Correspondence
name: label: Collection Creator
content: Mason, William, 1808-1883 (manufacturer)
setName: label: See more items in
content: William Mason Papers
unitdate: label: Date
content: 1845 - 1857
dataSource: label: Archival Repository
content: Archives Center, National Museum of American History
identifier: label: Identifier
content: NMAH.AC.0045, Series 2
objectType: label: Type
content: Archival materials
scopecontent: label: Scope and Contents
content: Frost & Wallace of New York provided Mr. Mason with many of his clothes.  He seems to have placed a large order every year for coats, pants, and vests:

1845 -- Seems to have sent "Cards" produced by poor workmanship to Andrew Robson & Son of Fall River.  Didn't notice until second set sent.  Said the 12 would be replaced.  Evidently had received a nasty letter about this previously.

1845 April -- Appears to be in partnership with J.K. Mills, who was pleased with Mason's "talent and good management."  Offered to (s) finish up present contract in "present shops," or (b) have Mason build new shops and machinery and form new partnership of 7 years receiving $6   10 thousand per year for next two and other arrangements seemingly favorable in the end for Mason as well.

1845 May -- In May ordered to quit premises where machine manufacturing was done because it was part of the Brick Mill Estate.

1845 August -- Made a contract in August 1845 (unsigned in file) with the Nauukeag Steam Cotton Company of Salem, Massachusetts, to build 40 self acting mules.  Each mule was to contain 672 spindles.  The mules were to be suitable for spinning #20 yarn. In addition, Mason was to build 576 looms   300 to weave 35" cloth, and 276 to weave 39" cloth. Payment was $2.75 per spindle and $75 per loom.

1845 September -- Agreement made with Dean and Morse on September 13, 1845, to turn over furnace, machine shops and buildings situated on the Brick Mill premises including the property belonging to Charles Richmond, within a specified period of time. Agreement made with Dean and Morse on September 13, 1845, to permit them to use his patented mule, "Mason's Improved Self Actor," for a period of 5 years.  In return, payment terms given.

1846 -- Continues to dress well thanks to Frost and Wallace.

1846 July -- Mason formed "Town Hill Mining Company" with several others including Mr. Mills.

1846 September -- In September, was asked by one stockholder if the copper mine had opened. In September   Seems to have another contract with J.K. Mills.

1846 November -- Keller & Greenough of Washington, D.C., represented Mason in his getting a patent for a "self acting mule" for $250.

1847 -- No mention of clothes this year.

1847 March -- Mason was a stockholder of Parker Mills which needed to increase its capital stock. Mason owned guns which came from Barclay Street in New York.

1847 September -- Bought from Porter and Lowell 3030' of No. 2 plank for $99.99.  Evidently quality of 2" plank not as good as 1" but this was a good load, seasoned more than a year.

1847 November -- Received a request for payment to the Great Falls Mfg. Co., of $10 due since February 1842.  The Company served as trustees when some self acting mules were attached and Mason sued. Mr. Keller gave it as his opinion that Mason's patent for a rotary blower did not infringe on that awarded in 1839 to Frederick P. Drinpfel.

1848 -- Paid $1,015 for mantels furnished and set up.

1846 November, Many receipts in this folder dealing in goods and services such as:

sleighs

fruits, vegetables, meat, crackers, sherry, brandy

furniture, china, ruggs, kitchen equipment

house trimmings, window sill, hinges

men's clothing

rental and boardin payments   paid $65.50/3 months

dentist and medical bills

building a well

payroll and expense accounts for several employees

sperm oil

stencil lettering ink

cement, pig iron, planks, doors, coal, tiles, rope, cast steel