edward Dodge being ill, and the Union Pacific Railroad offering their bonds via J. J. Cisco, Treasurer and J. A. Dix, President.

• to and from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC, providing regular bank statements.

• from John Hume, St Louis, regarding the advancement of money for material for contractors of the North Missouri Railroad. See letter dated 8 January.

• from Isaac H. Sturgeon, President of the North Missouri Railroad Co., St Louis. See letters dated 14 and 17 January.

• from E. T. H. Gibson, New York, regarding land bought off Henry Cooke. See letter dated 4 January.

• from J. W. Sexton, Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia, providing regular bank statements. • from George Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia. • from William E. Chandler, Treasury Department, Washington DC. • from James Tinker, New York, regarding 1000 tons of railroad iron in New Orleans,

required for the North Missouri Railroad. See letters dated 12 and 31 January. • from Bezer Keith and Belding Keith & Co., Fenchurch Street, London to J. Morrill:

“Jay Cooke & Co. have no agent here and we wish to obtain their agency in London to sell US bonds for them or to transact an exchange business on joint account.”

• from Henry D. Moore, Philadelphia.

Key topics include:

• Reconstruction; especially the clash between President Johnson and Congress, and the threat of impeachment. Reports by Henry Cooke and a contact called “Star” maintain regular updates on political issues including legislation for bonds and the ‘consolidated debt’ bill put forward by the Treasury and the Cookes. See extract below.

• Correspondence between H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke, and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs of the bank, including annual profits, gold markets and a meeting of the National Bank Presidents to help maintain the National System.

• Railroads and land. • Other topics include Church, family and charity matters. Notable requests came from the

Anatomical Society and Miami University. Details of actual donations by Jay Cooke include $1000 to the American Tract Society, $500 to the Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia and $500 to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, who now hold the original Jay Cooke papers.

Extract from Jay Cooke’s letter to Henry Cooke dated 18 January 1867 from Philadelphia “… Things are all working well. The German party are here but I tell them distinctly that we will have nothing to do with any arrangement for a Credit Mobilier until a fair chance has been offered to Congress and the South to use it as a means of good feeling etc. If that should follow that the Secretary should feel that it would be advantages to the government to have a large institution of the kind proposed we can take an interest in it under the laws of NY…”

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Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 19 January 1867 from Washington DC “… I am reluctantly coming to the conclusion that the Radicals intend to force through the impeachment against Johnson as a political measure. This is nothing more nor less than revolution. We may as well look the facts in the face. The intention is to get rid of Johnson, to put Wade or Fessenden , probably Wade, in as President of the Senate and he in turn will become acting President under a law of Congress depriving the President of the exercise of the functions of his office while on trial. Then a new law of Congress will increase the number of Judges of the Supreme Court to be appointed by the new President, giving them the majority of the Court. Thus they will have the legislative, judicial and executive power in their own hands (now they have only the legislative) and they will proceed to reconstruct the South in their own way …”

Extract from “Star”’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 4 January 1867 from the House of Representatives, Washington DC “… Ashley adheres to his determination to press his resolution for a select committee on impeachment of the President on Monday next. But Ohio is not likely to be reached in the call of the States for resolutions, and in that case it can only be offered under a suspension of the rules, which requires two thirds. He has already failed once in this, but now expresses confidence that he can push it through. He may get it in in regular order by allowing some member from a State which will be called to offer it, but in that case he would be deprived of the chairmanship of the committee, which is his prime object … Ashley is regarded as a wild, crazy fellow, to whom the management of such a matter should in no event be entrusted it. But he is inflated with the success of the antislavery Constitutional Amendment of two years ago…”

REEL 36

Dates: 13 February–31 March 1867


• to and from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC. Many letters dating from 20 February regarding banking and the business of the Senate. Henry Cooke reports that “Sherman made a magnificent speech…the most eloquent and grand effort made in the Senate since the days of Clay and Webster”. Regarding legislative amendments, on 27 February he states that “the child [the Compound Interest Bill] is so mutilated that its own father would scarcely recognize it”. Between 21 and 27 February Jay Cooke becomes extremely concerned with a delivery of quality Terrapins which Fahnestock had promised to send via Henry Cooke, in order to repay a Philadelphia dealer. On the 23 February Jay Cooke suggests that the matter is “more important than the Senate”. This amusing exchange concludes on 27 February when Jay and Henry’s letters cross; Jay’s telling Henry not to bother to send the Terrapins as he has settled the debt, and Henry’s explaining to Jay the effort he went to sending a batch of Terrapins earlier that day.

• from Jay Cooke to H. H. Van Dyke at the New York Treasury, telling him that 730s are not being sold quickly enough. See letter dated 22 March.

• from “Star”, Jay Cooke’s source of contact at the House of Representatives, relating details of a loan certificate proposition, the Ways & Means, and Banking Committees, the Compound Interest Bill and the Reconstruction Bill. See letters and telegrams dated 15, 20, 23, 26, 27 February & 3 March, and extract below.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahny”), New York. Many letters regarding bank business. Very busy due to the illness of Pitt and Edward Dodge. He reports on the

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20 February that “Pitt lives and is worth 40 dead men”, and relates the strong interest of the Union Pacific Railroad. See extract below.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York., reporting on Banking business and relaying an offer from the Union Pacific Railroad Co., offering a directorship to Jay Cooke and William G. Moorhead. The offer was refused. See letters dated 9 and 12 March.

• to and from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC, providing weekly bank statements and comings and goings from the Cabinet.

• from John Hume, Fund Commissioner, St Louis, discussing the potential of raising foreign capital for the North Missouri Railroad. See letter dated 30 March.

• from Isaac H. Sturgeon, President of the North Missouri Railroad Co., St Louis. • from William Evans, Bishops Gate, London, regarding Polish Bonds. • from J. W. Sexton, Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia. • from M. Hennessey, New York Times, reporting to Jay Cooke that he had published the

article he forwarded about the Compound Interest Bill. See letter dated 16 February.

• from William E. Chandler, Treasury Department, Washington DC, in favour of a London branch of J. Cooke & Co., especially if it established a good link with Paris. See letter dated 5 March.

• from W. J. Barney, Land agent, Chicago • from John A. Stewart, Wall Street, New York, offering the ‘best landscape in the

country’ via a contact, for $1820,000. See letter dated 20 February. • from M. J. Mandell, Merchant Banker, Boston, offering a ‘Rubens’ picture for sale. See

letter dated 20 February. • from C. L. Derby, Art Dealer New York. • from W. Cogswell, portrait artist, Washington DC. See letter dated 16 March. • from S. D. Hininan, Missionary to the Santee Sioux, requesting funds. See extract below. • from J. K. Edgerton, Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Co. • from H. Durrant, Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad Co. See letter dated

23 February. • from H. P. Rutter, with a statement of earnings ($60,000) from the

Warren & Franklin Railroad Co. for 1866. See letter dated 26 March. • from Hugh McCulloch, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington DC. • from A. B. Nettleton, editor of the Sandusky Register (Henry Cooke’s old newspaper),

informing Jay Cooke that he was not borrowing money as a ‘sinking fund’ but to expand. See letter dated 8 March.

• from H. Milner Roberts, Railroad engineer, Pittsburgh. • from J. S. Morrill, U. S. Senate, Washington DC. • from Jeremiah H. Taylor, Portland, informing Jay Cooke that he will send him 500 copies

at 42 cents each of a new religious book ‘for the times’. See letter dated 15 February.

• from Franklin Rising, American Church Missionary Society. • from R. J. Parvin, regarding a church meeting of trustees, Pennsylvania. • from H. Dyer, Bible House, New York.

Key topics include:

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, “Star” and Jay Cooke regarding various political matters in the Senate, including Reconstruction, Compound Interest Bill, the ‘Greenback’ Bill, and a new 5% Loan Bill.

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• Correspondence between H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke, and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs of the bank, including a letter from the New York branch to Philadelphia on 19 February complaining at the latter’s late business dealings, causing funds to be low in a ‘tight market’. The London branch of the bank is also discussed as is the Treasury’s proposal to allow all parties 1/8 commission on selling government securities.

• Jay Cooke receives numerous offers following his advert for paintings to be placed in a newly proposed gallery.

• Railroads, including the North Missouri, Union Pacific, Warren & Franklin and the Grand Rapids & Indiana. Land on the Pennsylvania Railroad route, and offers of wine and a house in Paris.

• Other topics include Church, family and charity matters. Notable requests came from the ‘converted’ Sioux Chiefs (see extract below), Albany Enterprise Academy, the Mission in Liberia and a cashier of the 1 st National Bank of Fairmont. Jay Cooke also receives a quote of $15,000 for a mausoleum.

Extract from H. C. Fahnestock’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 20 February 1867 from Washington DC “… Union Pacific RR people now want to talk business. They have had too many financiers for their good. Durrant would like very much to talk with you about it if you are disposed to undertake the negotiation, which in all will amount to upwards 100 millions we suggest that Friday (a holiday) would be a good time to talk. If you make an appointment please do so by telegraph with me. If you have time in Philadelphia to take hold…it is a big job. W. G. [Moorhead] probably knows all about Durrant. We are full but it would keep you Philadelphia folks out of mischief…”

Extract from “Star”’s telegraph to Jay Cooke dated 27 February 1867 from Washington DC “… General Grant had interview with President last night and urged him to sign reconstruction bill told him it would kill impeachment. Grant says impression left in his mind by the interview was that the President would sign perhaps under protest…”

Extract from S. D. Hininan and 4 Indian Chiefs’ circular to Jay Cooke dated 21 March 1867 from Nebraska “…We, the undersigned, the Chiefs and Catechists of the Santee Sioux Nation, earnestly ask our Spiritual Fathers and Christian Brethren to help us to finish our School and Mission Houses. We have given up all our savage customs and heathen worship, and we are trying to live like Christian men. Our Missionary and his family have been with us for seven years. In times of great personal danger, and in times of our poverty and disgrace, they have never deserted us nor left their work. Since our removal to the Missouri river they have lived in the coldest and most uncomfortable buildings. Now, suitable houses have been begun, and we affectionately ask you to help us finish them … although we have always tried to be the friends of the whites, all our property has been confiscated and we are almost dependent upon the charity of our Great Father at Washington. We are men advanced in years, and in a few winters at the most, we will be called to journey to the far country. For ourselves, therefore, we cannot hope much. In sadness of heart we are going to rest. But we speak words of truth when we tell you that this Mission and these Schools that we are building, are our hope, our only hope for our children …”

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REEL 37

Dates: AprilMay 1867


• to and from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC. Many letters regarding various bank and Government business. Henry relates General Grant’s comment that his stay with Jay Cooke was “not half long enough” and that he will return in the summer. Henry and Jay also exchange letters regarding the cost of the ‘Indian War’. See letters dated 3 May and extracts below. Jay Cooke writes to his brother on numerous issues including; inviting General Grant to visit, which he eventually did, spending “over an hour smoking and talking”, and instructing his banks to call in loans due to fears of a financial crisis, his refusal to lend money to a friend of S. P. Chase on the grounds that his cotton business will not make any money, and rumours of a war in Europe. See letters dated 20, 22, 23, 24, 27 April, 9 and 20 May.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahny”), New York. Many letters regarding bank business, especially his 12 page letter dated 31 May.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York., reporting on banking business including the New York branch net earnings for April ($36,000). See letter dated 7 May.

• to and from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC, providing weekly bank updates.

• from John Hume, Fund Commissioner, St Louis, • from Isaac H. Sturgeon, President of the North Missouri Railroad Co., St Louis. • from Rice Harper, Sandusky, Ohio. • from J. W. Sexton, Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia. • from W. Hollander, New York, offering 20, 000 acres of land. See extract below. • from William E. Chandler, Treasury Department, Washington DC, relating details of the

‘defalcation’ of the 1 st National Bank of New Orleans and misappropriation of $1m. He also enjoyed the hospitality of Jay Cooke at Gibraltar stating that “you will kill somebody there, if you are not careful, by overfeeding”. See letter dated 14 May.

• from W. G. Moorhead, Washington DC. • from John Russell Young, New York Tribune. • from Marcus Root, Philadelphia, requesting to borrow $1000 to pay for the marketing

and cost of his two volume photography manual. • from J. W. Weir, Harrisburg. • from Henry D. Moore, New York, informing Jay Cooke of the good news that the

Preston Coal Company is at last making money, predicting a large jump in the stock price. However, he also asks Jay Cooke to ‘let me in a little’ on government deals because he has not made any money for over a year. See letter dated 9 April.

• from S. W. Thomas, Methodist Episcopal Book room, Philadelphia. • from J. K. Edgerton, Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Co. • from James Orr, runner for Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia, requesting a pay rise from $9

per week because he can not afford to support his mother and two young brothers. See letter dated 6 May.

• from R. C. Parsons, Supreme Court, Washington DC. • from Hugh McCulloch, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington DC. • from Jay Cooke Jr., Kentucky Military Institute. See letters dated 14 and 16 May.

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• from J. S. Morrill, U. S. Senate, Washington DC. • from R. J. Parvin, Evangelical Education Society, Pennsylvania.

Key topics include

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke, and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs of the bank, and the Government, including Grant’s visit to Gibraltar, the national debt and the Indian War, New Orleans National bank embezzlement, and financial concerns prompting Jay Cooke to instruct his partners to only loan government securities and call in others.

• Railroads, including the North Missouri, Union Pacific, Grand Rapids & Indiana. Land on the West Jersey Railroad route, and offers of Persian rugs for sale. Also the profit and loss details of the Pittsburgh Gas Company for 1866. See letter dated 30 June.

• Other topics include Church, family and charity matters.

Extract from M. Hollander’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 20 April 1867 from New York “… I come to offer you for sale 20, 000 acres of superior lands in Cumberland County, New Jersey within one mile of the West Jersey RR, 30 miles from Camden N.Y. The land is of a light loam very productive and unsurpassed for settlement of emigrants as the crops may be gathered two to three months earlier than in the neighbourhood of New York. Distance from New York 5 hours by RR.. 300 acres are under cultivation with a good dwelling and out houses. Oak and Pine timber with valuable Cedar cover most of the land. The track of land is very near the known Vineland settlement, where land is selling from $25 to $100 per acre. The price for the 20, 000 acres is only $8 – say eight dollars per acre …”

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 8 May 1867 from Washington DC “… I told the Secretary that you intended to keep Chandler a day or two longer. He seemed a little disappointed said that there were some matters about which he wanted to consult with him – but that you were perhaps right. He is not feeling very cheerful about the future, says that the pending Indian War is going to run up a tremendous bill of expense against the government – that he is now giving for it to the War Department 4 million per week – that the Internal Revenue is falling off terribly and that the close (?) of the year will show an increase of the public debt of about 20 millions…He says the next monthly debt statement will not present a favourable showing – In short he looks through blue spectacles …”

Extract from Jay Cooke’s letter to Henry Cooke dated 9 May 1867 from Philadelphia “… Yours of the 8 th received. You will find Huntington and Chandler at their posts this morning. If the Secretary had telegraphed yesterday as he ought to have done they would have remained. Why don’t they remodel the Indian business, let it out by contract & I have no doubt that the Indians would be subdued at onefourth the present expense to the government. I think a great deal as the Secretary does about the extraordinary expenses and the falling off of the Internal Revenue, but this is a great country and we can stand almost anything. I don’t often put on blue spectacles …”

REEL 38

Dates: June–20 August 1867

36


• to and from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC. Henry writes on various political issues including the attacks against Secretary McCulloch, calling for his resignation, a surprising drop in the National debt, a vote against impeachment by the Judiciary Committee, confidential details from the Reconstruction Committee, and attempts to influence Congress regarding the National banks through personal discussions. See letters dated 4 June, 5, 18 July and 19, 20 August, and the extract below. Jay Cooke writes from Gibraltar and Philadelphia. He writes to Henry to invite McCulloch, General Moorhead, Senator Morrill, Colfax and Fessenden to visit in order to discuss political matters prior to the next sitting of Congress. He also denounces Henry’s involvement with a lottery, even if it is linked with a charity. Henry was not aware he had been associated with the organization. Jay attacks the Randall resolution against the National banking system, and defends attacks against Chief Justice Chase asking Henry to respond in the press to the “miserable slanderers”. See letters dated 8, 9, 17 July and 10 August.

• to and from Dr. Bronson, Gambier, Ohio, on matters of theology such as apostolic succession. See Jay Cooke’s 4 page letter dated 9 July.

• from Chief Justice S. P. Chase, Washington DC, regarding attacks upon his character in the press, suggesting he profited from his time as Secretary of the Treasury. He strongly denies the allegations. See letters dated 7, 10 and 16 August.

• from Hugh McCulloch, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington DC, explaining that although he is now “thicker skinned” he is still annoyed at attacks against him in the press. He also discusses the Randall resolution which he supports in principle but also offers his support for the national banking system. See letters dated 15 June and 31 July.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahny”), New York. • from Pitt Cooke, New York., reporting on Banking business including an incident of a

forged cheque that had cleared through New York for $12,000 instead of $1200. See letter dated 19 July.

• from M. Thompson, United States Internal Revenue, Pennsylvania, providing details of Jay Cooke’s tax return. It details Jay Cooke’s income at $205, 636.39, and at 5% he was taxed $10,281.82. See letter dated 8 June.

• from H. R. Campbell, Philadelphia, writing strongly to protest against the Radical programme in Congress, threatening a War of Races. See extract below.

• to and from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC, providing weekly bank updates.

• from John Hume, Fund Commissioner, St Louis, • from Isaac H. Sturgeon, President of the North Missouri Railroad Co., St Louis, looking

for extra funding. See letter dated 25 June. • from Champlin Smith & Co., contractors for the North Missouri Railroad Co., wanting

Jay Cooke to help raise $250, 000 to complete a section of track. • from E. G. Sheppard, New York, responding to reading in the newspapers that Jay Cooke

had bought 100, 000 acres of land in Missouri. See letter dated 11 June. • from H. Milner Roberts, Pittsburgh, requesting a loan. See letter dated 25 June. • from J. Edgar Thompson, Philadelphia & Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Railroad Co. • from W. G. Moorhead, Philadelphia, reporting on banking business in Jay Cooke’s

absence.

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• from John Russell Young, New York Tribune, offering his papers support following his observation that “we are going to have a war upon our national banks”. See letter dated 21 June.

• from C. C. Norvell, New York Times. • from H. Dyer, Bible House, New York. • from Henry D. Moore, New York, regarding a proposed exchange of Preston Coal bonds.

See letter dated 4 June. • from R. J. Parvin, Evangelical Education Society, Pennsylvania.

Key topics include

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke, and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs of the bank, and the Government. The general feeling of political tension regarding impeachment and reconstruction is increased with attacks on McCulloch, Chase, Jay Cooke and the national banking system. The Cookes attempt to use all their influence to defend their positions and in turn influence Congress. Despite previous fears the national debt was reduced by $3m in May.

• Railroads, including the North Missouri, Warren & Franklin, and North Pennsylvania. • The wealth that Jay Cooke has acquired is evident in this reel with details of his income

and small tax liability, large land purchases, and numerous offers for him to purchase coal, gold and silver mines.

• Other topics include Church, family and charity matters, including church schools in South Missouri.

Extract from H. R. Campbell’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 22 June 1867 from Philadelphia “… you sold for account of the Treasury the thousands of millions of its Bonds whereby the ‘sinews of war’ were procured from a brave and patriotic people. Their object was to sustain the Government and restore the Governmental authority over every inch of its territory. The destruction of Slavery was a consequence of the war, but it was not the only & main purpose for which the North fought. The ultra Radicals, headed by Thaddens Stevens, seem bent on confiscation and the establishment of a military disruption in the Southern States. They are not satisfied with the acquisition of freedom of the Negroes of the South, but seem bent on making those ignorant Negroes the power to rule the country. You may rely upon it their designs cannot succeed & if they do such extend as the present Congress can enforce it, a reaction will take place which will not only sweep the Republicans from power, but will result in National Repudiation, the Destruction of the National Banking, and a War of races in the Southern States in which the Negroes will be exterminated and the final disruption of he Union …”

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 20 August 1867 from Washington DC “… I hardly know how the fight against Secretary McCulloch is going to turn out. The pressure against him from New York and other parties is very strong, and it is hard to tell how much pressure the Secretary can withstand. He has been constant in his support of the President and so hearty too, that it is almost inconceivable that the latter will discard him – that is it would be inconceivable in any body but Johnson. I didn’t think the President’s private secretary…is hostile to us. I am satisfied that the whole hue and cry against Chase … McCulloch and you is political purely, and incited by the most selfish motives. It can do no one serious harm, except, is so far as it aids the scheme to displace Mr. McCulloch If there should be a change, we may have to square up our balance …”

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REEL 39

Dates: 21 August–31 October 1867


• to and from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC. Henry writes on various political issues and illustrates his knowledge of Washington. He highlights the close relationship between Grant and Sherman, why he is not too disappointed with the swing away from the Radicals in the elections, describing how California was lost due to party splits. He also reports that the Cabinet is “holding back”, leaving the President isolated over reconstruction, and sees Grant as the only hope for fulfilling the programme: “He [Grant] is feeling very anxious and talks freely to us about the contingencies and not improbable dangers ahead. But he will be firm and true and I am truly glad we have such a man is such a place at such a time”. See letters dated 2, 3, 7 September and 7, 12 and 25 October. Jay Cooke writes from Philadelphia, and relates his disappointment at the “sad news” of the elections and criticises Henry for investing in the “exploded Confederacy” due to the bad publicity and suggests that he should have got someone else to do it instead. It turned out to be an error by Huntington. Jay also wrote to all his partners regarding an exchange of Preston Coal stock and 535,000 Railroad shares. See letters dated 4, 14 September and 9 October.

• from Chief Justice S. P. Chase, Washington DC, continuing to defend himself against attacks upon his character in the press. See letters dated 25 August and 18 September.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahny”), New York, reporting disappointing September figures he states that “less said about it the better”. See letter dated 3 October.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York., reporting on banking and personal business • to and from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC, regular banking

business and apologising for an advertisement being placed for Confederate bonds by mistake. His defence was helped by reporting that “Grant and McCulloch both laughed.” See letter dated 5 September

• from John Hume, Fund Commissioner, St Louis, regarding the resignation of Isaac Sturgeon as President of the North Missouri Railroad Co., due to lack of funds. See letter dated 18 October.

• from A. B. Nettleton, Sandusky Register, informing Jay Cooke that he will forward 50 copies of the paper with his 5 column article in defence of the national banking system. See letters dated 17, 21 and 25 October.

• from Champlin Smith & Co., contractors for the North Missouri Railroad Co. • from C. H. Clarke, President 1 st National Bank, Philadelphia, considering the position in

charge of the London house of Jay Cooke & Co. See 6 page letter dated 14 October.

• from J. F. Wardwell, Spencer Villa & Co., Boston, enquiring about a position in the future London branch of Jay Cooke & Co. See letter dated 29 August.

• from W. G. Moorhead, Philadelphia, regarding oil lands and Warren & Franklin Railroad bonds. See letter dated 9 October.

• from John Russell Young, New York Tribune. • from D. S. Miller, Rectory, Frankford, Philadelphia, appealing on behalf of a Colored

Methodist church. See letter dated 25 August.

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• from J. Rambo, New Oregan., church matters. • from Henry D. Moore, Oil City and Philadelphia, regarding Warren & Franklin Railroad

bonds and dividends on the Preston Coal stocks. See letters dated 21 August and 9 September.

• to from R. J. Parvin, Evangelical Education Society, Pennsylvania. • from W. J. Barney, land agent, Chicago, informing Jay Cooke that it will take some time

to sell off 18,000 acres of land. See letter dated 9 September. • from George Latimer, Pottstown, asking for Jay Cooke’s support of his local Republican

candidate, especially as his opponent is a German, a Democrat and a Tavern keeper. See letter dated 10 October.

Key topics include

• This reel is dominated with correspondence between Henry Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding the political situation in Washington DC. Their increasing friendship with General Grant, newly appointed to the War Office is highlighted, and Henry’s inside information keeps them informed about McCulloch’s job being rumoured to be going to J. J. Cisco, the clashes within the Cabinet, and the effect of the elections are discussed.

• Jay Cooke strongly defends the national banking system via a widely circulated newspaper article first published by the Sandusky Register. The political machinations affect the markets and banking business is slow and tense.

• Railroads, including the North Missouri and the Sterling Iron & Railroad Co. • other topics include Church, family and charity matters, including Sunday school

donations and numerous churchmen visiting Sandusky.

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 2 September 1867 from Washington DC “… General Grant was in today and I had a long free talk with him. He is true and reliable and firm in his purposes, and will do all the law will allow him to do to thwart the President’s attempts to practically annul the reconstruction acts of Congress. But he is in a difficult position, and it is important for the country that he should not break with the President, or abandon his position at the head of the War Department. Knowing the facts as I do, I don’t like to see the papers criticizing him as they have done … Depend on it, Grant is our only hope of carrying out the reconstruction acts in good faith, and even he, with the limited powers given him by the law, may not be able fully to protect the country against the proSouthern policy of the President, who is wicked enough to attempt almost anything…”

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 12 October 1867 from Washington DC “…We have had rather exciting times during the past three to four days, between election returns, talk of Cabinet changes and the counterfeit 730 notes…About the elections. You know how I have felt for a long time past in regard to the course of the ultra infidelic radicals like Wade, Sumner, Stevens et id omne genus. They were dragging the Republican Party into all sorts of isms and extremes. Their policy was on of bitterness, hate and wild agrarianism without a single Christian principle to give it consistency, except the sole idea of universal suffrage. And now the part has suffered a check because sound and sober men had begun to lose confidence in its leaders. These reckless demagogues have had their day and the time has come for wiser counsels … in Ohio with a mad project coupling the enfranchisement of Negroes and the disenfranchisement of noble white soldiers who had risked their lives for their country, who had served in the army all through the war and who were in reality only technically deserters, what

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wonder is that the accumulated load was too heavy for any party to carry and that it broke down under it…”

REEL 40

Dates: NovemberDecember 1867


• to and from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC. Henry writes on various political issues; 1) the competition between Chase and Grant for the Presidential nomination, with Henry spending a lot of time with Grant. See letters dated 13, 14, 15, 18, and 19 November and 17 December. On the 13 November he states: “the politicians are after me with sharp sticks – and between the friends of Chase and Grant I am having anything but an interesting time”. 2) Impeachment being back on the agenda and votes against. See letters dated 23 November and 7 December. 3) The proposal to use ‘greenbacks’ instead of gold to repay loans. See letters dated 7, 14 and 16 December. Jay Cooke writes from Philadelphia, and relates the drowning of his Chief Cashier’s sons within yards of home, his urging Henry to tell Thompson at the Treasury to pay the 1868 loans in gold and not coin, and attacking Senators for taking the opposite opinion. See letters dated 10, 12 and 31 December. Jay Cooke also enters the Presidential debate and on 13 December suggests “if he [S. P. Chase] had worked with us two years since he would now have been the undisputed candidate for President and if he ever is to succeed he must take the course we indicate.” Please note that Jay Cooke’s letter dated 18 December denying alleged comments he made about S. P. Chase appears in error on reel 47.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahny”), New York. See his amusing letter dated 4 November, in which he threatens to retire due to Pitt Cooke’s reluctance to keep a “decent deposit account”. He continues, “for a millionaire he does keep a ‘shocking’ mean balance sheet on the ledger”.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York., reporting on banking and a visit from Marks, Sloan, Pierson and Will Colt outlining plans for new railroads. See letter dated 19 November.

• from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC. • from John Hume, Fund Commissioner, St Louis, outlining the situation at North Missouri

Railroad Co., following the resignation of most of the board. See letter dated 23 November.

• from A. B. Nettleton, Sandusky Register, regarding newspaper matters and politics. See letters dated 9, 15 and 25 November.

• from Chief Justice S. P. Chase, Washington DC. • from William E. Chandler, Treasury Department, Washington DC, praising Jay Cooke

for his “able, unanswerable and timely” letter in defence of the national banks. See letter dated 2 December.

• from Samuel Wilkeson, New York Tribune, informing Jay Cooke that he has recommended North Missouri railroad shares to his sister in law and advised Senator Morrill to visit him. See letter dated 14 November.

• from Barton Bates, new president of North Missouri Railroad Co. See his 5 page letter dated 10 December.

