Francis W. Brinley letter book, 1827-1828.

ArchivalResource

Brinley, Francis W., 1796-1859. Francis W. Brinley letter book, 1827-1828.

Francis W. Brinley letter book, 1827-1828.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/475623044

The letter book contains American merchant Francis W. Brinley's business correspondence from February 10, 1827 to December 19, 1828. The letters document the difficulties of conducting business in Puerto Cabello following Venezuela's war of independence and under Simón Bolívar's presidency. Brinley described the difficulties of dealing with customs agents, delays in shipments of goods, fluctuation in prices and the effect that the turbulent political situation has on his business. Brinley regularly reported the prices of commodities, the dissolution of his partnership with S. Luyando, his success or inability to acquire or dispose of goods, and current economic conditions. Brinley acted as a commission merchant, receiving goods from American merchants and selling them locally. He also operated as a commercial agent, arranging and expediting shipments from the area. In these letters he corresponded with a number of American firms, including Edward W. Dunham in New York and William Howell & Sons in Baltimore. Among the goods and products most often discussed are indigo and coffee. Flour, liquor, and beef seemed to be the goods most often shipped from the United States. The ship most frequently discussed as the vessel transporting the goods back and forth to the United States is the Schooner Gertrude. Several letters in the volume are also addressed to the various ships' captains. Brinley specifically mentioned Simón Bolívar by name; at first hopeful that Bolívar's presidency will bring political and economic stability. Brinley eventually conceded to the impossibility of conducting a viable business in Puerto Cabello and writes of his financial hardship and mortification regarding his failure in the final letter of the volume.

1 v. ([25], 90 p.) ; 40 centimeters.

eng,

spa,

Harvard Business School, Knowledge and Library Services/Baker Library