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The George Steiner papers consist of correspondence and financial records documenting Steiner's business in the wheat and flour trade in central Pennsylvania in the mid-1800s. The collection reflects the relationship between the prices of wheat, flour, and other dry foodstuffs in England and in the United States.

The George Steiner papers consist of correspondence and financial records documenting Steiner's storekeeping and involvement in the wheat and flour trade in central Pennsylvania in the mid-1800s. The collection holds 242 items, of which 224 are incoming letters to Steiner, primarily business correspondence, and 18 receipts and financial accounts. The Correspondence series pertains mainly to Steiner's business affairs in Water Street, Pennsylvania, and includes correspondence with associates throughout central Pennsylvania, as well as in Philadelphia and Baltimore. Several agents from Philadelphia regularly reported the fluctuating prices of flour and wheat, which changed with the arrival of transatlantic steamers from Liverpool and other European ports. Though most of the material relates to the trade of wheat, flour, rye, cornmeal, and similar products, one letter regards Steiner's receipt of "India Cholagogue" (September 3, 1849), and another concerns a request by M. T. Wallace & Company, a Brooklyn-based supplier of medical tonics, for Steiner's to act as their agent for central Pennsylvania (June 2, 1849). One partially printed letter is a report of recent losses sustained by the Lycoming County Mutual Insurance Company, and a request for an assessment fee (January 21, 1851). Financial documents consist primarily of accounts for wheat, rye, clover seed, and similar products, reflecting the differing prices between England and the United States.

This collection contains financial documents and business correspondence concerning the affairs of James Hamilton, a shipping merchant based in Charleston, South Carolina, between 1784 and 1818. The collection also includes legal documents related to Hamilton's estate after his death in April 1829.

This collection contains financial documents and business correspondence concerning the affairs of James Hamilton, a shipping merchant based in Charleston, South Carolina, between 1784 and 1818. The collection also includes legal documents related to Hamilton's estate after his death in April 1829.

The first 2 items in the Correspondence and Documents series are copies of letters addressed to Blanchard & Lewis, a firm in London, England. The bulk of the material consists of receipts, bills of lading, business letters, accounts, wage agreements, and other financial records concerning James Hamilton's business affairs. The earliest items relate to gloves, blankets, and similar items that Hamilton sold; later material documents Hamilton's interests in several merchant vessels, including the Commerce. Hamilton conducted business with individuals and firms in the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe. Some documents dated around 1796 are addressed to George Forrest, one of Hamilton's business partners. Most items predate the War of 1812, and at least one letter refers to federal legislation regarding international shipping in 1811.

The collection also includes receipts for Hamilton's pew at a Presbyterian church, as well as personal letters from his daughter Agnes and his niece, Margery Bethune (March 1812). Most of the remaining items are legal documents concerning the administration of Hamilton's estate. The documents mention individuals such as Edward S. Ingraham, Benjamin Chew, and James Hamilton Couper (or Cowper), the son of Hamilton's acquaintance John Couper. Some of the documents also mention Francis P. Corbin, Hamilton's son-in-law.

Printed Items are a copy of the London Gazette (November 6-9, 1784); a copy of "An Act concerning the registering and recording of ships and vessels" (1804); and a legal opinion regarding Corbin v. Wilson, a case about James Hamilton's disputed will (June 5, 1838).