41

• from John Russell Young, New York Tribune. • from W. Meilson, Elizabethtown, advising Jay Cooke on mining prospects. See letters

dated 25 November and 10, 17 December. • from O. Noble, AngloAmerican Oil Co., Erie, offering Jay Cooke a trusteeship. • from Henry D. Moore, Preston Coal Co., to Pitt Cooke, looking for funds for the new

company church and Pastor there. Jay Cooke had already committed half the funding himself.

• from W. J. Barney, land agent, Chicago. • from John Sherman, Senate Chamber, Washington DC, regarding new funding bill and

the payment of old bonds in gold. See letter dated 14 December. • from J. W. Weir, Harrisburg. • from Editor of Baltimore Post, offering advertising space at $1 per line in support of the

national banking system and Chase for President. See letter dated 19 November.

Key topics include

• This reel is dominated with correspondence between Henry Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding the political situation in Washington DC, with impeachment and the President’s speeches being addressed. The Cooke’s growing relationship with General Grant is reported and discussed especially in relation to his Presidential race with Chief Justice S. P. Chase. See extracts below.

• Jay Cooke continues to strongly defend the national banking system, and is adamant that government loans new and old should be repaid in gold. John Sherman’s new loan bill is discussed regarding this agenda.

• Railroads, including the North Missouri and the President of the Philadelphia & Trenton selling paintings (14 November).

• other topics include Church, family and charity matters, including Sunday school donations and support for educational establishments. This reel is typical with Jay Cooke receiving approximately one letter a day from churchmen and related issues. Among those writing in this reel include: R. J Parvin, Philadelphia; J. Thompson; S. W. Thomas, Philadelphia; Hale Townsend; H. Dyer, New York; J. Rambo, New Oregan; Jeremiah H. Taylor, Portland; W. Kendrick, Preston Coal Co.; J. Duer; E. Impersoll, Sandusky and G. B. Allen, Woodside.

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 19 November 1867 from Washington DC “… I can only say in answer to your query, that General G[rant] and I are good friends!! and those confounded newspapers ought not to ‘blow’ about us every time we take a ride together. We went up to the Great Falls and while there run up the canal a little bit above to see the quarries, in which General G. is a stockholder, as myself and a good many other clever and distinguished fellows!!! As none but ‘celebrities’ are admitted to membership you can come in too – if you will ‘come down’ handsomely!…”

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 17 December 1967 from Washington DC “… He [S. P. Chase] read me a letter which he had written you (but which he said, he guessed he wouldn’t send) in which he said it was reported to him that Painter had reported you as saying that ‘he stood no chance for the Presidency’. ‘that he had better withdraw from the contest’ etc. He said he didn’t believe it; but the story came so straight that he thought he would write to you about it. I told him that of course that you never had said so – that you may have said what I had

42

said to him (Gov. C) and what I would repeat – that the current was now setting strongly for Grant – and that this was a fact which neither he nor his friends should not shut their eyes against but recognise it – and as long as there was hope of success to do all they could, possibly, to ensure his (Gov. C’s) nomination …”


REEL 41

Box 38 Folders 1-14 January & 1-13 February 1868

Box 39 Folders 1-5 14-29 February 1868

REEL 42

Box 39 Folders 6-12 2-26 March 1868 Box 40 Folders 1-10 27-31 March & April 1868

REEL 43

Box 40 Folders 11-14 1-11 May 1868

Box 41 Folders 1-10 12-30 May & June 1868

REEL 44

Box 41 Folders 11-14 1-19 July 1868

Box 42 Folders 1-7 20-31 July & 1-8 August 1868

REEL 45

Box 42 Folders 8-14 9-31 August 1868 Box 43 Folders 1-7 September 1868

REEL 46

Box 43 Folders 8-15 October 1868 Box 44 Folders 1-7 November 1868

REEL 47

Box 44 Folders 8-12 1-17 December 1868 Box 45 Folders 1-5 18-31 December 1868

REEL 48

Box 45 Folders 6-12 January 1869


Box 46 Folders 1-8 February 1869

REEL 49

Box 46 Folders 9-11 1-13 March 1869 Box 47 Folders 1-5 14-31 March 1869

REEL 50

Box 47 Folders 6-10 1-16 April 1869 Box 48 Folders 1-4 17-30 April 1869

REEL 51

Box 48 Folders 5-11 1-21 May 1869 Box 49 Folders 1-2 22-31 May 1869

REEL 52

Box 49 Folders 3-15 June & 1-19 July 1869 Box 50 Folders 1-5 20-31 July 1869

REEL 53

Box 50 Folders 6-16 August 1869

REEL 54

Box 51 Folders 1-14 September & 1-11 October 1869

REEL 55

Box 52 Folders 1-12 12-30 October & 1-22 November 1869 Box 53 Folders 1-4 23-30 November 1869

REEL 56

Box 53 Folders 5-15 December 1869

REEL 57

Box 54 Folders 1-18 January 1870


REEL 58

Box 55 Folders 1-17 February 1870

REEL 59

Box 55 Folders 18-22 1-8 March 1870


REEL 60

Box 56 Folders 16-18 3-8 April 1870 Box 57 Folders 1-19 9-30 April 1870

<back


CIVIL WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION: THE MAKING OF MODERN AMERICA Series One: The Papers of Jay Cooke (18211905) from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania Part 3: General Correspondence, January 1868April 1870

DETAILED LISTING


Reel 41

Dates: JanuaryFebruary 1868


• to and from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC. Henry and Jay exchange letters on various financial and political issues; 1) liquidity of their banks, see Henry’s letters dated 15 and 16 January. 2) Committee and press investigations into their financial conduct and relationship with the Secretary of the Treasury, see Henry’s letters dated 7, 12, 17, 21, 26, 28 February, and Jay’s letters dated 11, 24, 27 February 3) Bills against the National Banks, see Henry’s letter dated 28 January in which he states “I have worked hard to kill the bill in the committee” and Jay’s letters dated 29 January. 4) Attempts to pass a new Loan Bill, see Henry’s letter dated 18 January in which he states “At Sherman’s request, I have been over the loan bill, with your and Fahney’s annotations”. 5) Discussions on donating $5,000 to the Republican Party at request of W. E. Chandler and the possible benefits to the Cookes, see Henry’s letters dated 29, 31 January and 1 February and extracts below. Also see Jay’s letter dated 7 January in which he relates to Henry how in response to W. B. Sloan’s enquiry as to whether National Bankers would support Chase for President, he replied that he “had nothing to do with politics”.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding the inefficient running of the banks in the previous year and accounting rules. See letters dated 7 and 24 January.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York., reporting the reduced banking profits of the previous year, the large amount of begging letters he receives and selling gold. See letters dated 3, 13, 16 and 17 January.

• from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC. • from Samuel Wilkeson, New York Tribune. Wilkeson responds to Jay Cooke’s

request for him to repay some of his outstanding loan, by relating how he had “saved” the Cooke’s $200,000 by influencing the outcome of a Committee investigation into their banking procedures. See letter dated 18 January and extract below.

• from William E. Chandler, Treasury Department, Washington DC, requesting the Cooke’s to donate funds to Grant’s Presidential campaign with the potential reward of patronage from the future government. See letters dated 28 and 31 January and 12 February, and extract below.

• from H. R. Halburd, Treasury Department, Washington DC, informing Jay Cooke of how each Committee member stands on Samuel J. Randall’s Anti National Bank Bill. See letter dated 20 January.

• from L. L. Crounse or “Star”, House of Representatives, Washington DC, informing Jay Cooke of the “key” he will use to communicate the proceedings in Congress and subsequent reports on the Impeachment of the President. See letters and telegraphs dated 10, 11, 12, 17, 23, 24 and 26 February.

• from Lockwood, providing further details of impeachment proceedings. See telegraph dated 26 February.

• from Chief Justice S. P. Chase, Washington DC. See letter dated 11 January. • from W. B. Sloan, Attorney and Real Estate Agent, Ohio, enquiring if National Banks

and Bankers will support Chase’s Presidential campaign. See letter dated 3 January. • from A. B. Nettleton, Sandusky Register, regarding newspaper matters and the debate

on greenbacks versus gold. See letter dated 30 January. • from P. Justice, Philadelphia, regarding a deal for 600 tons of steel from Jay Cooke’s

business. See letter dated 8 January. • from W. Cranwell, Real Estate broker, Omaha, Nebraska, regarding land deals in

Minnesota and along the Union Pacific Railroad. • from W. J. Barney, land agent, Chicago. See letter dated 18 January • from William Lloyd, ex soldier, can’t live off $4 pension due to wounds received

during Civil War. See letter dated 1 January. • from D. Miller, Rectory, Frankford, relating how he has distributed $500 donation

from Jay Cooke. See letter dated 1 January • from W. H. B. Hartley, New York, informing Jay Cooke that “good reliable Railroad

bonds can be sold” in London. See letter dated 14 January. • from J. Black, State Temperance Union, Philadelphia. See letter dated 17 January. • from O. O. Howard, Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands, War

Department, Washington DC, reporting how Jay Cooke’s $3,000 donation could be spent on the starving and homeless in the South.

• from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior Railroad Co. See letters dated 23 and 31 January. • from Isaac Sturgeon, North Mississippi Railroad Co., regarding land around the

railroad. See letter dated 14 February. • from W. H. Van Nortwick, Revenue Inspector’s Office, New Jersey, asking for Jay

Cookes support in his plan to raise more revenue from liquor tax. See letter dated 14 February.

• from various churchmen, D. Miller and J. Taylor, Cobalt; S. W. Thomas, G. Mead and R. J. Parvin, Philadelphia; Lewis Henry, New York; S. N. Sanford, Ohio.

Key topics include

• Committee and press investigations into Cooke’s financial conduct and relationship with the Secretary of the Treasury is strongly defended. S. Wilkeson relates how the political machine can be influenced. See extract below.

• Finance Bills in Congress, including S. J. Randall’s Bill against the National Banks and a new Loan Bill. Henry Cooke attempts to use his contacts in Washington to influence proceedings.

• Discussions on and subsequent donation of $5,000 to the Republican Party at request of W. E. Chandler and the possible benefits to the Cookes. See extracts below.

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke, and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs of the bank, including the need to limit large liabilities.

• Continuing proceedings in Congress regarding the impeachment of the President and the Presidential ambitions of Chase and Grant.

• Land and Railroad investments, including the North Missouri and Warren and Franklin Railroad Companies.

• Other topics include church matters and Jay Cooke’s numerous charitable donations

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 29 January 1868 from Washington DC “…He and W. both said that the sub’n of $5,000 made now would be gratefully remembered and that it was of vital importance that it be made promptly…Chandler urged strongly that this timely donation would give us a hold upon Grant’s administration (if he sh’d be the nominee) which nothing else could give us – that we could give it without compromising ourselves with Gov. Chase – as it would be given not in the interest of any particular

Presidential Canidate…I will only say by way of suggestion – that bad as is the prospect with our present stupid Congress, it would be much better with a friendly President…”

Extract from W. E. Chandler’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 28 January 1868 from Washington DC “…we haven’t, unfortunately, the patronage of this administration although we placed it in power. We shall have however the patronage & power of the next; and whoever helps us in this emergency, with the knowledge of those who are to be in power, to save New Hampshire and the country from the curse of copperhead rule; shall be remembered hereafter to the extent of my ability and influence with those who authorize me to act…”

Extract from S. Wilkeson’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 18 January 1868 “…The Chairman was instructed to report on a resolution requesting the Attorney general to bring a suit against your Bank to recover the $200,000. The resolution was reduced to writing and the Chairman stood in the front of the Speaker’s desk to offer it. The misfortune was boldly and promptly averted He was decoyed from the floor of the House and held in conversation in a corridor till the opportunity to offer it was lost on the regular order of business…Delays were then prepared to wear out the hostile feeling in the Committee room. Then Randall’s absence in Philadelphia was waited and watched for – when it accurred, the report of the Committee was flung into the House and your bank was saved…”

Reel 42

Dates: MarchApril 1868


• to and from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC. Henry and Jay exchange letters on various financial and political issues; 1) Congressional resolution raised by General Logan to investigate into their financial conduct and the amount of commission made by the Cooke’s selling government bonds and gold, see Henry’s letters dated 19, 20, 24, 25 & 26 March, and Jay’s letters dated 23 & 27 March 2) Start of Impeachment trial against President Johnson, see Henry’s letters dated 6, 7 March 15 & 27 April, and Jay’s letters dated 5 & 6 March. 3) Debate with Sherman whether to repay government loans in gold or greenbacks, see Henry’s letters dated 2, 4 & 21 March, and Jay’s letters dated 2 March (to Sherman) & 3 March. Also see Henry’s letter to Jay dated 17 March relating how he had a train compartment “all alone, the same, the conductor said, which he always gives to you”.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking and trading.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding family and business matters, including an AngloAmerican Oil Company venture, see letters dated 11 & 14 April; and 14 March reporting the receipt of 200 “very fine Africaine” cigars that Jay Cooke had requested for the “General”.

• from William E. Chandler, Treasury Department, Washington DC, outlining details of the commissions made by Jay Cooke & Co. in bond and gold sales ($6,873,934.96 & $293,782.00). See letter dated 23 April.

• from Jay Cooke & Co., Washington DC, providing an addition to the telegraph cipher key e.g. Allen Andover = buy. See letter dated 18 March.

• from L. L. Crounse or “Star”, House of Representatives, Washington DC, informing Jay Cooke on Impeachment and Congressional proceedings. See letters and telegraphs dated 3, 9, 16 & 24 March and 8, 27 & 30 April.

• from Ed. McPherson, House of representatives, Washington DC, reporting to Jay Cook on the resolution by Logan to investigate commissions. See letter dated 18 March.

• from Secretary McCulloch, Treasury Department, Washington DC, requesting figures on Gold sales and commissions in 1864. See letter dated 2 April.

• from William Smith, Senate Chamber, Pennsylvania, promoting the National Insurance Bill. See letter dated 1 April.

• from F. H. Evans, London, chasing AngloOil Co. to remove Jay Cooke’s name from unsolicited publicity

• from S. Marks, Huron, thanking Jay Cooke for letting him know his son had asked him for a loan, stating he was “once proud of that boy”. See letter dated 7 March.

Key topics include

• Congressional Resolution raised by General Logan, supported by S. J. Randall and Drexell, and the Ledger newspaper, investigating the level of commission paid to Jay Cooke & Co. for selling government bonds and gold. The Treasury Department and the Cookes defend their conduct. See extract below.

• Proceedings in Congress: Start of Impeachment trial of President Johnson; National Insurance Bill and general committee business. See extract below.

• Debate between Jay Cooke and Sherman over the right to repay government loans in greenbacks. Cooke wanted them to be paid in gold as originally promised

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke, and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs of the bank.

• Land and Railroad investments, including the North Missouri Railroad bonds and tax. • Other topics include church matters, Gas works in Washington and Jay Cooke’s

numerous charitable donations

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 6 March 1868 from Washington DC “…You will see by the papers that gov. Chase ‘though better of it,’ and took his seat yesterday promptly, as presiding officer of the High Court of Impeachment. – There will probably be a delay of a week or ten days after the organisation of the Court…to give the President time to consult counsil etc. and the trial will last at least a month, and no one can tell how much longer. It is very doubtful whether there will be much genuine legislation until the trial is over…for there is little doubt that the President will be deposed, and Wade put in his place…”

Extract from Jay Cooke’s letter to Henry Cooke dated 24 February 1868 from Philadelphia “…I consider Logan’s remarks as a direct insult which ought to be met at once…The question of employing another person to act for the treasury Department is another matter and if Congress wishes the Secretary to abandon the policy which has prevailed since the commencement of the war we have no complaint to make. We can get along without them if they can get along without us, but I am determined that these attacks upon our honour and our integrity shall be met at once, and indignantly…It is hard that a gallant soldier like General Logan should lend himself to injure the very parties that stood by him and his fellow soldiers, and raised the means for their payment when these very men who are now hounding him on to attack our character and reputation stood by, and speculated in gold and did all they could do negatively to break up the Union…”

Reel 43



• to and from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC. Henry and Jay exchange letters on various financial and political issues; 1) Impeachment trial against President Johnson, see Henry’s letters dated 4, 15, 16 & 18 May, and Jay’s letters dated 12 & 18 May. 2) S. P Chase running for Democratic nomination, and Republican Convention in Chicago, see Henry’s letters dated 23 & 27 May and 2 & 6 June, and Jay’s letters dated 30 May & 4 June. 3) New loan Bill, urgent sale of shares and lucrative sale of Georgetown Bank, see Henry’s letters dated 25 & 26 May, and Jay’s letters dated 4, 5 & 26 May 4) Also see Henry’s letter to Jay dated 12 May and 24 June regarding the death of their sister Sarah and rumours of McCulloch’s resignation.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking and impeachment. See letter dated 16 May with printed telegram reporting a not guilty verdict in the impeachment trial.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding family and business matters. • from W. E. Chandler, Treasury Department, Washington DC, regarding impeachment

and funding for Grant and Colfax campaign. See letters dated 2 May, 14 June and extract below.

• from W. S. Huntington, 1 st National Bank, Washington DC, assuring Jay Cooke that he has not beed “gambling” with stocks. See letters dated 1 & 6 May.

• from L. L. Crounse or “Star”, House of Representatives, Washington DC, informing Jay Cooke on Impeachment proceedings. See letters and telegraphs dated 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 15 & 16 May and extract below.

• from H. Flynt, Jay Cooke & Co., Washington DC, regarding stocks. See letter dated 7 May.

• from Secretary McCulloch, Treasury Department, Washington DC, relating the pressure that he has been put under in the previous months. See letter dated 4 May in which he states “believe me when I say that I am exceedingly anxious to be relieved from the cares and responsibilities of the Treasury Department”.

• from Henry D. Moore, Preston Coal, Philadelphia, relating news of the coal industry and his $40,000 debt due to investments with Jay Cooke. See letters dated 5 & 14 May and 5 June.

• from W. G. Neilson, Elizabeth Town, regarding mining investments. See letter dated 5 June.

• from William Merredith, regarding Union Pacific Railroad bonds See letter dated 12 May.

• from C. H. Clark, National Life insurance Company, Philadelphia. See letter dated 10 June.

Key topics include

• Exciting updates by letter and telegraph of Impeachment trial of President Johnson, which remained a close decision until the final vote. See extract below. Jay Cooke wrote to his brother on 18 May “we are all in gloom about the failure of Impeachment”.

• Contest for future Presidential nominations. Chief Justice Chase aligns himself with the Democratic Party, while Henry and Jay Cooke support the Grant and Colfax ticket at the Republican Convention in Chicago. Henry Cooke had regular contact with both Chase and Grant, sometimes on the same night. In his letter to Jay, dated 27 May he relates how “[Grant] had handily gone before Gov. Chase called”. See extracts below

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke, and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs of the bank. Jay pushes his partners to urgently sell shares and for his brother to “push” the potentially lucrative sale of the Georgetown Bank.

• Progress of a new 5% loan bill and charter for National Insurance Company.

• Land, Mining and Railroad investments, including Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad Co., Union Pacific Railroad, Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, and Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad.

• Other topics include illness and eventual death of the Cooke’s sister Sarah, church matters.

Extract from “Star”’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 7 May 1868 from Washington DC “…Dear Sir, the Senate at 4p.m. is still in secret session on the order limiting debate on the final issue, and not on the issue itself. The anxiety and excitement as to the result is very great. The confidence of both sides is wonderfully strong – particularly that of the intimate friends of the President. One of his secretaries bet one hundred dollars last night on acquittal, and says the President has information which leads him to anticipate a favourable result by a vote which he believes will astonish the country …”

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 23 May 1868 from Washington DC “…I like the work done at Chicago. Colfax is a far better man than Wade, and the resolutions are stronger for the maintenance of the public faith than I had hoped – and I think we can claim some credit for that. I’ll tell you why and how some time…”

Extract from W. E. Chandler’s letter to Henry Cooke dated 14 June 1868 from Washington DC “…The insurance bill still remains on the Speaker’s table it cannot remain there much longer. Please confer with Jay while in Philadelphia as to the subscription which you will give to the nat’l committee to help elect Grant & Colfax. You know I am bound to confer with you on the subject & after it is arranged to protect & defend you…How much more than $10,000 can you go – can you give double that to elect Grant & Colfax being protected from other demands. Give my love to Mr Jay Cooke & believe me …”

Reel 44

Dates: 1 July – 8 August 1868


• to and from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC. Henry and Jay exchange letters on various financial and political issues; 1) Progress of Insurance Bill through the Senate and signed by the President, with help from J. K. Moorhead & Colfax, and accusations of monopoly, see Henry’s letters dated 3, 22 & 25 July 2) S. P. Chase failure to gain the Democratic Presidential nomination, see Henry’s letters dated 7, 9 & 22. 3) also see Jay’s letter dated 6 July refusing to give any money to the Grant campaign if they advocated the repudiation of the National Debt; and Jay’s letter to S. P. Chase dated 15 July regarding business an politics.

• from Henry Cooke to H. C. Fahnestock, explaining the overdraft at the Washington Branch and belatedly requesting him not to tell Jay Cooke before he has a chance to do so himself. See letter dated 1 July.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, complaining of poor performance of Washington branch stating how he was “heartily tired of watching the things there”. See letters dated 1, 2 & 20 July.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding family and business matters, including a strike at the Preston Coal Company and complaints about Jay Cooke telling New York branch when to sell stocks. See letters dated 9 & 10 July.

• from J. K Moorhead, Senator, Pittsburgh, requesting more time from Jay Cooke to repay a loan, stock investments and explaining his vote in favour of the Insurance Bill. See letters dated 15, 17 & 21 July & 7 August and extract below.

• from L. L. Crounse or “Star”, House of Representatives, Washington DC, informing Jay Cooke on proceedings in Congress, including a proposed tax on bonds and Randall back to attempt to abolish National Banks. See letter dated 7 July.

• from Lewis Gunckal, National Asylum for Volunteer Soldiers, Dayton , Ohio, regarding Jay Cooke’s decision to withdraw his time. See letter dated 13 July.

• from Anson Burlingame, American Diplomatic Minister to China, Washington DC, accepting an invitation from Jay Cooke.

• from Samuel Wilkeson, Bridgehampton, see his flamboyant letter dated 7 August urging Jay Cooke to write down his own history of the Civil War else he would not be done justice.

• from R. J. Parvin, Pennsylvania, regarding church matters.

Key topics include

• The progress of the Insurance Company Bill through Congress to receiving the President’s signature. The Cooke’s call on the assistance of “friends” including Colfax and J. K. Moorhead and faced accusations of monopoly. The Cooke’s and W. E. Chandler become Directors of the new National Insurance Company.

• Chief Justice S. P. Chase’s failure to win the Democratic Party’s Presidential nomination.

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs of the bank.

• Railroad investments, including the Sterling Iron and Railroad Co. and Pennsylvania Canal Co.

• Other topics include church and charity matters.

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 22 July 1868 from Washington DC “…the Insurance bill passed the House precisely as it came from the Senate, after a sharp fight, by nearly a twothirds vote – 90 to 52 – It was opposed violently by some of the friends of other interests, but Randall was absent when it came up, and we had our friends all ready for the final vote… we had our forces well marshalled, and the result showed that we had done right in not pushing the bill out of order – Painter reports that when he went to Gen’l Moorhead (whom he found voting against us in the preliminary motions) and reminded him that this was our bill – he was met with the reply that he ‘had no interest in the bill’ etc. etc.…”

Extract from J. K. Morrhead’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 7 August 1868 from Pittsburgh “…As for the remark coming from Painter, I recollect of his coming to me just as I came out of Committee room, and saying the Insurance Bill was up. Says I is this Jay Cooke’s Bill, and he said yes – I told him I was for it. It came up suddenly, was not discussed and passed very quickly…”

Reel 45

Dates: 8 August – 30 September 1868


• to and from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC. Henry and Jay exchange letters on various financial and political issues, including the success of the National Insurance Company and the demand for its stocks. See letter dated 15

August and extract below. Henry went to Europe on 5 September and wrote from Genoa on 17 September.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), London, on holiday and business. He reports that “In London business does move as rapidly as with us”. See letters dated 17, 29 & 30 September.

• from Pitt Cooke, Sandusky, Ohio and New York, regarding family and business matters.

• from J. K Moorhead, Senator, Pittsburgh, regarding investments. See letters dated 21 & 29 August.

• from William E. Chandler, Treasury Department, Washington DC, regarding the Presidential race and requests for its funding. See letters dated 5, 11 & 19 September.

• from D. Hudson, Preston Coal Company, requesting help for two miners disabled in an accident. See letters dated 19 August and 1 September.

• from W. G. Neilson, Elizabethtown, regarding iron works. See letter dated 24 August. • from C. H. Clark, National Insurance Company, Philadelphia. • from G. Trask, Stitchling, campaigning against alcohol and tobacco on health and

psychological grounds. See letter dated 25 August. • from G. E. Sickes, National Temperance Society, Publication House, requesting Jay

Cooke to be an honorary life director as he his already a subscriber. See letter dated 4 September.

• from Charles Fulton, President of republican State Central Committee, Baltimore. See letter dated 27 August.

• from J. Russell Young, New York Tribune, requesting Jay Cooke to hand him ‘a point in the financial question’. See letter dated 31 August.

• from Barton Bates, President of North Missouri Railroad Co., regarding bonds. See letter dated 1 September.

• from A. B. Nettleton, Sandusky Register, regarding notice for National Insurance Company. See letter dated 9 September.

• from H. C. Swain, Jay Cooke & Co., Washington DC, regarding banking business.

Key topics include

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs of the bank. It is a quiet period. Congress is on Summer break, Fahnestock and Henry Cooke travel to Europe.

• National Life Insurance Company starts successfully and there is a strong demand for shares, including requests from Secretary of Treasury McCulloch, who also asks Jay Cooke if his son can become an agent. See extract below.

• Funding for the Presidential election. • Railroad investments, Iron and Coal works, church and charity matters.

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 15 August 1868 from Washington DC “…Everybody wants stock in the Ins Co.! Sec’y McC [Secretary of Treasury McCulloch] wants some! And said I must write you to let him in! He also says his son at Fort Wayne would like an agency, and he wants him to have it. – says he knows everybody in that part of the State and is an active, energetic fellow, and a tip top business man. His name is Charles McCulloch…”

Reel 46

Dates: October – November 1868


• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), London and Paris. Attempts to sell Railroad bonds is unsuccessful due to the economic climate and fear of war in Europe. He also reports on the sale of 11,000 tons of iron, prospects for a London branch and the his feelings following the death of one of his children. See letters dated 3, 7, 10, 17, 21, 28 & 29 October, and 3 & 6 November, and extract below.

• from Pitt Cooke, Sandusky, New York, regarding banking matters. He reports problems with the 1 st National Bank owing New York branch $381,000. He also states how much they miss Henry Cooke’s ‘great influence & power in diplomacy’ in Washington, and says Henry should return from Europe ‘Now’. See letters dated 21 & 24 November.

• from William E. Chandler, Concord, New Hampshire, thanking Jay Cooke for his Presidential campaign contributions, describing the distribution of $90,000 between two States, the eventual election of Grant, and his response to Jay Cooke’s enquiries regarding Grant’s religious leanings. See letters dated 2 October and 7 & 20 November.

• from Chief Justice S. P. Chase, Washington DC, regarding railroad stock and his and Jay Cooke’s conduct during the sale of government loans and securities. See letter dated 17 November.

• from W. G. Neilson, Elizabethtown, regarding iron works. See 8 page letter dated 4 November and 6 November.

• from C. H. Clark, National Insurance Company, Philadelphia, regarding business proceedings, his mutual interest in railroad bonds and the sale of 11,000 tons of iron in London. See letters dated 1, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12 & 13 October.

• from Lewis B. Gunckal, Dayton, Ohio, regarding the need for funds in Grant’s election campaign due to tactics and fraud by the opposition, and thanks for Jay Cooke’s “generous offer”. See letters dated 1 & 2 October.

• from J. Cooke Jr., Philadelphia, regarding the “certain” election of Grant, death of Fahnestock’s child and the number of begging letters Jay Cooke receives. See letters dated 1, 14 & 22 October.

• from E. A. Rollins, Treasury Department, Washington, regarding proceedings in Washington. See 7 page letter dated 13 October.

• from H. C. Swain, Jay Cooke & Co., Washington DC, regarding banking business in Henry Cooke’s absence.

