NOTE: This first letter sets the stage but is unfortunately so ripped up that I can’t read the first 4 or 5 lines. It appears to be the first in a series of letters between Isaac Holland Jr,(who would have been about age 26 at the time) and Samuel Sands of Baltimore. I take it that Isaac and Sam were childhood friends and kept in touch since about age 10 when Sam would have moved from Annapolis to Baltimore. They are communicating about the sale of the Maryland Republican newspaper—Sam wants to put everything on the line and buy it, and Isaac has connections with Mr. Brewer, who is apparently the trustee. Someone named Chandler was the previous owner. Sam is trying to use Isaac’s influence to buy the paper, and then decides to withdraw at the last minute, offending Isaac dreadfully. I only have one of Isaac’s responses of course, since they were sent to Sands. I am lucky to have the one, but I think it must just be a draft of the one he actually sent. I’d be curious to know who ended up buying the paper, what Sands ultimately did, and if this was the end of a long friendship.
(Addressed to Mr. Isaac Holland, jr, Annapolis, MD)
Dear Friend,
I received yours *I do not mention this term as a guide, for it will depend on circumstances, whether it will be worth it or not—it is only a supposition of mine—the materials are very bad and I should really think of replacing them with better—
P.S. Since writing the within I received your second letter, and wish only in addition to say, that I will probably be down in the steamboat on Sunday, and as I shall return the same day, I wish you to arrange it so that I may examine the office, and see those intrusted. I am yours, S.S.
(Addressed to Mr. Isaac Holland, jr, Annapolis, MD, From Samuel Sands)
Baltimore, 13th October
My dear Friend,
I expected to have heard from you last evening, in answer to mine of Friday last, but was disappointed, and as this will be the last opportunity I shall have, I must now offer my proposals—you will perceive by this that I have made no very great offer, not so much as I would wish, but notwithstanding this, I offer more, by far, than what the editors have advised—they know not what proposition I have made—I did intend to offer 1800 or 2000 dollars, but they have made so great an opposition to it, that I am afraid to do so—and indeed, in offering what I at present do, I am situated in a very disagreeable way—for as I have proposed so much now than what they deem proper [they think I ought to give no more than what the materials in the office are worth as it will be xxx a great risk as xxxx the state work, as I will have to gain for the paper a value which at present it does not possess (?), and as I will likewise, at the offset, be obliged to procure new type, xx] I cannot with any kind of face ask them to bestow securities for me for the balance of the purchase money—I have therefore determined to offer all that I may be worth, at present, (and property is so depreciated now that I could get little or nothing for what I own, should I be obliged to sell) so by this means I will involve nobody but myself in any difficulties—After paying the 300 dollars cash out in 2 weeks from the time I take possession, I will either get a mortgage on the establishment for the remainder to the trustee, or to whosoever I shall procure to become responsible for the remainder—by this means I shall secure everyone, for if I should fail in the undertakings (which by the assistance of Providence and if industry and economy will save me, I shall not.) I will lose everything I am worth but what I would dread most, I will involve no one but my own family—If I should get it, I will of course calculate out the friends of the paper, and with my own friends, using every exertion to secure to it the patronage of the state—without which my case would be hopeless—this much I can assure the republicans, that the paper shall be made both valuable and interesting, much more so than it has been for many years. I will immediately put it in an entire new xxxx, and make it serviceable to the readers thereof—My views on these subjects, xxxx above, you are at liberty to shew to any confidential friend, who will interest himself in my behalf—at your request I have sent my proposal unsealed, but you must seal them before delivering the same—I have understood that a gentleman had lately arrived from New York, and intends establishing himself in Annapolis, and if so, I will, in the event of xxx the Md. Repub. have perhaps to encounter a serious opposition—but of this I am quite easy, as I am sure than countenance would not be bestowed on a stranger, when a native was at his post—You will forward me the first intelligence you can of the result, and if you have it in your power, let me know if I have justice done me—I remain, dear friend, yours sincerely,
Mr. Samuel Sands
PS. The offer I have made is that I shall have the establishment clear of all encumbrances and on no other terms.
