When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Original stampless folded letter written at Boston on March 29, 1841, by Ebenezer “Eben” Crocker and addressed to his wife, Mrs. Ebenezer Crocker, at Sandwich, Massachusetts.
The one-page letter contains substantial maritime and commercial content. Crocker reports his safe arrival in Boston following a “long and tedious passage,” explains that he cannot return home until the ship’s cargo has been discharged, and complains of difficulties with the vessel’s master. He also writes:
“I shall be out of business as soon as I have this ship and I shall not be in a hurry to look for more.”
The letter is signed:
“Your affectionate husband,
Eben Crocker”
HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Research identifies the writer as Ebenezer Crocker, a native of Barnstable County who subsequently entered business in New York City as the senior partner of the merchant firm Crocker & Warren.
Four years after this letter was written, the Crocker & Warren warehouse at 38 Broad Street became associated with one of the most dramatic incidents of New York’s Great Fire of July 19, 1845. The warehouse contained saltpeter and was destroyed in a tremendous explosion as the fire swept through lower Manhattan. Contemporary accounts reported that the explosion was heard at a considerable distance.
Crocker and his partner George Warren initially came under suspicion following the disaster but were subsequently cleared when an investigation found no evidence that gunpowder had been improperly stored in their building.
This letter predates the fire and does not discuss it. Its historical interest rests upon Crocker’s later connection to the firm involved in the 1845 disaster, together with its original maritime content.
POSTAL DETAILS
• Boston dateline: March 29, 1841
• Addressed to Mrs. Ebenezer Crocker, Sandwich, Massachusetts
• Integral stampless address leaf
• Red Boston circular postmark
• Manuscript postal-rate marking
• “Please forward” notation
• Remnants and opening loss from the original wax seal
• Signed “Eben Crocker”
Transcription:
Boston, March 29th, 1841
My Dear Wife,
This will inform you of my safe arrival after a long and tedious passage, and I wish I could clasp you in my arms. I would give you a good squeeze, but it will be the matter of a week before I can get clear. And if you should come up, it would only be an aggravation, for I cannot leave day or night until the cargo is out, and I have a very unpleasant man for a master, which makes it very bad. I can’t ask any favors.
Do write the first mail. I am so drove that I can hardly find time to write, but when I get home I will tell you all.
I saw Uncle Pope’s family. They are all well. Thomas thinks he shall come down with me, and I can’t say no, for they have been good to me—very more than I deserve. I shall be out of business as soon as I have this ship, and I shall not be in a hurry to look for more.
But there, someone calls, and I must close with thanks to Providence for restoring us so near each other again. And I hope to see you looking as well as when I sailed, but it is more than I can say for myself. However, I enjoy pretty good health.
If there is anything that you want, write me and I will get it. Give my love to all friends.
Believe me your affectionate husband,
Eben Crocker
ADDRESS PANEL:
Mrs. Ebenezer forward
An appealing early American maritime letter with a documented association to a merchant later connected to the Great New York City Fire of 1845. Suitable for collections of stampless postal history, maritime commerce, New York history, Massachusetts history, or nineteenth-century correspondence.
Letter and integral address leaf only. Any research material shown or referenced is not included unless specifically stated.