Key topics include

• Funding for and election of General Grant as President. Jay Cooke is also concerned about the President Elect’s religious standing. See extracts below.

• Correspondence between, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs and banking. Henry Cooke is in Europe and is missed in Washington, while Fahnestock is in London, fails to sell Railroad bonds but does get involved in the sale of 11,000 tons of iron. See extract below.

• National Life Insurance Company continues to be successful and branches open in New York and Washington DC.

• Railroad investments, Iron and Coal works, church and charity matters.

Extract from H. C. Fahnstock’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 3 October 1868 from London, England “…At this writing we have no prospect of placing the bonds. There is no limit to money here but recent experiences in American Railway securities have not had time to be forgotten, and longer time must elapse before new enterprises can find favour. There is we find a wide spread feeling of uncertainty – apprehension that Napoleon & Bismarck have not yet settled accounts, and that a freak war must come before affairs can rest upon a permanent basis…”

Extract from W. E. Chandler’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 7 November 1868 from Concord, New Hampshire “…The battle’s fought, the victory’s won. And a glorious success it has been…You see how much we needed those contributions for Indiana and Pennsylvania. I believe I wrote you that we gave 50m to Indiana and in all, 40m to Pennsylvania; if we had not we should certainly have lost Indiana…I want to thank you for your timely help then and for your continued assistance through the whole fight…and now Mr Grant must and will give us peace. He must be radical but sensible, maintain the public faith and give four years of quiet, prosperous business and mercantile, manufacturing, and financial success to all branches of industry. Such are my hopes & such my faith. Now all hands must take hold and push the Insurance Company…”

Extract from W. E. Chandler’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 20 November1868 “…A President elect passes into a new atmosphere, where even his most intimate friends cannot talk to him as before. He achieves greatness, but thus in a certain sense loses all his friends. Mr Lincoln, notwithstanding many grave faults, always respected the religious sentiments of the country. I hope & believe General grant will do the same…”

Reel 47

Dates: December 1868


• to and from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC. Henry and Jay exchange letters on various financial and political issues, including the proposal to support Governor Dennison’s appointment as the new Secretary of the Treasury. See Henry’s letters dated 14 & 16 December, and Jay’s letter dated 15 December. Please note Jay Cooke’s letter dated 18 December 1867 in which he denies making comments about S. P. Chase and the Presidential nominations. This letter was filed in the wrong year and should be viewed with material on reel 40.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York. • from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding banking matters. • from William E. Chandler, Head of Insurance Agency of Jay Cooke & Co. in New

England. See letter dated 5 December. • from C. H. Clark, National Insurance Company, Philadelphia See letter dated 10

December. • from J. McChilloch (?), Cincinnati, relating the progress of the investigation into the

steamboat accident in which Rev. Parvin, a regular correspondent to Jay Cooke, had died. See letters dated 11, 12 & 13 December.

• from J. Cooke Jr., Philadelphia, regarding the death of Rev. Parvin. See telegraph dated 11 December.

• from T .S. Parvin, Wreck, on Board the ‘Graham’, looking for remains of his father, Rev. Parvin. See letter dated 18 December.

• from W. H. Taylor Jr., Grandson of 9 th President Harrison, Minneapolis, appealing for help as he can’t support his wife and children.

• from Paul Gregory, Central City, Colorado, requesting Jay Cooke’s investment into his gold and silver mine. See letter dated 24 December.

• from W. L. Banning, President of Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., regarding failure to sell bonds in Europe and being let down by the Financial Association of London. See letter dated 30 December.

Key topics include

• Discussions regarding new political appointments in the Grant administration. • Correspondence between, Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke

regarding business affairs and banking, including the National Insurance Company and new 520 bond issue.

• Jay Cooke receives many letters from the church community regarding the death of his friend, and regular correspondent, Rev. Parvin following an explosion on a steam boat.

• Railroad and mining investments, including Port Huron & Lake Michigan Railroad Co., Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co, and Georgetown Railway.

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 14 December 1868 from Washington DC “…Judge Swayne of the Supreme Court, also, was in this morning, to talk about Gov. Dennison and the Secretaryship of the Treasury. He thinks, if we can get Ohio united for Dennison, we can carry him through…”

Extract from Jay Cooke’s letter to Henry Cooke dated 18 December 1868 from Philadelphia “…I enclose a note to [Uriah H. ]Painter which please read and deliver. Of course I never said anything to him about the election. I am not in the habit of expressing my opinions about such matters in fact don’t have any opinions. I will talk over the Insurance matter when you and Huntington come over. There are one or two points in the Sherman bill as telegraphed that are not right…What does Hooper mean by introducing a bill to tax national bank notes…You must get in your loans a rapidly as possible…I gave Wm Harding today a honor of attorney to vote our stock in the Georgetown Railway…You can assure the Chf Justice that I made no such expression of opinions as Painter elated…”

Reel 48

Dates: January 1869 February 1869


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC. Henry and Jay exchange letters on various financial and political issues, notably on attacks on Jay Cooke and Congressional attempts to restrict the power of the Secretary of the Treasury, strongly resisted by the Cookes. See letters dated 25 January and 6, 16, February and extract below. Other topics include visit of General Grant to offices of Jay Cooke & Co. (8 January, 2, 4, 7, 13 February); letters from Jay Cooke to Governor Chase. and General Grant (11 Jan); loans (13 January); banking (14, 15, 18 & 25 January), National Insurance Company and other financial bills discussed in Congressional Committee (19 Jan, 5, 25 & 27 Feb), turning down Presidency of railroad company (22 January).

• from Jay Cooke to Henry Cooke, Philadelphia, notably regarding attacks on Jay Cooke and Congressional attempts to restrict the power of the Secretary of the Treasury. See letters dated 27 January, 4 February and extract below. Other topics include Jay’s belief that Governor Dennison is “the right man” for the Secretary of the Treasury” (6 February); letters to Governor Chase & General Grant (89, 11 & 12 January) and banking (14, 16 & 21 January)

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York and Washington DC. Banking (18, 25, 26, 28, 30 January, 2, 10 February), also providing printed details of Bank’s Bill authorising Secretary of the Treasury to appoint agents to operate overseas. See letter dated 18 February.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding banking matters including his share of $300, 000 profits from 1868 ($12,000), which he states cost “that much to live her

economically”, and his desire to clear personal debts. See letters dated 2, 6 January. Also, see letters on banking dated 15, 18, 19 January, 11, 15 February), and a box of “A.1 cigars” sent to Jay Cooke to give to General Grant (4 February).

• from John Sherman, Committee of Finance, U.S Senate, relating situation in Congress regarding financial legislation. See letter dated 24 February.

• from George C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia, relating his willingness to work for Jay Cooke abroad if a ‘foreign house’ was established. See letter dated 11 January.

• from L. C. Macdowell (?), Philadelphia, the Washington correspondent for a newspaper in Atlanta, enquiring whether the rumours were true that Jay Cooke was being put forward as the new Secretary of the Treasury. See letter dated 6 January.

• from D. D. Hudson, Preston, enquiring whether “the remains of Mr. Parvin [have] been recovered”. See letter dated 1 January.

• from Henry D. Moore, Philadelphia, relating an offer to buy a majority of their shares in the Preston Coal and Improvement Company. He informs Jay Cooke that he would accept an off below the market price in order to clear his debts. See letter dated 4 January.

• from Jacob J. Storer, Boston, relating his developments in steel production. See letter dated 5 January.

• from William E. Chandler, relating Jacob J. Storer’s new developments in Steel production. See letter dated 11 January.

• from Jay Cooke Jr., Philadelphia, requesting to have a ‘interest’ in the London branch of Jay Cooke and Co. See letter dated 12 January.

• from Rice Harper, Sandusky, regarding tax and land issues. See letter dated 13 January.

• from Frank H. Evans, London, relating low demand for railroad bonds and a desire for a London branch of Jay Cooke & Co. as soon as possible. See letters dated 16, 20 January and 9 February.

• from Samuel Wilkeson, New York, responding ‘you bet’ to Jay Cooke’s enquiry if he wanted to increase his income by promoting the land of the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co. and stating “You people Must give me some land. I hunger for a Minnesota farm”. See letter dated 29 January and 5, 13, 27 February.

• from John Russell Young, New York Tribune, relating his consistent support for Jay Cooke & Co. and their interests. See letter dated 11 February.

• from W. L. Banning, St. Paul, Minnesota, requesting more information about plans to develop railroad land in the State, with relation to the Northern Pacific Railroad and Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad. See 11 page letter dated 7 February.

• from A. J. Drexel, Drexel & Co., Philadelphia, defending the independence and integrity of the Philadelphia Ledger (which he part owned) for its support of Bills in Congress. See letter dated 17 February.

Key topics include

• House of Congress. Senator Conkling’s Bill to outlaw secret sales of government gold and bonds and restrict powers of Secretary of Treasury. The Bill is supported by the Philadelphia Ledger, part owned by Drexel & Co., much to Jay Cooke’s frustration. Also committee discussion regarding the Insurance Company charter. See extracts below.

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs and banking, including discussions on opening a banking house in London and sale of oil, coal and railroad company shares.

• Railroads including Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co (1, 15 January, 7 February), promoting sale of bonds with the help of newspaper men, Wilkeson and Young; Northern Pacific Railroad (7, 13 February); Port Huron and Lake Michigan

Railroad Co. (2, 8, 20, 28 January, 13 February); Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad Co. (4 January)

• Prospect of Jay Cooke becoming Secretary of Treasury, and President elect General Grant arranging to visit Jay Cooke who arranged a gift of cigars.

• Various letters relating Church matters, requesting job opportunities, charity and the offer of a pair of Antelope for $300 (see letter dated 18 January from E. Gregg).

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 25 January 1869 from Washington DC “…I suppose the prime movers in the petition of Congress in regard to sales of gold & bonds, and for restrictions upon the power of the Sec’y, are the sore heads of Wall St. These attacks are, as you say, outrageous and ungrateful, and I will try to get to the bottom of them and head them off…”

Extract from Jay Cooke’s letter to Henry Cooke dated 4 February 1869 from Philadelphia “…I have General grant’s cigars all ready but if he doesn’t come I shall have to smoke myself. You see what damage the new resolution does – it is copies and sent to everybody & is

used by agents to frighten timid holders of policies. It is a great outrage – I will prepare a circular to counteract it. I see that the House & Senate Committees are about to repeal all (?) authority the Sec’y of Treas’y to have discretion as to time & mode of sales of Bonds & Stock & Gold – this is rather late measure & calculated to hit at Gen. G’s [Grant’s] new Secty, more than at McCulluch. It is a foolish thing & discreditable to the Repub. Party…”

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 6 February 1869 from Washington DC “…Be assured that I am watching closely all these legislature movements and am constantly heading off such outrageous propositions as those to which you refer. During the past few days I have been especially busy in this direction. I can’t well write details, but when I next see you, will explain fully – and meanwhile I will only say that I feel sure that enough has been done to prevent any objectionable legislation this session…I am very sure you will have a visit from Genl and Mrs Grant before he returns to Washington…”

Reel 49

Dates: March 1869


• to and from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC. Henry and Jay exchange letters on various financial and political issues, notably the appointment of the new Secretary of the Treasury and rumours that Jay was expected to be offered the position. See letter Henry’s letters dated 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 March, and Jay’s denial in letter dated 2 March and extract below. Also, from 16 March there are letters regarding the sale of Lake Superior railroad Bonds. See letter Henry’s letter dated 20, 22 March regarding the speed of sales and Jay’s letters dated 16 & 20 March relating sale of over $400,000 worth of bonds and stating that they are selling like “hot cakes…could sell 40 million just as well as 4 million”. Also see Jay’s letters dated 24, 25 March, and Henry’s dated 25, 26 March, stressing the importance of the St. Croix Railroad land grant being restricted as a rival to Lake Superior project. See extract below

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, notable his letter telling Jay Cooke to take the position of Secretary of the Treasury if he is offered it, and opportunity of selling railroad bonds in Germany. See letters dated 4, 13, 15, 16 March.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding banking matters. See 7 page letter dated 2 March and 3 March. Also letter dated 8 March relating a visit of General Grant’s

brother, and 11, 13, 15, 16 March regarding publicity for Lake Superior Railroad bonds. Following their involvement in the Lake Superior RR Bonds, Pitt recommends they “ought to control the Northern Pacific RR with its 44 million acre Land Grant”. See letter dated 13 March.

• from Rice Harper to Samuel Wilkeson and Jay Cooke, regarding land purchases in Minnesota. See letter dated 9 March.

• from General George B. Sargent, Surveyor and Land Agent, relating the prospect of growth in a new city at the end of the Lake Superior Railroad line. See letter dated 1 March and extract below.

• from Jay Cooke Jr., Philadelphia, regarding appointment to Secretary of the Treasury. See letter dated 11 March.

• from Uriah H. Painter, Washington, regarding the progress of land grants to the Le Croix Railroad rivalling the Lake Superior Railroad interests of the Cookes. See letters dated 25 and 31 March.

• from W. S. Huntington, First National Bank, Washington DC, relating Painter’s feedback on the land grant issue of the St. Croix Railroad. See letter dated 26 March.

• from Samuel Wilkeson, Washington DC, relating a $1m worth of Lake Superior Railroad Bonds having been sold in one day. See letter dated 17 March. Also see letters dated 3, 4 March from House of Representatives, and letter dated 10 March from New York, relating the delay in advertising railroad bonds due to Grant’s Cabinet appointments. See letter dated 11 March regarding land purchases in Duluth, Minnesota.

• from Frank H. Evans, London, regarding sale of bonds. See letters dated 3, 5 March.

Key topics include

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs and banking,

• Railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad Co., the publicity and the fast sale of their bonds under the management of Jay Cooke (1, 16, 17, 20, 22 March), and the Cooke’s efforts with the help of U. Painter and S. Wilkeson to influence the Houses of Congress regarding land grants to the rival Le Croix Railroad. See extract below; Port Huron and Lake Michigan Railroad Company (8 March).

• Prospect of Jay Cooke becoming Secretary of Treasury and eventual appointment of George S. Boutwell, following A. T. Stewart’s enforced refusal due to business interests.

• Land purchases in Minnesota. • Various letters relating church matters, requesting job opportunities and charity.

Extract from G. B. Sargent’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 1 March 1869 from New York “…In my capacity of Government Surveyor in Illinois and Missouri & afterwards as Surveyor Genl. of Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota I became familiar with the lands of those States and the numerous cities and towns that have grown up within their boundaries I have watched their growth from infancy to maturity, and have carefully noted the causes which gave them their several growths and I give it to you as my firm conviction that the terminus of your road on Lake Superior will attain a larger growth in five years than any city in the States above named attained in twenty…I beg leave to say that I should be most happy to take charge of your individual land interests…”

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 1 March 1869 from Washington DC “…Do you know Jay, that I believe that the desperateness with which they fight to tie the hands of the Secretary [of the Treasury] forms out of the almost universal belief that you are to be the next Sec’y of the Treasury? – I have done what I could to dissipate such an idea – but it is the prevailing idea, in New York and Wash’n – and in that connection I want only to

suggest that if Grant should send your name to the Senate or tender the app’t to you, you will not , too hastily decline…”

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated March 26 in Washington DC “…We had anticipated several of Banning’s [Lake Superior Railroad Company] moves. Huntington saw Howe, Julian & others, and more important still Pomery, who is Chairman of the Land Committee in the Senate, and he has agreed not to call up or report the Bill without giving us notice, and when he does so call it up, if he does so this session, he will move its re committal to his Committee. If he keeps this promise that will dispose of it for this session…”

Reel 50

Dates: April 1869


• to and from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC. Henry and Jay exchange letters on various financial and political issues, including a bonus payment of 160 acres of land to S. Wilkeson for his “services to the company” and Wilkeson’s $5,000 expenses with which to influence the St. Croix Railroad Bill. See Jay’s and Henry’s letters dated 2 April. Other letters regarding the St. Croix Bill include Henry’s dated 3, 5, 10, 13 April, and Jay’s dated 5, 6, 14 April. Also, read comments on the merits of the Northern Pacific Railroad in Jay’s letter dated 6 April, and Henry’s dated 30 April.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York and Washington DC, regarding banking matters, railroad bonds and a incidence of forged cheques. See letters dated 7, 8 and 17 April.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York and Washington DC, regarding banking matters, and the prospects of the Northern Pacific Railway. See letters dated 5, 7 April.

• from Edwin F. Johnson, Engineer in Chief, Northern Pacific Railroad Co., Middletown, relating plans for the Northern Pacific Railroad, including costs and benefits. See letters dated 9 and 14 April.

• from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Company, Philadelphia, regarding the passing of the St. Croix Railroad land grant Bill through the Senate, and why it should not pass in the House. See letter dated 3 April. Also see letters dated 19, 26 April from St Paul.

• from Samuel Wilkeson, Washington DC, relating the progress of the St. Croix Railroad Bill and its defeat. He reports that it was worth $500,000 to the Lake Superior Railroad Company, but only requested $3,000 for his fee. See letters dated 4, 5 & 13 April and extract below. Also see letter dated 23 April stating that he would soon go to New York to “commence writing up Duluth in the Tribune”, where Jay cooke and colleagues were planning great expansion due to the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad.

• from Uriah H. Painter, Washington DC, relating the progress of the St. Croix Railroad Bill, with newspaper clipping of the debate. See letters dated 4, 5 April.

• from Rice Harper, Sandusky and St. Paul’s, regarding land purchases in Duluth. See letters dated 5 & 12 April.

Key topics include

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs and banking,

• Railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad Co., and the Cooke’s efforts with the help of U. Painter and S. Wilkeson to influence the Houses of Congress regarding land grants to the rival Le Croix Railroad. See extracts below.

• Promotion of the Northern Pacific Railroad to the Cooke’s, and discussions on the Union Pacific Railroad.

• Various letters relating church matters, requesting job opportunities and charity.

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter dated 2 April 1869 from Washington DC “…Wilkeson says he has received no letter or advice from Banning and is very sore at his neglect. So I read him part of your letter, received this morning. He says that when Banning was here, and saw the ‘fight’ on hand, and realised the importance of winning it, he distinctly told him that he must succeed at any cost, and when Wilkeson asked him how much he would be authorised to expend if necessary, he told him $5,000. On the strength of this, he has made certain engagements and now he says Banning is ‘crawfishing’, and leaving him in the lurch. I told him that your letter authorised me to advance the 5,000, if necessary, but that I didn’t want to take the responsibility of deciding the point of necessity – that I would so as he said. So the matter rests. The bill was brought up this morning but was staved off after a hard fight…”

Extract from Samuel Wilkeson’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 5 April from Washington DC “…I have paid my debts of honor – I am serene and lovely. I act with my feet higher than my head, and have the pipe of peace and meditation in my mouth. Through tobacco smoke one takes pensive views of the vicissitudes to which human affairs are subject. How can men be induced to go into dishonest railroad adventures! I wonder how badly they feel when their schemes are suddenly splintered and smashed up beneath them. Legislative speaking St. Croix lies dead in the room of the Land Committee. Twas a hard

fight – but a decisive victory – St. Croix was whirled to the Land Committee by 85 to 41 in a call of the yeas and nays after a fierce debate of an hour and a half – It won’t come out of the Land Committee. I used the whole of the fund…and made engagements to the am[oun]t of 1,200 besides – It

was necessary to do it. I felt it to be my duty to do it and I expect to have the amount promptly and I hope cheerfully paid…”

Reel 51

Dates: May 1869


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding Northern Pacific Railroad and banking matters. See letters dated 1, 3, 4, 6, 17 & 24 May. Also plans for expedition along Northern Pacific Railroad route. See letters dated 7, 21, 22 & 26 May. Petitioning at the “President’s” for “mail by steamer to Duluth”. See letter dated 8 May.

• from Jay Cooke to Henry Cooke, Philadelphia, regarding the personnel and military escort for the expedition along the proposed route of the Northern Pacific Railway. See letter dated 1 May and extract below. Also, banking matters and prospects of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letters dated 14, 17, 18 & 22 May.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking matters, notably April’s profits of $70,000 see letter dated 3 May. Also see letter dated 5 May regarding railroad proposal in the South, “extending to the Rio Grande”. Other notable letters include 13, 18 & 19 May relating various financial dealings, and letter to George Thomas dated 22 May relating the benefits for newspaper men in return for positive articles on the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad. See extract below.

• from Pitt Cooke, Sandusky and New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 3, 4, 6, 8, 11, 14, 17, 18 & 20 May. Also see letter dated 15 May expressing his disillusionment with Henry Cooke’s “Scatteration” policy of investing in “Stone Quarries, Gas Companies, Ferries, Gold Mines, Engraving companies, etc, etc oh!” See Pitt’s letters dated 21 & 22 May regarding the Northern Pacific Railroad (“this great and truly national work”).

• from Mary Cooke, Jay Cooke’s sister, Brooklyn. See letter dated 5 May. • from George Cooke, Jay’s cousin, Brooklyn. See letters dated 10 & 19 May. • from James Taylor, St. Paul, regarding acquisition and annexation of land in the

North and West, and British territories in Canada, and the implications for the Lake Superior and Northern Pacific railroads. See letters dated 5, 8, 18 & 22 May and extract below.

• from W. J. Barney, Land Agent, Chicago, regarding tax issues. See letter dated 4 May.

• from George Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia, regarding banking matters. See letter dated 8 May.

• from congregation of Grandville, pleading with Jay Cooke to remove the preacher he provided for them. See letter dated 4 May

• from W. G. Moorhead, Jay Cooke & Co., Philadelphia. See letter dated 14 May. • from Samuel Wilkeson, New York, regarding Northern Pacific Railroad. See letter

dated 15 May. • from L. W. Powell, Chicago Republican newspaper, offering to have the Lake

Superior Railroad “written up” in Eastern newspapers in return for expenses, time and labor payments. See letter dated 17 May.

• from William E. Chandler. See letter dated 19 May. • from Frank Evans, London, regarding “Parliamentary sanction to lay down tramways

in London”, and a visit of member of the Cooke family to England. See letter dated 19 May.

• from General John Sherman. See letter dated 20 May. • from J. H. Weir, Harrisburg National Bank. See letters dated 7, 8 & 15 May. • from Rice Harper, St. Paul’s, regarding land purchases and economic growth in

Duluth with “Every available place…filled and new shanties and houses…going up.” See letters dated 5, 20 & 27 May.

• from George B. Sargent, Land Agent, Duluth, regarding purchase of lumber and building of properties. See letter dated 10 & 12 May.

• from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad Co. See letters dated 22 & 26 May.

Key topics include

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs, banking and tax issues.

• Railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad Co. bonds; Lake Huron and Lake Michigan Railroad Company (6 May), North Missouri Railroad (13 May)

• Negotiations with the board of the Northern Pacific Railroad and consideration of the proposed route.

• Economic impact of railroad. Land and property purchases in Minnesota in anticipation of the railroad.

• Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and charity.

Extract from Jay Cooke’s letter to Henry Cooke dated 1 May from Philadelphia “…The Northern Pacific matter progresses nicely…the thing has gone so far as to receive a request from them that we shall arrange with the President or Genl Sherman, or Gen. Rawlins for a proper escort to start about the first of June to make the surveys and examinations that

we require before finally closing the matter. We shall want to send out several editors and engineers of our own, etc. so that we shall have a true and faithful account of the whole thing…I should like to go but do not see how I can…”

Extract from James Taylor’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 8 May from St Paul “…Take the whole two millions of acres together, and the grant on the completion of a railroad, would readily sell for ten millions of dollars…When I met you in Philadelphia I mentioned the possibility of a cession of the territory west of longitude 90 to the United States. In that event the section here described would unquestionably constitute part of the Northern Pacific Railroad. If the territory remains Canadian, there is no doubt of vigorous measures for the colonization of the Selkirk and Saskatchewan districts, and prominent among these will be the railway…”

Extract from H. C. Fahnestock’s letter to George Scott dated 22 May from New York “…You have no idea how much we are obliged to ride our money editors on the Superior subject and how much the little they do helps our bonds…I have made promises to them and can’t disappoint them, and therefore we must hold these 100 th bonds until they pay a respectable profit. We can’t afford to disappoint these men & injure ourselves in future transactions for the sake of saving a little money for ourselves…”

Reel 52

Dates: JuneJuly 1869


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking matters, see letters dated 7, 8 June and 1 July. Also see letters dated 9 and 18 June relating to the Northern Pacific Railroad party.

• from Jay Cooke to Henry Cooke, Gibraltar. See letter dated 30 June. Also see Jay Cooke’s letter to Secretary of the Treasury Boutwell, dated 20 July.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking matters. See letter dated 11 June. Also see letter dated 19 June passing on General Sherman’s concerns about the negative aspects of the Northern Pacific Railway route.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters, see letters dated 7, 9, 10, 11, 14, 22, 28 June, 9, 10, 14, 16, 17, 22 & 23 July. Also see letter dated 12 June expressing relief that the “Clarks did not get into the Northern Pacific” as “they have been a constant impediment to our work in the negotiations of the Lake Sup & Miss Bds”.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer on the West coast party exploring the Northern Pacific Railroad route, relating his fear of Indians, his dislike of Canfield and the pressure he felt from him to be positive about the route, and 4 th July Speech in Portland. See letters dated 14, 22, 23, 26, 28 June and 6, 11, 13, 16, 21, 26 July and extract below.

• from Jay Cooke Jr., Philadelphia, relating large bank balances and details of $400,000 in the bank. See letters dated 12 and 24 June. Also see letter dated 29, stating that “the exploring expedition thus far seems to have been very loosely managed and it would not surprise me to see them all come home in disgrace”.

• from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, relating his meeting with the Northern Pacific party and his positive thoughts about the route. See letter dated 27 July.

• from George B. Sargent, Land Agent, Duluth, regarding properties and progress of the railroad. See letters dated 2, 7, 14, 17, 22 June, 23 and 29 July.

• from J. Gregory Smith, New York, relating news from Canfield about General Sherman’s escort of the Northern Pacific party. See letter dated 9 June.

• from W. E. C. Moorhead, Omaha, Walla Walla, relating news from the Northern Pacific party, see letters dated 13 June and 19 July and extract below.

• from R. B. Claxton, Omaha, Salt Lake City, Portland, Walla Walla, to Mr Sexton and Jay Cooke, relating details of the Northern Pacific party, see letters dated 14, 21, 22 June, 5, 6, 9 and 22 July.

• from Samuel Wilkeson, Salt Lake City, Puget Sound, Pine Tree Creek, relating news from the Northern Pacific party. See letters dated 18 June, 11, 25 and 28 July and extract below.

• from C. P. Judson, to the President of the Northern Pacific Railroad, on the subject of the railroad. See letter dated 21 June.

• from Joel Bigelow, Chicago, relating details of business affairs in Duluth, including map and street plan. See letter dated 6 July.

• from T. H. Canfield, Seattle, Olympia, relating details of Northern Pacific party. See telegraphs dated 7, 12, 16, 17 July and letter dated 29 July.

• from Jay Cooke & Co. to President U. S. Grant, acknowledging receipt of two boxes of silver plate for deposit. See letter dated 13 July.

• from Secretary of the Treasury Boutwell. See letters dated 21 and 22 July. • from W. G. Moorhead, Isle of Wight, and London. See letters dated 22 & 27 July.

Key topics include

• Exploration of the Northern Pacific Railroad from the West coast. The party included W. Milnor Roberts, Mrs Roberts, W. E. C. Moorhead, Samuel Wilkeson (now Secretary of the railroad), R. B. Claxton and Thomas H. Canfield. Their reports provide fascinating insights into their journey and details of wilderness and frontier towns.

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke, Jay Cooke and Jay Cooke Jr. regarding business affairs and banking issues.

• Railroads including Northern Pacific; Cincinnati, Sandusky and Cleveland (15 June); Lake Superior and Mississippi (17 June, 2 July); North Missouri (19 June); St. Paul & Pacific (7 July); Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark (15, 19 July).


