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Quick Navigation by Category  The Dr. James Milgram Collection of Western Postal (204)   |  United States (550)   | 
 

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The Dr. James Milgram Collection of Western Postal History continued...

Western Trail and Historic Letters - Michigan & Mi continued...
LotNo. Symbol CatNo. Lot Description
521       imageDetroit [Michigan Territory] 26 Feby [1820]. Red manuscript postmark with matching "Paid 50" and additional black "Paid" on four-page folded letter to New York, datelined "Detroit Feby 26 1820" and reads, in part, "…I enclose you a draft for $100. I will thank you to buy for me, on account of the U.S., a first-rate spy glass, a portable thermometer, a small mariner's compass, two good pocket compasses, two nautical almanacs for this year, and a measuring tape. And on my own account, a translation of Father Hennepin and Charlevoix, Volney's Travels, Henry's Travels in Canada, and Mackenzie's recital of explorations respecting the Indians, and any other works calculated to reflect light upon subjects connected with our proposed tour…" signed "Lewis Cass" (then Governor of Michigan Territory), horizontal file fold through manuscript markings, F.-V.F.
Estimate; $400 - 600.

Lewis Cass was the second Governor of Michigan Territory, serving from Oct 13, 1813 to Aug 1, 1831. (Image1)

Est. $400-600
Selling for...$200.00
Will close during Public Auction
522       imageGeneral Kearny Signed Letter from Fort Leavenworth, Mo. Dec 19 [1839]. Black cds with manuscript "25" rate marking on bluish folded letter datelined "Fort Leavenworth Decr 17th 1839" to Major E. A. Hitchcock, U.S. Army Mobile, Alabama, written and signed by "S.W. Kearny" of mostly army business nature, but which states, "…If the Com. in chief & all the staff could be sent away & officers called to fill their places who know something of the Army & its wants we could get on much better. I have the same opinion of them, in relation to the Army, that Napoleon had of the Bourbons in relation to France, viz that their day has gone by & that they are totally unfitted for their situation We have but little news here. Genl. Arbuckle assisted by the Arkansas people tried hard to get up an alarm against the Cherokees. I marched down with 250 Dragoons, found all quiet but the Genl. & then marched home again. Great men have done the same before me…"; vertical file folds, F.-V.F., an early signed Col. Stephen W. Kearny letter.
Estimate; $500 - 750.

In 1833, Lieutenant Colonel Kearny was appointed second in command of the newly organized 1st Dragoon Regiment. The U.S. Cavalry eventually grew out of this regiment, which was re-designated the 1st United States Cavalry in 1861, earning Kearny his nickname "father of the United States Cavalry". The regiment was stationed at Fort Leavenworth in present-day Kansas, and Kearny was promoted to the rank of colonel in command of the regiment in 1836. He was also made commander of the Army's Third Military Department, charged with protecting the frontier and preserving peace among the tribes of Native Americans on the Great Plains. (Image1)

Est. $500-750
Selling for...$375.00
Will close during Public Auction
523       imageCant. Leavenworth Mo. July 14 [1829]. Manuscript postmark with matching "18¾" rate on folded letter to "Mr. J. P. Cabanne, St. Louis, or Mr. P. Chouteau Jr. Agt for A. Fur Company, St. Louis Mo.", datelined "Cant. Leavenworth 11th July 1829" with contents, in part, "…I requested that you would make out and transmit to me at this place, triplicate accounts duly receipted covering and embracing the amount of goods furnished R. P. Beauchamp, Sub. Ind. Agent, for the American Fur Company, in the months of March and April last, at the four Pawnee villages, and delivered by him to the Indians in council at those several places. From the lapse of time since I left there, and the accounts not having reached me, it is presumed the despatch may have escaped your memory…The goods were delivered at four different villages, on different days, to wit: on the 24th of March at the Loup; on the 25th at the Icarza; on the 28th at the Grand Pawnee; and on the 1st of April at the Republican, to the Indians in council…R. DeRussey, Bvt. Maj. U.S. Agt…", couple vertical file folds, F.-V.F., this cover represents one of the earliest known uses from what later became Fort Leavenworth (built 1827)., ex-Baughman and Jarrett.
Estimate; $750 - 1,000.

