LETTER: Autograph letter signed.
Early ALS From one New York Woman to Another
Regarding Business Matters
Nenham, Mary. Autograph letter signed, to an unidentified female recipient, New York, October 26, 1711; 1 leaf measuring 6 ¾ x 8,” recto only; few closed tears and half-inch semi-circle chip to top edge, not affecting text; light dampstaining; paperclip rust stain.
A remarkable, and remarkably early letter from a New York woman to a female colleague, investigating the financial state of a Mrs. Granenerod [?]. In the 18th century very few male colonists were able to read and write; virtually none of their female contemporaries could boast these skills, and two of them are implicated by this letter. In it, the untraceable Nenham addresses business matters to an unnamed woman in the interest of her husband, on behalf of a third woman. It reads in full:
Madam
I have resceived [sic] yours of the 3d Instant in answer to which I have had the Act between your husband and my selfe [sic] which was made up in 1710 examined, but came to find that Mrs. Granenerod has credit for noe [sic] more that one sume [sic] which is forty pounds, she towld [sic] me when she was last at York she had payd your Husband the Balance of her Acct which was seventy pounds and had his rescite [sic], I believe her last payment to your husband slipt [sic] his memory that he forgot to give her Credite [sic], I sopose [sic] you have the Coppys [sic] of the Accts. by which Mr. Lurting and Mr. Abele settled the same, I hope upon examination you will find the truth for us boath [sic], I can give you at the present noe [sic] farther satisfaction if at any time it appears[sic] more plane [sic] to me I shall always be ready to allow it with my most Humble
[ ] to you I remaine
yours to serve you
Mary Nenham.
“A letter from Maddam [ ] VIII [ ] 2G” appears on the verso in another hand.
A rare testament to the commercial role of women in Colonial America.
(#6330)
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