Isaac Knapp to W. L. Garrison, at Brooklyn.
Boston, September 12, 1838.2 dear friend: Accept my thanks for your kind and affectionate letter. I am truly grateful for your recollections of the past. Although I never doubt your affection for me, yet, as time passes and circumstances alter, it is refreshing and encouraging to have, now and then, a renewal of your continued regard for me, however unworthy of such regard I may esteem myself. . . . During the past summer I have had a very good degree of health; but, as far as pecuniary matters are concerned, it has been the most anxious and wearisome season I ever experienced. The truth is, that, according to my means and ability, I have undertaken too much business. The bookstore, although profitable, has embarrassed me, for the want of capital. You, I think, will believe me when I say, that I assumed the responsibility of keeping a book establishment mainly for the purpose of having a place open for the general resort of the friends of the cause, and supplying our friends from the country with such tracts, etc., as they might [wish]. Profit I never anticipated: to make both ends meet was all I ever desired. You know, too, that of monied capital I was utterly destitute, and, also, that I possess but a very little of that cent per cent principle which I find to be absolutely more necessary for continued success in a large business than money itself. But I cannot acquire it: I had rather a thousand times, that my property be sacrificed, and be myself imprisoned, than that any debtor of mine suffer through my agency. My creditors, I think, will not suffer, for, I believe, I have enough to satisfy them all. My business has, imperceptibly almost, become quite extensive, and, for the lack of the several kinds of the foregoing capital, it is embarrassing, although I am sure it has been profitable, and is daily becoming more so. My stock, exclusive of printing apparatus, has accumulated to $4000, wholesale prices, and I cannot turn it fast enough to meet my
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The Century Company. , 1885-1889.
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