Early in the year 1827, the War Department ordered Col. Henry Leavenworth to follow the Missouri River until he reached the mouth of the Little Platte River, and established a permanent military cantonment on the east bank of the river. Col. Leavenworth explored the area, and determined that the west side (ultimately the Kansas) side of the river was the best site for the construction of the cantonment. Due to its strategic location on what was to become the Oregon Trail, Fort Leavenworth became a key supply station on the westbound route settlers took on their long journey to California, Oregon and Utah. (Image1)

Est. $750-1,000
Selling for...$375.00
Will close during Public Auction
524       imageLiberty (Missouri) Feby 24th 1849. Dateline on four-page letter only (no cover) signed by A.W. Doniphan with great historic contents that read, in part, "…by some unaccountable delay was not received until yesterday-- but the winter has been unusually cold so transportation of the mail difficult. In the compass of a letter I can give you but a synopsis of what you desire. In the first place in going to California I would prefer starting from the town of St. Joseph to any other point. It is sixty miles further up the Missouri River & at least 50 nearer to California than Independence- you also avoid the Kanzas River & its tributaries, always difficult to cross in the spring season. Mules & equipment are there cheaper as Independence is the starting point for Santa Fe and Chihuahua…The best route to California is what is called the old route by the Platte River striking the Platte near Grand Island, up that River across the mountain at the South Pass - thence by Green River the Ruintah? etc to the Gold Region near the American Fork of the Sacramanto. This is the Emigrates Trail properly speaking…A man should have 2 mules, a good long bore rifle and revolver pistol--and provisions for 150 days- - although the trip can be made in half that time…The distance from here to the Gold region about 1800 miles. There will be a large emigration as good companies are forming & will continue to form for mutual aid & assistance in sickness & protection etc…A.W. Doniphan", Very Fine, subject of an article by Dr. Milgram in the Oct. 1993 issue of Western Express.
Estimate; $500 - 750.

A VERY SCARCE SIGNED LETTER FROM A.W. DONIPHAN IN WHICH HE PROVIDES HIS ADVICE ON GOLD RUSH TRAVEL TO CALIFORNIA.

Alexander William Doniphan (July 9, 1808-August 8, 1887) was a 19th-century American attorney, soldier and politician from Missouri who is best known today as the man who prevented the summary execution of Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, at the close of the 1838 Mormon War in that state. He also achieved renown as a leader of American troops during the Mexican American War, as the author of a legal code that still forms the basis of New Mexico's Bill of Rights, and as a successful defense attorney in the Missouri town of Liberty, Richmond and Independence. Complete images:
View gallery or Download PDF (4.5MB). (Image1)

