Merchants Bank (New York, NY)

Episode Information

Episode UID
2732827390694
Episode Type
Run β†’ Suspension β†’ Unsure
Bank Type
state
Bank ID
273282739 hash
Start Date
October 13, 1857
Location
New York, New York (40.714, -74.006)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini (chosen from majority vote of a three-model LLM ensemble)
Short Digest
701a4f5c703a6458

Response Measures

None

Description

Some reports list Merchants Bank as suspended while others describe heavy withdrawals but continued payments; resolution for this specific bank is ambiguous in the provided articles.

Events (2)

1. October 13, 1857 Run
Cause
Macro News
Cause Details
Part of the widespread October 1857 financial panic and general run on New York City banks.
Measures
Paid out large amounts of specie to depositors during the run (e.g., $160,000).
Newspaper Excerpt
The Merchants' Bank, out of nearly & million of specie, paid $160,000.
Source
newspapers
2. October 13, 1857 Suspension
Cause
Macro News
Cause Details
Listed among many New York banks that suspended amid the city-wide panic of October 1857.
Newspaper Excerpt
dispatch stating that the following New York Banks had suspended ... Merchant's Bank.
Source
newspapers

Newspaper Articles (7)

Article from The Davenport Daily Gazette, October 14, 1857

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Article Text

Later: General Nuspension I : Messrs. Cook & Sargent received yesterday afternoon a dispatch stating that the following New York Banks had suspended Marine Bank. Irving Bank Citizen's Bank. New York Exchange Bank Ocean Bank North River Bank Merchant's Bank. It is expected that the others " il suspend forthwith, and there is but littl. 'oubt that the Boston Banks, and all the Panks of New England will have to suspend this week. A tremendous excitement prevailed at New York yesterday.


Article from Worcester Daily Spy, October 14, 1857

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The run upon the Mechanics, Merchants, Bank of America, Manhattan, and American Banks, was severe and continued up to the close of business. The Broadway Bank held out till nearly 3 o'clock, paying out $140,000 in specie, when it gave out. The Leather Manufacturers Bank subsequently closed its doors, The Seventh Ward and Fulton Banks held out under a tremendious pressure. The Peoples Bank closed at 2 o'clock, after paying out $19,000 in specie during the day. The Bank of the State of New York paid out its last dollar, and certifled all checks presented, and then yielded. The American Exchange paid all demands, but several others shut out their customers at three o'clock. The Bank of North America was protest. ed this afternoon. The Corn Exchange refused to pay specie or bills, but certified checks. The Oriental, Mechanics' and Traders, Bowery Savings, Shoe and Leather, Continental, American Exchange, and Metropolitan, paid every demand up to three o'clock, the usual hour of closing. The whole number of banks suspended, including those of yesterday. is nineteen. A bank meeting was held this afternoon, at which it is understood that a proposition for a general suspension was to be discussed, as also the propriety of urging the Governor to convene an extra session of the legislature. At the second board of the stock exchange stocks all took a rise under the belief that the banks will suspend specie payments tomorrowMissouri 6 1-2, Cleveland and Toledo 20 12. Chicago and Rock Island 58, Reading 33, New York Central 55, Harlem 6, Hudson River 10, Panama 65. There was no run of any account on the Bowery Savings Banks, except the Bowery and Bleecker street. They are of the strongest in the city, and have on hand large quantities of specie. The former at the opening today had one million dollars in available means. The following country banks were discredited today :-Oswego River, Goshen; Merchants' Bank. Syracuse: Briggs Bank, Clyde Bank of Commerce, Carmel; Orange County Bank ; Eagle Bank, Rochester ; Bank of Newburg ; Hudson County Bank : Poughkeepsie Bank ; Ulster County Bank; Sussex Bank ; Farmers' and Drovers' Bank; Bank of State of New York : Hoboken City Bank; Jersey City Bank ; Farm. ers' Bank of Montague.


