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EXPLORATION AND WAR continued...

THE AMERICAN FUR TRADE continued...
Lot Symbol CatNo. Lot Description CV or Estimate
121   [Mail by Canoe to Auguste Choteau] Letter written to Chouteau by Frederick Oliva on behalf of the Mackinac Company, Michilimackinac, (Northwest Territory now in Michigan) August 23, 1809. He writes in French that:The packs you sent have all b[Mail by Canoe to Auguste Choteau] Letter written to Chouteau by Frederick Oliva on behalf of the Mackinac Company, Michilimackinac, (Northwest Territory; now in Michigan) August 23, 1809. He writes in French that:"The packs you sent have all been received in good order, which, as soon as the ship returns that has now left for Chicago to look for packs that may be there, I will put on board for Montreal, addressed to the...Michilimackinac Company, as well as the letters you have sent them. The canoe that you say to keep has been put in storage, and I am returning to you a new barge, charged with 4000 of sugar...The agents having taken out contracts for more sugar than there is available here...I have taken it upon myself to send you the quantity you request...I am also sending you two men, one of them a winterer, who was hired by Mr. Reid, but since he did not need him, I have decided to send him to you...I am returning you the same outfit in which your men arrived here, except that I have added two oars."In outstanding condition. The cover directs that the letter travel to St. Louis "by Pierre Bergeron, Canoe," making it the only one that we have seen with such an endorsement. (Image) Est. $750-1,000

SOLD for $1,100.00
Will close during Public Auction
122   Chouteau, Auguste, His account with fur trader Joseph Robidoux Early manuscript Document Signed twice Augte. Chouteau, 2 pages, legal folio, Louisiana Territory District & Township of St. Louis, April 1, 1810. In French and English (certificaChouteau, Auguste, His account with fur trader Joseph Robidoux Early manuscript Document Signed twice "Augte. Chouteau," 2 pages, legal folio, "Louisiana Territory District & Township of St. Louis," April 1, 1810. In French and English (certification by a justice of the peace). The account of Joseph Robidoux with Chouteau for late 1808 and early 1809. Primarily an account for regular goods. Chouteau signs both pages. Toned, with notable edge wear, but an important early document from the man traditionally credited as the founder of St. Louis. Undoubtedly this is the account of Joseph Robidoux II, the fur trader, though it may be for his even more renowned son, Joseph III, later founder of St. Joseph, who had gone north in 1809 to establish a trading post at present-day North Omaha, NE. Perhaps he left town without settling his bill!Chouteau, Auguste - French-American merchant and Indian trader (1749-1829); with his stepfather and employer, Pierre Laclede, he is credited with helping found St. Louis, MO. (Image) Est. $750-1,000

SOLD for $1,000.00
Will close during Public Auction
123   Chouteau, Jean Pierre and Auguste, Choice manuscript Document Signed by P. Chouteau, his half-brother Augte. Chouteau, Pierres wife, Brigitte Saucie Chouteau, and Chouteaus business partner and brother-in-law Bartw. Berthold. Auguste anChouteau, Jean Pierre and Auguste, Choice manuscript Document Signed by "P. Chouteau," his half-brother "Augte. Chouteau," Pierre's wife, Brigitte "Saucie Chouteau," and Chouteau's business partner and brother-in-law "Bartw. Berthold." Auguste and Berthold sign as witnesses. Mr. and Mrs. Chouteau sell a 30' x 120' lot facing on the main street in the "Town & District of St. Louis in the Territory of Louisiana," September 22, 1812, to Christian Wilt. A handsome document.Chouteau, Jean Pierre - French-American fur trader, Indian agent, and political figure (1758-1849); half brother of Auguste Chouteau and father of Pierre Chouteau, Jr; negotiated the Treaty of Ft. Clark in 1808, opening up much of present-day Missiouri and Arkansas to white settlement; founded the St. Louis Fur Company in 1804. (Image) Est. $1,000-1,500

