A Little Broker to Thaddeus Stevens, 22 January 1864.
Transcribed by Chris Jonas and reversed-order proofed by Holly Harper, Furman University, from the Thaddeus Stevens Papers.
Introduction:
The anonymous broker who authors this letter is believed to be referring to the Tax Act of 1862, in which many types of businessmen were required to pay for licenses. The "little Broker" is obviously concerned about the larger percentage of revenue the tax represents for the smaller firms. This letter exemplifies the forgotten voice of the "little man" that is indicative of the times, while foreshadowing the rise of business interests and corporations in decades to come. The language is characteristic of this struggle, as one of the "little ones" or "sufferers" calls for relief from "this unequal tax."
Philad. Jan’y 22? 1864
Hon: Thadeus [sic] Stevens, [unclear:M.6.]
Respected Sir.
Inasmuch as you had an active past in the arrangement of the [unclear: Revenue] Laws I take the liberty of addressing you in regard to one item in that law which bears hard on a class of poor men--I mean the License for Brokers--our larger Brokers who make their tens of thousands and of Dollars, only pay $50 for their license--and some of us little ones street runners who sell a few notes, hardly making bread for our families, are obliged (as good citizens working to obey the law) to pay for a license $50--this is very hard and very unequal--as one of the sufferers I ask you to have this law modified, so that we little ones will be relieved from a part of this unequal tax--
I have been side by side in the ranks of the party in power all my long life and I stand up for the administration and putting down the rebellion--my boys are in the good cause, fighting for their country--and I hope a kind providence will bring us out of this wicked rebellion, and make us a better and happier people than we ever have been--
With great Respect Yours,
a little Broker
(benson/HST41/clear/stevens4.htm)