Extract from W. E. C. Moorhead’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 13 June from Omaha “…Up to the present time the Northn. Central Expedition looks very much like a failure…Dr Claxton, Milnor Roberts & myself have obeyed instructions, & we found ourselves together at this place Saturday night, but Mr Canfield & the rest of the party, nothing gcan be learned…we cannot get any letters now before Tuesday (as no train leaves Chicago on Sundays) & we are therefore condemened to remain in this most wretched hole until Wednesday afternoon. Another thing, which fear will give trouble. Mr Roberts has been foolish enough to bring his wife…it will be enough to have her along as far as the ‘Columbia River’ but after that a women wd embarrass (?) the entire party & if Roberts was not a fool he wd see it. We must live on horseback & sleep in tents & outdoors – ford deep streams & rough it generally, so that a delicate women wd be a perfect drag…”

Extract from W. Milnor Roberts’ letter to Jay Cooke dated 6 July from Portland “…Since we have been here our time has been constantly taken up with calls from the best citizens of Oregon, who were congregating here in great numbers for the celebration of July 4 th which took place on the 5 th , George Francis Train being the orator of the day. Mr Canfield and myself having rec’d a special invitation from the Portland gentlemen…[we] had seats assigned us in the grand stand facing the thousands assembled…at the close of his very good oration Mr train referred to Mr Canfield and myself in such a positive way by name that we were called out both by the crowd…and had to speak “Northern Pacific Railroad”…had anyone told me a month or so ago when I was in Portland, Maine that I would be making a

speech to several thousands of people on the 5 th July in Portland Oregon, I would have thought him demented…”

Extract from S. W. Wilkeson’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 11 July from Puget Sound “…I have (?) seen the country from Portland to Puget Sound – have been around the Sound. There is nothing in the American Continent equal to it. Such timber – such soil – such ore lands – such fish – such climate – such coal – such timbers – such rivers! My expectations are not only surpassed – but my wildest hopes are more than satisfied…The empire of the Pacific Coast is to be enthroned on Puget Sound. Nothing can prevent this – nothing. There is no end to the possibilities of wealth here…Salmon are not caught here. They are pitchforked out of the streams. Jay, we have got the biggest thing on Earth. Our enterprise is an inexhaustible gold mine…”

Reel 53

Dates: August 1869


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), New York and Washington DC, regarding banking matters, see letters dated 11 & 23 August.

• from Jay Cooke to H. C. Fahnestock, Henry Cooke, and A. B. Nettleton. See letters dated 6, 13, 15, 19, 21, 23, 24 August.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking matters. See letters dated 2, 4, 7, 9, 1113, 1621, 2326, 30 August and 10 & 28 August relating the difference in profits between the bond and stock market.

• from Pitt Cooke, Sandusky, Chicago, St Paul, and Marquette, Lake Superior, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 5, 6 August, and west bound railroad routes. See letters dated 8, 10, 11, 25 & 30 August

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer on the West coast party exploring the Northern Pacific Railroad route, relating his dislike of Canfield and the quality of land. See letters dated 4, 8, 9, 13, 14, 17 & 24 August, and to W. G. Moorhead dated 24 August.

• from W. J. Otto, Acting Secretary, Department of the Interior, Washington DC, regarding Jay Cooke’s enquiry about acts “granting lands to aid in the construction of a railroad and telegraph line from Lake Superior and Puget Sound on the Pacific Coast by the Northern Route. See letter dated 17 August.

• from T. H. Canfield, Helana, relating progress of the Northern Pacific party over the Rocky Mountains. See telegraph dated 17 August.

• from G. B. Sargent, Land Agent, Duluth, relating the progress of the town. See letters dated 6, 9, 13, 23, 27 & 30 August.

• from R. B. Claxton, relating details of the Northern Pacific party, see letters dated 4, 23 August and 43 page letter dated 10 August.

• from Samuel Wilkeson, relating news from the Northern Pacific party. See letters dated 19 August. See extract below.

• from S. P. Chase, expressing his desire to join the Northern Pacific enterprise. See letters dated 16, 24 & 31 August.

• from W. G. Moorhead, Paris. See letters dated 2, 9, 16, 27 & 30 August regarding negotiations to sell Northern Pacific Bonds.

• from W. L . Banning, President, Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul, relating the admiration for the Northern Pacific Railroad route as expressed by Gov. Smith. See letter dated 3 August.

• from John Russell Young, New York. See letter dated 9 August, relating his “little bomb shell which I set off for our road”.

• from J. J. Cisco, New York, regarding estimates of costs for constructing the Northern Pacific Railroad.

• from William E. Chandler, Washington DC. See letter dated 14 August. • from A. B. Nettleton, Publisher, The Advance, Chicago

Key topics include

• Exploration of the Northern Pacific Railroad from the East and West coast. The West coast party included W. Milnor Roberts, Mrs Roberts, W. E. C. Moorhead, Samuel Wilkeson (now Secretary of the railroad), R. B. Claxton and Thomas H. Canfield. Their reports provide fascinating insights into their journey and details of wilderness and frontier towns. The East coast party included W. L. Banning and Pitt Cooke.

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs and banking issues.

• Railroads including Northern Pacific with many prospective suppliers contacting Jay Cooke; Lake Superior and Mississippi (2, 3 August); Union Pacific (21 August)


Extract from W. Milnor Roberts’ letter to Jay Cooke dated 17 August from Helena, Montana “…the whole length of the excavation being a little over on fourth mile. It is through loam and clay; not a particle of rock (?) visible within two miles, in any direction This may strike you as almost marvellous; and so indeed it is; that the great backbone of the continent; the great chain of the Rocky Mountains; should be tamed down, at this particular Pass…”

Extract from S. W. Wilkeson’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 19 August from Helena, Montana “…I advise that you ask Harry to go to the Interior Department and inquire if we can file our map of the line of the Road…Care should be taken to have the line longer than we will build on. Then when we go to Congress to get authority to change the locations, it will be an agreement in favor of granting us authority to do so, that the Government will save land by the change, no man would dare vote against the Bill…Tomorrow we go to Fort Benton – thence to Cadot’s Pass – if the Indians will let me. We anticipate trouble from them between here and Benton …the Yellowstone to the Missouri, ‘Tis the garden of America, and our milk – so the Government has abandoned it to the Sioux and outlawed the white man who enter it. It would take 500 soldiers to pass so safely through the country – and yet the North pacific Road has got to run through the Yellowstone Valley...”

Reel 54

Dates: September – 11 October 1869


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters, see letters dated 711, 13, 15, 16, 22, 23, 28, 29 September and 5, 9 October.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke, Philadelphia. See letters dated 811, 15, 21, 2325, 27, 28 September. Also see letters dated 2, 5, 6, 7, 11 October from Gibraltor, Ohio to George Thomas of Jay Cooke and Co. and 5 October to Henry Cooke.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking matters. See letters dated 14, 711, 1618, 2022, 25, 27, 28, 30 September and 1 September

relating the difference in profits between the bond and stock market. Also letter to H. D. Cooke dated 8 September.

• from Pitt Cooke, Sandusky and New York, regarding personal, railroad and banking matters. See letters dated 4, 6, 7, 11, 21, 22, 2730 September and 1, 4, 6, 11 October.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer on the West coast party exploring the Northern Pacific Railroad route, relating the distance travelled of 9,000 miles. See letters dated 6, 11, 17, 24 September and 7 October.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co, relating that young men plan to travel West after hearing reports in the Boston Journal by Charles Coffin of the Western reconnaissance party of the Northern Pacific Railroad; and a suspected plan to rob the bank using chloroform. See letters dated 4 and 8 October.

• from S. P Chase, Narragansett, regarding financial matters. See letter dated 1 September.

• from G. B. Sargent, Land Agent, Duluth, relating the progress of the town. See letters dated 2, 8, 15, 16, 18 September.

• from A. B. Nettleton, Publisher, The Advance, Chicago, regarding Railroads. See letters dated 2, 4, 27 September.

• from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Virginia City and St Paul, relating the closing stages of the Northern Pacific Railroad reconnaissance party, and concern over the land grant to the St Croix Railroad. See letters dated 3, 12 September. Also see letter dated 7 October in which he relates the detailed notes made by Milner Roberts and advises Jay Cooke to take charge of them on the basis that Wilkeson has offended Milber Roberts for advising against his wife joining the expedition.

• from E. D. Litchfield, London, to W. G. Moorhead, regarding sale of railroad bonds in Europe. See letter dated 6 September.

• from John Russell Young, New York, regarding the repayment of a loan provided by Jay Cooke in 1866. See letter dated 6 September.

• From W. G. Moorhead, Geneva and office of Rothschilds, London. See letters dated 8, 16 September and 4, 6 October.

• from W. L. Banning and W. J. Vincent, St Paul, regarding land grant to the St Croix and Bayfield Railroad. See letters dated 15, 30 September and 5, 11 October.

• from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh. See letters dated 4, 9 October 1869

Key topics include

• Completion of the Exploration of the Northern Pacific Railroad from the East. • Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke

regarding business affairs and banking issues, including fluctuations in the gold market.

• Railroads including Northern Pacific with many prospective suppliers contacting Jay Cooke, and concern over the land grant to the St Croix and Bayfield Railroad; Lake Superior and Mississippi (13, 15, 21, 24, 27 September, 7 October); St Paul and Pacific (1 October); Pennsylvania (1 September) .


Extract from W. Milnor Roberts’ letter to Jay Cooke dated 17 August from Helena, Montana “…the whole length of the excavation being a little over on fourth mile. It is through loam and clay; not a particle of rock (?) visible within two miles, in any direction This may strike you as almost marvellous; and so indeed it is; that the great backbone of the continent; the great chain of the Rocky Mountains; should be tamed down, at this particular Pass…”

Extract from S. W. Wilkeson’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 19 August from Helena, Montana

“…I advise that you ask Harry to go to the Interior Department and inquire if we can file our map of the line of the Road…Care should be taken to have the line longer than we will build on. Then when we go to Congress to get authority to change the locations, it will be an agreement in favor of granting us authority to do so, that the Government will save land by the change, no man would dare vote against the Bill…Tomorrow we go to Fort Benton – thence to Cadot’s Pass – if the Indians will let me. We anticipate trouble from them between here and Benton …the Yellowstone to the Missouri, ‘Tis the garden of America, and our milk – so the Government has abandoned it to the Sioux and outlawed the white man who enter it. It would take 500 soldiers to pass so safely through the country – and yet the North Pacific Road has got to run through the Yellowstone Valley...”

Reel 55

Dates: 12 October – 30 November 1869


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters, see letters dated 12 October and 2, 6, 13, 19, 20, 22, 24, 29, 30 November. See letters dated 16, 18, 27, 29 October regarding Speaker Blaine’s negotiations for a “handsome money subsidy” in relation to the proposed Southern Pacific Railroad and Little Rock Railroad. Also see letter dated 19 October to George Thomas regarding their lack of influence over the St Croix land grant decision.

• from Jay Cooke to G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., Gibraltar, regarding banking, railroads and recommendation to “sell out the balance” of his government bonds in the event of elections going against the Republicans. See letters dated 12, 15 October. Also see letters dated 21, 26, 31 October and 3, 23, 27 November to H. D. Cooke regarding Speakers Blaine’s proposals, a proposed visit to President Grant to “talk up” the Northern Pacific railroad and specie payments.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking matters and gold trading. See letters dated 16 October and 10, 11, 29 November. Also see letter dated 20 November relating the purchase of disputed land wanted by the Union Pacific Railroad Co. See extract below.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal, railroad and banking matters. See letters dated 9, 13 November. Also see letters dated 16, 26 October relating disagreements over when to sell gold between Dodge and Fahnestock. Also see letters dated 21, 27 October and 11 November.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, Saint Louis, regarding his report on the Northern Pacific Railroad route, bridge building and plans to employ 7,000 Swedish labourers. See letters dated 18, 20 October and 24, 30 November.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters and circular to priority investors in the Northern Pacific Railroad. See letter dated 12 October and printed circular designed to raise 5 million dollars, providing much detail on the proposed road and its investment potential dated 13 October.

• from J. W. Taylor, St Paul, Washington and New York, providing Jay Cooke with his recommendations for the most “eligible” route for the Northern Pacific Railroad, and the implications and value of land grants from Congress. See letters dated 12 October and 2, 28, 29 November.

• from G. B. Sargent, Land Agent, Duluth, relating the progress of the town. See letters dated 22 November.

• from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 17, 30 November. • from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Bridgehampton and New York, relating his exploits in his

capacity as Secretary of the N.P.R.R. and his concern over payments and his role in the enterprise. See letters dated 30 October and 23 November.

• from James G. Blaine, Speaker of the House of Representatives to H. D. Cooke and Jay Cooke, Washington DC, inviting them to invest in Little Rock Railroad Co. and a proposed Southern Pacific Railroad Co. See letters dated 14, 25 October and 10 November.

• from Robert Lamborn, Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad Co., Philadelphia, relating a positive interview with the new Governor expressing support for railroads in his jurisdiction. See letters dated 17, 20 October and 3, 25 November.

• from W. G. Moorhead, London and Brighton to G. C. Thomas and Jay Cooke relating the prospects of investment from Europe in the Northern Pacific Railroad. See letters dated 14, 16, 23, 27 October and 5, 26 November.

• from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul, regarding St Croix land grant and various railroad companies. See letters dated 13, 26 October and 16 November. Also see J. Vincent’s letter to Banning dated 11 October.

• from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letter dated 21 October

• from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding partition of lands between Branch, Cooke, Banning and Moorhead, and the discovery of silver deposits. See letters dated 18 October and 6 November.

• from J. Gregory Smith, St. Albans, regarding railroad matters. See letter dated 23 November.

Key topics include

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs and banking issues including a fall in gold prices.

• Northern Pacific Railroad, including proposed route, attempts to raise investment capital to start building in order to fulfil company charter and qualify land grants.

• Interest in the Southern Pacific Railroad from Speaker J. G. Blaine. • Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi (13, 17 October); St Paul and

Pacific (13, 17, 23, 27, 28 October); Kansas Pacific (27 November), St Croix (13 October); Penna (13 October).


Extract from J.Taylor’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 12 October from St Paul “…Allow me to say, on the question of the most eligible route for the Northern Pacific Railroad through Minnesota, that my first choice is from the western extremity of Lake Superior at Duluth…if Congress will intervene and aid the construction of this Interior Division by a stock guarantee of $30,000 per mile, all uncertainty would vanish…while the Northern Pacific will make the most of its magnificent donation of lands, yet a contingency may occur which will cal for further legislation, and, in that event, it will be prudent to establish seasonably a community of interest on this subject with the Southern States …”

Extract from H. D. Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 16 October from Washington DC “…Speaker Blaine has been in the city for a day or two; and has made some valuable suggestions in regard to the Pacific Railroad, which I think will worthy(?) of your consideration. They relate to Congressional legislation and the Southern Pacific R. R. demands. He says if we manage our case with discretion we can get a handsome money subsidy from Congress…”

Extract from H. C.F. Fahnestock’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 20 November from New York “…You will be pleased to know that the sale of the disputed 60 miles of Union Pacif RR to the Central Co has been closed, and that next week we shall get all the land. The companies desire the fact to be kept private for the present for their own purposes…”

Reel 56



• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters, and his efforts to get legislation relating to the N.P.R.R. through Congress. See letters dated 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31 December.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke, New York and Philadelphia. See letters dated 2, 3, 10, 11 13, 21, 23, 28, 29, 30 December. Also see letter of 10 December to J. Gregory Smith, President of the N.P.R.R. outlining terms of agreement.

• from J. Gregory Smith to Jay Cooke, Vermont Central. See letters 13 December • from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking and

railroad matters. See letters dated 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 27, 29 December. • from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters

dated 10, 13, 16, 17, 18, 24, 31 December. • from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, regarding railroad and land matters. See letters

dated 8, 9, 16, 20, 29 December. • from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letter dated 4,

13, 14 December also see Letters 15, 16 December from Jay & Henry Cooke to G. C. Thomas.

• from G. B. Sargent, Land Agent, Duluth. See letters dated 6, 13, 14, 15, 20, 22, 24, 27 December.

• from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letter dated 22, 30, 31 December.

• from Robert Lamborn, Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad Co., Philadelphia,. In Milwaulkee concerning harbour and canal work around Lake Superior. See letters dated 13, 20, 21, 23, 24, 31 December.

• from W. G. Moorhead, Paris, to Jay Cooke and H. C. Fahnestock, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 5, 6, 9, 14, 15, 17, 21 December.

• from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letters dated 13, 23 December.

• from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letter dated 31 December. • from Isaac J. Hutchinson, West Rilling (?), suggesting Jay Cooke was a descendant of

a passenger on the Mayflower. See letter dated 1 December. • from H. Dyer, New York, regarding $16,000 investment. See letters dated 2

December. • from (Capt.) Nathaniel R Harris to Jay Cooke, regarding the character of a

correspondent to President Grant. See letter dated 13 December. • from Phillip W. Holmes New York office to Jay Cooke, discussing Governor

Marshall of Minnesota. See letters dated 12, 24, 29 December • from Mr Corbete United States Senate Room Washington to Jay Cooke, Discussing

national debt bill. See letter dated 14 December. • from W. L. Banning Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad Co. to Jay Cooke,

regarding land grants. See letter dated 21 December. • from W. J. Barney Land agent Chicago to Pitt Cooke, regarding land acquisition. See

letters dated 21, 23, 29 December. • from Commissioner Wilson Department of the Interior, General Land Offices, to Jay

Cooke, regarding land allocation. See letter dated 28 December. • from S. P. Chase, Washington DC. See letter dated 8 December.

Key topics include

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke, G. C. Thomas and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs and banking issues.

• Northern Pacific Railroad, notably Jay Cooke’s decision to act as official agent, and approaches from candidates for positions as local agents.

• Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Oregan Central (8, 9 December); St Paul and Pacific (6 December); Central RR of Iowa; Kansas Pacific (14 December); St Louis, Chillicothe and Omaha Rail Road (20 December).


Extract from Samuel Wilkeson’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 22 December 1869 from New York “ …It is a great while since I was as happy as I was at 10 o’clock in the night of the 20 th hearing of the hearty concurrence between you and Mr Smith & Mr Rice & Mr Hindon. I flung my hat to the ceiling. Smith and I congratulated each other’s arms off, nearly, with protracted and increasingly furious handshaking. ‘Tis a great event for your house, ‘Tis a blessed event for our country. For the road completed will bless our country beyond the possibility of any other agency…”

Extract from H. Dyer’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 2 December 1869 from New York “…You will find to my credit that Sixteen Thousand Dollars on the book of the New York House. Please invest the amount in good securities, but yielding as much income as possible without too much risk – I would suggest that the securities be of a kind to rise in value. Coupon Bonds preferred…”

Reel 57

Dates: January 1870


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters, see letters dated 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 14, 17, 18, 19, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31 January.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke, including his decision to turn down Speaker Blaine’s offer of investing in the Southern Pacific Railroad. See letters dated 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 16, 18, 19, 26, 27, 28, 29 January. In addition personal family letters dated 24, 31 January.

• from Jay Cooke to G. C. Thomas. See letters dated 11, 21, 31 January. • from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking matters

and attempts to get Henry Ward Beecher and Horace Greeley to subscribe to the Northern Pacific RR. See letters dated 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29 31 January.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 27, 29, 31 January.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, regarding railroad matters. See letter dated 7 January.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letters dated 11, 15, 20, 21, 22, 25 January.

• from General W. S. Hancock, regarding the value of the N.P.R.R. to the government and likely hostility of the Sioux. See letter dated 11 January.

• from J. Gregroy Smith, relating to the construction of the N.P.R.R. See letters dated 7, 8, 14, 19, 21, 24 January.

• from G. B. Sargent, Land Agent, Duluth. See letters dated 4, 20 January.

• from Samuel W. Wilkeson to Jay Cooke and G. C. Thomas, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad, including his attempts to get Henry Ward Beecher and Horace Greeley to subscribe to the Northern Pacific RR. See letters dated 3, 7, 10, 21, 31 January and extract below.

• from Robert Lamborn, Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad Co., Philadelphia,. See letters dated 6, 8, 10 January.

• from W. G. Moorhead, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 21, 22 January.

• from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letters dated 6, 7, 10, 11, 17, 18, 29 January.

• from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letters dated 14, 15, 19, 21, 24, 25, 25, 28 January.

• from Governor B Marshall, State of Minnesota, to Jay Cooke. See letters dated 4, 22, 23 January.

• from J. A. Hills to Jay Cooke. See letter dated 4 January. • from M. Casswell to Jay Cooke. See letter dated 4 January. • from J. B. Montgomery to Jay Cooke. See letters dated 5, 10, 11, 26 January. • from E. Dodge to Jay Cooke. See letter dated 5 January. • from J. E. Wylie to Jay Cooke regarding the establishment of a steamship line

between San Francisco, Japan & China. See letter dated 5 January. • from C. Stiles to Jay Cooke, cryptic references to important information? See letter

dated 10 January. • from A. G. Dudley Ward, London. Regarding recent article in the London Globe

regarding the Northern Pacific Railway. See letter dated 12 January. • from C. A. Clark, President National Life Insurance Company Washington. See letter

dated 15 January. • from the Scandinavian Emigrant Agency, Chicago. See letters dated 11, 13 January. • from W. S. King P.M. House Of Representatives, Washington. See letter dated 19

January. • from Stephen Sarter New York. See letter dated 18 January. • from Governor R. B. Hayes State of Ohio. See letter dated 24, 30 January. • from Dyck to Pitt Cooke, regarding bonds. See letter dated 20 January. • from W. H. Armstrong, House of Representatives Washington. See Letter Dated 24

January. • from S. Smith, Manager Franklin Telegraph Company Philadelphia. See Letter dated

24 January. • from John Pinkerton. See letter dated 25 January. • from H. G. Marquand, Wall Street New York, regarding a new English company. See

letter dated 26 January. • from M. H. Bovee regarding the abolishment of Capital punishment. See letter dated

27 January. • from H. C. Swain. See Letters dated 26, 27 January. • from Major J. N. Cox, Philadelphia. See letter dated 29 January. • from H. D. Faulkner, New York. See letters dated 7, 27 January.

Key topics include


• Northern Pacific Railroad; promotion and selling of bonds to preferred candidates “pool”; raising $5,600,000.

• Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Portland and Kenneber (letter dated 6 January); Central Railroad of Iowa (letters dated 7, 27 January); Cleveland and Pittsburgh Railroad Company (letter dated 14 January); Baltimore and

Ohio Railroad (letter dated 19 January); Vermont Central Line (letter dated 21 January); St Pauls Pacific Railroad Company (letter dated 22 January); Hastings & Dakota (letter dated 24, 29 January); Michigan Air Line Extension Railroad company (see letter dated 28 January); Middle Creek (letter dated 31 January).


Extract from General Winfield S. Hancock’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 11 January 1870 from St Paul “…In regard to Indian expenditures it is not seen that the construction of a railway into their country upon the line proposed will in any way tend immediately to diminish them; it will most probably provoke their hostility, especially that of the Sioux, and lead to a war ending in their possible destruction. This war in the nature of things will occur before your road is in a condition to carry our supplies to any great extent unless large subsidies be paid them to purchase peace…”

Extract from Samuel Wilkeson’s letter to George Thomas dated 31 January 1870 from New York “…Of course my wife wants the 20.000 in the Five Million spec but I can’t get Jay to say at what figures he will take her Warren & Franklin Bonds – I want some too. Mr Greeley must have 20.000 – I have spoken to him about it and of course he will expect to have it – and there is no interest on this continent strong enough to afford to disoblige that powerful man. And he must have his own time to pay in too.

Reel 58

Dates: February 1870


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters, see letters dated 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26 February.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke, banking railroad and personal family letters. See letters dated 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 23, 24, 25, 28 February.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking matters. See letters dated 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28 February.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 21, 23, 24 February.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letter dated 2, 11, 14 February.

• from Governor Smith. See letter dated 7, 10, 11, 23, 26, 28 February. • from G. B. Sargent, Land Agent, Duluth to Jay Cooke & G. C. Thomas. See letters

dated. 1, 5, 17, 22, 23, 24, 26 February. • from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letters dated 5

February. • from W. G. Moorhead, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 11

February. • from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letters

dated 1,4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 18, 21, 22, 24, 25, 28 February. • from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letter

dated 22 February. • from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letter dated 12, 25 February.

• from S. P. Chase, declining an offer to invest in the N.P.R.R. on grounds of health. See letter dated 4 February.

• from William Windom, relating deep snow on the route of the N.P.R.R. See letter dated 1 February and extract below.

• from Ira Spaulding, regarding construction work on the N.P.R.R. See telegram dated 15 February.

• from Colonel R. T. P. Allen Superintendent Kentucky Military Institute. See letters dated 6 February.

• to & from Ignatius Donnelly, House of Representatives, Washington. See letters dated 7, 8 February.

• from J. P. Bhase Washington. See letter dated 8 February. • from J. Sherman, United States Senate Chamber. See letter dated 9 February. • from Governor Marshall. See letters dated 1, 8 February. • from Thomas Emeley, Leeds, UK. See letters dated 11 February. • from H. D. Faulkner New York. See letters dated. 5, 9, 11, 14, 25 February. • fromW. H. Armstrong House of Representatives, Washington. See letters dated 12

February. • from M. H. Bovee, regarding capital punishment. See letter dated 14 February. • from General K. Reed. See letter dated 15 February. • from Colonel Spragne, Adjutant Generals Office, War Department. See letter dated

19 February. • from R. C. Mitchell Editor The Superior Tribune. See letter dated 21 February. • from A. Higgins Delaware District Attorneys Office. See letter dated 23 February.

Key topics include


• Northern Pacific Railroad; its construction, promotion and selling of bonds. • Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Portland & Kenneber (See

letter dated 8 February): The Michigan Air Line Extension Railroad Company (See letter dated 9 February); Lake Shore & Michigan South Railway Company (See letter dated 10 February).


Extract from William Windom’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 1 February 1870 on route of Northern Pacific “…The snow is too deep in the woods to make a thorough exploration of the country on each side of our line as contemplated by yourself and Governor Smith, but I have employed a few men who are accustomed to travelling on snow shoes to accompany the engineers…”

Extract from Henry Cooke letter to Jay Cooke dated 1February 1870 from Washington DC. “…I finally settled down to give 75.000 to King, Halderman & Wilson instead of giving King a full share and H + W. 70.000 as Jay Jr suggests. We want all the help we can get to decide the wavering Superior folks.

Reel 59

Dates: March 1870


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters, including General Horace Porter (Grant’s Private Secretary)

acceptance of money (31 March). See letters dated 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 March.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke, banking, railroad and personal family letters. See letters dated 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 31 March and extract below.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking matters. See letters dated 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31 March .

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 16, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31 March.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, regarding railroad matters. See letter dated 3, 9, 22 March.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letter dated 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 16, 17, 18, 29 March.

• from Governor Smith, Boston, New York. See letter dated 4, 7, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 26, 28 March.

• from Gilead A. Smith, London. See letters dated 4, 5, 19, 26 March. • from S. Bleichroder, Berlin. See letter dated 5 March. • from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond agent to Jay Cooke. See letters dated 1, 3, 11, 12,

March. • from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letter dated 16, 18, 29 March. • from and to Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letters

dated 1, 3, 5, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 27, 30 March. • from Mr Graves, regarding information of possible use to the N.P.R.R. concerning

the original treaty setting up the Chippewa Indian Reservation. See letter dated 11 March.

• from Robert Lamborn, Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad Co., Philadelphia,. See letters dated 18, 21 March.

• from and to W. G. Moorhead, Rome, Paris regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 11, 14, 17, 19 March.

• from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letters dated 3, 5, 8, 9, 21, 22, 24, 26, 29 March.

• from J. B. Walker. See letter dated 5 March. • from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letter

dated 2 March. • from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letter dated 1, 9, 11, 29 March. • from S. P. Chase. See letter dated 23, 26 March. • from William Windom, See letter dated 31 March. • from Ignatius Donnelly, House of Representatives, Washington DC., relating the

opinion that Congress would rather give “land than money”. See letters dated 5, 11, 23 March and extract below.

• from J. P. Bhase Washington. See letters dated 5, 25 March. • from Governor W R Marshall. See letters dated 22, 24 March. • from Thomas Emeley, Venice Italy. See letter dated 18 March. • from H. D. Faulkner New York. See letters dated 21, 23, 25, 28 March. • from W. H. Armstrong House of Representatives, Washington. See letters dated 26

March. • from General K. Reed. See letters dated 10, 14 March. • from A. Melville, Attorney & Counsellor New York. See letter dated 2 March. • from W. S. King P.M. House Of Representatives, Washington. See letters dated 4, 21

March. • from Mr Marx, Marx & Co Brokers. Concerning $20 Million. See letter dated 12

March. • from W. B. Ogden. See letters dated 5, 7, 9, 10, 12 March.

