Letter signed Edw. Miller, Chief Engineer, Pacific Railroad, St. Louis, to Samuel J. Reeves, Vice-President Phoenix Iron Company. Regret company could not meet your draft which fell due here yesterday at house of J.H. Lucas & Company. They have stopped payment and closed their doors. The currency here is frightfully disorganized and notes of adjoining states is entirely discredited. Very few brokers are left to buy and sell. Mr. McPherson expects to meet your next note punctually. Yesterday was the darkest day financially that St. Louis has ever known. Five large private banking houses have already stopped and the rest are suffering runs. Even Harrison Chouteau & Vallee has failed. 800 men were thrown out of employment. I am almost afraid to look in a newspaper. Individuals mentioned: Mr. Lucas. Places mentioned: Cambria and Philadelphia., 1857 Oct 6
Item — Box: 2, Folder: 2
Scope and Contents
From the Collection:
Collection of material pertaining to the history of the city of St. Louis. Includes original documents and letters and numerous articles and newsclippings referring to various aspects of life in St. Louis.
Dates
- 1857 Oct 6
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research use.
Extent
From the Collection: 2.7 Cubic Feet ( (5 boxes; 1 oversize folder))
Language of Materials
English
Repository Details
Part of the Missouri Historical Society Library and Research Center Repository