Est. $500-750
Selling for...$325.00
Will close during Public Auction
Important Mormon & Gold Rush Letters
LotNo. Symbol CatNo. Lot Description
525       imageWarsaw, Ills June 28 [1839]. Manuscript postmark with "25" rate on folded letter to Massachusetts; Mormon War letter datelined "Warsaw June 22, 1839" and reads, in part, "…The inhabitants of the State of Missouri like most of the slave states are of jealous passions & rebellious nature and they was afraid that we would inveigle off their slaves and settle so thick that they would lose their range for hunting and their cattle horses and hogs &c another reason was they was afraid that there would come in so many Mormons into their country they would have the balance in their favor at the Election and so hold all the country and town offices and that they would fight first. -- The Mormons first settled in Jackson county south side of Missouri River after about two years they grew such great enemies that a battle took place two was killed another inhabitant and one of the Mormons to such hights was the enmity carried that the Mormons had to leave the county They moved into Clay county North of the river where they lived in peace for about 3 years when they saw so many emigrants coming the inhabitants jealous of their Rights they raised a mob and was about driving them out of the state finily they compromised and they allowed the Mormons a county of North about 40 miles it was a great share of Praries with small skirts of timber on streams but there was timber enough to make it a good farming county by taking good care of the timber-the Mormons setled one county still north there was some inhabitants in the county that became great enemies and last fall at the Election they swore no Mormon should vote a fight ensud the Mormons drest them out although they had 30 to our 12. The inhabitants then swore that the Mormons should leave the county we cald on the Militia but the officers was obliged to disband them they had such a mob spirit they could not command them they soon began their depredation by stealing horses cattle hogs &c they came to the breathren houses threatned the woman and children driving them off then plundering the house and burning it-We appealed to the Governor he replied that if we got into a bad scrape we might get out the best we could-We had to retaliate this arouse the whole state the Governor ordered out 30000 men they came on against 600 Mormons we had no disposition to fight the Militia There was two or three undertook to Negotiate still they had no power from us but they agreed that six principle leaders should be given up to them our property real and personal should be given to the state and guns swords and pistols should be given up to them and we all to leave the state as soon as practible I forgot to state they had the priviledge to pick as many as they thought was guilty they took about 50 who after a mock trial was admited hom [home] on bail - they nor their bail has not been cold for the six they detirmined to shoot but none of them had courage to do it. they kept them in Jail all winter in the spring they had ordrs to take them to another county for trial they bribed the gard and come home, the deed that we signd proved to be a fudge and the men that framed it got laughed for their zeal after 4 or 5 months the guns was given up to us by going 30 miles for them and taking an oath that we would leave this state the best of them [the guns] was stole by the Militia the rest of them broke and rusty, we left that state in the winter we sold our Land for a trifle in money and some other property but their was a great sacrifice to the Brethern we moved in the dead of winter to Illinois 230 miles-- The inhabitants are verry kind to us many took farms and many work on the rail Road there is a great internal improvement in this state…Nahum Curtis", minor splitting at folds, few toned spots especially at right, F.-V.F., An exceptionally rare letter written by one of the Mormon Saints to his family back east, relating details of the Mormon War from the prior year., written up by Dr. Milgram in the March 2023 issue of Western Express and the May 1966 issue of Covers.
Estimate; $4,000 - 6,000.

ONE OF THE FEW MORMON WAR LETTERS IN PRIVATE HANDS. A SIMILAR EXAMPLE (LETTER ONLY) FROM NOV 5, 1838 SOLD IN THE RISVOLD SALE (SPINK, JANUARY, 2010, LOT 540) FOR $10,000 HAMMER.

The term "Mormon War" can refer to several conflicts, but most commonly to the Mormon-Missouri War of 1838 and the Utah War of 1857-1858. The 1838 conflict was a series of battles and skirmishes between Mormon settlers and non-Mormon Missourians that resulted in the forced expulsion of the Latter-day Saints from the state. (Image1)

Est. $4,000-6,000
Selling for...$2,000.00
Will close during Public Auction
526       imageNauvoo July 1844. Dateline on folded cover postmarked "Quincy, Ills Jul 10" red-orange cds with "25" rate and addressed to John F. Wingate (Brother), Brunswick, Maine; letter with FANTASTIC CONTENT REGARDING THE CAPTURE AND MURDER OF MORMON LEADERS, JOSEPH SMITH AND HYRUM SMITH WRITTEN BY A BODYGUARD, EDWARD B. WINGATE, reads, in part, "…Our whole troubles originated from a few Apostaties from this Church because Joseph would not uphold them in there Hellish Deeds they have said all manner of eavle against Joseph they could not say & do enough no other way but they had to go to work and publish a paper which they called the Nauvoo Expositer in that they publish all manner of lies that could be thought of therefore the city counsil came together for the purpose of taking into consideration the Above named press wether it was a nuisance or not which they had the power to do according to their charter granted them by the United States therefore they declared it a Nuisance and ordered the police to go to the office and take the press and burn it which they Did do. They then came out in all their fury they went to Carthage and the surrounding town and got the Devel in the people and they waged war against us there was at one time above a thousand Mobilrats that swore and passed resolution that they would exterminate all the Latter Day Saints in Nauvoo But thank god they could not raise forse enough General Smith called out Legion which Numbered about 5 thousand yet they wer few in number they wer equal to 20 thousand because their cause was a Just one and they would have faught until the Last Drop of Blood had left there Bodyes. The Goviner ordred out the state troops but could not controle them he therefore sent a letter to Joseph stating the circumstances as they wer and issued a writ for Joseph & his Brother Hyrum Smith to appear at Carthage to answer to the charge of Treason which God and all honest men knows they wer not guilty of But however they cornplyed with all that was put upon and was willing to go to justice when justice could be found the Goviner pleged his Word and honor that he would protect them they therefor started for Carthage with about 30 men and I had the pleasure of being of them Joseph & Hyram wer confined in Prison for safe Keeping and then waited for tryal. But instead of that what shall I say the Goviner with about 50 horse come to Nauvoo for the Purpose of making Peace But it was far from that it seems for wilst they at Nauvoo those ungodly wretches the Mobererats came out from there hiding place there was about 200 of them all armed with faces painted they rushed to the Jail nocked down the gard at the door 8 in number men that the Goviner had station there they went up in the jail to the room where Joseph & Hyram was and killed them both on the spot and wounded 2 others 4 shot each…I am your Brother, E.B. Wingate," small wax seal hole in verso, hinge repaired tear on verso, Very Fine and choice.
Estimate; $5,000 - 7,500.

