19219. United States Bank (Philadelphia, PA)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Suspension → Reopening
Bank Type
state
Start Date
June 1, 1837*
Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (39.952, -75.164)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
bf55e7d3

Response Measures

None

Description

Articles (June–July 1837) describe the United States Bank suspending specie payments / shut his doors at the time of the 1837 suspension of specie payments and Biddle's effort to resume specie by about Aug 1, 1837. No explicit depositor run is described in these excerpts; the suspension appears driven by the broader 1837 panic and inability to realize paper rather than a discrete run. Reopening (resumption) is planned for Aug 1, 1837.

Events (3)

1. June 1, 1837* Suspension
Cause
Macro News
Cause Details
Part of the widespread 1837 suspension of specie payments and the financial revulsion; bank unable to realize paper and suspended payments.
Newspaper Excerpt
at the hour of suspension, with about $2,500,000 of specie in his vaults to meet $7,000,000 of circulation... he was forced to shut his doors.
Source
newspapers
2. July 1, 1837 Other
Newspaper Excerpt
It is reduced to almost a certainty that the United States Bank will pay specie about the first of August... it is proposed to resume about the first of August.
Source
newspapers
3. August 1, 1837 Reopening
Newspaper Excerpt
It is proposed to resume about the first of August.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (3)

Article from The Charlotte Journal, June 16, 1837

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Article Text

# The United States Bank The Philadelphia National Gazette has the following paragraph in reference to the part taken by the United States Bank, in the suspension of specie payments: "We learn with great satisfaction, that in these measures of precaution the Directors of the United States Bank fully concur. They might, doubtless, have proceeded differently, but they considered—themselves—perfectly—identified with the community, and go with it cordially. They believe the measure of a precautionary and temporary character entirely, and they wish to reserve the unbroken strength of the bank so as to lead the way with resumption of specie payments, as soon as the government can pay its creditors in the same medium." Simplicity. The circular of the Secretary of the Treasury, to the deposite banks, of which we took some notice yesterday, gravely commences by stating that the Department has been informed through the public press, that the deposite banks have suspended specie payments, and with great simplicity desires to know if that event has happened. It is even so, Mr. Woodbury—and Burgoyne is taken, too!—But it is possible that Mr. Woodbury's correspondents will not admit the fact. On the contrary, we have heard it suggested whether they will not be virtuously indignant, and demand of the Secretary in what paper he has seen such a statement !—N. Y. Comm. "The Better Currency."-- A market man at Lowell, Massachusetts, being, like every body else, bothered for change, has hit upon a new expedient. With his other marketables, he carries a basket from which he makes change in hens' eggs. Now, unless the Legislature, like some other wise bodies, should enact a penalty for "issues" of so small a denomination, we don't see why the Lowell man will not get along very well. We don't know whether Mr. Benton has any objection to this kind of currency.—Gazette. This "egg currency " is certainly "better," and of course more convenient, than that of some countries we wot of—Texas, for instance. A gentleman in conversation, with a citizen of that beautiful republic, some time since, asked him how they supplied themselves with a currency? "Oh," he replied, "we have money enough." "Ah," replied the inquisitor, "what kind of currency have you? Specie, of course—living so near the mines of Mexico?" "Not at all," said the other. "We pay in cows for large sums, and throw in the calves for change!"


