Augusta County: C. T. Wills to John H. McCue,
November 1, 1853
Summary:
C. T. Wills provides John H. McCue with the status of the policies of Mr. Lowe,
Mr. Imboden, and Mr. Hirsch.
John H McCue Esquire
Office Lynchburg Hose & Fire
Insurance
Company
Staunton Va
Dear Sir
Your esteemed favor of the 24th October was received a few days since, but owing to the engagements of our President I was not able until yesterday to ascertain his views on the subject of your letter, and for this cause I hope you will excuse my seeming neglect.
I am now instructed to reply, that the premium which Mr Chs G. Lowe will give (3/4 %) is considerably lower than our rates, at least so far as his shop is concerned. As to his dwelling house we think that at least 1/4% too low, but if that is the rate charged by other companies we would take it. The shop is lower by 1 1/4% than any risk of the kind of which we have any knowledge, -- 2% is as low [unclear: as any] risk [added: of] this character is taken by us, but even at that rate, the building [illeg.] fire proof, otherwise the risk is worth according to circumstances from 2 1/2 to 5%, by most companies such risks will not be taken, indeed they are desirable with none. From the above you can gather the views of our Company as to Mr Lowes risk, which I need scarcely add is at the rates proposed respectfully declined. Your remarks about Mr Imbodens risk has been under consideration, and although 1 1/2 % is as low as we have taken such risks, yet we are from our knowledge of the character of Mr Imboden willing to continue his risk at 1 1/4 % but we would be doing injustice to our other customers to reduce his premium to 1% when the very best risks of the character of Mr Imboden are taken for others at not less than 1 1/4 %.
The risk of Messrs G. & M Hirsh expires on the 2nd and that of R H Phillips President &c. on the 13th December next. Should they desire a renewal I will send you renewal receipts upon being informed of the fact.
I shall be pleased to hear from you frequently.
-- November 1st 1853 --
Yours truly
C. T. Wills, Secretary
