{"value"=>"<p>Samuel Bulkley Ruggles, lawyer, was a fist cousin of Charles H. Ruggles, with whom he appears to have maintained a close relationship over the years. The letters from Samuel B. Ruggles reflect his interests in politics, railroads, the Erie Canal and New York real estate. Two letters concerning the economic situation discuss the panic of 1837 and the U. S. Bank failure of 1841. Personal and family matters are also of interest as Samuel describes his courtship and marriage to Mary Rathbone and questions his cousin closely on the Washington social and political scene.</p>"}