Article from Morning Herald, July 1, 1837

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Article Text

MONEY EAR K T. Saturday, July 1. From Philadelphia we have received a special and most interesting account of a grand movement on the part of that great financier, Nicholas Biddle. Various discussions have ensued in the bank parlor upon the future course of the United States Bank. By way of preliminary, we will recur to a few past events. Mr. Biddle, in exchange for his bonds and post notes, possessed himself of such paper as would have placed the deposite banks at his feet, had not the revulsion been so severe. Disappointed in this great plan, he found himself, at the hour of suspension, with about $2,500,000 of specie in his vaults to meet $7,000,000 of circulation. Net being able to realise the paper that he had taken, he was forced to shut his doors. Ever since, he has been busy in redeeming his circulation, till it is now within $5,000,000. Reference is here had to the new notes-as to the old ones, he is not obliged to redeem them. During the same time, this master spirit has been increasing his specie basis, till he has got it up to $3,500,000. While other financiers have been telking, he has been acting. On the first of July then, his circulation stands in proportion to his specie as 1-5 to 1. For the past ten days, warm discussions have been had in the sanctum at Philadelphia relative to the resumption of specie payments. The mercantile directors are opposed to it, while a great number of those having no immediate interest in trade, and himself, are loudly in favor of the scheme. It is proposed to resume about the first of August. This grand coup d'etat will enable him to claim the deposites, which by law must be given to the specie paying bank nearest to the place of collection. It will be remembered that on the 10th of August, if Mr. Biddle doesno resume, the government of Pennsylvania can abrogate the charter by virtue of a provision in the same. Look at the subject in which ever light you may, it is reduced to almost a certainty that the United States Bank will pay specie about the first of August. While such important movements are transpiring in our sister city, we see our own State taking the lead in sustaining its honor and credit athome and abread. Mr. Flagg, the Comptroller, who isa hard-money man and opposed toall the schemes of speculators, has issued a circular calling upon our banks for 10 per cent upon the canal fund in specie,-he, by law, being compelled to pay the interest of the State debt in the legal money of the country. The effect of this order will be, to increase the demand for specie. The banks will be forced to go into the market and their notes will depreciate,-that is specie will increase in price. Now what justice is there in this state of things? The banks must pay this demand on them in specie, while they can refuse the holders of their bills. By means of the odious suspension law, the poor man is compelled to put up with their depreciated paper, when the government can insist upon coin for its claim. What an anomaly, to say the least of it ! One part of the State is enjoying immunities, that another part is refused. Mr. Flagg has only done his duty. and he deserves the thanks of all just men for his zeal in the public service. The State of New York leading the way in the great cause of commercial faith, we sball see all the other States follow our example. Indiana and Illinois have already determined on the sarae course of conduct. Pennsylvania will do the same.The debts of all the States in the Unionare estimated at $60,000000, and the interest being calculated at 5 per cent, we have the sun of 3,600,000 to pay annually. The quarterly liquidation of this sum, in specie, will cause coin to appreciate rapidly.This very appreciation will render the banks less able to resume. And every day that they put it off, they will be removed the farther from so desirable a goal. The moral tone of the yeople of the United States is decidedly against an irredeemable paper currency. In the course of the United States Bank, wesee a positive exhibit of the strength and power of that tone. On the resumption of specie payments by Mr. Biddle, the prudently and correctly managed banks throughout the Union will follow suite immediately. Bnt another effect will ensue. More than four hundred of the institutions that have so long preyed on the industry of the country, will close their doors and wind up. They will find that the business of the land will not warrant their continuing in operation; and the prospect of the future, joined to the sad experience of the past, will determine them to settle up and surrender their charters. Again, Mr. Van Buren will 1 placed in a nostawkward predicament by the success of Mr. Biddle's operations. The government will be compelled to give the deposites to its hated ri. val. It is the grandest and beneficial conception that ever emanated from the mind of any man. Let Mr. Biddle resume, and by law his institution becomes the Deposite Bank at Philadelphia. The moral effect of this movement will be greater than any event that has characterized our chequered history for the past ten years. Taken in connection with the predominant feeling in favor of the legal currency, gold aud silver, or their equivalent, the movements of Mr. Biddle will place him at once at the head of all that great and good in this country. From every part of or we standare us legal the Union continual manifestations of the community.jp joined to the determination of the United States' Bank, the commerce of the country will recover from its late shock more speedily than any one could have anticipated. Stocks are quite brisk. U.S. Bank up 111). The tendency of U. S. B. stock upwards, is evidently owing to the projected resumption of coin payments by that institution. Specie in fair demand. GENERAL MARKETS. NEW YORK. June 30th, P. M.-Business, the past week. has


Article from Morning Herald, February 28, 1838

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Article Text

MONEY MARKET. Tuesday, Feb. 27--6,1 P. M. The exchange market, for the packets of the 1st, opened today. There was considerable inquiry, but few sales. The closing rates for England, by last packets, were 107. The probability is that a slight advance, perhaps 107₫, may take place for the next. The market is somewhat bare of southern exchange, and should the Express Mail of this evening bring no fresh supply to band, it may rise to 1071 or 1673. A good deal will depend on unforment contingencies. Two of the Wall street banks are only drawing-but it is certain that a large portion et southern exchange has yet to come to market, 04 account of the banks and individuals. One of the class of circumstances leading to the belief, that 2 supply of southern excharge may be expected ev. ery moment, is the settlement of the bank question by the legtislature of Louisiana. On the 17th instant, the legis. lature of that State passed through both houses the law to regulate the issues and conduct of the banks. There is a good deal of conflicting opinion on the expected operation of this law, but from the very fact that opinions differ, it may be pre sumed to possess some good points. As far as we can understand these accounts, a portion of the New Orleans banks is permitted to extend their leams-another portion must contract them. This course growsout of the position in which the new law finds the banks. Since the suspension of specie payments the banks of New Orleans have been divided into two interests; one class pursuing the policy of curtailment, the other that of expassion as far they could. The French banks generally have been contracting-the American banks expanding. The effect of the new law is to curtail the latter-and give power to the former. One portion of business men, therefore, feel a pressure and a panic,-whil another will be relieved. This is the situation of financial affairs in New Orleans The very settlement of the bank question is a great point gained. We anticipate, therefore, a renewed, though mode rate activity in the cotton market, especially in that portion of it which is connected with Havre. From these circumstances, fresh cotton bills may be expected in this market-and if so, the probability is, that the price of exchange on France will not vary much by this or the next packets. In the banking and financial affairs of Pennsylvania, there is also a speck of coercion in the legislature towards the banks. Astrong feeling is said to exist in that body, calculated to compel their banks to resume in May next. As this feeling also embraces the resumption el the United States Bank, it is possible that a strong opposition will be made to such a course from the city of Philadelphia.From varions sources we have nscertained it to be the deliberate opinion of Mr. Biddle, that a general resumption of specie payments cannot take place in this country for two years to come, and that to make even the movement, when it does take place, permanent, it must be accompanied with the favorable action of the general government, in the shape of a new national bank, or the reception of all public duesia the currency of the day. There will be a great con flict in Pennsylvania on this very question. In this part of the country, the same conflict is growing and widening. Boston is in a fever. The banks and the merchants are at issue on the policy necessary for the occasion and the time. Mr. P. P. F. Degrand, and a public meeting, have taken a ground somewhat resembling that assumed by Mr. Biddle. The conflict goes on, and we have yet to see its final issue. Meantime the statements of the banks crowd upon us. The following we have inst received -