posted 01-25-2007 09:16 PM            

Philada 20. May 1837

Dr bother,

I hand you a draft on Genl Lytte at thirty days sight for $66.50 which Mr Gardiner* supposed might be in your power to collect.
I wrote you from New York and informed you of the gloomy situation of things there.
Matters did not get quite so bad here, but money is very scarce, notwithstanding the stoppage of specie payments, which enables the bank to extend a little --- I succeeded in getting goods from B. G.* to the amount of my liabilities for him, but I shall be obliged to pay the drafts as they fall due, unless can be renewed which is very doubtful as the Bank which has them has failed. --- I do not know what mode you can adopt to make remittance, but hope you can get U. S. Bank notes – and I shall be very greatly obliged if you can help me by the 10th of next month at farthest.---
I hope to hear from you soon to learn that you arrived safe home and that business is better with you than it is here --- our families are all well
Yr brother
Th C. Fletcher

*Baldwin Gardiner
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Philada Aug 25. 1838

Dear Brother,

Your favour of the 10th inst was duly rec'd enclosing a bill for $700 – which we have placed to your credit and now annex your account current showing a balance in your favor of $4.93 – This remittance has come to us very opportunely when we are greatly in want of funds, and we are happy that you have had it in your power to send it to us.
We shall settle with Mr Gessimen at your request and send you his receipt ---
We have made arrangements with the son and successors of M. J. Tobias* for a supply of their fine watches and shall be able to supply you with the quantity you may want this fall --- we expect also a large assortment of fine geneva Anchor & l'Epine** watches gold & silver --- if you want any before you visit Philada we will send you some. --- The fall business has not yet commenced, but we hope for a good business yet before the year closes. The weather continues hot here ---
Yr truly
Fletcher & Bennett

* M. J. Tobias was a well known Liverpool watchmaker who made mid to high grade watches (mostly fusees) in the early to mid 1800's.
** Jean-Antoine L'Epine (1720-1814) French watchmaker; the geneva Anchor and l'Epine refers to types of movements.
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Philada 5 March 1839

Dear Sir,

Your letter of 18 inst came to hand. I showed it to the Mßrs Vernons, they say they have no recollection of any payment having been made by you on account of the goods.
Please make out & send to me a statement of the account, so that if its found right may be settled on their books --- The 2 pair Astral lamps I will give some person an order to receive from you.
Please be particular in the statement you send me.
Yr respectfully
A A Browne
of L Vernon* & Co

*Lewis Vernon, a Philadelphia merchant and Thomas Charles Fletcher's brother-in-law.