SOLD for $525.00
Will close during Public Auction
124   Chouteau, Pierre, Important autograph letter signed by Chouteau in French, written in New York, September 20, 1842, to Kenneth McKenzie in St. Louis. In reference to McKenzies difficulties:I would rather have tried to make even a bad arrangemChouteau, Pierre, Important autograph letter signed by Chouteau in French, written in New York, September 20, 1842, to Kenneth McKenzie in St. Louis. In reference to McKenzie's difficulties:"I would rather have tried to make even a bad arrangement...instead of doing nothing….The fate of the Company is already known to you & as there are people looking...to amalgamate us into its fall, I need all the credit I can get here...I desire...that between now and next Spring, that the Credit & the Paper of the House, will be as good, as desirable in Wall Street as it is in St. Louis...For that one must sell & realize. Because my friend Crooks has left me in the direst circumstances.""All my attempts at borrowing against your properties have been useless... After the awkward situation in which I found myself on behalf of the Company I had made a heartfelt promise to myself never again to endorse...You are probablly the only person for whom I would...""Sales in London...are, in general, quite satisfactory, but the beaver has done terribly...I dare not make a prediction about the price of (buffalo) robes. At least one third of the firms have folded...The losses on the sales of robes since 1837 have been enormous."At the time of this letter, Chouteau owned the Western Department of the American Fur Co., and Ramsay Crooks the Northern Department. The business depression of 1837 had caused difficulty across the nation and soon after interest in beaver pelts declined. The great days of the fur trade had gone for good, and here we see Chouteau and McKenzie trying to survive the crash. Chouteau did well enough to later invest in railroads. (Image) Est. $2,000-3,000

SOLD for $2,000.00
Will close during Public Auction
125   [Pierre Chouteau & Co] Autograph letter signed by G. Franchere of Little Rock, Arkansas to Pierre Chouteau & Co in St. Louis, February 23, 1847. He writes that he has been all along the Arkansas River "without much success in buying Deer Skins; in fact the quantity is much less than last year...and the holders were not disposed to part with them at any thing like M. Sanford's limits....I have only purchased 7000, 13 cents and 2300 Racoon cat & Fox at 12-1/8 cents with a few Bears & Otters. "Address leaf with postmark and 10c rate. Sanford was one of Chouteau's top operatives, but is now better known as the owner of slave Dred Scott when his case suing for his freedom came before the US Supreme Court. Est. $750-1,000

SOLD for $500.00
Will close during Public Auction
126   [Pierre Chouteau Jr. & Co., Joseph Sire] Autograph letter in French from Sire, Chouteaus agent in St. Louis, May 8, 1852, to Pierre Chouteau in New York. He encloses returns (not present) from his agents in the field, whom he thinks will contin[Pierre Chouteau Jr. & Co., Joseph Sire] Autograph letter in French from Sire, Chouteau's agent in St. Louis, May 8, 1852, to Pierre Chouteau in New York. He encloses returns (not present) from his agents in the field, whom he thinks will continue, though Honore Picotte may not."It would seem that our opponents must be doing a very weak trade … I cannot comprehend or reconcile how, if Picotte has made only 900 packs in the district of Fort Pierre he will collect a total of 4000 packs, and our opponents only 1500...I don't count on more than 75 to 80,000 (buffalo) robes against 93,000 last year .. I would very much like to count on the (balance sheet) of CM&S (Choteau, Merle & Sanford) provided that it be correct. Sarpy and I count on quickly receiving a definite answer concerning our interest in New York...We consent to withdraw, but we would very much want to know exactly what the time of our discontinuation is…."Chouteau, Merle, and Sanford was another of Chouteau's many companies, in partnership with John FA Sanford, his son-in-law. Sanford's sister Irene Sanford Emerson, was the wife of Dr. John Emerson, owner of the slave Dred Scott. Joseph A. Sire had begun in the fur trade as a river boat captain on the Missouri River. (Image) Est. $750-1,000