Article from New-York Daily Tribune, October 14, 1857

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Their loans were reduced $17,000 yesterday, and the specie $45,000. Bills receivable during the balance of this month, $500,000. LEATHER MANUFACTURERS' BANK. The Leather Manufacturers' Bank has closed its doers. MERCHANTS' EXCHANGE BANK. This Bank, located at No. 185 Greenwich street, suspended specie payments at 20 mnutes before 11 o'clock yesterday. During the time it was open, a large amount of specie was demanded and paid-our reporter could not learn the exact amount. The run upon this institution was mainly by depositors, and aton ded with much the same features as those already relat ed of the other banks. MANHATTAN BANK. The h 'ank of the Manhattan Company lost $140,000 in specie. MARINE BANK. The Marine Bank alosed its doors in the forenoon, in consequence of in in junction laid upon it by some of its stockholders. The hank needed only $40,000 to carry it through. Although it had ample security none of the Banks would land a dollar. It had NewYork stocks, but could not 2. aise $10,000 on $19,000 worth of them. MARKET BAN. 8. A very large crowd gathered 4 bout this back (located at the corner of Beekmen an d Pearl streets) as early as 11½ o'clock, and their effort to effect an entrance were 80 pressing that five polie emen found plen ty of employment in keeping the door ways passable. Depositors were present in strong force, and deposits were passed out to a great extent. But still 1 they came, and the stream of gold that passed from b ehind the deeks of the paying-tellers was dried up about 1 o'clock p. m. A notice was then stuck a, on the door, that the bank had suspended specie pey ment, but would remain open for the payment of notes. This gave great dissatisfaction to many among the crow outside, and some of them behaved 30 badly that the Police deemed it necessary to interfere to prevent a disturbance. MECHANICS' BANK. The Mechanics' Bank experienced a considerable run, commencing soon after 10. To checkholders they paid out notes as long as they lasted. Then they were compelled to pay everything in specie-in which about $130,000 was paid. MECHANICS AND TRADERS' BANK. The Mechanics' and Traders' Bank, in Grand street, paid every dollar up to 3 o'clock, the closing hour. MERCANTILE BANK. The Mercartile has nearly $60,000 less of specie in its (offers. MERCHANTS' BANK. The Merchants' Bank, out of nearly & million of speeie, paid $160,000. They paid out more bills than ever in any one day before. METROPOLITAN BANK, The Metropolitan Bank paid out something lover $200,000. NORTH RIVER BANK. This bank, one of the oldest in the city, whichris located at the corner of Greenwich and Dey streets, expèrienced a heavy run, in common with the other banks in that part of the town on Monday. During that day they paid out $50,000 in gold and silver. Yesterday morning the doors were opened, but a bulletin was immediately placed outside announcing to & large and anxjous crowd that they had suspended specie payment. This was received with ill humor by the congregated expectants of gold in exchange for their checks, but the announcement soon had the effect of diminishing the crowd. It may with truth be said that this institution has been run upon for more than a week, as they have for the past ten days been paying an average of $5,000 a day in specie to depositors. NASSAU BANK. The Nassau Bank paid out $80,000 in specie, paying straight through. NATIONAL BANK. The National Bank paid out some $43,000 in coin, which leaves it $458,000. BANK OF NEW-YORK continued to pay demands until ? o'clock, when the run became 50 great that they ran out of gold and were compelled to occupy the remainder of the time in certifying checks. The doors were kept open until 31 o'clock. Over $300,000 in cash and bills of other banks was paid out.


Article from Fremont Journal, October 16, 1857

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ous Bank Suspensions--Heavy Run on the Wall Street Banks Police Called Out!!! NEW York, Oct. 13. The following banks have suspended today Marine, Ocean, Merchant's Exchange, New York Exchange, North River, Irving, Citizen's, Chatham, Bullshead, St. Nicholas and Market Banks. There is a general run on the Wall St. banks, and intense excitement in the street. Policemen are stationed at many of the banks to preserve order. BOSTON, Oct. 13. The suspension of Messrs. Geo. T. & W. P. Lyman, commission merchants, on State street, is announced. NEW York, Sept. 12. No important event to-day in money affairs beside the suspension of the Grocers Bank. There were a few unimportant failures of merchants. There is a rumor that a party of business men have gone to Albany, to urge the Governor to call an extra session of the Legislature. At the clearing house to-day, it was resolved by the Banks to continue specie payments at all hazards. The failure of the Merchant's Bank created no excitement.The other banks will continue to receive its bills on deposit. There was a renewal this morning of the run on the Brooklyn Savings Bank, but all demands were promptly met. There was also a slight run on the Marine Bank, and the Grocer's Bank. Dispatches from St. Louis announce the failure of Doane, King & Co., and Collins, Kerby & Co., of that city, each with liabilities in Atlantic cities of one million. Our Bank returns to-day show a decrease in loans of upwards of $2,500,000, and an increase of $3,750,000 in specie. At the 2d Board to-day, stocks were lower generally. I.C. bonds 50; N. Y. C. R. R. 53; M. S. 9; I. C. 703; C. & T. 22; C. & P. 8; Erie 8; Cal. & Chi. 54; Ch. & R. I. 55; Harlem 51. The sailing of the steamer Atlantic for Liverpool has been postponed till the 24th. BOSTON, Oct. 12. Nothing new to notice in money affairs. The stringency continues, and with little transaction.