• from Mr Truman, concerning the Eastern terminus of the N.P.R.R.. See letter dated 14 March.

• from James Mason, New York regarding a scandal concerning his business partner J. E. Maxwell. See letter dated 14 March.

• from Baron Geralt. See letter dated 21 March. • from President U. S. Grant, German Town (?). See letter dated 25 March.

Key topics include


• Northern Pacific Railroad; its construction, promotion and selling of bonds. Attempts to gain Congressional support for right to mortgage and land rights via the Northern Pacific Bill.

• Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi (letter 1, 21, 22, 25 March); Fort Wayne of Chicago Railway co. (letter 1 March); Pennsylvania Central Railroad Co. (letter dated 3, 16, 18 March); St. Croix, Superior & Bayfield Rail Road (letter 21 March); The Central Railroad Company of Iowa (letter 21, 23, 25, 28 March); Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton. Cincinnati, Richmond & Chicago. Dayton & Michigan Railroads (letter 25 March); Milwaukee & St Paul Railway (letter 26 March); Chicago & Northwestern railway (letter 26 March).


Extract from Jay Cooke’s letter to Henry Cooke dated 1March 1870 from Philadephia “…I am afraid from what Corwin said to Mr Fahnestock, that you given undue hopes to Fremont about advances on Arkansas bonds, indeed, that you have made direct promises to make such advances although Mr Brown says you have not. We cannot & will not advance on any such securities & especially to Fremont …”

Extract from Ignatius Donnelly’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 5 March 1870 from Washington D. C. “…This spirit simply means the failure of all legislation for its harbour. I do not mean to complain of Senator R.. but he needs some strong will behind him to say this must be done. My relations are not such that I can press him…I have no doubt of the hours and none of the senate with the help you give, if Senator R. will only take hold of the measure with zeal and determination...There have been several precedents for this kind of legislation…I have left with Senator R. a copy of the bill ready to introduce…I cannot but think that the present congress would rather give land than money…”

Reel 60

Dates: April 1870


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters, including efforts to pass Northern Pacific Bill and support of President Grant (23 April). See letters dated 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 April and extract below.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke, relating banking issues and attempts to discredit Northern Pacific Bill. See letters dated 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 26, 27, 29, 30 April. In addition personal family letters dated 4, 5, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28 April.

• from Jay Cooke to G. C. Thomas. See letters dated 26 April.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking matters. See letters dated 2, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 23, 28, 29 April.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 1, 11, 13, 15, 16, 23, 29 April.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, regarding railroad matters. See lettes dated 4, 25 April.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letters dated 4, 5, 7, 19, 20, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28 April.

• from Governor Smith, relating to the construction of the N.P.R.R. See letter dated 1, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 28 April.

• from Gilead A Smith, London. Including a formal letter renouncing one Mr Nelson, and another who had allegedly been claiming to represent him. See letters dated 2, 7, 21, 27 April.

• from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond agent, Frankfurt, relating attempts to sell bonds in Europe and to gain support of London Times. See letters dated 2, 4, 5, 8, 11, 25, 27, 30 April and extract below.

• from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 2, 6 April. • from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letters dated

2, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 23 April. • from Robert Lamborn, Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad Co., Philadelphia,.

See letters dated 11, 19, 26, 27, 28 April. • from W. G. Moorhead, Venice, Florence, Munich, Paris regarding banking and

railroad matters, including prospect of London banking house. See letters dated 3, 4, 8, 11, 17, 27 April.

• fromW. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letters dated 8, 13, 18, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30 April.

• from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letters dated 9, 13, 16, 23, 28 April.

• from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letter dated 2, 13, 14, 19, 26 April

• from John Halls, Pittsburgh. See letters dated 1, 26, 29 April. • from Ignatius Donnelly, House of Representative, Washington DC. See letters dated

12, 13, 22, 26 April. • from Governor W. R. Marshall. See letter dated 1, 9 April. • from Thomas Emeley, Wharfdale UK. See letters dated 23, 28 April. • from M. H. Bovee Philadelphia. See letter dated 12 April. • from W. B. Ogden. See letter dated 2 April. • from J. E. Woodbridge, US Senate regarding debate currently in progress in the

Senate. See letters dated 8, 11, 12, 13, 18, 21 April. • from G Momment (?) application for settlement dated 14 April. • from Mr Ritchie, City of Superior, regarding immigrant settlers along the route of the

N.P.R.R. See letters dated 18, 20 April. • from W. J. Barney, Land agent, Chicago. See letters dated 20, 23, 25 April. • from Miram Hayes. See letter dated 25 April.

Key topics include


• Northern Pacific Railroad. Attempts to pas Northern Pacific Bill through Senate, which passed the Bill on 21 April. Attempts via George B. Sargent and H. Budge to sell N.P. bonds in Germany and rest of Europe. Attacks on Northern Pacific Bill from rival bankers via the Ledger and London Times.

• Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne of Chicago Railway Co. (letter 1April); Central Railroad of Iowa (letter 1 April); Portland & Kenneber Railroad (17 April); Pennsylvania Railroad Co. (25 April); Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway.(29 April).


Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 20 April 1870 from Washington D. C. “…We have been at work like beavers and have whipped the enemy on every vote so far – in most cases three or four to one. We let the other side do most of the talking and we do the voting. Their object is to throw the vote over and prolong the discussion, but we expect to get a vote before adjournment this evening…”

Extract from G. B. Sargent’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 30 April 1870 from London “…The results of my investigations are anything but pleasant. Childs, while here, toadied to the editor and proprietor of the Times, was Sampson’s [money editor of the Times] guest all the time he was here, and their relations were of the most intimate character. Since Childs’ return to the United States the Times has continually quoted from the Ledger as the paper of the United States…”


REEL 61

Box 57 Folders 20-21 9 April – 3 May 1870 Box 58 Folders 1-14 4 May – 31 May 1870

REEL 62

Box 58 Folders 15-19 4 May – 31 May 1870 Box 59 Folders 1-12 1 June – 6 July 1870

REEL 63

Box 59 Folders 13-19 1 June – 6 July 1870 Box 60 Folders 1-12 7 July – 8 August 1870

REEL 64

Box 60 Folders 13-21 7 July – 8 August 1870 Box 61 Folders 1-8 9 August – 14 September 1870

REEL 65

Box 61 Folders 9-21 9 August – 14 September 1870 Box 62 Folders 1-4 15 September – 25 October 1870

REEL 66

Box 62 Folders 5-19 15 September – 25 October 1870 REEL 67

Box 63 Folders 1-14 26 October – 30 November 1870

REEL 68

Box 63 Folders 15-19 26 October – 30 November 1870 Box 64 Folders 1-9 December 1870

REEL 69

Box 65 Folders 1-14


January 1871

REEL 70

Box 65 Folders 15-19 January 1871 Box 66 Folders 1-10 February 1871

REEL 71

Box 66 Folders 11-18 February 1871 Box 67 Folders 1-5 1-23 March 1871

REEL 72


REEL 73

Box 68 Folders 1-14 24 March – 23 April 1871

REEL 74

Box 68 Folders 15-17 24 March – 23 April 1871 Box 69 Folders 1-10 24 April – 31 May 1871

REEL 75

Box 69 Folders 11-13 24 April – 31 May 1871 Box 70 Folders 1-10 June – 6 July 1871

REEL 76

Box 70 Folders 11-15 June – 6 July 1871 Box 71 Folders 1-12 7 July – 10 August 1871

REEL 77

Box 71 Folders 13-19 7 July – 10 August 1871 Box 72 Folders 1-14 11 August – 31 August 1871

REEL 78

Box 72 Folders 15-18


11 August – 31 August 1871

Box 73 Folders 1-12 September 1871

REEL 79

Box 73 Folders 13-16 September 1871 Box 74 Folders 1-14 October – 21 November 1871

REEL 80

Box 74 Folders 15-16 October – 21 November 1871

Box 75 Folders 1-13 22 November – 22 December 1871 Box 76 Folders 1-4 23December 1871– 21 January 1872

<back


CIVIL WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION: THE MAKING OF MODERN AMERICA Series One: The Papers of Jay Cooke (18211905) from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania Part 4: General Correspondence, May 1870December 1871

DETAILED LISTING


Reel 61

Dates: 124 May 1870


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters, attempts to get Northern Pacific Bill through House of Representatives. See letters dated 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 24 May and extract below.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 14, 16, 23, 24 May. In addition personal family letters dated 9, 12, 17 May.

• from Jay Cooke to G. C. Thomas. See letters dated 12 May. • from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking matters.

See letters dated 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 21 May. • from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters

dated 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24 May. • from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, regarding railroad matters. See letters dated 4, 13

May. • from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letters dated

16, 21 May. • from Governor Smith, relating to the construction of the N.P.R.R. See letter dated 2,

7, 10, 13, 16 May. • from Gilead A Smith, London. Including a formal letter renouncing one Mr Nelson,

and another who had allegedly been claiming to represent him. See letters dated 17 May.

• from G. B. Sargent, Land Agent, Duluth, London. See letters dated 2, 4, 9, 11, 12, 18 May and extract below.

• from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letter dated 8 May. • from and to Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letters

dated 3, 5, 6, 14, 23, 24 May. • from W. G. Moorhead, London regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters

dated 2, 4, 10, 16 May. • from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letters

dated 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 13, 14, 23 May. • from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letters

dated 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 16 May. • from H. C. Swain. See letters dated 5 May. • from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letter dated 24 May. • from William Windom, See letter dated 5 May. • from Ignatius Donnelly, House of Representatives, Washington. See letters dated 5, 6,

10, 11, 14, 16, 20 May. • from Governor W. R. Marshall. See letters dated 22 May. • from Alex Mitchell, Milwaukee, regarding his resignation. See letter dated 20 May.

• from John M. Burke, Chicago, regarding his resignation. See letter dated 21 May. • from M. I. Sykes, Chicago, regarding his resignation. See letter dated 21 May. • from J. E. Woodbridge, US Senate. See letters dated 5 May. • from Miram Hayes. See letter dated 3, 14 May. • from William E. Chandler. See letter dated 1, 15 May. • from W. S. King. See letter dated 6 May. • from N. G. King United States Senate. See letter dated 13 May. • from H. S. Lake, House of Representatives. See letter dated 9 May.

Key topics include


• Northern Pacific Railroad. Attempts to get Northern Pacific Bill through House of Representatives.

• Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway Co. (letter 6 May); Lake Shore & Michigan South Railway Co. (7 May); Central Railroad Co. of Iowa (letter 21 May).


Extract from G. B. Sargent’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 2 May 1870 from London

“...I have the Bear article of 19 th from Phil & Ledger and in my opinion the mountain has labored and brot forth a mouse. It is such a palpable lie on its face that it has overdone its object – The effect if republished here will be forgotten in a month or before we put te bonds to sale…”

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 6 May 1870 fromWashington D. C.

“…I feel ‘hors du combat’ today, I realise now how intensely I was excited yesterday; but we beat them in all the test questions, and our final success we consider fully assured, although the opposition against us bitter and active… a careful tally of the House shows that among the absentees, counting the whole number, we had a majority of twelve, which will add just so much to our vote on a full house…”

Reel 62

Dates: 25 May June 1870


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters, including Northern Pacific Railroad Bill approved by Grant despite opposition in Cabinet (30 May). See letters dated 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 May and 1, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18 June.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. New York, Philadelphia See letters dated 25, 27, 30, 31 May 3, 4, 8, 11, 14, 15, 20 June. In addition personal family letters dated 26, 31 May and 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, June.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, Boston, regarding banking matters. See letters dated 2, 4, 6, 11, 14, 15, 17 June.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 25, 26, 27 May and 2, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 27 June.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letters dated 31 May and 1, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20 June.

• from Governor Smith, relating to the construction of the N.P.R.R. See letters dated 27 May and 2, 4, 6, 11 June.

• from Robert Lamborn, Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad Co., Philadelphia,. See letter dated 22 June.

• from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond Agent, London, Egham, regarding relations with the Times. See letters dated 2, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20 June.

• from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letter dated 20 June. • from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letters dated

26, 28, 30 May and 20 June. • from Robert Lamborn, Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad Co., Philadelphia,.

See letters dated 28 May. • from W. G. Moorhead, London, Philadelphia regarding banking and railroad matters.

See letters dated 13, 14, 16, 17, 20 May. • fromW. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letter

dated 1 June. • from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letters

dated 30 May and 14 June. • from Governor B. Marshall State of Minnesota, to Jay Cooke. See letter dated 29

May. • from J. A. Wills. See letter dated 1 June. • from J. B. Montgomery. See letter dated 28 May. • from S. L. Smith. See letter dated 18 June. • from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letter dated 26 May. • from S. P. Chase. See letter dated 8, 18 June. • From Ignatius Donnelly, House of Representatives, Washington. See letters dated 25,

26 May. • from Thomas Emeley, Wharfdale, UK. See letters dated 28 May. • from Mr Ritchie, City of Superior, regarding immigrant settlers along the route of the

N.P.R.R. See letter dated 13 June. • from W. J. Barney, Land agent, Chicago. See letters dated 30 May. • from H. Budge, London. A progress report of his, General Sargent and the various

European Houses success to date. See letter dated 25 May. • from Carl Schurz, United States Senate. See letter dated 20 June.

Key topics include

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs and banking issues. London banking house discussed.

• Northern Pacific Railroad. Northern Pacific Bill passed by House of Representatives and approved by Grant. Land prices increase along the proposed route.

• Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Oil Creek & Allegheny River Railway Co. (letter 20 June).


Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay and Pitt Cooke dated 30 May 1870 from Washington D. C. “…Telegraphed you that I had no doubt our bill will be signed tomorrow, nothing is being done here today at the White House or anywhere else, as it is a holiday. I called to see the president again about the bill this morning. Gen Puter? advised me to leave the matter to him – He says he will guaranty the passing of the bill for he knows how the president feels about it…”

Extract from G. B. Sargent’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 20 June 1870 from Hampton Court near London “I am writing this at the residence of Mr Sampson editor of the Times with whom I passed yesterday afternoon and night…he has said to me ‘My views are entirely changed in regard to your enterprise. I think it is a good and valuable enterprise and in good hands’…This is hole I have made him crawl out of and I shall have his hearty cooperation on terms that must never be known but to you, to him and myself….”

Reel 63

Dates: 21 June – 25 July 1870


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters, including Congressmen finding a “generous” friend at the Washington branch. See letters dated 22, 23, 24 June and 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25 July and extract below.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 21, 22, 28 June and 14 July. In addition personal family letters dated 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29 June 25 July.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”),New York, to Jay Cooke and W. G. Moorhead regarding banking matters. See letters dated 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29 June and 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 July.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters, including banking between New York and London, and the harsh market for railroad bonds. See letters dated 11, 21, 22, 25 June and 2, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 July.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letters dated 23, 24, 27 June.

• from Governor Smith, relating to the construction of the N.P.R.R. See letters dated 28 June and 5, 8, 11, 12, 15, 21, 22, 25 July.

• from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond agent, London, relating progress and lack of support for France in possible war with Prussia. To Jay Cooke and Fahnestock. See letters dated 18, 25, 27, 28, 30 June and 2, 16, 19, 21, 23 July.

• from H. C. McCulloch, regarding proposition to become head of Jay Cooke and Co. in London. See letter dated 13 July.

• from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 21 June and 12 July.

• from and to Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad, including attack on the French for ruining bond sales (22 July). See letters dated 23 June and 6, 9, 12, 16, 19, 20, 22, 25 July including attacking French for spoiling bond deal See letter dated 22 July and extract below.

• from W. G. Moorhead, Philadelphia regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 27 June and 5, 19 July.

• from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letters dated 8, 10, 12, 15 July.

• from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letter dated 21 July.

• from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letter dated 20 July. • from Governor W. R. Marshall. See letters dated 6, 13, 19, 20, 25 July. • from S. P. Chase. See letters dated 8, 18, 23, 29 June and 7, 22 July. • from J. B. Montgomery. See letters dated 24, June and 8 July. • from T. Clark. See letter dated 21 June.

• from Colonel R. T. P. Allen, Superintendent Kentucky Military Institute. See letter dated 29 June.

• from Emerson Foote, London, to Fahnestock. See letter dated 29 June. • from P. W. Holmes. See letter dated 6 July. • from O. D. Banger (?), US Congress. See letter dated 12 July. • from Antonio Satoy Co., Salamanca, Spain. See letter dated 13 July (note letter

written in Spanish). • from Carl Schurz, United States Senate. See letter dated 18 July. • from Baron Geralt. See letter dated 21 March. • from Benjamin A. Cook, New York, regarding Jay Cookes possibly descent from one

of the passengers of the May Flower. See letter dated 19 July. Also see reel 56 for similar claim by a different party.

• from General J. Tilton. See letter dated 24 July.

Key topics include

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs and banking issues, including possibility of London banking house.

• Northern Pacific Railroad. Further attempts for legislation and support for the railroad. Attempts to defend Northern Pacific in the face of German opposition due to risk and fear of war with France.

• Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Rail Co. (letter 15 July).


Extract from Sam Wilkeson’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 22 July 1870 from New York “…Of course that French devil must upset our dish in Europe. I don’t know that corporations can enjoy revenge. But the North Pacific promoters will have the satisfaction of seeing that composite tiger and monkey whipped out of Germany and whipped out of France, and I think out of life. God and those blessed Teutons are going to rid the world of the curse of the Bonaparte Family…”

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 22 July 1870 fromWashington D. C. “…I note what you say about no debit balances and enclose statement from Fenney? Showing how they have been created – which I trust will be satisfactory. The item of increase in ‘bills receivable’ 75.000 may seem large but one half of that amount is on bonds and mortgages to Speaker Blaines, and the balance is mainly made up of short loans to members and senators during the latter part of the sessions, whom we could not well refuse to oblige and on which we are secured by orders of their pay or other equally good security…”

Reel 64

Dates: 26 July August 22 1870


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking, railroad matters and new government bond issue. See letters dated 27, 29, 30 July and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16 August and extract below.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 30 July, 1, 3, 4, 6, 20, 22 August and personal letters dated 4, 5, 8, 19, 20 August.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking matters. See letters dated 28, 29 July and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 18, 19, 20, 22 August.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 28, 30 July and 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22 August.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, regarding railroad matters. See letters dated 26 July and 1, 4, 17 August.

• from Governor Smith, relating to the construction of the N.P.R.R. See letter dated 26, 30 July and 3, 4, 6, 10, 13 August and extract below.

• from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond agent, Europe, regarding Northern Pacific bond sales in Europe. See letters dated 26 July, 10 August.

• from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 4, 18 August. • from and to Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letters

dated 28, 29, 30 July and 6, 8, 10, 20 August. • from W. G. Moorhead, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 30

July 22 August. • from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letters

dated 13, 18 August. • from Robert Lamborn, Philadelphia. See letters dated 5, 6 August. • from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letters dated 17, 22, August. • from Governor W. R. Marshall. See letters dated 6, 20 August. • from Miram Hayes. See letter dated 13 August. • from William E. Chandler. See letters dated 6, 8 August. • from J. B. Montgomery. See letter dated 20 August. • from N. G. King United States Senate. See letters dated 2, 17 August. • from T. Clark. See letter dated 17 August. • from Emerson Foote, London. See letters dated 26 July and 9 August. • from General Felton. See letters dated 27 July and 6 August. • from Carl Schurz US Congress. See letter dated 28 July • from P. W. Holmes New York. See letters dated 30 July and 1, 10 August. • from Edward Dodge Philadelphia. See letter dated 6 August.

Key topics include

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs and banking issues. Notably the announcement that Jay Cooke & McCulloch & Co. to be opened in London in early 1871, and a new Government bond issue.

• Northern Pacific Railroad. Attempts to sell bonds in Europe. • Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Chicago & Northwestern

Railway Co. (letter 2 August); Central Railroad of Iowa ( letter 10 August); Milwaukee & St Paul Railway.


• Extract from Governor Smith’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 26 July 1870 from New York “…The cost of constructing the road is estimated from the most reliable data in possession of the Co. @ 15.000 pur mile for the prairie and 25.000 pur mile on that portion of the route lying between Otter Jay? and St Cloud – all average for the whole of say 20.000 pur mile…”

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay & Pitt Cooke and Fahnestock dated 27 July 1870 fromWashington D. C. “…I have had a long talk with Mr Boutwell this morning in regard to funding operation….His present idea is to put only $700,000,000 on the market at the commencement, including all his fives and four and halfs as follows:

$200,000,000 5 per cent., 1/8 per cent. commission. $300,000,000 4 ½ per cent ., 316 per cent. commission. $200,000,000 4 per cent., ¼ per cent . commission

You will observe that the rate of commission is increased as the rate of interest is decreased. The Secretary thinks this would induce subagents and others to work harder to place the bonds bearing the lowest rates of interest, because they are better paid for placing them…”

Reel 65

Please note certain correspondence on this reel is out of chronological order. Where possible these are noted below: Between the 7 th and the 8 th of September, there is a block of correspondence from the 26 th of August. Between the 8 th and the 9 th of September, there are a few individual correspondence from the 7 th of September. Between the 17 th and the 20 th of September, there are a few individual correspondence from mid October. Between the 20 th and the 21 st of September, there is a letter dated the 29 th of September.

Dates: 23 August21 September 1870


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking, railroad matters and new government bond issue. See letters dated 11, 23, 24, 25, 30 August and 12, 29 September.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke 11, 12, 23, 26, 30 August. And personnel letters dated 29 August and 1, 15, 16 September.

• From Jay Cooke to G. C. Thomas. See letter dated 17 September. • from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking matters.

See letters dated 11, 23, 25, 26, 29, 30 August and 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20 September. • from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters

dated 11, 24, 25, 26, 29 August and 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 15 September. • from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, regarding railroad matters. See letters dated 24, 31

August. • from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letters dated 1,

2, 14, 15 September. • from Governor Smith, relating to the construction of the N.P.R.R. See letters dated 2,

7, 12, 16 September. • from Gilead A Smith, London. Including a formal letter renouncing one Mr Nelson,

and another who had allegedly been claiming to represent him. See letters dated • from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond agent, Europe, regarding Northern Pacific bond

sales in Europe. See letters dated 13, 15 September. • from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 30 August. 5

September • from Ira Spaulding, Sault Rapids. See letter dated 12 September. • from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letters dated

23, 26, 27, 30, 31 August and 2, 7, 8, 9, 18, 19, 20 September. • from W. G. Moorhead, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 27

August and 3, 11 September. • from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letters

dated 11, 30 August 1, 13, 14, 15, 20 September. • from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letter dated 12, 29 August and

9, 19 September and extract below.

• from Governor W R Marshall. See letter dated 17 September. • from Miram Hayes. See letter dated 26 August and 19 September. • from J. B. Montgomery. See letters dated 11 August. • from H. Watkins, The Patent Nut & Bolt Company, Birmingham. See letter dated 12

August. • from Horace Porter, Private Secretary to the President of the United States. See letter

dated 3 September. • from H. C. Swain, Washington. See letters dated 6, 8, 20 September. • from Robert Thode & Co. Berlin. Regarding the situation and length of the war. See

letter dated 10 September. • from E. E. Mitchell, Philadelphia. See letter dated 15 September. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letters dated 20 September

and 17 October • from H. D. Faulkner, New York. See letter dated 20 September. • from Phillip W. Holmes, New York. See letter dated 21 September.

Key topics include


• Northern Pacific Railroad. Attempts to sell bonds in Europe. • Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Pennsylvania Railroad Co.

(letter 26 August); The Central Railroad of Iowa (letter 20 September). • Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and

charity.

Extract from Rice Harper’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 29 Aug 1870 from Sandusky?

“…I in my letter to him immediately on my return from Duluth said to him that as I understood , you only wanted 5000 acres of your land on the Cloquette mapped and perhaps the quantity of pine timber on the whole estimated, so that he would not map the whole, but estimate carefully the pine timber on the whole, giving the quantity on each 160 acres, also the quantity of the timber as near as he could estimate it, this I supposed would be of service to you at any rate…”

Reel 66

Please note that some correspondence is out of chronological order. Where possible these are listed below. Between the 30 th of September and the 1 st of October there are a few individual correspondence dated 6 th of October.

Dates: 22 September25 October 1870


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking, railroad matters and new government bond issue. See letters dated 5, 7, 8 October and extract below.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 10, 25 October • from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking matters.

See letters dated 29 September and 1, 3, 5, 7, 13, 14, 17, 19, 25 October. • from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters

dated 19 October

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, regarding railroad matters. See letters dated 9, 18, 20 October.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letters dated 30 September and 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19 October.

• from Governor Smith, relating to the construction of the N.P.R.R. See letters dated 1, 6, 15 October.

• from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond agent, Europe, regarding Northern Pacific bond sales in England. See letters dated 22 September and 1, 10, 15, 20, 22, 25 October.

• from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letter dated 24, 29 September and 5, 10, 19 October.

• from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letter dated 22, 30 September and 7, 10 October.

• from W. G. Moorhead, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 1, 4, 8 October.

• from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letters dated 23 September and 3, 7, 17, 20 October.

• from Governor W. R. Marshall. See letters dated 26, 30 September and 1 October. • from Miram Hayes. See letters dated 25, 29 September. • from S. P. Chase. See letter dated 26 September. • from W. S. King. See letter dated 17 October. • from J. B. Montgomery. See letters dated 14 October. • from N. G. King United States Senate. See letter dated 30 September. • from Phillip W. Holmes, New York. See letters dated 22, 23 September. • fromW. S. Huntingdon, Washington. See letters dated 22, 23, 30 September. • from J. A. Garland, Philadelphia. See letters dated 23, 26 September. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., Philadelphia. See letters dated 26

September and 1, 19 October. • from W. W. Hungerford, Superintendent Officer, L.S.&M.R.R. regarding brigands

and cut throats descending on the junction with the N.P.R.R. See letter dated 28 September.

• from Robert H. Lamborn, Philadelphia. See letter dated 1 October. • from T. Watkins, The Patent Nut & Bolt Company, Birmingham. See letter dated 22

October.

Key topics include

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs and banking issues. Including circular announcement to open London banking house in January 1871, headed by former Secretary of the Treasury, H. C. McCulloch.

• Northern Pacific Railroad. Attempts to sell bonds in London. • Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Pennsylvania Railroad.

(letter 1 October). • Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and

charity.

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 8 October 1870 from Washington D. C. “…I enclose letters from Chandler and William Warner?, U.S. Senator from Georgia. Chandler had sent me a list of persons to remit to amounting to some $16.000 as per his understanding with you last summer; but I didn’t care to take this responsibility , so I only remitted $2000 to Schenck and $2000 to Bingham and sent back letter that he might attend to the others….”

Reel 67

Please note that some correspondence is out of chronological order. Where possible these are listed below. Between the 7 and 8 of November there is a letter dated 28 th of October from G B Sargent.

Dates: 26 October 20 November 1870


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking, railroad matters including his view that the Washington branch should remain open. See letters dated 27, 28, 29, 31 October and 1, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 19 November.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 31 October and 7, 9, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19 November.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking matters. See letters dated 27, 28, 29, 31 and October 1, 5, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 November.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 7, 12, 15, 16 November.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, regarding railroad matters. See letters dated 29 October and 2, 6, 7, 15 November.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letter dated 26 October and 4 November.

• from Governor Smith, relating to the construction of the N.P.R.R. See letters dated 27, 31 October and 1, 2, 3, 4 November.

• from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond agent, Europe, regarding Northern Pacific bond sales in England. See letters dated 26, 28, 29 October and 3, 8 November.

• from G. C. Stone, Minnesota, working from the office of G. B. Sargent. See letters dated 3, 7, 8, 10, 17 November.

• from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letter dated 9 November. • from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letters dated

28, 31 October and 2, 11 November. • from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letters

dated 26, 27 October and 7 November. • from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letters dated 11, 15 November. • from Delegate S. Garfield, Washington. See letters dated 3, 14 November. • from H. S. Sandford, London. See letters dated 5, 10, 18 November.

Key topics include

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs and banking issues, including discussions on the merits of keeping open the Washington DC office of Jay Cooke & Co.

• Northern Pacific Railroad. Attempts to sell bonds in London. • Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and

charity.