A HIGHLY IMPORTANT LETTER PROVIDING AN ACCOUNT OF THE LYNCHING OF JOSEPH AND HYRUM SMITH.

Joseph and Hyrum Smith were murdered by an armed mob on June 27, 1844, at Carthage Jail in Illinois. After the brothers were charged with treason and held in the jail, the mob stormed the building, shot them, and killed them, ending the founding period of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and leading to a schism among its followers.

The sender, Edward "Big Ned" Bradley Wingate (1820-1887) was raised in Maine and became an early Boston convert to the LDS faith. Wingate, believed to be a "Danite" or church policeman/body guard, was married to the daughter of church leader Sidney Rigdon and would escort Joseph Smith to the scene of his murder at the Carthage Jail. (Image1) (Image2)

image

Est. $5,000-7,500
Selling for...$2,500.00
Will close during Public Auction
527       imageCol. Stephen W. Kearny Military Courier Letter from Saint Louis, Mo. Signed folded letter addressed to Lieut Col E.A. Hitchcock, Fort Jessup, Louisiana, carried by military courier "favor by Capt Alden" at lower left, datelined "Saint Louis July 24, '44" with contents discussing Mormon issues in Nauvoo and reading in part, "…We have had some trouble in Illinois between the Mormons & other Residents of Hancock county, and the Governor expects more trouble before long. In a detailed statement to me of the difficulties, he says he cannot rely upon the Militia to enforce orders, & asked me to station 500 Troops near Nauvoo. I sent a copy of his conununication to Washington for the President's decision…I learned from what I consider good authority, that if the President can be persuaded by those around him, that an Extra Session would ratify his Texan Treaty, that he will have one, not otherwise…" boldy signed "S.W. Kearny", Very Fine.
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.

A GREAT LETTER CARRIED BY MILITARY COURIER SIGNED BY S.W. KEARNY DISCUSSING THE MORMON ISSUES IN ILLINOIS.

In the letter, Kearny refers to the Court Martial of Gen. Buell, "Mr. Porter's quoting but a part of a sentence was a dirty affair, but what else could be expected from such a man. It is only since he left the war department, that I have learned his character." Additional docketing on back flap reads, "Col. Kearny alludes to Mr. Porter but not to Genl. Scott in the Buell case",

General Don Carlos Buell was court-martialed early in his career for an altercation with an enlisted soldier named Corporal Simmons, whom he struck with his sword and cut off part of the man's ear. Buell was subsequently court-martialed for his actions. An Army tribunal, however, cleared him of any wrongdoing and he was acquitted. There was some opposition to this verdict, with even General Winfield Scott feeling that Buell should have been punished, but the court refused to retry the case. (Image1) (Image2) (Image3) (Image4)

image image

Est. $1,000-1,500
Selling for...$675.00
Will close during Public Auction
528       imageBellevue [Nebraska Territory] Feb 8th, 1861. Dateline on four-page letter only (no cover) from a farmer lamenting the hardships of farm life, poor conditions, a fire wiping out his buildings, etc., in part, "…My farm is about 2½ miles from Platte river, 11 miles from where it empties into the Missouri. the Missouri is navigable for large steamboat. there has been some rich gold mines discovered on the headwaters of the Platte about 600 miles west of here. I had some Mindelheim & Kirchheim of going but I never have got off…T Thompson.", Very Fine and an excellent, detailed letter.
Estimate; $200 - 300. (Image1)