Article from Mineral Point Tribune, October 20, 1857

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Boston, Oct. 13. The suspension of Messrs. Geo. T.& W. P. Lyman, commission merchants on State street is announced. New York, Oct. 13. The following banks have suspended to-day: Marine, Ocean, Merchants, Exchange, N. Y. Exchange, North River, Irving, Citizens. Chatham, Bulls-Head, St. Nicholas and Market Banks. There is a general run on the Wall street Banks, and intense excitement in the street.β€” Policemen are stationed at many of the Banks to preserve order.


Article from New-York Daily Tribune, October 20, 1857

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The statement on the whole has given satisfaction In the movement of the week the Chemical is an exception, and show's an expansion in every item excepting loans. It has gained $76,000 in specie, $16,000 in deposits, and $12,000 on circulation. The figures of the Merchants' Bank show that the run upon that bank was quite limited. The deposits have increased slightly, the circulation is $168,000 larger, the loans $126,000, while the loss of specie is only $242,000. The City also shows a small increase of loans and deposits. The movement of the Banks since Nov. 1, 1855, has been as follows:


Article from The New York Herald, November 9, 1857

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number in New York since March is stated at 280; in Boston, of failures 168. In New Orleans, Burke, Wall & Co. failed for twenty mill lions, carrying many others with them The price of negroes falls from $1 200 to $250 or $300 cash. The com mittee of merchants appointed at the Masonic Hall meet ing, have an interview with the President. They request him to rescind the Specie Circular, to defer commencing suits upon unpaid bonds, and to call an extra session of Congress. They say that in six months real estate has depreciated forty millions that local stocks have declined twenty millions; that 250 extensive houses have failed; that merchandise in warehouse has fallen 30 per cent in value, and that 20,000 persons have been discharged from ment employ MAY 4.-John Fleming, President of the Merchants' Bank, fell dead from excessive anxiety with regard to the affairs of the bank. A run set in on all the banks. Two banks at Natchez stopped. MAY 5.-There is a slight run on the Mechanics' Bank, and more failures MAY -United States Bank stock falls ten por cont. The HERALD predicts its crash. MAY 8.-Three Buffalo banks stop. United States stocks fall below par. There is great run on the Dry Dook Bank, and it shuts its doors. Another meeting of the merchants is held at Masonic Hall. The correspondence between the committee and the President is read. He refuses to revoke the Treasury Circular, but will think about" the other propositions. The great banking house of John Ward & Co. suspends. United States stock goes down to 95, and Morris is out of sight. MAY 10 After one day's run the banks, with three exceptions, (the Merchants' Manhattan Company and Bank of America), vote to suspend specie payments. The other three joined in the movement, being forced to it. The banks received city notes in payment of debts, and paid them out to depositors. Specie commanded premium. Bills on England were quoted at to 12Β½ per cent premium. Meeting of merchants in the Exchange pass reselutions to sustain the banks. MAY 11 The banks of Boston, Salem, Lowell, Providence, Philadelphia and Baltimore suspend specie payments. The HERALD publishes a list of 239 failures in New York. Specie commands 10 per cent premium. The Philadelphia banks having suspended, the Common Council authorized the issue of twenty five and fifty cent certificates for a new loan, which were accepted as currency; they were called city shinplasters. MAY Bank of the United States, Pennsylvania, suspends specie payments. MAY The Legislature of New York pass a law au thorizing the suspension of specie payments for one year. MAY 17 -The President calls an extra session of Con gress, to meet September 4. Great anti bank meetings are held all over the country. The Montreal banks suspend specie payment. Banks of Charleston, Cincinnati, Savannah and Quebec suspend. MAY 18.-The President issues a circular authorizing the United States District Attorneys to give six months time on payment of duties. The city is flooded with notes for small amounts issued by hotel and saloon keep ers. MAY 22.-News is received of the suspension of the New Orleans banks. (May 12.) Every bank in the country has now suspended. MAY -Cotton was firm and sales made at 81/2e. a 11c. We extract the following from a New York paper:- The amount of specie now going to Europe exceeds that of any period for five years past; it is the only way in which remittances can be made. The bill drawers have all disappeared, and if they had not they could not negotiate. Since the first of April not less than three millions in specie has been shipped. Very little cotton is going forward, owing to the fact that people do not know whom to ship to in the present state of affairs. Money is again getting tight; our banks, instead of increasing, are diminishing their loans. Specie has fallen, silver selling 6a 7, Spanish dollars a 10, American gold 6a7, and sovereigns 5.20 a 5.27. JUNE-Nothing new this month. Trade continues duM. The HERALD refuses to take bank notes at less than Wall street rates-12 per sent under specie, and pays out only specie. JUNE 3.