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 29 October 1870 from Washington DC. “…I have written Fahnestock a very long letter – some eight or nine large pages of your interviews with Boutwell, McC, Delano? and the president – I have also said something in support of all McC’s views against closing or subordinating or very materially changing the status of the Washington house. I know I am right in this – to adopt F’s plan would be to proclaim weakness to the world – which would draw false influences – would sever the

intimate relations (which have cost us so much time and labor to build up) with the Government…”

Extract from G. B. Sargent’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 29 October 1870 from London “….Since my last to you I have had several interviews with B and his solicitor. Today I have submitted to them all the papers in connection with the enterprize and they will at Mr B’s country house devote time enough to investigate thoroughly all in connection therewith and will give me in writing their proposition early next week…”

Reel 68

Please note that some correspondence is out of chronological order. Where possible these are listed below. Between the 30 November and the 1 st December there is a letter dated 3 rd December from H. C. McCulloch and a letter dated 3 rd December from Henry Cooke. Between the 19 and 20 of December there are several letters dated 21 December.

Dates: 21 November31 December 1870


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking, railroad matters. Also the offer to Schenck over Sherman to be Minister to England and the prospect of an arms deal with France turned down. See letters dated 12, 21, 22 November and 2, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29 December and extract below.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke See letters dated 21, 22, 23, 25, 26 November and 3, 6, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 29, 30, 31 December.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking matters. See letters dated 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 28 November and 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30 December.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 28 November and 5, 6, 9, 12, 14, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30 December.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, regarding railroad matters. See letters dated 21 November and 11, 16, 23 December.

• Robert Schenck, New York. See letters dated 21, 26 November. • from Governor Smith, relating to the construction of the N.P.R.R. See letters dated 22

November and 10, 14, 22 December. • from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond agent, Europe, regarding Northern Pacific bond

sales in England. See letters dated 12, 19, 24 November. • from G. C. Stone, Minnesota, working from the office of G. B. Sargent. See letters

dated 21, 24 November and 7, 16, 17, 28, 29, 30 December. • from H. C. McCulloch, Head of London banking house, London, regarding his first

impressions of London and his accommodation. See letter dated 3 December and extract below.

• from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letter dated 26, 30 November and 5, 12, 14, 19, 23, 27, 29, 30, 31 December.

• from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letters dated 28 November 1 December.

• from Governor W. R. Marshall. See letter dated 14 December. • from W. S. King Washington. See letter dated 3 December. • from N. G. King United States Senate. See letter dated 23 December. • from Phillip W Holmes, New York. See letters dated 21 November and 21 December. • from H. S. Sandford. See letters dated 22 November and 23 December.

• from Emerson Foote, New York. See letters dated 22, 26 November 7, 10, 19, 29 December.

• from R. Spaulding, Philadelphia. See letters dated 23, November and 15 December. • from A. H. Barney. Treasurer of N.P.R.R. See letters dated 8, 28 December. • from W. S. Huntington, Washington. See letters dated 20, 31 December. • From S. W. Spragne, Portland. See letter dated 28 December.

Key topics include

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs and banking issues, including preparations and meetings for the opening of the London office of Jay Cooke & McCulloch & Co.

• Northern Pacific Railroad. Attempts to sell bonds in London. • Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and

charity.

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 2 December 1870 from Washington DC. “…In the strictest of confidence, Gen Schenck tells me that the English Mission has been offered to him by the President and Mr Fisk upon the most flattering terms. They have both told him that if he will take the mission the settlement of the alambra claim shall be withdrawn from wash’n, where it now is, and placed entirely in his hands, with the fullest discretion and powers…”

Extract from H. C. McCulloch’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 3 December 1870 from Washington DC. “…I have rented and taken possession of a large and pleasant and wellfurnished house in a fashionable part of the city at seven hundred and fifty guineas per annum. I should have been quite contented with a smaller and less expensive house but concluded that the interests of the firm would be best promoted by my living in the aristocratic part of the city…It seemed to be expected that the head of the firm of Jay Cooke and Company in London should not only live in the most respectable part of the city, but be able properly to reciprocate the courtesies which he may receive from persons of high social position…”

Reel 69

Please note that some correspondence is out of chronological order. Where possible these are listed below. Between the 3 and the 5 of January there are a batch of letters dating from February, June, July and April.

Dates: 1 January 25 January 1871


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking, railroad matters. See letters dated 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 January.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke See letters dated 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21 January.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking matters. See letters dated 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25 January.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 24, 25 January

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letter dated 18 January.

• from J. G. Smith, President of N.P.R.R, regarding poor response to the first round of public bond sales. See letter dated 3, 9, 21, 23 January and extract below.

• from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond agent, Europe, regarding Northern Pacific bond sales in England. See letters dated 24, 27 January.

• from G. C. Stone, Minnesota, working from the office of G. B. Sargent. See letters dated 9, 12, 18 January.

• Robert H. Lamborn, Philadelphia. See letter dated 7, 11 January. • from Col. Puleston, London Banking House, relating banking issues and that “all the

press in England could be secured for £3,000, exempting The Times”. See letter dated 5, 13 January and extract below.

• from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. Including a letter referring to Delegate Garfield’s letter of the 12 th , stating the need not to upset him or fill places in Washington Territory with his enemy’s given his power & influence. See letters dated 3, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17 January.

• from W. G. Moorhead, regarding banking and railroad matters, see letter dated 15, 24 January.

• from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letters dated 10, 13, 25 January.

• from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letter dated 14 January.

• from S. P. Chase. See letter dated 3 January. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letters dated 3, 16, 25

January 3 April 15 February 5 June. • from Emerson Foote, New York. See letter dated 11 January. • From Delegate S Garfield, Washington. Regarding the filling of positions in the

N.P.R.R. in Washington Territory, with Rebels, Copperheads (Northerners who joined the rebel cause) and democrats, lists several prominent company men. See letter dated 12 January.

• From Phillip W. Holmes. Including a rather cryptic letter forwarded by Pitt Cooke to Jay, with specific instructions for it not to be shown to anyone else. See letters dated 13, 24 January.

• from R. Spaulding, Philadelphia. See letters dated 16, 21 January. • From S. W. Spragne, Portland. See letter dated 21 January.

Key topics include

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs and banking issues, including opening of the London office of Jay Cooke & McCulloch & Co.

• Northern Pacific Railroad. Full launch of selling bonds outside the initial “pool” through agents. Slow initial response. Attempts to sell bonds in London.

• Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Milwaukee and St Paul Railway (letter 9 January); Central Railroad of Iowa (letters 18 January); Portland & Kenneber Railroad Co.(letter 25 January); Pennsylvania Railroad Co. (25 January).


Extract from Colonel Puleston’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 5 January 1871 from London “…you have been fully advised of the n. pac matter, I fear you are tired of the slow progress & the many difficulties in the way. I think you will do more at home for the present than we can do here – I feel pretty sure that it will take some time to attain success here…all the press can be secured for about £3000 excepting the Times which must be arranged separately and is the most important…”

Extract from J. G. Smith’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 9 January 1871 from St Albans “…I am in rec’t of your letter and am sorry to see you so much discouraged about the sales of bonds. I cannot but think that the severe mounted pressure to which you have been subjected for the past few weeks may have something to do in depressing your spirits. It will take some little while to get the machinery in full operation and successfully working..”

Reel 70

Please note that some correspondence is out of chronological order. Where possible these are listed below. Amongst the letters dated 26 January there is a letter dated 6 February from Mr Sparrow. Amongst the letters dated 27 January there are a batch of letters dated Dec, Mar and July.


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking, railroad matters and Government bond agents in London. See letters dated 27 January and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16 February.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 30 January and 13, 14, 16 February. • from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking matters.

See letters dated 27, 30, 31 January and 4, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16 February. • from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters

dated 26, 27, 28, 30 January and 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 11, 14 February. • from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letters dated 26

January and 1, 3, 10, 16 February. • from J. G. Smith, President of N.P.R.R,. See letters dated 27 January and 15, 16

February. • from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond agent, Europe, regarding Northern Pacific bond

sales in England. See letters dated 22 January 6 February. • from Schuyler Colfax, Washington DC, Vice President, declining an offer to resign

and join the Northern Pacific project and his suggestion of B. F. Wade as an alternative candidate. See letters dated 27 January and 4 February and extract below.

• from Vice President, Washington. See letter dated 31 January. • from E. G. Spaulding, Buffalo, relating poor response to N. P. bond sales. See letter

dated 30 January and extract below. • from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 1, 8 February. • from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letters dated

30 January and 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16 February. • from W. G. Moorhead, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 26,

27 January. • from Philip W. Holmes, regarding land ownership along the route of the Northern

Pacific Railroad. See letters dated 26, 27, 28, 30 January and 3, 6, 11, 15, 16 February.

• from William Windom, See letter dated 4 February. • from Ignatius Donnelly, House of Representatives, Washington DC, relating his

$10,000 of stock in the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad in recognition of his services in Congress towards the road’s cause. See letter dated 15 February.

• from S. P. Chase. See letter dated 28 January. • from J. B. Montgomery. See letters dated 10, 15 February. • from R. Spaulding, Philadelphia. See letter dated 30 January. • from Emerson Foote, New York. See letters dated 28 January and 8, 13 February • from J. V. Painter, Banker, Cleveland. See letters dated 30 January and 4 February. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letter dated 29 January and

1, 4 February.

• from M. H. Bovee, Chicago, regarding the abolition of the death penalty. See letter dated 30 January.

• from H. S. Sandford. See letter dated 12 February. • From Congressman Garland, House of Representatives. See letter dated 13 February.

Key topics include


• Northern Pacific Railroad. Slow response to agents attempts to sell bonds outside the initial “pool”.

• Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi (15 February). • Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and

charity.

Extract from S. Colfax’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 27 January 1871 from Washington DC. “…You took me so much by surprise in the munificent proffer you made me, conditioned on my resignation of my present position and it was so tempting, both in its amount and its labours, that it required the strongest considerations of duty to enable me to waive its acceptance. But I cannot let it pass without tendering you my sincere gratitude for this unexpectedly high appreciation of my ability to serve your company…”

Extract from E. G. Spaulding’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 27 January 1871 from Washington DC. “…We have taken considerable pains to circulate your circular pamphlets and maps showing the advantages and security of the 7.30 loan of the Northern Pacific Railway, but without success in obtaining subscriptions. All who secure government bonds deposited with us for safe keeping have been notified but they do not seem inclined to make the change…”

Reel 71

Dates: 17 February 8 March 1871


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking, railroad matters and Government bond agents. See letters dated 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 28 February and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 March.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 17, 20, 21, 22, 24, 28, 29 February and 3, 6, 7 March.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking matters. See letters dated 17, 20, 23, 24 February and 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 March and extract below.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 17, 21, 23, 24, 25 February and 2, 3, 4 March.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letter dated 27 February.

• from Governor Smith, relating to the construction of the N.P.R.R. See letter dated 22 February.

• from J. G. Smith, President of N.P.R.R,. See letter dated 20, 23, 26, 28 February and 8 March.

• from E. G. Spaulding.See letters dated 29 February. • Robert Lamborn, Philadelphia. See letters dated 17, 18, 28 February.

• from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 27 February, 8 March.

• from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad, relating abuse of privileges by Northern Pacific employees. See letters dated 17, 18, 21, 24 February and 2, 4 March and extract below.

• from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letters dated 23, 28 February and 2 March.

• from Philip W. Holmes. See letters dated 18, 21, 23, 25 February and 3, 6 March. • from William Windom, US Senate Chamber, Washington. See letter dated 5 March. • from J. B. Montgomery. See letter dated 27 February. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letters dated 20, 27

February and 1, 3, 6, 8, 11 March. • from Vice President, Washington. See letter dated 24 February. • from J. V. Painter, Banker, Cleveland. See letters dated 27 February and 6 March. • from W. S. Huntington, Washington DC. See letter dated 27 February.

Key topics include


• Promoting new Government bond sales. • Northern Pacific Railroad. Promoting Bond sales. • Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Union & Titnsville Railroad

Co. (letter 17 February); North Pennsylvania Railroad Co. (letter 23 February). • Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and

charity.

Extract from Samuel Wilkeson’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 24 February 1871 “…Somebody has got to stop waste, stealing… and extravagance – and expose unfaithfulness, incapacity and worthlessness in the prosecution of this immense enterprise. He will get well hated and abused before he gets through He will be attacked, thwarted and if possible uprooted and flung out…”

Extract from H. C. Fahnestock’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 21 February 1871 from New York “…enclosed correspondence from the morning papers will show you that Boutwell is quite undecided at least in his announcement, as to the details of his funding loan business, and, unless his instructions abroad are more complete, the agents can for the present do nothing…I feel as you do that the whole business is likely to be a fizzle unless more intelligence in infused into it…”

Reel 72

Dates: 9 March23 March 1871


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 9, 10, 11, 13, 16 March and extract below.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke See letters dated 14, 15, 17, 18, 22, 25 March. • from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking matters.

See letters dated 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24 March. • from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters

dated 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 March.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, regarding railroad matters. See letters dated 16, 17 March and extract below.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letters dated 23, 24 March.

• from J. G. Smith, President of N.P.R.R,. See letters dated 13, 16, 17, 20 March. • from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond agent, Europe, regarding Northern Pacific bond

sales in England. See letters dated 14, 16, 22 March. • from E. G. Spaulding, Buffalo. See letter dated 16 March. • from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 13, 15 March. • from S. W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letter dated 10

March. • from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letter

dated 21 March. • from Philip W. Holmes New York. See letters dated 9, 11, 14, 18 March. • from William E. Chandler. See letter dated 13 March. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letters dated 9, 13 25

March. • from J. V. Painter, Banker, Cleveland. See letters dated 10, 15, 17, 18, 22, 23 March. • from W. S. Huntington, Washington. See letter dated 17 March. • from Robert Schenck, Washington. See letter dated 20 March.

Key topics include


• Promoting new Government bond sales. • Northern Pacific Railroad. Attempts to raise more stock options from the “pool” to

help incentivise bond sales in Europe. • Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi. • Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and

charity.

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 9 March 1871 from Washington DC. “…I have been up to the House this afternoon – the senate not being in session – to see about the prospects of getting the portofentry bill through. They tell me now that the prospect is that there will be no general legislation and that they will adjourn early next week…”

Extract from W. Milnor Roberts letter to Jay Cooke dated 16 March 1871 from Portland, Oregon “…touching applications or suggestions of engineers; I have at least one hundred letters on file – some of them from first class men; but everywhere I have been reducing , not increasing the engineers force…there is no opening now for contract work that I know of…”

Reel 73

Dates: 24 March19 April 1871


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 20, 25, 27, 28, 29 March and 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 17, 18, 19 April.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke See letters dated 27, 29, 30, 31 March and 5, 10, 13, 15, 19 April.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), New York, regarding banking matters. See letters dated 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, March and 1, 8, 10, 14, 15, 17, 18 April.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 March and 6, 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, 17, 18 April.

• from J. G. Smith, President of N.P.R.R,. See letter dated 17 April. • from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond agent, Europe, regarding Northern Pacific bond

sales in England. See letter dated 15 April. • from Schuyler Colfax, Vice President, regarding his suggestion of B. F. Wade as a

candidate for a senior position at the N.P.R.R. See letters dated 28 March and 1, 7 April and extract below.

• from E. G. Spaulding, Philadelphia. See letter dated 3 April. • from Henry S. Sanford, Brussels, relating his concerns over requests for stock

concessions. See letters dated 5, 12 April and extract below. • from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 1, 3, 5, 11, 18

April. • from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letters dated

30 March and 5, 13, 14 April. • from Philip W. Holmes, New York. 25, 26, 29 March and 8, 12, 15 April. • from J. B. Montgomery, Olympia. See letter dated 7 April. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letters dated 27, 28, 29

March and 1, 6, 10 April. • from J. V. Painter, Banker, Cleveland. See letters dated 31 March and 4, 6, 7, 10, 19

April. • from Robert Schenck, Washington DC. See letter dated 3 April. • from S. Garfield, Washington DC. See letter dated 6 April.

Key topics include


• Promoting new Government bond sales. • Northern Pacific Railroad. Attempts to raise more stock options from the “pool” to

help incentivise bond sales in Europe. • Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; • Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and

charity.

Extract from Henry Sandford’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 5 April 1871 from Brussels “…I have rec’d your House’s Circular desiring relinquishment of 1/7 th of subscription to the “power” of Northern Pacific R.R in favour of parties this side in addition to other investments for ? the loan in Europe. I would rather the subscribers to the loan had this share of the stock than the promoters who I think are handsomely provided for….”

Extract from S. Colfax’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 28 March 1871 “I spoke to Senator Wade last night about the Northern Pacific Railroad but told him I had no authority to make any proffer, of course. You could get him as agent here for all your business, if you wished, and no one would be of more value to your company in many ways. No one stands higher with the President and Cabinet. His reputation for sturdy integrity is as wide as the continent…”

Reel 74

Dates: 20 April26 May 1871


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking, railroad matters and Government Bonds. Also regarding Grant’s decision to put the Naval Agency account into the Cooke’s London house and out of Barings. See letters dated 9, 17, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 April and 3, 5, 9, 12, 18, 24, 25, 26 May and extract below.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. (Note on the back of letter dated 25 April three paragraphs of short hand have been written) See letters dated 25, 26, 27 April and 13, 15, 16, 17, 22, 24 May.

• From Jay Cooke to G. C. Thomas. See letter dated 23 May. • from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters. See letters

dated 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 April and 1, 3, 16 May. • from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters

dated 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29 April and 1, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 18, 26 May. • from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, regarding railroad matters. See letters dated 20

April and 16 May. • from Governor Smith, relating to the construction of the N.P.R.R. See letter dated 29

April. • from J. G. Smith, President of N.P.R.R,. See letter dated 27 April and 12 May. • from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond agent, Europe, regarding Northern Pacific bond

sales in Germany. See letters dated 27, 28 April and15, 20, 26 May. • from H. C. McCulloch, Head of London banking house, London, regarding banking

issues in London. See letter dated 24 April and12 May. • from Col. Puleston, London Banking House, relating banking issues and negotiations

with German investors. See letter dated 25 May and extract below. • from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letters dated

22, 24 April 6, 15, 16, 20 May. • from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letter

dated 25 May. • from Philip W. Holmes, New York. See letters dated 27 April and 1, 10, 13, 16, 18

May. • from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letter

dated 16 May. • from William Windom, See letter dated 20 May. • from William E. Chandler. See letter dated 24 April. • from J. B. Montgomery. Including details of the reception of Grand Duke Alexis of

the Russian Empire See letters dated 9, 15 May. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letters dated 15, 19, 25

May. • from J. V. Painter, Banker, Cleveland. See letters dated 20, 24, 27, 28 April and 1, 3

May. • from Robert Schenck, Washington DC. See letters dated 28 April 9 May. • from W. S. Huntington, Washington DC. See letters dated 25, 26 May. • from Baron Geralt, Washington DC, regarding the doubts of German investors over

the N.P.R.R. viability as an investment, and the need to convince the more forward thinking English market first to encourage German market. See letter dated 26 May.

Key topics include


• Promoting new Government bond sales.

• Northern Pacific Railroad. Visit to Germany by Fahnestock, Puleston and Sargent to try and raise funds.

• Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Maine & Central Railroad 21 April.


Extract from Henry Cooke ’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 17 May 1871 from Washington DC. “…Have had a long interview with the President this morning, and we went over the matter of the Naval Account very fully. It was a very bitter pill for him to recognise McCullock, but he did it, and he did it solely on account of his regard for us. He said he could never forget McCullock’s conduct during his imbroglies with Johnson, and it went greatly against the grain to give him a recognition under his administration at London; but he expressed the greatest friendship for us…”

Extract from Colonel Puleston’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 25 May 1871 from London “…Continuing my narrative of last Tuesday on the subject of the Northern Pacific negotiations, I have now to add that yesterday (Wednesday) the following dispatch was received from General Sargent, “Have telegraphed Founders Court (Bischoffstein) as follows – “Union Bank Vienna and braches with strong combinations of German Bankers, will take place of Oppenheim and Darunstadt? cntract ready to sign – you and McCulloch same commission and position to be brought out at once – London & Continent, simultaneously , give sharp full authority – your pool seventy thousand secured – Keep strictly confidential till contracts signed…”

Reel 75

Dates: 27 May – 21 June 1871


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking, railroad matters and Government Bonds. See letters dated 27, 29, 30, 31 May and 1, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16 June and extract below.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 20 June. • from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters. See letters

dated 30 May and 7, 15 June. • from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters

dated 29, 31 May and 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19 June. • from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letters dated 5,

7, 8, 12, 14, 15, 16, 19, 21 June. • from J. G. Smith, President of N.P.R.R,. See letters dated 5, 7, 8, 14, 20 June. • from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond agent, Europe, regarding N.P. bond sales. See

letter dated 3 June. • from H. C. McCulloch, Head of London banking house, London, regarding banking

issues in London. See letter dated 8 June. • from Col. Puleston, London Banking House, relating banking issues including

switching of Government Naval Agency account from Barings. See letters dated 27, 30 May and 6, 7, 10, 20 June and extract below.

• from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 20 June.

• from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letter dated 31 May.

• from W. G. Moorhead, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letter dated 12 June complaining about the conduct of President J. G. Smith also see 6, 12 June.

• from Philip W. Holmes See letters dated 31 May and 2, 3, 5, 6, 12 June. • from J. B. Montgomery. See letter dated 12 June. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letter dated 12, 14 June. • from W. S. Huntington, Washington DC. See letter dated 27 May. • from William D. Todd, Washington DC, secretary to the Vice President. See letter

dated 30 May. • from William Coventry H. Waddell, New York. Regarding the setting up of a U.S.

wide genealogical registry. See letter dated 1 June.

Key topics include


• Promoting new Government bond sales. • Northern Pacific Railroad. Visit to Germany by Fahnestock, Puleston and Sargent to

try and raise funds. • Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; St Paul & Pacific Railroad

Co.(12 June). • Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and

charity.

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 29 May 1871 from Washington DC. “…I am glad to hear that the names mentioned for Commissioners of the road, namely: the one suggested by Mr Colfax of the Western gentleman will be satisfactory. There is no danger of Kauffman’s blackmailing you… It was very stupid, as you say, in the Duluth people that they did not have their port of entry matter attended to at the regular Session of Congress…”

Extract from Colonel Puleston’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 29 May 1871 from London “…Your instructions as to Genl Schenck duly carried out. I met them (with Morehead) on board the Cuba & escorted them here – the Genl & ? Woodhull spent an hour with us yesterday – opened after etc – Very pleasant to us to have such relationship. Sorry we are not likely to have state dept a/c – but we must be thankful for what we get. Surely Mr President will see that it is the popular thing to recognise an American House in preference to a house which advised its friends not to buy American Bonds when the government was almost in extremis…”

Reel 76

Dates: 22 June31 July 1871


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking, railroad matters and Government Bonds. See letters dated 3, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 20, 29 July.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 22, 26, 27 June and 8, 11, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 28, 29 July.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters and European negotiations for bond sales. See letters dated 29 June and 14 July.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 22, 24, 25 June and 3, 6, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 26, 27, 28, 29 July.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, regarding railroad matters and ongoing work in Duluth. See letters dated 24, 26, 27 June and 8 July.

• from J. G. Smith, President of N.P.R.R,. See letters dated 22, 27 July. • from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond agent, Europe, regarding N.P. bond sales. See

letter dated 30 July.

• from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters including visit of reporters to view route of N.P.R.R. See letters dated 22, 24 June and 1, 3, 11, 20, 24, 26, 28 July and extracts below.

• from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letters dated 6, 8, 12, 19, 25 July.

• from Philip W. Holmes, New York. See letters dated 22, 23 June and 7, 8, 17, 18 July.

• from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letter dated 30 June and 1, 3, 11 July.

• from William Windom, See letter dated 17 July. • from Ignatitus Donnelly, House of Representatives, Washington DC. See letters dated

17, 29 July. • from W. S. King. See letter dated 29 July. • from J. B. Montgomery. See letters dated 3, 8, 14 July. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letters dated 29 June and

18, 21, 22, 31 July. • from W. S. Huntington, Washington. See letters dated 15, 20, 24, 26 July. • from J. T. Garland, New York. See letters dated 30 June and 7, 8, 15, 27 July. • From Baron Geralt, Washington. See letters dated 3 July.

Key topics include


• Death of Jay Cooke’s wife on 22 July. • Promoting new Government bond sales. • Northern Pacific Railroad. Continued negotiations in Europe. Visit of invited group

of reporters to view the route of the railroad. • Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne &

Chicago Railway Co. (letter 1 July). • Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and

charity.

Extract from A. B. Nettleton’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 22 June 1871 from Philadelphia “…I was aware that the editorial excursion across the continents, engineered by Mr Hazard, would involve some expenditure if carried out on the scale contemplated when he was here. I was careful to refer the matter to you before giving Hazard any encouragement, and you said go ahead, and named a sum within which the expenditures must be kept. It was on the strength of this that Mr H has gone on. But the thing is all right now – so far at least as the expenditure is concerned – for on learning from the Secretary of War that it would be difficult to furnish an escort both for the editorial party and our surveyors, I quashed the former and have telegraphed Hazard to confine his trip to the Red River valley…”

Reel 77

Please note that some correspondence is out of chronological order. Where possible these are listed below. After the first letter dated 1 August there are a batch of letters dated July, they then resume with August.

Dates: 1 August26 August 1871


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking, railroad matters and Government Bonds. See letters dated 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22, 25 August.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25 August.

• From Jay Cooke to G. C. Thomas. See letters dated 3 August. • from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters and

European negotiations for bond sales. See letters dated 29 June and 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 August.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 14, 15, 19, 21, 23, 25 August.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, discouraging plans for the European delegation to visit the middle ground of the N.P.R.R. as it doesn’t look very impressive. Also an attached letter from a Canadian discussing the linking of the Canadian Pacific and N.P.R.R. through Ottowa and Sault St (13 August). See letters dated 7, 12, 13, 14, 17 August.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letter dated 17 August.

• from J. G. Smith, President of N.P.R.R,. See letter dated 20 August. • from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond agent, regarding European delegation in America.

See letters dated 9, 12, 16, 17, 20, 22 August and extract below. • from G. Stone, Duluth, Working in the office of G. B. Sargent. See letters dated 4, 16

August. • from H. C. McCulloch, Head of London banking house, London, regarding banking

issues in London. See letter dated (?) July and 7, 26 August. • from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters and construction of the N.P.R.R.

See letters dated 3, 11, 12, 17, 18 19, August and extract below. • from W. G. Moorhead, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letter dated 9

August. • from Philip W. Holmes, New York. See letters dated 31 July and 4, 14, 15, 26

August. • from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letter

dated 14 August. • from William Windom, See letter dated 12 August. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letters dated 10, 14

August. • from W. S. Huntington, Washington. See letter dated 15 August. • from J. T. Garland, New York. See letters dated 2, 10, 13, 19, 24 August • from J. V. Painter, Banker, Cleveland. See letters dated 2 August. • from E. Rollins, Great Falls, regarding a personal loss of a loved one? See letter dated

10 August. • From J. W. Sprague, Kalawa. See letter dated 18 August.

Key topics include


• Promoting new Government bond sales. Formation of agent’s syndicate under Jay Cooke & Co.

• Northern Pacific Railroad. Construction and visit of European delegation to view route and progress of the N.P.R.R.

• Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Co. ( letter 2 August); Central Railroad of Iowa (letter 23 August).


Extract from G. B. Sargent’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 17 Aug 1871 from St Paul “…From the Otter Tail to the Red River the lands are fully equal to any I have ever seen, and I now believe with you that from the junction to Red River, if properly managed, they can be sold in ten years for millions more than the cost of the line. If the commissioners were to report only on the lands their report would be all we could desire. We had delightful weather and they all enjoyed the trip very much and were very enthusiastic – at least as much so as the German character would permit them to be…”

Extract from A. B. Nettleton’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 12 Aug 1871 from Minnesota “…We reached here at 2 pm, and have since been out to Cow Wing? Bridge – end of track – and back. The Road. Coming over the line today we all looked out at the rear of the rear car and examined the track. Where the road purports to be finished it is superb – a credit to all concerned…we made excellent time and the smoothness & eveness was commented on by all…”

Reel 78

Please note that some correspondence is out of chronological order. Where possible these are listed below. Between the 31 st of August and the 1 st of September some correspondence dated the 6 th of September can be found. Also between the 1 st and 2 nd of September there is at least one letter dated the 10 th of October, several others dated the 15 th and 20 th of September. Amongst the letters dated 6 Sept there are some letters dated July.