SOLD for $425.00
Will close during Public Auction
127   Crooks, Ramsay, Early partly printed document signed Ramsay Crooks, Agent Am. Fur Co., Michilimackinac, Michigan Territory, August 13, 1821. He and Joseph Laframboise: are held and firmly bound unto the United States of America...in the penaCrooks, Ramsay, Early partly printed document signed "Ramsay Crooks, Agent Am. Fur Co.," Michilimackinac, Michigan Territory, August 13, 1821. He and Joseph Laframboise: "are held and firmly bound unto the United States of America...in the penal sum of Four thousand, nine hundred & Seventy Five Dollars...The Condition of this Obligation is such that whereas a License has this day been granted by George Boyd Esquire, Agent for Indian affairs...to trade with the Indians on the upper Mississippi & its dependencies & tributary Waters at and above the Prairie du Chien..." Also signed by Ben Clapp and by Laframboise. In truly exceptional condition. Crook, Ramsay - Scottish born Canadian-American fur trader (1787-1859); worked initially for the Pacific Fur Company, becoming a partner; organized one of the earliest overland trips to Astoria, the PFC's post in present-day Oregon; became an American Fur Company agent in 1817; became the AFC's president in 1834 and purchased its midwestern territory, operating as the Northern Department. (Image) Est. $750-1,000

SOLD for $8,500.00
Will close during Public Auction
128   Crooks, Ramsay, Good pair of letters from early and late in his career. The first, from Peoria, IL, August 3, 1823, is to O.N. Bostwick, Agent Am: Fur Company in St. Louis. He directs that with the goods ordered to be sent by Gabriel Davy, yCrooks, Ramsay, Good pair of letters from early and late in his career. The first, from Peoria, IL, August 3, 1823, is to O.N. Bostwick, "Agent Am: Fur Company" in St. Louis. He directs that "with the goods ordered to be sent by Gabriel Davy, you will send 2 lbs. young Hyson tea .. and in addition to the necessary Provisions for the two men for the voyage." With seal hole at right not affecting text. The second, written from New York on March 25, 1852, is to legendary fur trader Kenneth McKenzie in Washington, DC. He sends him two letters and acknowledges receipt from Mr. Smith of 17 bales of fox fur - grey, blue, and red, "and 3 Bales Raccoons" At the time of the first letter, Crooks was a manager of the American Fur Company. By the time of the second, John Jacob Astor had sold out, and Crooks owned the northern districts of the AFC. McKenzie had been fired by the AFC previously. (Image) Est. $500-750

SOLD for $400.00
Will close during Public Auction
129   Crooks, Ramsay, Pair of letters by the fur trader, one signed twice. The first, to his colleague Pierre Chouteau from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin Territory, December 22, 1838, recounts his expenses on behalf of Chouteaus son Charles. Chouteau anCrooks, Ramsay, Pair of letters by the fur trader, one signed twice. The first, to his colleague Pierre Chouteau from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin Territory, December 22, 1838, recounts his expenses on behalf of Chouteau's son Charles. Chouteau and Crooks had purchased the American Fur Company in 1834, Chouteau taking charge of its Missouri River posts as the Western Department, and Crooks taking its Northern Department in the Midwest. He writes,"… everything is settled with Western Outfit...and I have closed with Mr. William A. Aitken who has for 4 years had charge of our Fond du Lac trade, whose retirement from our Lake Superior business...can hardly fail to improve the complexion of matters." With partial splitting at some folds. Postmarked address leaf. (Image) Est. $500-750

SOLD for $1,000.00
Will close during Public Auction
130   Dousman, Hercules, Interesting pair of autograph letters signed, both from Prairie du Chien, Michigan Territory and Wisconsin. The first is a cover sheet, December 10, 1834, enclosing a draft by Lt. Wm. L. Harris on Maj. J.B. Brant for $1559, whiDousman, Hercules, Interesting pair of autograph letters signed, both from Prairie du Chien, Michigan Territory and Wisconsin. The first is a cover sheet, December 10, 1834, enclosing a draft by Lt. Wm. L. Harris on Maj. J.B. Brant for $1559, which he requests Pratte, Chouteau & Co. of St. Louis to collect on behalf of the Western Outfit (of the American Fur Company); the second is his petition to the US surveyor for Iowa & Wisconsin in Dubuque, January 2, 1856 for surveying of land in Prairie du Chien so that it can be sold by the government. Dousman, Hercules - American land speculator, merchant, and fur trader (1800-68); a partner in the American Fur Company's Western Outfit; later partnered with HH Sibley, Pierre Chouteau Jr, and Joseph Rolette, inheriting much of the latter's estate on his death in 1842; thereafter his investments in lumber and land grew his fortune; known as Wisconsin's first millionaire. (Image) Est. $500-750

