Brownsville, Sept. 13, 1850
To: Jose S. M. Rivero
Fresnillo
Transcription (English Original)
Sir,
By the request of our mutual friend Major Wm. W. Chapman, we take the liberty of advising you of the state of this market. Within the last fifteen days the Collectors of Matamoros and Camargo have been suppressed, which for a time will check the introduction of goods into Mexico. Our market is well supplied with the staple articles. Mantas red striped are worth 9½ @ 10 cts. English superiores $4 from 8 to 10% according to quality. Camargo best article 9½ @ 9¾. English Prints 8½ to 9½.
The introduction of goods from this frontier is attended with great uncertainties and numerous risks. The merchants have ceased to visit this place for purchasing, preferring to make their purchases in Monterey, the duties for goods smuggled or otherwise introduced from this frontier being uncertain.
The importers have availed of every opportunity that offers of throwing their goods forward to Monterey for sale; we deem that place the best market for you to make your purchases, and beg leave to refer you to our friends there for such information as you may require; or write Mr. Morin by this mail, and they will be pleased to offer you at all times any goods …
Spanish Translation
Brownsville, 13 de septiembre de 1850
Para: Jose S. M. Rivero
Fresnillo
Señor,
A petición de nuestro amigo común, el Mayor Wm. W. Chapman, nos tomamos la libertad de informarle sobre el estado de este mercado. En los últimos quince días han sido suprimidas las aduanas (colectores) de Matamoros y Camargo, lo cual por algún tiempo frenará la introducción de mercancías en México. Nuestro mercado está bien surtido de artículos básicos. Las mantas rayadas rojas valen 9½ a 10 centavos. Las “superiores” inglesas de $4 rinden de 8 a 10% según calidad. El mejor artículo de Camargo 9½ a 9¾. Los estampados ingleses 8½ a 9½.
La introducción de mercancías por esta frontera está sujeta a grandes incertidumbres y numerosos riesgos. Los comerciantes han dejado de venir a este lugar a comprar, prefiriendo hacer sus compras en Monterrey, siendo inciertos los derechos de las mercancías introducidas de contrabando o de otra manera por esta frontera.
Los importadores han aprovechado toda oportunidad para enviar sus mercancías a Monterrey para su venta; consideramos que aquel es el mejor mercado para que usted realice sus compras, y le rogamos dirigirse a nuestros amigos allá para cualquier información que necesite; o escribir al Sr. Morin por este correo, y estarán gustosos de ofrecerle en todo momento cualquier mercancía…
English Translation (Modernized)
Brownsville, September 13, 1850
To: Jose S. M. Rivero
Fresnillo
Sir,
At the request of our mutual friend Major Wm. W. Chapman, we are writing to inform you about the current condition of this market. Within the past fifteen days, the customs collectors at Matamoros and Camargo have been removed, which for the time being will slow or interrupt the movement of goods into Mexico. Our market is well supplied with staple goods. Red-striped mantas are selling at 9½ to 10 cents. English superior goods at $4 yield 8–10% depending on quality. The best Camargo article brings 9½ to 9¾. English prints are selling at 8½ to 9½.
Bringing goods across this frontier involves great uncertainty and risk. Merchants have stopped coming here to purchase goods, preferring instead to buy in Monterrey, since duties on goods smuggled or otherwise introduced from this frontier are unpredictable.
Importers are taking advantage of every opportunity to forward their goods to Monterrey for sale. We consider that city the best market for your purchases and refer you to our friends there for further information. You may also write to Mr. Morin by this mail, and they will gladly supply you with goods at all times.
Analysis (Interpretation for Today’s Reader)
This letter reveals several important realities of border trade in 1850:
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Political Instability Directly Affected Commerce
The “suppression” of customs collectors at Matamoros and Camargo suggests governmental reorganization or instability. Customs offices were central to revenue collection in post-Mexican-American War Mexico. Their suspension disrupted trade routes and temporarily blocked legal importation channels. -
Uncertainty Encouraged Market Shifts
Because duties were uncertain and enforcement inconsistent, merchants preferred Monterrey as a more stable inland commercial center. This demonstrates how trade routes shifted rapidly based on political control and tariff enforcement. -
Smuggling Was Common and Expected
The letter openly references goods “smuggled or otherwise introduced,” suggesting that irregular trade was normal practice. The unpredictability of tariffs made smuggling both risky and routine. -
Brownsville as a Transshipment Point
Rather than being the final market, Brownsville functioned as a staging ground. Goods were redirected to Monterrey, which appears to have been the more reliable wholesale center for northern Mexico. -
Commercial Networking
Stillman & partners relied heavily on trusted contacts (Major Chapman, Mr. Morin). Trade was relationship-based. Referrals were crucial for maintaining cross-border business. -
Price Transparency
The detailed pricing shows competitive awareness and careful reporting. These merchants were acting as market correspondents, supplying pricing intelligence to inland clients.
Overall, this letter reflects a frontier economy highly sensitive to political change, dependent on informal trade networks, and constantly adapting to regulatory uncertainty.
If you would like, we can now proceed to the second letter on the next page in the same structured format.
Perfect — yes, from now on we will complete each letter from start to finish in one structured entry before moving on. 👍
Now continuing with the second letter on the page.
