Letter from John McConihe to John Kellogg, September 21, 1860
In this September 21, 1860 letter, John McConihe writes to friend and business partner, John Kellogg, about his beginning freighting business and his hopes for future prosperity in that area. He mentions the upswing in the optimism of Nebraskans about their future prosperity since the completion of a telegraph to Omaha.
Omaha
Sept. 21st 1860
Dear John
I telegraphed you yesterday, that I had received that package of $960, all right, and I suppose you received the same.
The money will get a good circulation and more than two thirds of it will remain out until after the note is paid. I wish it had been in smaller notes as I fear they will pick up the $10 & 20s and send them off by mail. Still I will try and keep these out as long as possible. I have marked all the notes on the back with the stamp of the Neb. Land & Bk. Co. and you will see them when they appear at your Counter.
I start to day three-four-mule teams for Denver, loaded with butter lard cheese apples molasses and sugar and with good luck
expect to make at least $700 on the trip. They will return within 50 days. It took considerable money to buy these twelve mules, three wagons, outfit &c. and I have a good man to take charge of the train. Credit here helps me too. Should I have good luck in this, I shall send early next spring, a large train Westward.
We are making a great push to send Morton to Congress and I verily believe it will be accomplished. All looks well now.
Our Citizens feel much brighter and more confident of future prosperity, since the completion of the telegraph than ever before. I have never faltered in my opinion since we first landed at John Newtons Office on Douglas Street.
I am under a thousand obligations to you for the loan of the money and when I say I will pay I mean it. I have never yet failed to do as I said
I would and my credit in this place is as good, as it is with you. I could buy provisions enough here to load 40 wagons all on credit.
When I shall get home I cannot say. I cannot possibly get away without making great sacrifice before February next.
In "America" now, we read the same despatches [sic] at the breakfast table in the morning paper that you do.
In good health and in good spirits I wish to be remembered to all
Your friend
John McConihe