Est. $200-300
Selling for...$100.00
Will close during Public Auction
529       imageCamp No.43 - 125 miles above Fort Kearney. On the South Fork of the Platte. May 22d 1850. Dateline on letter only (no cover) with contents, in part, "…we traveled about 50 miles through the "Shawnee" indians. These are a lousy, thievish looking set, numbering about 400…Crossing the Kansas, we encamped near the hut of a chief; who had the U.S. flag floating proudly over his miserable habitation. A great many ugly looking indians swarmed around our camp, that night; but we had nothing to fear from them, as they only wanted whiskey, an article which the government has prohibeted being sold amongst them…Traveling up the river 8 miles to the head of 'Grand Island' we came to 'Fort Kearney'. This post, built on the flat bottom is garrisoned by about 200 soldiers, and about a half dozen six pound guns. According to the register kept here 2400 wagons had already passed…We are now on the South Fork (Platte river) about 200 miles from 'Fort Laramie'…J.F. Snyder, W.H.Snyder Belleville Ill. On the S.Fork of Platte…", Very Fine, an important & historic letter.
Estimate; $300 - 400.

Complete images:
View gallery or Download PDF (23MB). (Image1)

Est. $300-400
Selling for...$150.00
Will close during Public Auction
530       imageSantafee, New Mexico August 2d, 1849. Dateline on four-page folded cover mailed with black "Platte City Mo. Oct 4" cds and manuscript "5" rate marking to Fayette, Mo., letter reads, in part, "…Again I hasten to write a few lines by imigrants returning to the states. In 10 minets after I wrote my last we set sail & after some days traveling over the attone mountains we reached Kit Carsons Ranch of New Settlement 45 miles of Toas. There four of us left the waggons the next day where we found Kit the day after at 10 oclock in bed with his pretty Little Mexican wife who is as white as he is Kit learning I was cousin to Jo Walker took quite a liking to me & thru the influence of Major McDaniel & Kit thay came vary near geting me in as saddler to the excort that here on there way to California after three dayes stay we left for this place thence to gallistier 25 miles south…A.J. Willis, PS write to San Francisco get information from Taylor the P.M. as to how it should be directed", some paper loss on address panel and aging, nonetheless, Fine.
Estimate; $500 - 750.

A WONDERFUL EARLY NEW MEXICO LETTER WITH GREAT CONTENT ABOUT THE WRITER'S ENCOUNTER WITH THE FAMOUS KIT CARSON.

Complete images:
View gallery or Download PDF (13MB). (Image1)

Est. $500-750
Selling for...$650.00
Will close during Public Auction
531       imageOutstanding Group of Gold Rush letters. Included are five folded letters with red "New York Ship 7cts" cds's with full contents detailing the arduous voyage from the East to California, these are lengthy letters with descriptive text talking of the sea voyage, Slavery in Brazil, and much more, additionally there are two letters (no cover or postal markings) from the California gold fields with wonderful contents as well as two folded cover from the East with manuscript 40¢ rates, one cover is datelined "Hotel de la Europa a Rio Janeiro 26th April 1849" with lengthy letter in part, "…This is the great mart of Slavery it is to be seen here in its most degraded and revolting form. I suppose ¾ of the population are slaves…Charles Sibree,", a second is datelined "At Sea Ship Ellth Ellen 11th April 1849", lengthy letter describing life at sea and arduous trip to California, of the two California letters one is datelined "Gold Run Valley Jan 19th, 1851" and second is datelined "Cal North fork American R. Aug 3rd 1851" with miner's content, prices, etc.; some wear & faults as would be expected, Fine, a wonderful group full of historic content.
Estimate; $750 - 1,000.