N.B. Since writing the foregoing, I have received your two letters and feel grateful for your attention—I now enclose you my proposals, leaving you to fill the blank in case you can find out the amount xx of the proposals of others—I was thinking of offering 1450 dollars and provided (in the proposals) I got the state work on as reasonable terms as Chandler did last year, to engage to add 150 dollars more to the sum—but as you seem to think this is far too much, you must fill the blank as you think proper, you having the liberty to go to that extent if you deem it necessary—I do not on any account, think it advisable to let the opportunity slip, or will never offer attain—it is for this reason I would offer more perhaps than I ought to do—You now know how to proceed, and I trust the finishing stroke to your hand—if you think 1450 too much or have reason to believe it considerably more than other offers, you will make a reduction in the same—but of this be careful—I think in offering 150 more (making in all 1600) providing I get the state work, (and on good terms as Chandler did) xxx that will stimulate them to exertions to effect xxx. I am willing to pay 300 cash, or in twenty days from acceptance of the proposal, and become responsible, so far as the balance will go, for Chandler’s bank debt, if I can procure security for the same, or I will, after paying the 300, mortgage the establishment or mortgage property in Baltimore, or mother’s property in Annapolis—one of these alternatives will certainly prevail—
All I have to add is, that I am confident you will do all in your power to forward my interest, and with this believe, I conclude by assuring you of my sincere friendship,
Mr. Samuel Sands
I have not been able to discover
Who left your letter, as the person
Did not answer the description I had of him
Of I. Sands, jr—I will perhaps find out tomorrow
(Addressed to Mr. Isaac Holland, jr, Annapolis, MD)
Baltimore, Oct 17th, 1822, 11 at night
My dear Friend,
I snatch the present late moment to write to complain of your neglect for the last two days—I have really been on the rack of expectation, to hear the result of my proposals—three opportunities have occurred (the packet, mail and steamboat) and yet no news—But of this I have pretty well satisfied myself, that I have not obtained the office; your last letter satisfied me of this—and this is to request you in case no answer has been had or in case Mr. B. intends to continue receiving proposals, to withdraw mine—In making my proposals I knew full well I was offering by far too much—but the long wish for opportunity had arrived of a chance of again returning to my native place, and I was willing to risk every thing to embrace it—but I find I am not the one that will answer their views—they know I would never, (having the establishment independent of them) consent to be a tool in their hands as poor Chandler was—but of this enough—let them conduct their own affairs in their own way—I know they cannot set one advantageous txxx offxxx xxxx what I have tendence (?)—they may be sorry that they have not done me justice.
It is now time, my friend, to inform you of a circumstance that occurred whilst I was in Annapolis—fearing lest it might injure my hopes and prospects were I to go out openly, I watched my opportunity, and went to see Col. Duvall—he received me kindly—he knew my business, in Annapolis, and told me, in the course of a conversation which lasted two or three hours, that he did not believe I would have justice done me, in consequence of my connection with Mr. I. Sands’ family—but, says he, if they do not, and should they get a man to suit them as his predecessor had done, bring I___ the materials of a printing office and I’ll engage to procure for you a subscription list double that which the Md. Repub. Possesses—I know, continued he, I could procure for you fifty subscribers in town, and in all at least 500”—You will naturally suppose, that the Col. Had in view the establishment of a paper to further is own views—not so, on my word—to use his own words, which were very vehemently expressed, he said “but mind Sam, if you were to take part in my favor, and swerve from impartiality, I would, I solemnly declare, despise you as heartily as if you had taken the most active part against me—I want to see,” continued he, “an impartial paper, an editor that will do me justice, as well as any opponents.” This conversation I kept in a great measure to myself, as I did not wish, under the existing circumstances, to let it be known that I had seen Duvall at all—but still I knew, that if I did establish a paper, it would immediately be considered as an opposition to the present one, and an eternal war waged between us—I therefore tho’t I would do all in my power to procure the present, even at great price and risk, and contrary to the advice of my friends, than continue this everlasting warfare—but so it is—they will xxx me to do that for which I or they will be sorry for. On asking Mr. B. to return my proposals, you are at liberty to state my views on this subject, omitting Duvall’s name, and saying “some influential persons”, xxx intimating anything of the kind, and then give my reasons for the same—
In the event of their accepting of mine, of worse all in this letter goes to nought—burn immediately—but if on the contrary, then blazon it forth as much as possible that I, in conjunction with a young man of talents, about establishing an independent paper—I intend printing proposals for the same xxx on the receipt of the non-acceptance of mine for the xxxx which I will forward to Annapolis as soon as prepared—I hope to hear from you by today’s packet, but in the event of a disappointment, I have written this for your guide—let Joe Sands, jr. know the result of my proposals, as I intend to forward him and others proposals for my new paper likewise.
