(Missouri) Fort Leavenworth Mo. Sep 16, cds with manuscript day and matching "5" cent rating on 1846 folded letter from soldier in the 4th Regiment at Fort Leavenworth shortly after Gen. Kearney occupied Sante Fe and speaks of getting "…72 cts for every twenty miles coming up to be paid the first payment at Bents Fort…"; some fold separations and minor staining, Fine. Estimate  $150 - 200. This letter refers to Bents Fort during Pre-Colorado Territory, which was a celebrated fur trading post built in 1848 by four Bents Brothers. Kit Carson was employed there as a hunter from 1831 to 1842 when he left to join the Fremont Expedition. The post was a real Fort with walls 15 feet high and 4 feet thick. $0 (Image)