This group is the subject of an article by Dr. Milgram inn the American Philatelist (July 1973, Vol. 87, #7). Please see our website for full transcriptions Complete images:
View gallery or Download PDF (66MB). (Image1)

Est. $750-1,000
Selling for...$1,000.00
Will close during Public Auction
532       imageWonderful Lengthy Letter Detailing voyage to San Francisco. Postmarked very light but readable orange-red "San Francisco, Cal. 18 Aug" cds with matching "40" rate handstamp on folded letter to N.Y.; datelined "At Sea Aug 8, 1850"; very lengthy transcribed letter full of content which must be read to be appreciated, reads, in part, "…We had on board the "Lucy Allen" a bad woman, 2 young men with her who were very bad characters from New York City, called by some bowry boys… as we landed the down upon us impounded some of us until we were all bloody in our faces six of us got the blows the rest of us went free without harm…There was gambling, drinking and laziness and all sorts of wickedness as you will recall this was on Sunday that we landed… I saw mahogany dugouts (canoes) at Panama I should say they were five feet through they are the best boats the natives have…I saw prickly pear trees 10 feet high, all kinds of cactus grow here without nursing, lemons are as large as my 2 fist and as sweet as honey…I should think about 2000 are waiting for a passage 2/3 of those on board had through tickets on steamers but were afraid on account of being sick…some have just come in from California brining the dust [gold] in boxes… July 4 fine day how to celebration some speeches some toast drank with a loud hurrah for California and everything else, some got drunk and had a fight finally went to bed at 12:00" with additional great detail of the lengthy voyage from the east to California, light wear and toning along folds, Fine.
Estimate; $200 - 300. (Image1)

Est. $200-300
Selling for...$375.00
Will close during Public Auction
Texas & Wyoming Letters
LotNo. Symbol CatNo. Lot Description
533       image(Mexican-American War Letter) "Cold Spring, Texas Territory, August 27, 1847". Dateline on folded letter from Private Huling Major of Company "E", 1st Regiment Infantry Illinois Vols. to Belleville Ill., endorsed "From the Army" bottom left, carried by military express to the Missouri River where it was placed on board a steamboat bound for St. Louis, entered the mails in St. Louis with red "STEAM 10" straightline for 10¢ postage due, letter reads, "The opportunity I am embracing myself of is that of Four Companies of Mo. Volunteer Cavalry being the last of Col. Price's Regiment the Colonel himself accompanying it looking jovial and hearty in fact his whole appearance calculated well to influence strangers in his favor and bearing indications of a noble and generous spirit and one that would be kind considerate and indulgent to his men or those at all palaces under his command…we shall make an early start in the morning travel further and finally without doubt be the first company of the Illinois Regiment in Santa Fee…"; some light soiling, Very Fine and scarce Mexican-American War Trail Letter from Texas.
Estimate; $750 - 1,000.

An additional note added to the letter by J.F. Snyder reads, "Huling Majors returned from the war and married the "Adorable" daughter of Mr Aaron Prims. Then he went to California leaving his wife with her parents, and there seems to have disappeared perhaps died in some obscure mining camp. He was a fine house carpenter and good hearted clever fellow. We shall miss him." Complete images:
View gallery or Download PDF (6.8MB). (Image1)

Est. $750-1,000
Selling for...$375.00
Will close during Public Auction
534       imageGalveston Island Texas, Jan 26th, 1838. Dateline on four-page folded letter entered the mails with red cds "New Orleans, La Jan 29" with manuscript red "25" rate marking to Geneva, New York; letter from Chas Roff reads, in part, "…You are told that no danger is apprehended from the ravages of war whether from the mexicans or indians but I am told quite the revers when traveling in this countery I am told that I was in danger of faling in with a company of hostile indians. The frontier inhabitance live in continual fear the indians who are prowling about the settlements of the whites stealing every thing they can lay their hands upon…many families have this summer past been driven from the frontier settlements and some women and children inhumanly butchered and now I can assure you that an attack is expected from the Mexicans as they have lately given intimations that cannot be misunderstood many fear that the Mexicans and indians will united thire forces together…should the black hearted Mexicans unite with the Red skins of the forest there can be but little doubt but the sun of Liberty that now shines on Texas will yet go down in darkness anarchy and Blood…I have been on the battle ground of San Jasinto where the ground is literly covered with human bones for a large space there was about 1000 mexicans kiled here and left to rot on the ground…", and much more, some splitting along folds with tape repairs and minor paper loss, F.-V.F.
Estimate; $750 - 1,000.

