1853 Letter — J. H. Phelps to Charles Stillman
In June of 1853, a New Orleans merchant named J. H. Phelps wrote two long letters to Charles Stillman describing the restless economic energy of the Gulf frontier.
Phelps had just arrived after a difficult voyage across the bar at the mouth of the Mississippi, where squalls and heavy winds shook the steamer carrying families, merchants, and freight into the great port. Once safely ashore, he turned his attention to business matters—and to Texas.
Stillman had apparently suggested that stock raising might prove profitable on the frontier. Phelps agreed that it might suit a man of capital, though he confessed he lacked the funds to attempt such an enterprise himself. Mule prices were already climbing, and he hoped a modest trade in horses and mules might support him. If prospects improved, he wrote, he might soon travel west to Texas, perhaps even toward Corpus Christi, where many believed the next frontier of opportunity was forming.
(New Orleans, June 16 and June 29, 1853)
Quick readable transcription summary
June 16, 1853 — New Orleans
Phelps writes to Stillman describing his recent sea voyage into New Orleans.
He recounts:
Leaving on a yacht and transferring to the steamer Cincinnati
Crossing the bar at the mouth of the Mississippi
Experiencing squalls and heavy blowing winds
Traveling with women and children aboard
Finally arriving safely in New Orleans
He notes that Mrs. C. and Frank have taken rooms at the City Hotel while family members are busy with household matters and shopping.
Phelps tells Stillman that he will remain in New Orleans for a short time while arranging matters.
He mentions that a certain old servant acquaintance delayed him a few days.
June 29, 1853 — New Orleans
This second letter is more revealing about Texas economic expectations.
Phelps responds to a comment from Stillman suggesting that stock raising in Texas might be profitable.
He explains:
A stock farm in Texas might suit a wealthy man like Stillman
But it would require more capital than he possesses
He has been examining horses and mules
Mule prices near the Brazos are around $100 each
He hopes to sell some animals profitably
Phelps says he may soon travel to Texas to investigate opportunities.
He writes that he hopes his “little stock business will make me a living through my industrious operations.”
He also comments that:
Commercial business in New Orleans is slow
Many people are moving into Texas stock raising
The region near Corpus Christi may offer opportunities
Historical Insights from the Letters
These two letters reveal several fascinating aspects of border commerce in 1853.
1️⃣ Travel was difficult and uncertain
The Mississippi delta was dangerous.
Phelps describes:
crossing the bar
violent squalls
crowded ships
These journeys were routine for merchants supplying the Rio Grande trade.
2️⃣ Texas ranching was already attracting investors
By 1853 many businessmen were considering cattle and mule enterprises in Texas.
Phelps writes that stock raising might be ideal for Stillman.
This is important because it shows that the Texas livestock boom began earlier than most people realize.
3️⃣ The mule trade was booming
Mules were essential for:
freight transport
military supply
trade caravans into Mexico
Phelps notes prices around $100 per mule, a very substantial sum in 1853.
4️⃣ Many merchants were reconsidering New Orleans
Phelps suggests New Orleans commerce had slowed.
Meanwhile Texas seemed full of opportunity.
This shift reflects the economic gravity gradually moving westward after the Mexican War.
One particularly interesting line
This sentence is wonderful historically:
“A Texas stock raising business with a little residence in New Orleans would seem to me to be the very ideal of human affection.”
It captures the dream of many merchants:
Money made in Texas — life enjoyed in New Orleans.
One more interesting detail
The envelope shows a New Orleans postmark (June 1853) and is addressed to:
Charles Stillman
Brownsville
Texas
Which tells us something important:
By 1853 Stillman was already well known enough to receive letters simply addressed to Brownsville.
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