Dates: 27 August22 September 1871


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking, railroad matters and Government Bonds, including praise from President Grant. See letters dated 30, 31 August and 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 18, 20, 21, 22 September and extract below.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke See letters dated 29, 31 August 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 13, 18, 19, 20 September.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters and European negotiations for bond sales. See letters dated 29 June and 28, 29, 3 August and 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22 September.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 28, 31 August and 2, 4, 6, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22 September.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, regarding opinion of European delegation. See letters dated 27 August and 5, 6, 7, 14, 21 September.

• from J. G. Smith, President of N.P.R.R,. See letter dated 20 September. • from G. B. Sargent, Portland, Land and bond agent, regarding European delegation in

America. See letters dated 27 August and 14 September. • from H. C. McCulloch, Head of London banking house, London, regarding banking

issues in London. See letters dated 9, 13 September. • from Col. Puleston, London Banking House, relating banking issues and success of

government loans. See letter dated 13 September. • from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letter dated 4, 9, 13, 19, 21

September. • from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letter dated

16, 19, 20, 22 September.

• from W. G. Moorhead, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letter dated 21 September.

• from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letters dated 14 September.

• from Senator Cattell, praising success of selling government loans. See letter dated 5 September.

• from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letter dated 18 September.

• from H. C. Swain. See letters dated 29 August. • from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letter dated 2 September. • from William Windom, Winona, relating his meeting with Vice President Colfax and

the European delegation, and praise on the success of the selling of government loans. See letter dated 4 September and extract below.

• from Philip W. Holmes, New York. See letters dated 28 August and 6, 15, 16, 18, 20 September.

• from J. B. Montgomery. See letter dated 16 September. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letter dated 6 September. • from J. T. Garland, New York. See letters dated 29, 31 August.

Key topics include


• Success of Government bond sales. • Northern Pacific Railroad. Construction and visit of European delegation to view

route and progress of the N.P.R.R. • Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Central Railroad of Iowa

(letter 28 August); Wisconsin Central railroad (20 September). • Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and

charity.

Extract fromWilliam Windom’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 4 Sept 1871 from Minnesota “…The Vice President and I had a glorious time in the ‘Great northwest’. He returned with reinvigorated health, and more enthusiastic than ever over the prospects of the N. P. R. R. Our party were all delighted with the country in Dakota as well as with Minnesota. In all agreed that the lands of the company, which lie within seventy? miles west of the Red River, will pay for the construction of the entire road from Thompson to the crossing of the Cheyenne (300 miles)…”

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 1 Sept 1871 from Washington D. C. “…I had a long interview with the President yesterday…I waited for him to introduce the subject of the late loan which he did very promptly after shaking hands. He said the loan was a great and gratifying success, and the promptness with which it was effected was a surprise to him. He was delighted and more particularly for two reasons: First –It vindicated and established American credit abroad. Secondly – It was established without the aid or co operation of certain firms who have heretofore assumed that nothing could be done without them…”

Reel 79

Please note that some correspondence is out of chronological order. Where possible these are listed below: Between the 17 th and 19 th of October there appear some letters dated mid September. Also in late October there appears a letter dated the 3 rd of November and between the 1 st and 2 nd of October there appear a few letters with dates varying from January to October.

Dates: 23 September19 November 1871


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking, railroad matters and plans for trans Atlantic telegraph. See letters dated 29 September and 4, 6, 7, 11, 13, 16, 17, 18 November and extract below.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 16, 23 October and 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 17, 18 November.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters and European negotiations for bond sales. See letters dated 23, 25, 28 September and 4, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19 October and 8, 10, 11, 18 November.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 25, 26, 27 September and 6, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31 October and 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18 November.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer. See letters dated 27, 30 September and 1, 3, 19, 26 October.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letters dated 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24 October.

• from J. G. Smith, President of N.P.R.R, regarding construction and the European delegation. See letters dated 30 September and 10, 11, 16 October and extract below.

• from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond agent, See letters dated 27, 30 September and 5, 6 October.

• from G. C. Stone, Minnesota, working from the office of G. B. Sargent. See letter dated 17 October.

• from H. C. McCulloch, Head of London banking house, London, regarding banking issues in London. See letter dated 12 October.

• from Col. Puleston, London Banking House, relating banking issues. See letters dated 16 October and 2, 4, 7, 16 November.

• from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 28, 30 September and 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 20, 21, 23, 24 October and 4, 6, 10, 13, 18 November.

• from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letters dated 23, 26, 28 September and 4, 5, 25 October and 1, 2, 4, 8 November.

• from W. G. Moorhead, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 10, 18 October.

• from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letter dated 23 October.

• from Senator Cattell, praising success of selling government loans. See letters dated 6 October and 1 November.

• from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letter dated 23 September.

• from H. C. Swain. See letters dated 2, 7 November. • from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letters dated 25 September and

23 October and 3 November. • from S. P. Chase. See letters dated 15 September and 3 November. • from Philip W. Holmes, New York. See letters dated 16, 30 October and 3, 16

November and 20 January. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letters dated 26 September

and 7, 19, 23 October and 3 November. • from W. S. Huntington, Washington. See letters dated 19, 28 October and 2

November. • from J. T. Garland, New York. See letter dated 8 November.

• from J. V. Painter, Banker, Cleveland. See letter dated 29, 31 September and 3, 8 November.

• from N. S. Sandford, Brussels. See letter dated 7 October. • from Robert Lamborn, Philadelphia. See letter dated 20 October. • from W. Armstrong, London. See letter dated 22 October.

Key topics include


• Success of Government bond sales. • Northern Pacific Railroad. Construction and visit of European delegation to view

route and progress of the N.P.R.R. • Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Railroad of Iowa (letter 4

November). • Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and

charity.

Extract from J. G. Smith’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 30 September 1871 “…I thank you for the frankness with which you criticize proceedings of the Board, although I cannot quite admit the justice of them all…In reference to the payment of coupons of 2 nd mtg St P + P, the Board after mature deliberation, directed them paid; probably every member of the Board concurs with you fully in your desire to avoid using the funds of the northern pacific to sustain the St Paul Pacific & just so far as this is possible and the credit of the company be maintained it will be avoided, but in consequence of the foolish temporizing policy of the Dutch parties, we have not yet been able to realize any funds to sustain the credit of the St Paul Pacific…”

Extract from Henry Cooke ’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 18 November 1871 from Washington DC. “…The President expressed a lively interest in the success of Mr Fields’ telegraphic project. He said it would be an aid to this country in securing the track of Japan and of the East and that the project was worthy of encouragement. He said the East India tracks (including Japan etc) was pretty much all that was left to our commercial mariners, as our ships were virtually excluded from the Atlantic tracks and that of all other portions of the world…”

Reel 80

Please note that some correspondence is out of chronological order. Where possible these are listed below: Between the 20 th and 22 nd of November there appears a letter dated the 19 th of May. Also between the 25 th and the 26 th of November there appears correspondence from August.



• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking, railroad matters. See letters dated 23, 24, 25, 27, 28 November and 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 December.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke See letters dated 21, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29 November and 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28 December.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters and European negotiations for bond sales. See letters dated 2, 7, 11 December.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 20, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29 November and 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 December.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, relating progress of construction. See letters dated 25 August and 21 November and 20, 29, 31 December.

• from Governor Smith, relating to the construction of the N.P.R.R. See letter dated 6 December.

• from J. G. Smith, President of N.P.R.R,. See letters dated 24, 28 November and 19, 21, 28 December.

• from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond agent, See letters dated 21, 29 November and 5 December.

• from G. C. Stone, Minnesota, working from the office of G. B. Sargent. See letters dated 20 November and 20 December.

• from H. C. McCulloch, Head of London banking house, London, regarding banking issues in London. See letter dated 25 November and 6, 13, 26, 28 December.

• from Col. Puleston, London Banking House, relating banking issues and successful completion of government bond issues. See letters dated 2, 29 December and extract below.

• from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 13, 20, 23, 30 December.

• from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letters dated 24, 25, 27, 29 November and 8, 15 December.

• from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letters dated 20, 27 November and 7, 11 December.

• from Philip W. Holmes, New York. See letters dated 28 November and 1, 29 December.

• from William E. Chandler. See letter dated 27 December. • From J. W. Taylor, United States Consulate, Winnipeg. See letters dated 19 May and

21 November. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letters dated 22, 28

November and 4, 9, 14, 18, 21, 22, 26, 29, 30 December. • from W. S. Huntington, Washington. See letters dated 4, 6, 21, 28, 30 December. • from J. T. Garland, New York. See letters dated 24, 25, 27, 28, 29 November and 1,

5, 8, 14, 15, 16, 19, 22, 23, 26, 28, 30 December. • from J. V. Painter, Banker, Cleveland. See letter dated 22 December. • from W. Armstrong, London. See letter dated 24 November. • from W. B. Ogden, regarding problems for a railroad in the East ie. Indians and

terrain. See letter dated 25 November and extract below. • Lewis Cohen & Co., London. Regarding the US Bonded Loan, letter of praise for the

success of the enterprise and Mr Cooke’s part in it. See letter dated 4 December.

Key topics include


• Success of Government bond sales and potential for Mexican bond sales. • Northern Pacific Railroad. Construction and bond sales • Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Vermont Central Line (letter

21December); St Paul & Pacific Railroad Co. ( letter 27 December). • Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and

charity.

Extract fromW. B. Ogden’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 25 Nov 1871 from Chicago “…I will then give the books and reports of Duluth such consideration and action as my duty & the importance of the case demands. I don’t see anything in the way of a final adjustment of the matter then. It would have been done long ago but for the Chicago fire & numerous pressing engagements. I am happy to hear that the anticipated formidable obstacles apprehended from Indians & from a difficult country for construction beyond the Missouri & between it the Yellowstone disappear and vanish as you approach them…”

Extract from Col. Puleston’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 2 December 1871 from London “…naturally we are all happy over the practical ending of our first loan and particularly because of the large measure of success which has attended our efforts. The newspapers today are quite complimentary and there is no sign of further apprehension of our disturbing the money market – my hope is that we will be able to buy Drawn Bonds enough to use a considerable portion of the ten million in hand and of the ten we have yet to receive…”


REEL 81

Box 76 Folders 5-12 23 December 1871 – 21 January 1872 Box 77 Folders 1-4 22 January – 29 February 1872 REEL 82

Box 77 Folders 5-16 22 January – 29 February 1872 REEL 83

Box 78 Folders 1-14 March 1872

REEL 84

Box 79 Folders 1-14 April 1872

REEL 85

Box 80 Folders 1-12 May 1872

REEL 86

Box 81 Folders 1-18 June – 22 July 1872

REEL 87

Box 82 Folders 1-15 23 July – 31 August 1872

REEL 88

Box 83 Folders 1-15 September 1872

REEL 89

Box 84 Folders 1-14 October 1872

REEL 90

Box 85 Folders 1-12 November 1872

REEL 91

Box 86 Folders 1-13 December 1872

REEL 92

Box 87 Folders 1-12


January 1873 Box 88 Folders 1-5 February 1873

REEL 93

Box 88 Folders 6-10 February 1873 Box 89 Folders 1-13 March 1873

REEL 94

Box 90 Folders 1-16 April – 19 May 1873

REEL 95

Box 91 Folders 1-18 20 May – 31 October 1873

REEL 96

Box 92 Folders 1-15 November – December 1873

REEL 97

Box 93 Folders 1-14 January – March 1874

REEL 98

Box 94 Folders 1-12 April – June 1874 REEL 99

Box 95 Quartermaster receipts REEL 100

Box 96 3 packets of folded letters Box 97 Miscellaneous (including bonds, letters and cheques)

<back


CIVIL WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION: THE MAKING OF MODERN AMERICA Series One: The Papers of Jay Cooke (18211905) from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania Part 5: General Correspondence, January 1872June 1874 & Miscellaneous


DETAILED LISTING

Reel 81

Dates: 1 January29 January 1872


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24 January and extract below.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke See letters dated 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26, 29 January.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters. See letters dated 1, 2, 4, 11, 25 January.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 2, 3, 5, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29 January.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, relating progress of construction. See letters dated 1, 3, 14 January.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letters dated 1, 8, 9, 12, 23, 24, 26 January.

• from J. G. Smith, President of N.P.R.R,. See letters dated 3, 18 January. • from G. C. Stone, Minnesota, working from the office of G. B. Sargent. See letter

dated 20 January. • from H. C. McCulloch, Head of London banking house, London, regarding banking

issues in London. See letter dated 18 January. • from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 6, 20, 24, 27

January. • from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letter dated

29 January. • from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letters

dated 8, 13, 22, 25 January. • from William E. Chandler. See letter dated 1 January. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letters dated 4, 19, 22, 25,

29 January. • from Philip W. Holmes, New York. See letters dated 13, 16, 17, 18, 20, 27 January. • from Congressman Garland, House of Representatives. See letters dated 2, 16

January. • from S. Garfield, Washington. See letters dated 2, 11 January. • from W. S. Huntington, Washington. See letter dated 2 January. • from J. T. Garland, New York. See letters dated 3, 4, 5, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27 January

and extract below.

Key topics include


• Northern Pacific Railroad. Construction and bond sales. Collapse of European negotiations.

• Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi. • Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and

charity.

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 2 Jan 1872 fromWashington DC. “…We have done good business in the Washington office this year. Our profits nett and clean will foot up over $50,000 – I will send you the full and complete statement tomorrow or next day…The bank statement will be carefully made up, including syndicate, as soon as we get the figures, and we can then see exactly how we stand…I think we ought to take out Gen’l Grants’ note from the Bank for obvious reasons. Shall I do so, and how?...”

Extract from Congressman Garland’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 16 Jan 1872 from New York “…Your idea of the Syndicate settlement agrees exactly with my understanding and upon which I have been arranging the settlements. I have been pushing Huntington up about sending check so we can settle and this morning I received the enclosed telegram…”

Reel 82

Dates: 30 January28 February 1872


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 30, 31 January and 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 17, 24, 26, 28, 29 February.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 30, 31 January and 1, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 23, 24 February.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters. See letters dated 17, 19, 23, 26, 27, 28 February.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 30, 31 January and 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 February.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, relating progress of construction. See letters dated 6, 19, 21, 23, 29 February.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letter dated 3, 13, 16 February.

• from Governor Smith, relating to the construction of the N.P.R.R. See letters dated 24 February.

• from J. G. Smith, President of N.P.R.R,. See letters dated 6, 23, 29 February. • from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond agent, See letter dated 22 February. • from H. C. McCulloch, Head of London banking house, London, regarding banking

issues in London. See letter dated 23 February. • from Col. Puleston, London Banking House, relating banking issues. See letter dated

22 February. • from H. E. Johnston, Baltimore, regarding bond sales. See letter dated 31 January and

extract below. • from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letter dated 8, 9, 10, 13

February.

• from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letter dated 31 January and 6 February and extract below.

• from W. G. Moorhead, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letter dated. 26 February.

• fromW. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letters dated 6, 30, 31 January and 3, 14, 16, 21 February.

• from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letter dated 3 February.

• from H. C. Swain, Washington DC. See letter dated 30 January. • from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letter dated 27 February. • from Philip W. Holmes, New York. See letters dated 5, 27 February. • from A H Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letter dated 5, 12, 28

February. • from M. H. Bovee, Chicago, regarding the abolition of the death penalty. See letter

dated 7 February. • from Congressman Garland, House of Representatives. See letters dated 30 January

and 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 24 February. • from Robert Schenck, Washington DC. See letter dated 8 February. • from W. S. Huntington, Washington DC. See letter dated 30 January. • from W. Armstrong, London. See letter dated 21 February.

Key topics include


• Northern Pacific Railroad. Construction and bond sales. Attempts to sell $20,000,000 bonds in London;

• Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Pennsylvania Railroad Co. (letter 24 February).


Extract from H. E. Johnston’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 31 Jan 1872 from Baltimore “…I enclose the Western Land and assoc? a circular with a proxy for you to do what you think best. We remit today for our months sales of N Pacifics – nearly $150,000. I want you to let me have 5000 more …Bonds for my second boy, Henry. Alan? Johnston has given Buchanan her’s & I want 5000 for my boy!...”

Extract from S. W. Wilkeson’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 31 Jan 1872 from New York “…I showed my wife your letter about the uncertainty of profits in the business of the 1 st National Wash? Bank for the last six months – She simply said after looking very much astonished. “That shakes my faith in many things”. Please send her tomorrow at this office her interest on the Warren & Franklin coupon Bonds…”

Reel 83

Please note that some correspondence is out of chronological order. Where possible these are listed below: Between the 14 th and 15 th of March there is a letter from Baron Geralt dated the 14 th of May.

Dates: March 1872


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 19, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30 March and extract below.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke see letters dated 5, 7, 9, 11, 16, 22 March. • from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters and the

promotion of emigration to the US from Europe to help populate the route of the N. P.R.R.. See letters dated 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25 March and extract below.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 29 March.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letter dated 6 March.

• from J. G. Smith, President of N.P.R.R,. See letters dated 7, 8, 14, 15, 29 March. • from H.C. McCulloch, Head of London banking house, London, regarding banking

issues in London. See letter dated 14 March. • from Col. Puleston, London Banking House, relating banking issues. See letter dated

28 March. • from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 8, 11, 13, 15, 19,

20, 29 March. • from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letter

dated 2 March. • from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letter

dated 16 March. • from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letter dated 4 March. • from William Windom. See letter dated 18 March. • from Governor W R Marshall. See letters dated 28, 30 March. • from Philip W. Holmes, New York. See letters dated 13, 20, 23, 28 March • from Vice President, Washington. See letter dated 26 March. • from William E. Chandler. See letter dated 1 March. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letters dated 1, 10, 13, 18,

20, 22, 25, 30 March. • from W. S. Huntington, Washington. See letter dated 1 March. • from W. Armstrong, London. See letter dated 7 March. • from Baron Geralt, Prussia. Regarding matters in Germany. See letter dated 14 May.

Key topics include


• Northern Pacific Railroad. Construction and bond sales. • Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Central Railroad of Iowa

(letter 25 March). • Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and

charity.

Extract from Henry Cook.’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 30 March 1872 fromWashington DC. “…Fahnestock has just left and will input to you he says on his return to New York. We have looked somewhat into Huntington’s private affairs; but we can arrive at no definite knowledge of their precise condition until administrators are appointed, and make a thorough examination…”

Extract from H. C. Fahnestock’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 21 March 1872 from New York “… I send you herewith Mr McCulloch’s private note of 7 th enclosing prospectus of the N. Pacific… The preparation of the prospectus was as you are aware a subject which had our most careful attention, with a view to avoiding any committals upon our part that would not be fully sustained by facts…You will certainly find nothing on the second page of the prospectus inconsistent with your American publication, every point open to discussion having been carefully compared with them before printing our prospectus. “The best wheatgrowing region in the world” is I confess a rather stray statement, I think it was Sheppard’s…”

Reel 84

Dates: April 1872


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30 April and extract below.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 1, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 27 April.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters and the small gains on N.P. bond sales. See letters dated 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23 24, 25, 26, 27, 29 April and extract below.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 9, 10, 13, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 April.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, relating progress of construction. See letter dated 25 April.

• from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letter dated 8, 9 April. • from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letter dated

19, 22, 25 April. • from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letter

dated 4, 6 April. • from Governor W. R. Marshall. See letter dated 13 April. • from Philip W. Holmes, New York. See letter dated 27 April. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letters dated 4, 6, 11, 19,

24, 26, 29 April. • from S. Garfield, Washington. See letter dated 30 April.

Key topics include


• Northern Pacific Railroad. Construction and bond sales. Some Bonds bought back due to favourable terms.

• Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; • Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and

charity.

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 15 April 1872 fromWashington DC. “…In regard to further funding operations, I have no confidence in the success of the secretary’s efforts to pass the bill authorising this government to pay interest abroad, and in

talking over the matter with Richardson I am more than ever confirmed in the idea that it would be best to go on with our negotiating….”

Extract from H. C. Fahnestock’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 27 April 1872 from New York “…I send you herewith statements from London House up to apr. 6 th , of the results of N. Pacific in London. To get at the final result take £601.340 add sales over the counter £9.160

£610.500 Deduct repurchases £21.860 Net sales £88.640 which at 85 equals £75.344

From this deduct expenses commission syndicate £32.874

and you will have on 1 st July a net result of £42470… This is not a very cheerful showing but you will perceive that we placed £601.000 – of which at least one half would have remained outstanding…

Reel 85

Dates: May 1872


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 23 May.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21, 24, 28, 29, 30 May and extract below.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matter. See letters dated l, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 13, 16, 18, 20 May.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 25, 27, 28, 29 May.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, relating progress of construction. See letters dated 3, 20 May.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letters dated 17, 27, 29 May.

• from J. G. Smith, President of N.P.R.R,. See letters dated 1, 3, 8 May and extract below

• from G. C. Stone, Minnesota, working from the office of G. B. Sargent. See letter dated 15 May.

• from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 22, 6, 25, 28, 29 May.

• from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letters dated 7, 8 May.

• from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letters dated 20, 25 May.

• from S. P. Chase. See letter dated 21 May. • from Philip W. Holmes, New York. See letter dated 8 May. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letters dated 3, 6, 10, 13,

16, 17, 20, 21, 23 May.

Key topics include


• Northern Pacific Railroad. Construction and bond sales. • Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; • Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and

charity.

Extract from Henry Cookes’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 1 May 1872 fromWashington DC. “…I have kept our people posted all along about Alambra matters. They ought to have relied … upon my assurances that a satisfactory solution would come and occur soon. I wrote about two weeks ago that our Government did not care to press the question of consequential damages for the sake of the money consideration, but that it wanted the principal settled…”

Extract from J. G. Smith ’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 3 May 1872 from New York “…we have no advisers in our office here in reference to the reported attempt to blow up the dyke at Duluth…I have however had Roberts telegraph to Col Guw? our engineer there to learn facts & will report it to you when answer is in…”

Reel 86

Dates: 1 June22 July 1872


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 4, 10, 14, 18, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28 June and 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 22 July.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 1, 6, 7, 14, 24, 25, 27 June and 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 July.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters and fear for Jay Cooke & Co. future if they continue with relationship with the N.P.R.R. See letters dated 8, 10, 12, 14, 22, 28 June and 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 July and extract below.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19 and June 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 July.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, relating progress of construction. See letters dated 1, 3, 13, 28 June and 5, 22 July.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters, including overdraft of N.P.R.R. standing at $605,000. See letters dated 1, 10, 11 June.

• from J. G. Smith, President of N.P.R.R,. See letters dated 24 June 5 July. • from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 1, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13,

15, 22 June and 2, 15, 17 July. • from James G. Blaine, regarding appointment of new management. See letter dated

28 June and extract below. • from Whitelaw Reid, regarding election campaign. See letter dated 18 June. • from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letter dated

29 June and 1 July. • from W. G. Moorhead, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letter dated 3

June. • from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letters

dated 24 June. • from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letters

dated 3, 10 June.

• from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letters dated 2, 6, 8, 11, 20 July.

• from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letters dated 4, 13, 19 June and 1, 9, 12, 15 July.

• E. A. Rollins, Philadelphia. See letter dated 22 July.

Key topics include


• Presidential election campaign between Grant and Greeley. • Northern Pacific Railroad. Construction and bond sales. Fear of collapse of the

company due to overdraft with Jay Cooke exceeding $500,000 limit. • Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi. • Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and

charity.

Extract from H. C. Fahnestock’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 8 June 1872 from New York “…I beg that you will not regard any of my views and criticisms as personal reflections, but that they shall be received as the earnest expression of my convictions after careful study of the situation. I do not hesitate to say that the present actual condition of the Northern Pacific, if it were understood by the public, would be fatal to the negotiations of its securities… No enterprise of such magnitude has ever before been so entirely dependent upon one house, or rather upon one man…”

Extract from James G. Blaine’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 28 June 1872 from Pittsburgh “…Some rumours I have heard….in regard to a change of Presidency in the N. P. R. R. & quite a little towards a Pensylvanianising of the enterprise at least towards creating an apprenhension to that effect Do you think this altogether wise and advisable…”

Reel 87

Please note that some correspondence is out of chronological order. Where possible these are listed below: Between the 31 st of July and the 1 st of August there appears a letter dated 2 nd July.

Dates: 23 July1 September 1872


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31 July and 8, 15, 16, 19, 20 August.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 24, 31 July and 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 24 August.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters. See letters dated 14, 27 August.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 2, 23, 24, 25, 27, 31 July and 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 31 August.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, relating progress of construction. See letters dated 2, 7 August.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letter dated 15 August.

• from J. G. Smith, President of N.P.R.R,. See letters dated 10, 13, 27 August.

• from H. C. McCulloch, Head of London banking house, London, regarding banking issues in London. See letters dated 31 July and 13, 29 August.

• from Col. Puleston, London Banking House, relating banking issues and slow bond sales. See letter dated 20 August and extract below.

• from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 23, 30 July and 5, 8, 19 August.

• from W. G. Moorhead, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letter dated 27 July.

• from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letter dated 13 August.

• from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letter dated 24 July and 5, 8, 14, 15, 17, 23 August.

• from J. B. Montgomery. See letter dated 13 August. • from Philip W. Holmes, New York. See letter dated 6 August. • from J. V. Painter, Banker, Cleveland. See letters dated 5, 13, 14 August. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letters dated 7, 9, 16, 24,

31 August • from Congressman Garland, House of Representatives. See letters dated 24, 31 July

and 3, 22, 23, 24, 24 August. • from S. Garfield, Washington DC. See letter dated 8 August. • from E. A. Rollins, Philadelphia. See letter dated 13 August.

Key topics include


• Presidential election campaign between Grant and Greeley. • Northern Pacific Railroad. Construction and bond sales. Fear of collapse of the

company due to overdraft with Jay Cooke exceeding $500,000 limit. • Collapse of the St Paul & Pacific Railroad Co. • Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi. • Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and

charity.

Extract from Col. Puleston’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 20 Aug 1872 from London “…I quite understand how you feel about n. p but I again assure you that it has not and is not possible to do more than we are doing. You will remember that so far this year we have had nothing but financial clouds – Alabama difficulties – French loans disturbance…strikes all over the country – high prices of iron, coal & other materials & other circumstances…In fact for months we have had no market? of any consequence and it would have injured rather than aided n. p. to make any efforts at pushing it…”

Reel 88

Dates: 2 September 30 September 1872


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 2, 3, 6, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 30 September.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 14, 16, 19, 20, 23 September.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters and fear for Jay Cooke & Co. future if they continue to increase overdraft of N.P.R.R. See letters dated 7, 10, 14, 31 September and extract below.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 6, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 24, 26, 28, 30 September.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, relating progress of construction. See letter dated 2 September.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letter dated 25, 28 September.

• from Robert Lamborn, Philadelphia. See letter dated 7 September. • from Col. Puleston, London Banking House, relating banking issues. See letters dated

6, 14, 17, 18, 20 September. • General Cass, President of N.P.R.R.., Pittsburgh. See letter dated 3 September and

extract below. • from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 4, 27 September. • from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letters dated

5, 10 September. • from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letter

dated 6 September. • from H. C. Swain. Washington See letter dated 7 September. • from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letters dated 10, 11, 18

September. • from William E. Chandler, Philadelphia . See letter dated 19 September. • from J. B. Montgomery. See letter dated 6 September. • from Philip W. Holmes, New York. See letters dated 2, 10, 30 September. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letters dated 2, 3, 7, 10,

11, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 September. • from Congressman Garland, House of Representatives. See letters dated 3, 6, 7, 13,

14, 17, 18, 20, 26, 28 September. • from S. Garfield, Washington DC. See letters dated 9, 10 September. • from W. S. Huntington, Washington DC. See letter dated 13 September. • from E. A. Rollins, Philadelphia. See letter dated 4 September.

Key topics include


• Presidential election campaign between Grant and Greeley and its impact on bond sales.

• Northern Pacific Railroad. Construction and bond sales. Fear of collapse of the company due to overdraft with Jay Cooke exceeding $500,000 limit.

• Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; St Paul & Pacific Railroad Co.