AN IMPORTANT AND HISTORIC LETTER REGARDING INDIANS AND WAR WITH MEXICO.

The Battle of San Jacinto was a decisive 18-minute battle on April 21, 1836, where Texan forces led by General Sam Houston defeated the Mexican army under General Antonio López de Santa Anna during the Texas Revolution. The victory secured Texan independence, with Mexico losing control of the territory and surrendering its leader in the conflict. Mexican forces suffered approximately 630 deaths, while the Texan forces had nine killed and 30 wounded. (Image1) (Image2)

image

Est. $750-1,000
Selling for...$450.00
Will close during Public Auction
535       imageCamp near Fort Laramie [Wyoming] May 30th, 1852. Dateline on four-page letter with cover (which may not have been used to send the letter) postmarked with black cds "San Francisco Cal. 1 Sep" tying horiz. pair of 1851 3¢ dull red with correct addressee (same as salutation on letter) in Chester, Illinois; letter reads, in part, "…I have not written to you from Fort Kearney…we then went to the Fort and mailed our letters it was then determined to go three miles past the Fort and camp until monday & I intended to write on Sunday to you and carry my letter to the fort but we were unable to find wood or grass and consequently were obliged to go farther…am now 8 miles from Fort Laramie in good health, fine spirits and as happy as men generally git to be on this earth. I have an idea you would hardly know me I am nearly as dark as an Indian…we have averaged 22 miles a day since we left Salt Creek which is 3 miles from Fort Leavenworth…I have seen several very pretty women on the road (most of whom are going to Origon) but have not talked with any of them the sight of a pretty woman is good for a man in bad health out here…write upon the reciept of this direct to Sacramento City…A. Taylor."; cover with edge and corner wear, Very Fine.
Estimate; $300 - 400.

Complete images:
View gallery or Download PDF (5.7MB). (Image1) (Image2)

image

Est. $300-400
Selling for...$150.00
Will close during Public Auction
536       imageFort Laramie (Wyoming) July 9 1849. Dateline on bluish four-page folded letter addressed to Mr. G.S. Palmer, Athens, Maine, with red "STEAM 10" handstamp of St. Louis; interesting contents read, in part, "…It may be interesting to you to know what we are doing out here, and to many others, and the mail goes out tomorrow, you may want to know how long it will take a letter to go across the continent allmost. I wrote to the P.M. the 20 of May…We arived at Fort Kerney the 17 June its former name Fort Charles- left the 20 arrived here 8 july…Fort Kerney is on Platt at the head of grand Island three hundred miles from Ind. It is a government post, twenty mud houses three companys of soulders to protect emegrants…the cholera has followed emigration to this place It has fritened the Indians away all most Graves strew the way between here and Ind. Looks like a graveyard in some places. Government has just bought this Fort It is now a government station some soulders here to protec emigrants…Had it not been for the cholera we should been four hundred miles father along we have lost four of our party died of cholera…[unsigned]", edge wear and toning at folds of paper, Fine, One of the very earliest letters from Fort Laramie by an emigrant crossing the plains. Great content.
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500. (Image1)

Est. $1,000-1,500
Selling for...$1,900.00
Will close during Public Auction
537       imageFt Larama [Wyoming] June 8th, 1850. Dateline on four-page folded letter; entered the mails with manuscript "Jackson Point Mo. Aug 19" postmark and matching "10" rate manuscript to Kentucky; great trail letter from emigrant reads, in part, "…we have been travling every day for upwards of one month we are now at Larama six hundred & fifty miles from St. Jos or the point we started from. We have averaged about 22 miles per day…I see any number of wagons scatterd along the road I think that the many sights that I have seen has very well rewarded me for my trip so far. I do not know how the remainder of the trip will go. there has been from May the 1st up to the 7th of this month 15,145 men, 193 women and 192 children Passed this post for Cala and I don't beleve theres one half passe yet…our next Breech will be Ft. Hall which is about three hundred mils from this Post…Jas C Porter", light toning at cover folds, F.-V.F., Pencil notation on verso indicates "unique" Jackson Point, Missouri manuscript postmark.
Estimate; $300 - 400.

