Vito (Victor) Viti is listed in the 1840 Philadelphia City Directory as a merchant at 269 S. Front Street. Ann H. Corkrin, presumably Anthony Corkrin’s sister Anna, mentioned in the letters, is listed in the same directory as being in the dry goods business at S.E. 4^th and Gaskill Streets.

     Viti and his family were early Italian settlers in Philadelphia. Viti’s business apparently took him away from Philadelphia for long periods of time. Corkrin apparently rendered business assistance to Viti and looked after his family. Corkrin’s sister Anna, who was in the dry goods business, apparently also corresponded with Viti.

Philadelphia, Nov. 20^th, 1840, Anthony Corkrin, to Vito Viti, Cincinnati

      “My Dear Sir,

      Yours of the 14^th inst came to hand with an enclosed check on the Pennsylvania Bank for Four hundred ninety seven 69/100 dollars $ 497 69/100, which I deposited in the same Bank and passed to your credit. I believe the Grand contest is over, and the Old General is Elected thank God with an over majority the Loco Focos console themselves with the anticipation of the General going in but one term, but that is but poor satisfaction, the Loco foco papers is recommending Harrison, not to do as Jackson did to turn all out of office that was opposed to his principals, but to continue in office those that was his vilest enemys, but I think the General is not such a fool but I would recommend him to turn all Out, to have a clear start. The Business continues the same and no alteration. Your family are in good health, and all the girls and myself are the same … Anthony Corkrin”

Philadelphia, Anthony Corkrin, to Vito Viti, New Orleans, March 15, 1841

      “Mr. V. Viti

           My Dear Sir,

           Your favour past mark’d 4^th inst came to hand this morning I am extremely sorry that the error was committed in the account current, of $ 89.26 on the U States Bank of N York which I received but I did not give you credit in the account current but that error is easy corrected as I gave you credit in the Book. Our Business continues the same as last year very near  but the U States Bank business has made some difference but not material, but if we had some way of disposing of her notes we would have done a better business but Anna was fearfull of taking them, as the merchants would not give her no encouragement to take them, but we cannot complain than God of the business at present for we average about $ 375 a week … Your family are in good health with the exception of Vito he has had several fits of the ague & fever, but he is now getting better  … he has had Mary’s doctor in attendance … Anthony G. Corkrin”