The building is still standing. In the 19th century the façade on East High Street was covered with brick, but the west end of the eighteenth-century stone building is visible in this photo. (04-A-07)
The 60-foot by 33-foot, two-story stone building on High Street, just east of St. John’s Episcopal Church, is where several generations of merchants operated their businesses. Tavernkeeper and merchant John Wilkins purchased the building on Lot #171 from John Dobson, Agent for the trading firm of Baynton, Wharton & Morgan in 1772.1 Wilkins sold the property to John Holmes, Esq. in 1775.2 The following letters were written by merchants John (1725-1805) and William Holmes (d. c.1785)3 to Philadelphia merchant John Mitchell in their first year in business.
Letter: William Holmes of Carlisle to Philadelphia merchant John Mitchell, 17754
Carlisle April 25, 1775
Mr. John Mitchell
Sir, Some time ago I was in Philadelphia when you happened to be abroad, I had then a letter from Mr. John Wilkins to you which I suppose you have since received. My father and I have purchased Mr. Wilkins house and goods and as we have not yet settled a correspondence with any one in your way in Philadelphia, and being recommended to you by Mr. Wilkins, would be glad you would send the articles mentioned in the enclosed memorandum and I intend being in Philadelphia about the middle of May when I shall pay you as it is inconvenient now to find the cash.
Sir, Your humble servant, Wm. Holmes
NB. Please to make the bill and charge in the name of John & Wm. Holmes
Letter: John & William Holmes of Carlisle to merchant John Mitchell, 17765
Carlisle April 12, 1776
Sir
By the bearer Mr. Morton waggoner6 we have sent you 100 pounds [sterling] which please to place to our credit when received. We have now sent for the articles mentioned in the enclosed list which you’ll please to send by his wagon. We have sent for some wine and spirits—unless they are of the best you need not send them. We have sent for them at the request of the English Officers who are prisoners here7 and would be glad you would be something particular in sending them good otherwise they will not answer. We would just mention to you that the Rum in general we have had from you this winter and last Fall has not been so good as what we used to have from you owing very likely to the people you buy it from. Would be glad you would always send us the best Rum, as we are seldom down and our sole dependance for anything in that way is upon you. We had Rum from you this winter at 2/7—when there came Rum in the same wagon from Philadelphia at 2/3. The last coffee was put up in barrels so very slightly that a great deal was lost before we received it. We would once more beg that you would be very particular in sending the wine and spirits—let them be the best otherwise they may lye [sic] upon our hands as they might be too high priced to retail to the country, if they don’t suit the gentlemen for whom they are intended.
We are sir
Your very humble Servants J & Wm. Holmes
NB. Would be glad if it’s to be had you would please send ½ Rheam [sic] best gilt paper.
Ephraim Steele was one of several Carlisle merchants who did business with Philadelphia merchant John Mitchell. The method of doing business and the kind of goods ordered are revealed in these three letters written in 1775 and 1776.
1 Cumberland County Register of Deeds, Deed Book 1-C-288. Microfilm at CCHS.
2 Cumberland County Register of Deeds, Deed Book 1-D-464. Microfilm at CCHS.
3 The Carlisle Gazette and Western Repository of Knowledge, August 17, 1785, p. 3.
4 Sequestered John Mitchell Papers, MG-92 Pennsylvania State Archives: Microfilm Roll 4 #3992.
5 Sequestered John Mitchell Papers, MG-92 Pennsylvania State Archives: Microfilm Roll 5 #3993.
6 Edward Morton of East Pennsborough Township, Cumberland County, PA, operated a large farm as well as running a wagon to and from Philadelphia.
7 During the Revolutionary War, English Officers were held in Carlisle’s prison. A few, such as Major John Andre and Lt. Despard were under house arrest in Carlisle and may be some of those officers mentioned in this letter.