[Rarebooks] FS: Unhappy Stock Investors- in our New April Catalog

[Joslin Hall Rare Books]

** From our new catalog -

51. [Unhappy Investors]  Series of January, 1912 Handwritten Letters to 
an Unhappy Investor in International Correspondence Schools Stock.

Two multi-page handwritten letters on the letterhead of the 
International Textbook Company - International Correspondence Schools, 
of Scranton, Pennsylvania-

"Mr. Geo. Van Keuren, Hurleyville, N.Y. - Jan 9 - Dear Mr. Van Keuren, 
In reference to the remark that you made yesterday that you had paid too 
much for the stock that you bought I have just had a talk with Mr. 
Atwell and he stated that he had just rec'd a letter from you to that 
effect, also that you had ample proof that he sold it to you as 
Representative of the Company. In reference to the latter statement you 
will recall that at the time I advised you to buy this stock that I told 
you Mr. Atwell was in Business as a stock broker and you asked me if he 
was rated in either Dunn's or Bradstreets of N.Y. or if he could give 
you any references as to his financial standing as you did not care to 
do business unless you knew whom you were dealing with. Also in 
reference to your statement that you can purchase this stock at 20, 
would advise that the Price quoted you from the Home office is for 
Preferred and Common together, they will not sell the common stock 
separate at any price and it is only by buying two shares of preferred 
at 52.50 each that you can get one share common at 20. I consider the 
purchase of common separately at 30 one of the best investments in the 
market today and would advise you by all means to hold on to it as it is 
only a short time before the schools will be charging at least 40 for 
it, of this I am quite confident. Trusting that this letter will explain 
everything clearly to you and with best wishes I beg to remain, 
Sincerely yours, W.H. Hoffman."

And then- "Mr. Geo Van Keuren, Hurleyville, N.Y. - Jan 10 -12 - Dear 
Sir: your letter of 9th inst. at hand and contents noted. In reply 
thereto beg to advise that my letter to you was merely written as a 
friend and do not wish you to misconstrue it as being in any way 
connected with Mr. Atwell as partner. But I feel that a certain amount 
of responsibility rests on my shoulders inasmuch as I recommended the 
purchase of this stock to you and told you how you could make some money 
by the purchase of some. Hence my reason for writing to you as I did 
yesterday, and not to mingle in any way with Mr. Atwell or his affairs 
in which light you seem to have taken my letter. I may be up your way in 
near future and will drop in and see you. Very truly yours W.H. 
Hoffman".

All of this may have been the result of another, undated letter in the 
group, an undated missive titled- "International Educational Publishing 
Co. Stock for July Investment", and detailing the dividends and general 
good things that will accrue to any smart purchaser of ICS stock.  6 
sheets, 8.5"x11". Some wear and soil.  [42051]  $85


** See a picture, and much more material in our new catalog-

CATALOG #354: A Selection of Books & Ephemera for April, 2015
<http://www.joslinhall.com/Catalog354.pdf>


  - - -


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