SOLD for $250.00
Will close during Public Auction
131   Dousman, Hercules, Autograph letter to Chouteau & Mackenzie, Prairie du Chien, June 19, 1839. Address leaf ndorsed for carriage on the steamboat Glaucus, a sidewheel steamboat that had just been built in Pittsburgh. He sends $209, and mentionDousman, Hercules, Autograph letter to Chouteau & Mackenzie, Prairie du Chien, June 19, 1839. Address leaf ndorsed for carriage on the steamboat Glaucus, a sidewheel steamboat that had just been built in Pittsburgh. He sends $209, and mentions: "...The Pleasure Boat for Mr. (AFC agent William A.) Aitkin was considerably damaged on board the Glaucus, as Mr. Sibley writes...Mr. Aitkin has never said a word to me on the subject of this Boat." Dousman, Sibley, and Joseph Rolette ran the Western Outfit, which apparently contracted out to the American Fur Company. They sold out to Pierre Chouteau, Jr, in 1842, after Rolette died. The Glaucus was sunk in the same year. (Image) Est. $300-400

SOLD for $100.00
Will close during Public Auction
132   Drips, Andrew, Autograph letter signed to Robert Campbell, Council Bluffs, Michigan Territory (now Iowa) August 9, 1829. He writes to Campbell in St. Louis:I am happy to inform you of my safe arrival at this place on the fifth day after partinDrips, Andrew, Autograph letter signed to Robert Campbell, Council Bluffs, Michigan Territory (now Iowa) August 9, 1829. He writes to Campbell in St. Louis:"I am happy to inform you of my safe arrival at this place on the fifth day after parting with you. Without having the pleasure of seeing on single Indian. And I am in hopes you will be favoured as fortunately. Mr. (Lucien) Fontenelle will write you fully on the subject of returning to the mountains next spring. In closed you will find an order on Mr. Adams for what mony he may owe J.P. & Co. You will please collect if for us, and in case you determine to come up you will hold it in your hands & make use of it if you wish."Drips, Andrew - American fur trapper and guide; worked for the Missouri Fur Company and the American Fur Company; guided the earliest overland trains to the Northwest; Indian agent for the Upper Missouri. (Image) Est. $400-500

SOLD for $2,100.00
Will close during Public Auction
133   Farnham, Russel, Two autograph letters signed by the famed explorer and agent of the American Fur Company. The first, from the River Des Moines, February 29, 1824, is to Samuel Abbott, directing him to pay the bearer $3.50, and charge to the aFarnham, Russel, Two autograph letters signed by the famed explorer and agent of the American Fur Company. The first, from the River Des Moines, February 29, 1824, is to Samuel Abbott, directing him to pay the bearer $3.50, and "charge to the account of my Outfit… Should the ice (on the river) above this continue I shall not be able to get my Packs down so soon." The second, sent from Fort Edwards (near today's Warsaw, Illinois) by way of the "Steam Boat Rover," April 6, 1829, is to Pierre Chouteau in St. Louis: "You will receive by the Steam Boat Rover 76 packs. We had no other way of getting them down and was very much huried...I have started two Macana Boats loaded with Packs which will be down in a few days." Farnham, Russel - American explorer and fur trader (1784-1832); took part in the Astor Expedition, the first overland journey from St. Louis to the West Coast after Lewis and Clark's; traveled westward from Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia to St. Petersburg, Russia, the first American to do so; helped establish the American Fur Company's Upper Missouri Outfit. The Rover by which this letter traveled was the first of that name, a 103-ton side-wheeler that had just been completed in Cincinnati. (Image) Est. $500-750

