THOMAS LORD was born in Norwich, CT, in March 1794, the youngest of nine brothers.  In 1818, Lord stared in the wholesale and retail dry goods trade with his brothers Rufus and David and a Mr. Stirling.  By 1853, the brothers dissolved their partnership and retired from active business.  Rufus then focused on downtown real estate and speculations, increasing his fortune significantly until he died in 1869.  Thomas invested heavily in the stock of the Columbia Fire Insurance Co. and became Vice President of the corporation.  The company was forced to suspend business and The Columbia Marine Insurance Company was organized in 1857, which also failed in 1866. 

In this 3 pp, 5 x 7 3/4, ALS on Columbian Marine Ins. Co. stationary, April 12, 1864, Thomas Lord writes to his brother, probably Rufus, on currency, banking and Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s problems with Edwin Stanton.

“As you take the time you will have seen the interesting communications from the managers of the 4th National Bank to the Stockholders, what the end will be cannot tell until Thursday.

“I see it stated in some paper to day that the new Bank bill before the House is at the request of W. Chase to permit the States to tax the National Banks – This concession I presume is the consequence of the report of the Bank Committee at Albany which I presume you have seen.

“I send you to day the Commercial of the 11th and the World and Journal of today shewing among them that the currency question is very prominent just now.

“I had a letter to day from Charlie, in which he says it was rumored in Washington Sunday evening that Stanton and Grant were already on bad terms because Grant had refused to take his advice – Your people believe that Grant has been brought to Washington to be destroyed by politicians through the Agency of Stanton, just as McClellan was. I hope not, but as ‘Noah’ used to say, ‘Nous Verron. [We shall see]’”

[Later as president, Grant attempted to appoint Stanton to the U.S. Supreme Court. However, Stanton died before the Senate confirmed the appointment.]

Letter is on blue stationary from the office of the Columbian Marine Ins. Co.  In excellent condition.

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