Give me your views on the subjects embraced in this letter at length, as soon as you can, and believe me, I shall ever be grateful for the interest you have taken in my behalf in this business.
I remain dear friend, yours, sincerely,
Sam Sands
P.S. Please call on Caton, and ask him why he has not been as good as his promise, in paying mother—tell him I beg him to forward it immediately through you or I. Sands, jr., as mother directed him—she is waiting for it to lay up her winter’s wood. S. Sands
( The top is impossible to read but this is apparently from Isaac Holland Sr. To Samuel Sands, written on a Sunday. Holland was very upset – this must be a rough draft – it
is fragmented and hard to read, and very emotional.)
I re’cd yrs on yesterday morning of the 17 and immediately wrote to Hughes xxx to which I recd the answer enclosed—altho I have heretofore written to you in the complete (?) sincere style of friendship, I feel xxxx my respect for myself to give yrs that consideration which I think it merits. Altho I was assured you stood foremost among the proposals as Mr. Hughes’ note will shew I have withdrawn them—so far I have followed yr directions but I must be excused from saying to Mr. B. as requested “that some influential person or something of the kind” ommitting the Col’s name is the cause of yr withdrawing—I was partly raised in Mr Brewer’s family and there never learned duplicity either by his precept or example and cannot now consent to learn it although fully satisfied you are competent to teach it.
You say “you have been on the rack of expectation to hear from me/the result of yr proposals” with the same breath you say “I have pretty well satisfied myself I have not obtained the office” and again that “my last satisfied you of this” So it is possible that you “having pretty well satisfied yourself” and satisfied by my last “should ??? be the rack of expectation”—I am inclined to believe that if you be on a rack state(?) it is that of conscious duplicity and ingratitude. But it seems “fearing it might injure xxxx prospects if you went out openly to see Col. D—you watched yr opportunity and went to see him who recd you kindly, he knowing your business”—Does it conflict with what ought to be the xxx upright and honest character of a man wishing to establish “an independent press” to watch an opportunity to sneak out to “See his friend who knew his business”—Heaven preserve me from such “independence”. Fool as you say poor Chandler was his feelings would have revolted at, and his honest pride would have disdained such conduct. But you did not wish it known that you had seen Col D at all “Why were you ashamed of his Company when “he recd you kindly talked with you two or three hours, vehemently “knowing your business” and promised you 500 subscribers for your Independent Paper ~ this is ingratitude, ingratitude indeed for which I think the xxxx In haste yrs
Is. Holland
Mr. Samuel Sands
Yr proposals are also enclosed with a copy of my note to Hughes.
The note from Hughes
Sir,
In answer to your note just brot by XXX I assure you the only occasion of delay in telling the Md Republican was induced by the arrival of a gentleman from M____ who proposed to offer for it and as his colleague in the proposal was unwell he came on to urge a delay of a few days. Mr. Brewer xxx 10 days as the extent to them—they seem to be in earnest.
The proposals offered by your friend is better than any others yet made and so high as to induce me to decline to offer I believe for it—several of my friends have warmly urged me to do so but I do not feel disposed to offer more than I xxx value—I must confess my partiality from all circumstances and especially from the judgment he evinces in his view of the establishment and the offer he makes for it to Mr Freuche—but his proposal falls so far short of the xxx that he will not success—the gentlemen from city of W. who offer $1200 and next to Mr. Sands in offer and one I think discreet clever men—the gentlemen from M___ did not mention a sum—from all these circumstances I think Mr. Sand’s offer stands a fair chance of success—you intimated in chat the other day his fear that his connection would be of disservice in the xxx—I have done him the justice to repeat his disapprobation of the cxxxx of the dexxxx (as he protested to me he did most positively) the principle question seems to be as to his experience and discretion by those who have no concern in the establishment xxxx---
J Hughes
Baltimore, Oct 22, 1822.