SOLD for $1,300.00
Will close during Public Auction
134   [Death on Jedediah Smiths trip to California] Fitzpatrick, Thomas Important early manuscript Document Signed Thomas Fitzpatrick, a deposition, St. Louis, November 11, 1830. The case concerns the death of David Cunningham in 1827 while working[Death on Jedediah Smith's trip to California] Fitzpatrick, Thomas Important early manuscript Document Signed "Thomas Fitzpatrick," a deposition, St. Louis, November 11, 1830. The case concerns the death of David Cunningham in 1827 while working for Smith, Jackson, and Sublette, the fur trading company founded by William Ashley's three best mountain men, Jedediah Smith, David Jackson, and William Sublette. Fitzpatrick says that Cunningham left with Smith to trap in the West in July 1827, is not certain if he was engaged with Smith, Jackson, and Sublette, or was trapping for himself with the expectation of selling them his furs, but in either event, he would not have received a salary. He knows Cunningham was killed within about twenty days of setting off, and believes that Smith, Jackson, and Sublette were indebted to Cunningham, though he does not know to what extent. He knows the company was in business for a year before the death but will not speculate on whether they could owe the deceased between eight and nine hundred dollars.Cunningham's death occurred when he, Jedediah Smith, and 19 others left the 1827 rendezvous at Bear Lake and headed for California. They were attacked by Native Americans while crossing the Colorado River in mid-August. Ten, including Cunningham, were killed, and two Native American women traveling with them were captured. Fitzpatrick, Thomas - Irish American fur trapper, trader, and explorer (1799-1854); one of William Ashley's 100; with Jedediah Smith, discovered the South Pass through the Rockies; guide to John C. Fremont and Philip Kearny; co-owner of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company; known as "Broken Hand" due to an injury suffered from a misfiring pistol; one of the greatest of the mountain men. (Image) Est. $4,000-5,000

SOLD for $5,500.00
Will close during Public Auction
135   Fontenelle, Lucien, Early, good content autograph letter signed from Fort Lisa, Missouri Territory (present-day North Omaha, Nebraska), June 30, 1820. He writes Joshua Pilcher, president of the Missouri Fur Company, in St. Louis, telling him thatFontenelle, Lucien, Early, good content autograph letter signed from Fort Lisa, Missouri Territory (present-day North Omaha, Nebraska), June 30, 1820. He writes Joshua Pilcher, president of the Missouri Fur Company, in St. Louis, telling him that William H. Vanderburgh:"has arrived this afternoon from the poncas having left his Peltries at Pratt's house with two of his hands who could hardly stand up. V is very poor indeed, he has nearly starved since hi left (Moses B.) Carson because the Poncas had not a mouthfull to eat...He Traded all togeather about 2-1/4 pks of beaver & 27 pks of Robes, which will be send down with the Balce. by the firts oppy. His pks will be down in 8 or 10 days...The canoe from the Panis arrived at the mouth of the Platte about two hours after you had left there, with the load in good order…. Mr. Zenony (John B. Zenony, a partner in the Missouri Fur Company) just arrived...All hands are at work, boat Cork, Coal pitt burning, &c." He then reports on the work being done, or not done, by various men at the Fort. Seal hole in last page affecting two lines. Fontenelle, Lucien - French-American fur trader and trapper (1800-40); worked for the Missouri Fur Company and the American Fur Company; his trading post in Nebraska grew into the present-day city of Bellevue; married an Omaha woman; their son Logan became chief of the Omahas. (Image) Est. $1,000-1,500

SOLD for $1,700.00
Will close during Public Auction
136   Fontenelle, Lucien, Choice autograph letter signed by the fur trapper from Council Bluffs, August 9, 1829. He writes Robert Campbell in St. Louis,I am happy to inform you of Mr. Drips safe arrival at this place with his party & hope that yoursFontenelle, Lucien, Choice autograph letter signed by the fur trapper from Council Bluffs, August 9, 1829. He writes Robert Campbell in St. Louis,"I am happy to inform you of Mr. Drips safe arrival at this place with his party & hope that yours has not met with any misfortune on its way through the Pawnee Country. Mr. Drips, since his arrival, has spoken to me on the subject of entering into partnership with you for the purpose of carrying on the Mountain business. I regret extremely that...he did not take it upon himself to inter into an arrangement before you separated. However, it is yet time & I can assure you that I would be happy if we could form a copartnership. Your experience in the Country & the knowledge of the business, together with what little Mr. Drips or myself may have would certainly insure success, & should it turn out that no other person goes out next spring I think that there will be a coup to be made as the Country will be destitute of Goods...Mr. Drips and myself will have at your disposal twenty five hundred Dollars...That, with what you may be able to furnish would be able to start a handsome Expedition of 30 or 35 men...Should you conclude to join with us, Lamarche will remit you $1170, the balance of the draft drawn by Messrs. Sublette & Co. on Genl. Ashly...Let us know what price Mountain Beaver bares in St. Louis." Drips and Fontenelle had been trying to make a go of it on their own since the failure of Joshua Pilcher & Co, in which they had been partners. Clearly there was some question whether Smith, Jackson & Sublette would supply that year's rendezvous as they had in the past. Campbell chose not to go into partnership with Drips and Fontenelle, who then began to work for the American Fur Company. See Drips's letter from the same place and date (lot #132). (Image) Est. $1,000-1,500

