Even after the devastating fire that destroyed the American Museum, Barnum found time to write this testimonial letter about his Herring Company safe. The company featured Barnum's letter in an advertisement that appeared in Harper's Weekly on July 14, 1865.
Burning of the Museum LETTER FROM MR. BARNUM. NEW York, July 14, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co.: GENTLEMEN: Though the destruction of the American Museum has proved a serious loss to myself and the public, I am happy to verify the old adage, "It’s an ill wind that blows nobody good," and consequently congratulate you that your well-known safes have again demonstrated their superior fire-proof qualities in an ordeal of unusual severity. The safe you made for me some time ago was in the office of the Museum, on the second floor, back part of the building, and in the hottest of the fire. After twenty-four hours of trial it was found among the debris; and on opening it this day has yielded up its contents in very good order–books, papers, policies of insurance, bank bills, all in a condition for immediate use, and a noble commentary on the trustworthiness of Herring’s Fire-Proof safes. Truly yours, P. T. BARNUM. HERRING’S PATENT CHAMPION SAFES The most reliable protection from fire now known. HERRING & CO.’S PATENT BANKERS’ SAFES, with Herring & Floyd’s Patent Crystallized Iron, the best security against a burglar’s drill ever manufactured. HERRING & CO., 251 Broadway, corner Murray St., New York. FARREL, HERRING, & CO., Philadelphia. HERRING & CO., Chicago.