Malseed Family Letters (1839-1892)

              [page 1]
Know all men by these Presents that it is hereby 
mutually agreed by and between the Republic of Texas 
by the Agency of Mr Henry Dangerfield [Conett ?] of Purcha- 
ses and John Malseed of Philadelphia shoe maker 
that the said John Malseed shall and will ma- 
nufacture and deliver on or 
before the first day of January 1840 two thousand 
two hundred and forty laced Bootees to be in form work- 
manship and quality like and equale to the pattern 
in the office of the Commissary Genl of Purchases 
of the United States on which this contract is founded 
Every 100 pairs that pass inspection are to contain the 
numbers of each sise as follows — viz of no 12 two pairs 
of no 10 four pairs—of no 11 two pairs of no 9 eighteen 
pairs of no 8 forty pairs of no 7 twenty six pairs 
of no 6 six pairs and of no 5 two pairs — The sewing 
in the inseam and stitching to be with at least 
ten strands of good hemp thread well waxed and 
pulled in tight — The Feather on the insole is not to 
be more than half an inch wide so as to prevent 
the edge from turning up and hurting the foot 
Each heel is to have two good lifts both sewed 
down and the top pieces pegged on with at least 
forty stout Pegs — The Bootees are to be worked 
square with the last on which they are made 
and must measure at least half a size outside 
more than is marked on them and will be rejected 
if overmarked — The uppers and bottoms to be of 
oak tanned leather — no split leather to be used 
The width of the soles acros the Ball of the foot 
to be graduated as follows and to be in propor- 
tion through out — no 12 & 11 from 4 1/2 to 4 1/4 inches — no 10 
4 1/4 inches — no 9 4 1/8 inches — no 8 4 inches — no 7—3 7/8 inches 
No 6—3 3/4 inches & no 5 3 5/8 inches — The strings to be of 
good cordovan or the belly part of good wax upper 
The Bootees are to have four stitches to the Inch in 
the inseam and six stiches to the inch in the sole 

[blank line] Which Bootees he is to deliver in 
Philadelphia with proper certificates of inspection & 
packed in good & sufficient Boxes for transportation 
by sea & land, with the no in each Box marked thereon 
&, "For the Republic of Texas" -— It is further agreed that the Price 
of said Laceed Bootees shall be one dollar & forty eight 
cents the pair current Bank notes in Phila —- with reason- 
able expences of Packing Boxes -- Payable upon delivery after 
strict inspection with certificates therof --

Witness the hand of the said commissary & the hand & 
seal of the said Malseed this [blank space] day of November 1839

Wm Henry Dangerfield Com.  S S
Pur. T. A.    
John Malseed	S S

Sealed & delivered in 
presence of 
Geoff Tryon


[page 2]
Jany 28th 1840 

Received of Wm Henry Dangerfield 
thirty three hundred forty seven 
dollars thirty nine cents in full 
discharge and acquitance of 
this contract on the Part of 
the Republic of Texas 

John Malseed

[written sideways on right edge of page 2] 
Malseed 
Contract 
Bootees