On this day (December 29) in the year 1846, Joseph Pennell, an early partner of Albert Sands Southworth prior to Southworth's long partnership with Josiah Johnson Hawes, wrote the following letter to the Southworth and Hawes studio: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Waterbury Dec 29, 1846 Friend Southworth I send you 20 pounds of hyposulphite which I think you will like at least part of it. It is all equally good but the white pearl will be the most salable probably. I had not time to break it up but if you will select the handsomest of it and bottle it I think it will sell. Messrs. Scovill are much pleased with some I have put up for them. I wish you would try it thoroughly and let me know how you like it and whether you prefer the best sort. I wrote to you about a balvonic battery I wish you would call of Mr. Davis's and see what improvements he has. I want one for doing large work. I wrote to Wilcox but he has not answered me. I would like for Wilcox to answer my letter if he has received it. Please give me Davis's prices for his best batteries for plating I can put you up a handsomer lot of hypo if you think you can sell it for me. I like the looks of the white pearl. There is less wafer of crystalisation in it and consequently more of the substance to the pound. Please answer this as soon as convenient. Yours truly Jos Pennell (written vertically in the margin:) I think some of leaving scovills and doing business on my own hook what think you? (transcribed from a manuscript in the collection of Matthew Isenburg) --------------------------------------------------------------------- I'm glad to be back with DagNews! I hope that you and yours are enjoying a great holiday season. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 12-29-95