1863 HOMEOPATHIC DOCTOR LETTER Dr. John H. Floto CHICORY FARMING MEDICINE COFFEE

Description

INTERESTING CIVIL-WAR ERA LETTER FROM AN EARLY HOMEOPATHIC DOCTOR, ABOUT THE CHICORY ROOT TRADE
"War or no war, the root will be & is already introduced in our country"
AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED BY DR. JOHN H. FLOTO.
Allentown, [PA], June 11, 1863. The 4-page letter (measuring 8 x 5 inches), from Dr. John H. Floto to Edward D. Kimball (noted Salem maritime merchant and banker) solicits Kimball's investment in the doctor's business venture, farming chicory root in the US, instead of importing it. At the time it was becoming a popular addition to ground coffee, in addition to its other myriad medicinal uses. He also says, "I have concluded to follow your advice and go back to Chicago to practice medicine with my friend, Dr. Cook...". Signed "Always yours truly, John H. Floto." A fascinating letter, with details about the international chicory trade, including price, demand, and the farming, kilning, and grinding, plus the difficulties of the maritime trade, "it requires fresh root, the sea air spoils it...".
Accompanying the doctor's letter is a retained manuscript copy letter from Kimball to Dr. Floto. His letter discourages Floto from taking on the chicory farming endeavor, and continue to import it. He also writes to Dr. Floto, "you have broken your word to me" in getting involved in chicory farming. Despite Kimball's protestations, he includes a 00 bank check with the letter, but warns of no more, and the threat of lifelong debt in farming [Kimball kept unsigned copies of his own correspondence]. Both letters are docketed on verso by Kimball. Very good condition; folded for mailing, lightly soiled. The copy letter has 2 tears.
The recipient, Edward D. Kimball, was a noted Salem, MA maritime merchant, shipping, banking, and textile magnate. He also served in the leadership of the Naumkeag Bank and the Naumkeag Steam Cotton Company.
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