"St Bt David Crockett", manuscript endorsement on folded letter datelined "New Orleans February 20th 1837" and addressed to Natchitoches La., manuscript "SB 18¾" steamboat rating treated as being on a post road, some fold toning and small erosion spot, F.-V.F. Estimate  $300 - 400. Until the late 1830s, the Red River was navigable only to Natchitoches, the river above the town was blocked by the "Great Raft" for some 160 miles. Captain Henry Miller Shreve, Superintendent of Western Waters cleared the river allowing navigation for a further 650 miles. $0 (Image)