Extract from General Cass’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 3 Sept 1872 from Pittsburgh “…I will do what I can now to make a dollar buy the most for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, but you must not assume, as you seem to do, that I am in charge of property. Until after my return from the Pacific coast, say November 1 st , you must not look to me as running the machine…”

Extract from H. C. Fahnestock’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 14 Sept 1872 from London

“…There is no use in our undertaking to carry the company ourselves. However unpleasant would be the embarrassment of Northern Pacific after the extraordinary recommendations of our house, we could survive the odium of its failure, even if ourselves in proper shape and unembarrassed by unavailable loans, and we would be stronger than ever for future business. Under no consideration must you allow your pride or interest in the company to place us in a position of even possible complications with its troubles…”

Reel 89

Please note that some correspondence is out of chronological order. Where possible these are listed below: Between the 8 th and 9 th of October there appears a letter dated the 27 th of January. Additionally several items of correspondence dated the 10 th of September also appear between the 10 th and 11 th of October.

Dates: October 1872


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking, railroad matters, including appointment of commission member to inspect the N.P.R.R. See letters dated 1, 7, 8, 15, 16, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30 October and extract below.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 15, 17, 21, 24, 26, 29, 31 October. • from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters. See letters

dated 1, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31 October. • Robert Lamborn, Philadelphia. See letter dated 21 October. • from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters

dated 10 September and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 19, 28, 29, 30 October. • from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letter dated 2,

3, 4, 9, 15, 24 October. • from H. C. McCulloch, Head of London banking house, London, regarding banking

issues in London and concern that N.P.R.R. overdraft is too high. See letter dated 2 October and extract below.

• from Col. Puleston, London Banking House, relating banking issues and fears over N.P.R.R. See letter dated 19 October and extract below.

• General Cass, President of N.P.R.R.. See letters dated October 25, 26, 28. • from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 2, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12,

16, 26 October. • from W. G. Moorhead, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letter dated 1, 8

October. • from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letter

dated 19 October. • from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letters dated 24, 31 October. • from S. P. Chase. See letters dated 3, 26 October. • from Philip W. Holmes, New York. See letters dated 9, 11, 15, 17 October. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letters dated 3, 7, 8, 14, 28

October. • from Congressman Garland, House of Representatives. See letters dated 1, 21

October. • from S. Garfield, Washington DC. See letter dated 21 October. • from William E. Chandler, New York. Secretary Republican National Committee.

See letters dated 22, 28 October.

• from Colonel J. W. Spragne, Kalawa. See letter dated 27 January. • From Felix Polak, The Hague. See letter dated 12 th October.

Key topics include


• Presidential election campaign between Grant and Greeley and its impact on bond sales.


• Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Saint Paul & Pacific Railroad (letter 1 October); Central Railroad of Iowa (letter 21 October).


Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 8 Oct 1872 fromWashington DC. “…I advised the house in New York and ? sometime ago of the appointment of commissioners to inspect and accept the completed portion of the N. Pacific Road. I requested at the same time, Gov Smith to be notified officially of the appointment by the Sec of the Interior, which Mr Delans promised to do as soon as notification of the acceptance of the parties was received : and I had supposed that he had advised the Governor accordingly…”

Extract from H. C. McCulloch’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 2 Oct 1872 from London “…The connection of Jay Cooke and Co. with the enterprise has been a great difficulty in the way of our taking high rank as a banking house in London. There has been an apprehension among careful men, strengthened by the efforts, perhaps of rival houses, that the connection between your houses and the road might become such that a failure of the latter might seriously involve, if it did not break the former. To counteract this we have stated that by contract you were never to be called upon to be in advance to the company for more than $500,000 and that we had your assurances that this amount should never be exceeded. When I learned, therefore, that you had very largely exceeded this amount and that this might lead to still further advances, I was both mortified and alarmed…”

Extract from Col. Puleston’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 19 Oct 1872 from London “…I regret more than I can express in words to you, the fact that you still do not think my heart is in the enterprise…I have always thought it a magnificent undertaking, and I firmly believe that sooner or later it will be very successful; but I must say that I saw when we came over here that it was going to be with us and for us a most difficult problem, the way it had been knocked about and managed here for a year previously making it a most undesirable thing to take up, particularly by a new house…”

Reel 90

Dates: November 1872


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking, railroad matters, and election day. See letters dated 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 25, 27 November and extract below.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 12, 13, 21, 22, 25, 26, 29, 30 November.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters. See letters dated 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 25, 26, 30 November.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 2, 4, 5, 12, 25, 29 November.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letter dated 22, 27 November.

• from Col. Puleston, London Banking House, relating banking issues. See letter dated 7 November.

• General Cass, President of N.P.R.R.. See letters dated 4, 5, 11, 13, 26 November. • from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letter dated 6 November. • from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letters dated

4, 25 November. • from W. G. Moorhead, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letter dated 19

November. • from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letter

dated 7 November. • from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letters dated 7, 30 November. • from Col. J. W. Sprague. See letter dated 22 November. • From C. H. Graves. See letter dated 11 November and extract below.

Key topics include


• Presidential election won by Grant. • Northern Pacific Railroad. Construction and bond sales. Fear of collapse of the

company due to overdraft with Jay Cooke exceeding $500,000 limit. • Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi. • Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and

charity.

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 5 Nov 1872 fromWashington DC. “…I merely salute you today. I have nothing special to write, and am so nervous over the impending elections that I am not much in the humour of writing. I think you and Fahney had better not come to Wash’n until Richardson’s return. I saw the President this morning and had a very pleasant interview with him. He was not half as nervous as I. I never saw so imperturbable a man…”

Extract from C. H. Graves’s letter to Frank Clarke dated 11 Nov 1872 from Duluth. “…allow us to call your attention to the importance of at once releasing the mortgages of J. B. Culour & C. H. Graves in your hands and substituting therefor the accepted draft of the R. R Co. and the cash, (already in your hands) before any accident happens to any of the parties interested which could make trouble in settlement of an estate, or anything of that kind…”

Reel 91



• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 3, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 31 December and 2 January.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 19, 21, 23 December. • from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters and concern

for Jay Cooke & Co. future if they continue to increase overdraft of N.P.R.R. See

letters dated 2, 4, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 23, 24, 26, 30, 31 December and extract below.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 2, 3, 4, 9, 12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 30, 31 December.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, relating progress of construction. See letters dated 13, 14 December.

• from Col. Puleston, London Banking House, relating banking issues. See letter dated 22 December.

• General Cass, President of N.P.R.R.. See letters dated 2, 21, 24 December and extract below.

• from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 10, 16, 24 December.

• from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letter dated 9 December.

• from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letters dated 11, 23 December.

• from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letters dated 6, 16, 31 December.

• from Governor W. R. Marshall. See letter dated 3 December. • from Philip W. Holmes, New York. See letters dated 9, 10, 31 December. • from Emerson Foote, New York. See letter dated 16 December. • from J. V. Painter, Banker, Cleveland. See letter dated 23 December. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R.,New York. See letters dated 10, 20, 24

December. • from M. H. Bovee, Chicago. Regarding the abolition of the death penalty. See letter

dated 16 December. • from Congressman Garland, House of Representatives. See letter dated 28 December.

Key topics include



• Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; South West Pennsylvania Railroad Co. (letter 18 December).


Extract from H. C. Fahnestock’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 9 Dec 1872 from New York “… Who is to provide for the further payments of N. P. during this month for which you have authorized drafts to be made? Every day we are getting in deeper and I only fear that preparation will be so long delayed that, depending entirely upon us, you will some day wake up to find that we have gone after Mr Bowles to Panama. Without any exaggeration we are in a perfectly helpless position and we must have from you immediately either money or securities that we can use…”

Extract from General Cass’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 2 Dec 1872 from New York “…It is known to nearly all the members of this company’s Board of Directors, that if I shall enter upon the duties of the President of this company, it will be with the distinct declaration, accepted by the Board, that I shall not be called upon to assume the financial management, farther than to see that all the funds of the company are honestly, and judiciously, and properly accounted for…”

Reel 92

Dates: 1 January14 February 1873


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters, and Credit Mobilier scandal. See letters dated 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 20, 23, 25, 28 January and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11 February and extract below.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke and certain others. See letters dated 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 15, 21, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31 January and 5, 6, 7, 8, 12 February

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters. See letters dated 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 29, 30, 31 January and 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 February.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 2, 3, 4, 6, 14, 15, 16, 20, 22, 23, 24, 30 January and 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14 February.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, relating progress of construction. See letter dated 3 January.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letters dated 6, 9, 15, 16 January.

• from H. C. McCulloch, Head of London banking house, London, regarding banking issues in London. See letter dated 6 February.

• from Col. Puleston, London Banking House, relating banking issues. Including a letter of the 22 nd forwarded from Rothschilds discussing issues with the N.P.R.R. See letters dated 7, 22, 24 January and 5, 6 February.

• General Cass, President of N.P.R.R.. See letters dated 1, 6, 7, 14, 16, 22, 23, 25, 31 January and 7 February.

• from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letter dated 27 January. • from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad, regarding being

subpoenaed in the Greeley Will contest. See letter dated 30 January 14 February and extract below.

• from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letter dated 4, 25, 29 January and 5, 6, 10, 11, 14 February.

• from William Windom, United States Senate Chamber, Washington DC. See letters dated 23, 27 January and 1 February.

• from N. G. King United States Senate, Washington DC. Note some shorthand written on the back of the letter dated the 24 th. See letter dated 24 January.

• from Philip W. Holmes, New York. See letters dated 13 January and 3, 10, 12 February.

• from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letters dated 3, 4 January. • from M. H. Bovee, Chicago. Regarding the abolition of the death penalty. See letters

dated 1, 11 January. • from Congressman Garland, House of Representatives. See letters dated 22, 29, 30,

31 January and 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 February. • from S. Garfield, Washington DC. See letter dated 13 January. • from H. F. Crosby, War Department, Washington DC. Regarding the circumstances

around the discharge of Mr Chaplin Barr. See letter dated 4 January.

Key topics include


• Credit Mobilier scandal.

• Northern Pacific Railroad. Construction and bond sales. Discussions over another bond deal with the Rothschilds, and attempts to get more legislation through Congress.


charity.

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 6 January 1873 fromWashington DC. “…At five p.m. have just returned from the House and it has been an exciting day. The Credit Mobilier matter was up and a resolution passed to make the sessions of the investigating committee public. Afterwards a resolution by Sam Randall, requesting the President to sue the Union Pacific Railroad Company for the interest paid by the government on its bonds, amounting to some five millions. There was a good deal of squirming, dodging and filibustering. I cannot describe the scene but it was intensely exciting…”

Extract from S. W. Wilkeson’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 30 January 1873 from New York. “…I have been subpoenaed to testify in the Greeley will contest. I have got to go to White Plains or else be carried there under arrest. Among the questions that will be asked of me is “No. 3. What is the value of Mrs Greeley’s interest in the Northern Pacific Railroad enterprise?” I had made up my mind to swear that it was worth $10,000. My testimony will be reported, of course, and published throughout the country, and I can conceive that every word I say about this enterprise had better be well weighed …”

Reel 93

Please note that some correspondence is out of chronological order. Where possible these are listed below: Between the 27 th and 28 th of February there appears a group of correspondence dated the 1 st of May. In addition there is a group of correspondence dating from the 9 th of April between the 9 th and 10 th of March.

Dates: 15 February31 March 1873


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 17, 18, 19, 21, 28 February and 7, 8, 10, 15, 31 March.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke and others. See letters dated 20, 25, 26, 27, 28 February and 10, 11, 12, 14, 23, 26, 28, 31 March and 9 April and 1 May.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters. See letters dated 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 February and 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31 March and 9 April and 1 May.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 February and 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 March.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letter dated 30 March.

• from J. G. Smith, St Albans. See letter dated 6 March. • General Cass, President of N.P.R.R.. See letters dated 3, 14, 17, 27, 28 March. • from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letter dated

25 February and 14, 17 March.

• from W. G. Moorhead, regarding banking and railroad matters, including a new loan deal with syndicate only hope of saving N.P.R.R. See letters dated 26, 31 March and extract below.

• from Secretary Boutwell, regarding loans. See letter dated 25 February and extract below.

• from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letters dated 20 February and 1 March.

• from H. C. Swain. See letters dated 21 February and 10, 27 March. • from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letter dated 15, 20, 27

February and 3, 12, 24, 26 March. • from Philip W. Holmes, New York. See letters dated 5, 20, 25 February and 15, 19

March. • from J. V. Painter, Banker, Cleveland. See letters dated 1, 3, 6, 10, 18, 29 March. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R., New York. See letters dated 15, 25

February. • from H. S. Sandford. See letter dated 23 March. • from Congressman Garland, House of Representatives. See letters dated 7, 10, 31

March.

Key topics include


• Northern Pacific Railroad. Construction and bond sales. . • Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Baltimore & Ohio, Toledo

& Michigan Railroad Co. ( letter 1 March); Philadelphia, Washington & Baltimore Railroad Co. (letter 24, 27 March).


Extract from Secretary Boutwell’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 25 February 1873 from Washington DC. “…A conversation with Governor Cooke yesterday leads me to write you in regard to the amount of the subscription that you may make on the first of March next. I am clearly of the opinion that it should not exceed the amount already disposed of, with perhaps such additions thereto as will not exceed the sum that you may be reasonably sure of disposing of within three months after the first of March…”

Extract fromW. G. Moorhead ’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 26 March 1873 from San Francisco “…The gentleman here whom we expected would be interested in the contract – I fear will give it the cold shoulder. The truth is money is extremely tight and likely to remain so for some time to come. The Central Pacific & some other R. Roads are largely indebted the central some for? $7000,000 of floating debt, all of which is due to the people here. Under these circumstances those who control capital are not inclined to invest in such roads…”

Reel 94

Dates: 1 April 19 May 1873


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 1, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30 April and 2, 7, 8, 9, 13, 16 May.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 11, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 April and 3, 8, 15, 17 May.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters. See letters dated 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 21, 25, 28, 30 April and 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12 May.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 19, 21, 24, 26 April and 8, 16, 19 May.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, relating progress of construction including the risks involved in surveying in Sioux territory. See letters dated 6, 22, 24, 29 April and 2 May and extract below.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letter dated 15 April.

• from G. C. Stone, Minnesota, working from the office of G. B. Sargent. See letters dated 8 May.

• from Col. Puleston, London Banking House, relating banking issues. See letters dated 5 May.

• General Cass, President of N.P.R.R.. See letters dated 1, 3, 8, 10, 14, 28 April. • from E. G. Spaulding. See letter dated 16 April. • from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 12, 15 April. • from Henry E. Johnston, regarding panic in markets. See letter dated 16 April and

extracts below. • from W. G. Moorhead, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letter dated 10

April. • from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letter

dated 9 April. • from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letter

dated 13 May. • from H. C. Swain. See letters dated 3, 7 April. • from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letters dated 3, 4, 12, 14, 21,

26, 28 April 6, 12 May. • from J. V. Painter, Banker, Cleveland. See letters dated 9 April and 10, 15, 16, 17

May. • from A. H. Barney, Treasurer of N.P.R.R.,New York. See letter dated 12 April. • from H. S. Sandford. See letter dated 8 May • from Congressman Garland, House of Representatives. See letters dated 19 April and

2, 16 May • from W. Armstrong, London. See letters dated 25, 30 April. • from Baron Geralt, Bonn, Linz. See letters dated 8 April and 7 May. • from J. W. Spragne, Kalawa. See letter dated 10 April.

Key topics include

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding business affairs and banking issues, including depressed money markets.

• Northern Pacific Railroad. Construction and bond sales. Plans for a new 730 N.P. bond syndicate to close out outstanding debts.


charity.

Extract from Henry E. Johnston ’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 16 April 1873 “…I would suggest your not pressing the syndicate by even opening up the prospect, to people not familiar with it, in such a panic. No one feels like entering into any obligations for the future with money worth 5/8 % a day! It is calculated to deter even those of much faith & strong nerves, let alone the timid…”

Extract fromW. Milnor Roberts’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 2 May 1873 “…I will tell you how we are situated about engineers, so. In the first place, we travel only one party to go west from the Missouri river. This goes with the large government escort, about June 15 th . In the second place we have on hand on the line more than enough of our first class assistants to fill every post – men who have been out on the other expeditions, who know the country and the ways of the Indians…And now for several days past, I have been getting applicants from persons who want to go out and pay their own way. If such persons can arrange to go with the military escort I have nothing to say; but I have a rule, never yet departed from, to have no man or boy or one of my engineer corps who is not under pay , and disciplined. Supernumeraries in or about an engineer corps, cannot be thought of especially on expeditions into hostile Indian Country, when there is hourly real danger; and where men of experience, coolness and courage , trained to discipline, alone should be sent…”

Reel 95

Please note that some correspondence is out of chronological order. Where possible these are listed below: Between 18 th and 19 th of June there appears a letter dated 18th April.

Dates: 20 May31 October 1873


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 22, 27, 29, 30, 31 May 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23 June 4 November.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 26, 31 May 7, 16, 17, 20, 27 June 2, 3, 10, 23, 31 July 5, 15 September.

• from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters. See letters dated 20, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31 and May 4, 5, 9, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20 June 19 September.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 20, 23, 26, 28, 29 May and 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 14, 16, 30 June.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, relating progress of construction and the army escourt for his team of surveyors. See letter dated 30 May and 8 August and extract below.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letter dated 10 June.

• General Cass, President of N.P.R.R.. See letters dated 23, 27 May and 2, 9, 17, 19 June.

• from E. G. Spaulding. See letter dated 3 June. • from A. B. Nettleton, regarding publicity matters. See letters dated 20, 27 May and 18

June. • from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letters

dated 9, 18, 19 June. • from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letter

dated 30 May. • from H. C. Swain. See letters dated 18 April and 20 June. • from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letter dated 22, 29 May and 2,

14, 18 June. • fromWilliam Windom, including being unable to endorse his $50,000 note to the

N.P.R.R. See letters dated 29, 31 May and 3 June and extract below.

• from N. G. King United States Senate. See letter dated 27 June. • from Philip W. Holmes, New York. See letter dated 4 June • from Emerson Foote, New York. See letter dated 27 May. • from J. V. Painter, Banker, Cleveland. See letters dated 26, 28, 30, 31 May and 5

June. • from H. S. Sandford. See letter dated 18 June. • from Congressman Garland, House of Representatives. See letters dated 7, 13 June

and 23 July • from Schuyler Colfax. See letter dated 19 June. • E. A. Rollins, Philadelphia. See letter dated 20 June. • Baron Geralt, Linz, Prussia. See letter dated 4 July.

Key topics include

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke. regarding business affairs and banking issues, including panic over closure of Jay Cooke & Co.

• Banking failures. Closure of New York branch of Jay Cooke and Co. on 17 September, followed by closure of Clarke & Co., Fisk and Hatch and collapse of railroad stock prices.

• Northern Pacific Railroad. Construction and bond sales. Plans for a new 730 N.P. bond syndicate to close out outstanding debts. Publication of European delegation report on N.P.R.R. Skirmishes with Indians along route.

• Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; Central Railroad Co. of Iowa ( letter 24 June).


Extract fromWilliam Windom’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 29 May 1873 from Washington D. C.“… I have a letter from Mr Pritchard, requesting me to renew my endorsement on the $50,000 note of the company. I have not yet complied for the following reasons. When I made the first endorsement, it was upon a verbal statement made by yourself that you would take care of it for me. This you have done, but I cannot in justice to my family become responsible for a sum that would prove my utter ruin without some written guarantee that in no event shall I be compelled to pay it…”

Extract fromW. Milnor Roberts’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 30 May 1873 from Philadelphia “There will be no delay after the track reaches the river; freighting over the 450 miles from Duluth to Bismarck can begin at once. By the 15 th of June the U. S. troops, two thousand strong, with the 7 th regiment of cavalry; will start from Fort Rice on the Missouri river to escort our Engineer Corps on the survey from the Missouri over to the Yellowstone & Musselshell rivers…We are now in the beautiful valley of Apple Creek, which as yet is just as nature left it; presenting grass…buffalo heads and bones bleaching in the sun. The buffalo and Indian question appear to be settled east of the Missouri; the railroad track being the finishing touch. Less than a year ago there was not a mile of track in Dakota Territory west of the Red River of the North, now there are two hundred miles. All that this country needs now is settlers…”

Reel 96



• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding bankruptcy and closure of banking houses. See letters dated 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 13, 17, 20, 21, 22 November and 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 16 December.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letter dated 3, 4, 6, 20, 26, 28 November. • from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters. See letters

dated 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29 November and 1, 2, 4, 18, 24 December and extract below.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 19, 20, 24, 27, 28, 30 November and 3, 4, 25, 27, 30, 31 December.

• from G. C. Thomas, Jay Cooke & Co., regarding banking matters. See letter dated 4 December.

• from H. C. McCulloch. See letter dated 10 November. • from Col. Puleston, London Banking House, relating banking issues. See letters dated

17 November and 12, 31 December. • General Cass, President of N.P.R.R.. See letter dated 1, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 21, 24, 27, 28,

29 November and 8, 27 December. • from E. G. Spaulding. See letter dated 9 December. • from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letter dated

21 November. • from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letters

dated 21, 29 November. • from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letter dated 3, 4, 6, 15

November and 6, 20, 22 December. • from Philip W. Holmes, New York. See letters dated 6, 10, 24 November and 4, 9

December • from J. V. Painter, Banker, Cleveland. See letters dated 3, 17 November. • from M. H. Bovee, Chicago. Regarding the abolition of the death penalty. See letter

dated 20 December. • from Congressman Garland, House of Representatives. See letters dated 7, 8, 26

November. • from Robert Schenck, Washington DC. See letters dated 4, 8 December. • from William E. Chandler, New York. Secretary Republican National Committee.

See letters dated 6, 15, 16 December. • from Baron Geralt, Linz, Prussia. See letters dated 2 November and extract below.

Key topics include

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding bankruptcy and personal matters.

• Northern Pacific Railroad. • Other railroads including Lake Superior and Mississippi; • Various letters relating church matters, potential investments, job opportunities and

charity.

Extract from Baron Geralt’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 2 Nov 1873 from Linz “…We received some time ago, the news of difficulties your firm was involved to meet the money crisis in U. States and every were in Europe – The N. P. R. R. Co will be obliged to suspend the payment of interests but I hope it will not prevent the Building of the Road for long time. I am anxious to learn what arrangements have been made to save the company?...”

Extract from H. C. Fahnestock’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 2 Nov 1873 from New York

“…Have telegraphed you very fully about the Western dispatches muddle… The only malicious looking despatch is the following which are clips from a Boston Paper among a lot of financial items. “Rumors of the failure of the N. Pac R. R. are still current and originate in the refusal of the Co. to pay coupons of the St Paul & Pac Road under lease to the N. Pacific, whose laborers have suspended work in consequence of non payment of ‘wages’ ” I have taken steps to find out the origin of this despatch which Biynton thinks was sent in good faith by Bradford…”

Reel 97

Dates: 1 January31 March 1874


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding bankruptcy and closure of banking houses. See letters dated 22, 26, 29, 30, 31 January and 16, 17, 20, 21, 23, 25, 28, 29 February and 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 30 March

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke See letters dated 13, 19 January. • from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters. See letters

dated 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 27, 28, 29, 30 January and 2, 16, 17, 20, 27 February and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 18, 20 March.

• from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters dated 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, 16, 19, 20, 21, 24, 27, 28 January and 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 February and 2, 3, 9, 13, 14 March.

• from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, relating progress of construction. See letter dated 12, 13, 17 February and 20 March.

• from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond agent. See letter dated 26, 28 February and 20 March and extract below.

• from H. C. McCulloch. See letter dated 7, 9, 20 February. • from Col. Puleston, London Banking House, relating banking issues. See letter dated

10 January. • General Cass, President of N.P.R.R.. See letters dated 4 February and 25 March. • from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letter dated

18 March. • from W. G. Moorhead, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letters dated 23

January and 14 February. • from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letter dated 3, 26 February and

3, 9, 13, 14, 18, 31 March. • from Governor W. R. Marshall. See letters dated 21 February and 6, 16 March. • from N. G. King United States Senate. See letter dated 7 January. • from Philip W. Holmes, New York. See letters dated 17, 26, 29 January and 20

February • from J. V. Painter, Banker, Cleveland. See letter dated 6 January. • from M. H. Bovee, Chicago. Regarding the abolition of the death penalty. See letter

dated 18, 24 January. • from Congressman Garland, House of Representatives. See letters dated 3, 5, 6, 7, 9,

25 February • from S. Garfield, Washington DC. See letter dated 17 March. • from W. Armstrong, London. See letter dated 22 January. • from Baron Geralt, Linz, Prussia. See letter dated 1 February.

Key topics include

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke regarding bankruptcy and personal matters.


charity.

Extract from G. B. Sargent’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 26 Feb 1874 from New York “…It has been long since I have had the pleasure of addressing you – and I should not intrude upon you at this time if I did not feel from statements made to me that I have been placed in a false position During my connection with the N. P. business in Europe my whole time my entire energies were given to make it a complete and entire success and I have positive proofs in my possession that will prove that if I had received the hearty cooperation of your partners it would have been the greatest success of the age –But Mr McCullock always believed that the N. P. enterprise was the “old man of the sea” with his legs about his neck that was bound to eventually strangle & ruin J. C. Mc + Co and he never talked ten minutes with any man on the subject that he did not effectively damn the enterprise with feint praise…”

Reel 98

Dates: 1 April30 June 1874


• from Henry Cooke (“HDC” or “Harry”), Washington DC, regarding bankruptcy and closure of banking houses. See letters dated 2, 4, 11, 15, 16, 20, 21, 24, 27 April and 4, 8, 11, 12, 14 May and 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 16, 27, 30 June and extract below.

• from Jay Cooke to H. D. Cooke. See letters dated 4, 10, 13 April and 9, 29 May. • from H. C. Fahnestock (“HCF” or “Fahney”), regarding banking matters. See letters

dated 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 18, 21 April and 1, 11, 13 May and 24 June. • from Pitt Cooke, New York, regarding personal and banking matters. See letters

dated 1, 7, 20, 25 April and 4, 8 May and 1, 2, 10, 29 June. • from W. Milnor Roberts, engineer, relating progress of construction. See letter dated

2, 7 May. • from G. B. Sargent, Land and bond agent. See letter dated 10 May. • from H.C. McCulloch. See letter dated 20 April and 20 May. • General Cass, President of N.P.R.R.. See letters dated 4, 10 April. • from A. B. Nettleton. See letter dated 11 May. • from Samuel W. Wilkeson, Secretary of Northern Pacific Railroad. See letter dated

13 April. • from W. G. Moorhead, regarding banking and railroad matters. See letter dated 16

April. • from W. L. Banning, Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Co., St Paul. See letter

dated 1 April. • from J. K. Moorhead, Pittsburgh, regarding personal and railroad matters. See letter

dated 16 May. • from Rice Harper, Duluth, regarding land matters. See letters dated 3, 18 April. • from Philip W. Holmes, New York. See letter dated 8 May. • from to A. H. Barney, New York. See letter dated 25 April. • from M. H. Bovee, Chicago. Regarding the abolition of the death penalty. See letter

dated 27 April. • from Robert Schenck, Washington DC. See letters dated 5 April and 19 May. • from Baron Geralt. See letter dated, 3 April 12 June.

Key topics include

• Correspondence between Henry Cooke, H. C. Fahnestock, Pitt Cooke and Jay Cooke. regarding bankruptcy and personal matters.


charity.

Extract from Henry Cooke’s letter to Jay Cooke dated 2 April 1874 from Washington DC. “…I have been all the morning at the House of Reps…and all the afternoon with Finance Com. of the reform school getting a first adjustment and settlement of my a/c as treasurer and correcting the figures sent to the committee of the Court of Indebtedness J C & Co to me treasurer. It has been a vexatious job but is now happily dispensed of – all take the ground that the balance to my a/c as treasurer, was gov’t money and talk of instructing the Attorney General to take steps for its collection of J. C & Co…”

Reel 99

Miscellaneous items 18621871 including:

Civil War Quatermaster Receipts Subscription Loan List, 1863 Statement of Sterling Iron and Railway Co. 1864 Statements of Public Debt of United States, 1864, 1866 Various papers relating to figures for government bonds 18631865 Various papers relating to railroad and mining companies

Reel 100

Miscellaneous items including:

Personal and company receipts Bonds cheques

civil war and reconstruc - gwdg

Documents