-Stocks go up a little, and the HERALD reports a better feeling. Business of all kinds is very dull. The North River steamboats suspend their trips. The Brook lyn Bank resumed specie payments. The New York Board of Trade issue circular advocating a national bank. JUNE -English bills went up to 18 a 20 per cent premium for first class paper. JULY.Stocks went up a little, and the crisis was believed to be over. The HERALD (28th) calls on the banks to resume. The banks have $1,709,652 specie to $5,574,808 circulation. AUGUST-The fall trade commenced earlier than usual, and strangers began to flock in The imports, however, were very much reduced. On the 18th the banks issue a circular calling for a general convention to consider the question of resumption of specie payments The Manhattan had already resumed. There was still great dis tress in mercantile circles. SEPTEMBER 1.-Banks of Augusta, Ga., and South Carolina resume. SEPTEMBER 4.-The extra session of Congress met, and Mr. Van Buren sent in a message recommending a separation of the government from all banking institutions, the issue of ten millions of treasury notes, the enactment of a general Bankrupt law. and to leave commerce and the exchanges of the country to take care of themselves. The effect of this measure was to depress all the bank stocks. During this month things look a little brighter. SEPTEMBER Cotton quotations were sustained to 8c. a 113/2c. Exchange quoted 20 a 21. British government bills 30 days, 22. SEPTEMBER 17 .-Money was plenty, the banks discounting freely. United States bank stock 117% American gold 8Β½ premium. SEPTEMBER 24.-Gold plenty, and declined to 3Β½ 4 premium. United States bank (Pennsylvani stock 118. Exchange 15% 1616. SEPTEMBER .-Exchange declined to 14 a 14Β½ OCTOBER passed the bill authorizing the issue of ten millions of treasury notes, bearing six per cent in terest. Several of the New York banks resumed specie payments. Congress adjourned on the 10th. OCTOBER -Savannah, Ga., banks resumed. Exchange advanced to 15Β½ 16. OCTOBER -Cotton market stiff, and quotations range from 9c. a 12c. Exchange 15Β½ 16. OCTOBER 21 Cotton still stiff, and quotations 81/2c. a 12c. Exchange 15 151/2. Specie advanced. NOVEMBER.-The Bank Convention (135 delegates from eighteen States) met in New York city on the 9th. and continued in session till December 1. and then adjourned till April, declining to fix any time for resumption. At this Convention, Messrs. Adbert Gallatin, George Newbold, C. W. Lawrence, Cornelius Heyer, John J. Palmer, Preserved Fish and Gorham A. Worth were appointed committee to publish the views of the New York banks. Their address states that the withdrawal of the public depssits and of excessive foreign credits, with a great fall in the prices of the principal articles of export and an unprecedented import of breadstuffs. with the inability of the Southwestern States to pay their bills, fell all at once upon this city. The banks struggled with all this and with a foreign demand for specie, until some local incidents caused distrust and panic, and a general run commenced which no banks that pay specie for notes on demand can ever resist. Thus the banks of New York city suspended, after having been almost entirely drained of their specie, while the other banks through the country suspended im mediately after without waiting for a run, and kept their specie reserve. NOVEMBER 18 Exchange quoted 15 a 151/2 Specie declining shipments SO light as not to be worthy of notice. DEC EMBER -New Orleans banks resumed. DECEMBER 9.-A New York letter to Charleston paper says. "A packet salls to-day. carrying out commercial news highly favorable, which will gladden the hearts of all who have claims upon America. Exchange 11Β½ 12. Specie is only at premium because the banks are in pur suit of it. Produce shipments are large, and orders for imports very small which is the cause of the decline in exchange. The movement of cotton is bettering the rate of exchange in the South DECEMBER 16.-Exchange declined to 10 a 11. Cotton improved Me. DECEMBER 30 -Exchange quoted at 9Β½ a 9% 1838. JANUARY -Intelligence from Europe excited the cotton market. The sales are very large but there is no improvement in prices. Quotations 9 11 1/20. JANU ARY 13 -More activity in the cotton market than known for several years. Prices advanced 11/2c. JANUARY 19 -One of the city papers of this date, says:" We are enabled to say, on authority that the banks of Philadelphia are ready to resume specie payments whenever the New York banks do. Although they won't name the day they pledge themselves to resume the day after the New York banks.' A few days after, another city paper said :- We understand that the Com. mittee of the Banks came from Philadelpia on Saturday, not with a big flea in their car at all, but with good din ner. which Mr. Biddle gave them. As to the resumption of specie payments the state of exchange was not thought fit to warrant the fixing of a day for that purpose.' FEBRUARY Exchange declined to 81/2 FEBRUARY 10.-Cotton declined. and quoted 9c. a 11 Ve. FEBRI ARY 22.-Specie declining: sales at 2a21/2 premium Contracts made to deliver specie 1st of May at 1 per cent. premium, without interest. It is daily arriving. and in R month or two the receipts from Europe must