Complete images:
View gallery or Download PDF (3.3MB). (Image1)

Est. $300-400
Selling for...$950.00
Will close during Public Auction
538       image(Trail Letter) Fort Laramie June 10 1859. Dateline on letter only (no cover) with contents, in part, "…We arrived here last night after tramping up the monotinous Platte Valley for nearly four weeks without the slightest variation in scenery. I have been very anxious to reach here for some time in hopes of hearing from home. I paid a dollar to cross the river on a raft last night and run a great risk of being drowned to get to the Post Office and then found excellent centering neither letter or paper, since which I have felt like crying, and swearing alternately. I see no way now of hearing from you untill next fall. If you receive this by the fourth of july write immediately and direct to Placerville (Hangtown) and the letter will get there by the time I do. If you do not receive it so soon direct to Marysville…Seeing some buffaloe on the sand hils about six miles from the road one morning just as the train was starting out I sent the train on and with Mr. Shrake and two others and two horses we started after them expecting to overtake the train at noon. We followed the buffaloe back for about ten miles when we came in sight of an immense herd of at least one thousand…It seems as though the whole world was on the way to California. There is no end to the big droves of cattle that are going across and three fourths of all the Pikes Peak People are going through…Frank,", Very Fine and an outstanding trail letter.
Estimate; $300 - 400. (Image1)

Est. $300-400
Selling for...$150.00
Will close during Public Auction
539       imagePacific Spring [Wyoming] July 11th 1847. Dateline on four-page folded letter with manuscript postmark "Oregon Mo. Aug 19 / 47" and matching "10" rate addressed to Ohio, letter reads, in part, "…You will see from the superscription of this letter that I have at last arrived upon the waters which run to the west (or rather S.W.) as I presume I am upon the waters of Green river on the Great Colorado of the west, which empties itself into the gulf of California. We have passed the summit of the Rocky mountains…I embrace the opportunity of sending a short note by Mr. Finley of Illinois who has spent sometime in Oregon and is returning to the States (as called) and about to spend the evening with us and who had the kindness to offer to bear the same to the nearest P. office upon his route home…At Kansas (or Kaw) village the indians stole 4 of our cattle. We detained 2 days in making efforts to recover them, but finally failed…also to pass though the territory of the Pawnee indians- the worst tribe on the route- our road was good…At Laramie we were among the Sioux indians. They stole one horse from our company & perpetrated some minor thefts but upon the whole they are the finest specimens of the indian that I have seen…Upon Sweet Water we found 140 armed Mormons under Capt. Brown being a detachment of the Mormon Battalion taken into the U.S. service last season…Mr. Finley & companions like Oregon well. They are going back I never felt better. This is hasitly written with the paper lying on a meal bag…J.S. Snook[?]", light wear and toning at folds with some minor separation, F.-V.F., this cover is the subject of an article written by Dr. Milgram for the Dec. 2020 issue of Western Express.
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.

A RARE AND EARLY TRAIL LETTER DESCRIBING IN DETAIL THE ARDUOUS TRIP UNDERTAKEN IN 1847.

Pacific Springs - an extensive marsh in a bleak, dry landscape is in a low place just west of South Pass. For emigrants on the Oregon Trail, it was the first source of good water after crossing the Continental Divide. From the east-flowing rivers and streams they had followed for so many miles, the pioneers had finally arrived at water that would end up in the Pacific Ocean.

The town of Oregon, Mo. was established in 1841. The name refers to the Oregon Country, which was at the time considered a prime destination of pioneer emigrants passing through the area. A post office called Oregon has been in operation since 1843. It was a significant trading post in the Platte Purchase region of Missouri for the first couple of decades of existence. (Image1) (Image2)

image

Est. $1,000-1,500
Selling for...$500.00
Will close during Public Auction
Illustrated Clipper Cards
LotNo. Symbol CatNo. Lot Description
540       imageColeman's California Line "Derby". Multicolored design on glazed enamel stock (168x105mm) printed by Nesbitt & Co. showing "Horse Race" with lengthy inscription; very light toning at right along edge, Very Fine.
Estimate; $500 - 750. (Image1)

Est. $500-750
Selling for...$250.00
Will close during Public Auction

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