Letter 2
Brownsville, Sept. 13, 1850
To: Messrs. Southmayd & Harrison
Transcription (Original English)
Brownsville Sept 13th 1850
Messrs Southmayd & Harrison
Gentlemen
By the Brig Amada Parsons from New York, we receive due advice of 41 Bales and four cases of Mass all bonded goods, all of the samples we shall require; if any of them should be in the invoices please pay duties on the same.
The Capt made his report and upon the measurement of the cargo on the tariff of each bill lading turned out that our invoice made 19½ freight from England was paid on 33½ feet for the same goods, this difference was more manifested to him in New York, and he reports to the latter measurement, consequently you will pay freight on 33½ feet.
No. 75 to 79 — 21 Bales superiores, which have appeared in several entries say 1 Bale, 2 Bales, 3 Bales, 10 Bales & 12 Bales with quality in entry of invoice.
No. 81 — one entry
No. 85 — one entry
No. 89 — one entry
No. 90 & 102 — one entry
No. 160 — pay the duties on it — will send you invoice for them
No. 23 — other entry
No. 235 & 236 — one entry
No. 237 & 238 — one entry
These goods you will please forward as convenient after their arrival, and we will in time and we would willingly pay you for them.
We remain
Your obedient
Chas Stillman & Bro
Spanish Translation
Brownsville, 13 de septiembre de 1850
A los Sres. Southmayd & Harrison
Señores
Por el bergantín Amada Parsons procedente de Nueva York, recibimos aviso de 41 fardos y cuatro cajas de mercancías de Massachusetts, todas mercancías en depósito aduanal. Tomaremos todas las muestras necesarias; si algunas de ellas aparecen en las facturas, sírvanse pagar los derechos correspondientes.
El capitán presentó su informe y, al medirse la carga según la tarifa correspondiente a cada conocimiento de embarque, resultó que nuestra factura indicaba 19½ pies cúbicos de flete desde Inglaterra, pero el flete fue pagado sobre 33½ pies para las mismas mercancías. Esta diferencia se le hizo notar en Nueva York y él informa conforme a la medición mayor; en consecuencia, deberán pagar el flete sobre 33½ pies.
Nos. 75 al 79 — 21 fardos “superiores”, que han aparecido en varias entradas: 1 fardo, 2 fardos, 3 fardos, 10 fardos y 12 fardos, con la calidad indicada en la factura.
No. 81 — una entrada
No. 85 — una entrada
No. 89 — una entrada
No. 90 y 102 — una entrada
No. 160 — paguen los derechos; les enviaremos factura
No. 23 — otra entrada
No. 235 y 236 — una entrada
No. 237 y 238 — una entrada
Les rogamos remitir estas mercancías tan pronto como sea conveniente después de su llegada, y en su momento les pagaremos gustosamente.
Quedamos de ustedes atentos servidores,
Chas Stillman & Bro
English Translation (Modernized)
Brownsville, September 13, 1850
To Messrs. Southmayd & Harrison
Gentlemen,
By the brig Amada Parsons from New York, we have received notice of 41 bales and four cases of Massachusetts goods, all bonded. We will require all samples; if any of them appear on the invoices, please pay the duties on them.
The captain has submitted his report. Upon measuring the cargo according to the tariff listed in each bill of lading, it was found that although our invoice listed 19½ cubic feet freight from England, freight was actually paid on 33½ feet for the same goods. This discrepancy was pointed out in New York, and he confirms the larger measurement; therefore, you will pay freight on 33½ feet.
Nos. 75–79: 21 bales of “superior” goods appearing under several entries (1 bale, 2 bales, 3 bales, 10 bales, and 12 bales), quality specified in the invoice.
[Then follow detailed customs entry numbers and instructions regarding duties.]
Please forward these goods as soon as convenient after arrival, and we will settle payment promptly.
We remain,
Your obedient servants,
Charles Stillman & Brother
Analysis (Interpretation for Today’s Reader)
This letter illustrates the mechanics of mid-19th-century transatlantic and coastal trade:
1. Bonded Goods System
The merchandise arrived “bonded,” meaning duties had not yet been paid. This allowed merchants to defer payment until goods were withdrawn for sale — a common practice to manage cash flow.
2. Freight Measured by Cubic Foot
Freight was calculated by cubic measurement, not just weight. A discrepancy from 19½ to 33½ cubic feet significantly increased shipping costs. Stillman accepts the larger measurement — indicating either correction or concession.
3. Layered Shipping Route
Goods originated in England, passed through New York, and were forwarded to Brownsville. This shows the global trade chain:
England → New York (major port) → Brownsville (frontier port) → Mexico (inland market).
4. Highly Structured Customs Accounting
The detailed listing of bale numbers and entry numbers shows the complexity of customs compliance. Each grouping corresponded to a separate entry in bonded warehouse records.
5. Delegated Authority
Stillman instructs his New York agents to:
-
Pay duties where necessary
-
Pay freight
-
Forward goods
This shows how dependent frontier merchants were on trusted commission agents in eastern ports.
6. Capital Management
Even though freight increased, Stillman does not dispute aggressively — suggesting maintaining commercial relationships was often more valuable than contesting costs.
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