My dear Friend,
For, by this title, endeared to me by a correspondence of nearly fifteen years, whilst absent, and from my birth to the commencement of that time, I will once more, even should it be for the last time, address you from what cause it is unknown to me, that you should have penned such a letter as that which you forwarded to me—it is too true that you have did pen it otherwise no earthly power could have made me believe it. In asking you to report it about that I intended to establish another or an “Independent” Press, and for you to inform Mr. B. of the same, could you suppose, or did you really suppose, that I wished you to insult the feelings of that xxx?—did you suppose that your letter was the first intimation I ever had, of your having been brought up in the family of Mr. B.?---could the thing not have been mentioned in the manner of information?—or in the manner proposed?—it was as coming from me, and not you—where then is the duplicity which you so broadly insinuate, in this xxx?—what duplicity have I xxx in this—if you will read that over again I think you will find I told you I was really thinking about establishing another paper there—or, even I did not, it was my intention so to do—to convince you of this I wrote other letters to that effect to others and requested you to let Mr Sands know the fate of my proposals and, in case they have not succeeded, I requested him to give out likewise of my intended project—Mr. I_____ (?) when in Baltimore, also was informed by me of the same trip –then what duplicity I again ask, is to not have expected more letters from my worst enemy if any I had—yet it came the day of my birth!!! –a friend with whom I have kept up a correspondence with for fifteen years!—I must acknowledge this is one of the most astonishing events of my life—it is one I never would have looked for, and I never would have believed—but it is so—that’s too true—about the revisit of trifles—“the torturing rack of expectation”—I again repeat it that your letter had pretty well satisfied my mind that the paper would not be mine, even though I should offer most for it—but notwithstanding this, a decision was to be made and three or four opportunities occurred after the period fixed on for the decision, previous to my receiving any information—of course my mind was racked with expectation as you had promised in the very last letter (and you repeated the promise again in the same letter, with the addition that you would certainly (marking the above in italics) write—how did I know that Mr. B. after advertising that he would receive proposals till the 15th would still privately continue to receive them?—or how did I know that justice would or could be done me, if my proposals were the highest at the period fixed on, and still others had the privilege of making theirs ten days after the period fixed on by public advertisement? Do you call this fair dealing? Had I justice done me—I xxxx ask you the question—if proposals were still to be continued to received, why not make them public as before?—Why not give others an opportunity?—From Mr. Hughes’ letter, my proposals were the highest up to the 15th—of course—they ought to have been accepted inasmuch as objections could be made to my character—As to your assertion that the rack on which I was, was “that of conscious duplicity and ingratitude,” I must beg you more fully to explain—I am at a lost to account for it—you will please pay attention to this—you proceed in your friendly epistle, by remarking on the observation of my privately visiting Col. Duvall. He my acquaintance, and you amongst the members, knew that I had to xxxx an opposition on account of my connection with Mr. Sands—you knew that I was afraid it would have a bearing against me—you expressed your belief to me that it would—you express yourself in the same way to Hughes as appears by his letter—then if you and others knew or believed that this was so much with J. Sands, and my staying there whilst in town, was over balanced by the knowledge of his being my kinsman—but it was well known that Mr. Sands was, in a xxxx, at the head of the opposition (or at least Mr. Brewer and Mr. Hughes told me so) in conjunction with Col. Duvall, was it not reasonable to suppose that if it was known that I was with him, or that I had put myself so much out of my way as to go out to his residence, would it not have attracted suspicion from those who seem to watch everything with a jealous eye?—It was for this reason that I visited Col. D. privately—I had no idea of his making any such proposition or that I xxxx in my cost—I knew that he was interested in the establishment, as well as others, and calculated on getting his influence on my behalf if he had any—but he soon convinced me that he had none for although he was as xxxx interested as anyone, yet those who had got the things in their favor(?) had never consulted him for one moment on the subject—those are reasons convincing any one excepting those who are determined not to be convinced, of the propriety of my conduct in this particular—whilst in Annapolis I could not be “independent” because I was dependent on those who had the establishment at their disposal—I was obliged to mind how I acted, lest they might be prejudiced against me. So much for my visit to the Col—if I had got the paper in my power, it would then have have xxx time enough for me to shew my “independence”—you know that the reasons why I offered so much for the Md Repub. Was because I was so anxious to return to Annaopois—and would you then have wished me to do that which, in all probability would injure my prospects—there must be something else behind the curtain that causes you to dictate the letter I received—what that something is, I may, perhaps, hereafter understand.
I must acknowledge that it is a pity you should just now have discovered that I was “fully competent to teach duplicity”—it is rather singular that you should have made the discovery after an acquaintance and close connection in friendship Sam Sands
PS. The letter I requested you to destroy, it is true—but I only cared for your doing so in the event of my obtaining the establishment—in that case, if there are any xxxxx against any of the friends of the Md. Repub. (of which I am not aware) I was apprehensive they might do it, and thereby I would get their ill will though I was writing to a friend—