SOLD for $1,500.00
Will close during Public Auction
137   Gratiot, Charles Sr., Interesting Autograph Letter Signed Chl. Gratiot, 23 page, 4to, St. Louis, June 26, 1815. He writes to Francis Roy at Portage des Sioux, Louisiana Territory (now Missouri), about Marianne Dorion Liberge and her daughter MGratiot, Charles Sr., Interesting Autograph Letter Signed "Chl. Gratiot," 2/3 page, 4to, St. Louis, June 26, 1815. He writes to Francis Roy at Portage des Sioux, Louisiana Territory (now Missouri), about Marianne Dorion Liberge and her daughter Mariane Bacane, both now widowed, and is sending Baptiste Vaudry with the bond for their inheritance. Gratiot, Charles - Swiss American merchant, fur trader, and jurist (1752-1817); married the half-sister of Auguste Chouteau; official witness to the transfer of Upper Louisiana from Spain to the United States; outfitted George Rogers Clark for his Illinois Campaign during the American Revolution, and was stiffed by Clark for $8000; father of the eponymous soldier. (Image) Est. $500-750

SOLD for $400.00
Will close during Public Auction
138   Lisa, Manuel, Choice pair of documents signed, one twice, 1810 by Lisa as administrator of the estate of George Drouillard, interpreter on the Louis and Clark expedition, who had been killed in May 1810 by Blackfeet Indians while on an expeditionLisa, Manuel, Choice pair of documents signed, one twice, 1810 by Lisa as administrator of the estate of George Drouillard, interpreter on the Louis and Clark expedition, who had been killed in May 1810 by Blackfeet Indians while on an expedition for the Missouri Fur Company, of which Lisa was a cofounder. One document, on a 4to sheet, lists "Sales of George Douillard's property" written mostly in French, except for the first item: "One mulatto Boy named Pierre / aged 12 Years," who brought $400. On an 8vo sheet of laid paper from September 21, 1810, Lisa records fabric and clothes in the account between Drouillard and "Gnral. (William) Clark." Both with some fold wear; larger document with edge faults. Lisa, Manuel - Spanish American fur trader and explorer (1772-1820); helped found the St. Louis Missouri Fur Company with the Chouteaus and William Clark; during the War of 1812 he used his contacts with Native Americans to neutralize pro-British tribes; the first white farmer in Nebraska when he established Fort Lisa there; helped outfit the Lewis and Clark expedition.George Drouillard, son of a white settler and a Shawnee woman, completed the entire journey with Lewis and Clark to the Pacific Ocean. He and Lisa had gone on an expedition up the Missouri River in 1807-08, during which Drouillard shot a man who had deserted their company, probably in self-defense. In May 1810, while out on another foray into fur country, he and two Delawares were out trapping when they were ambushed by Blackfeet. Though he killed two of them in the struggle, he was overpowered. When his body was found, his head had been cut off. (Image) Est. $2,000-3,000

SOLD for $12,500.00
Will close during Public Auction
139 c   Matthews, William W., folded Autograph Letter Signed with integral address leaf datelined at Montreal 12th April 1823 to Robert Stuart, Michilimackmac, Michigan Territory with handstamped Paid and manuscript 6(d) rate and Via Albany direcMatthews, William W., folded Autograph Letter Signed with integral address leaf datelined at "Montreal 12th April 1823" to Robert Stuart, Michilimackmac, Michigan Territory with handstamped "Paid" and manuscript "6"(d) rate and "Via Albany" directive, rated "18 3/4" for US postage, fresh and very fine. Matthews, Astor's agent in Montreal, writes: "Dear Sir/ Your favor of 17th October last by Mr. Currie came to hand in Nov. I have orders to bring the men you speak of but not the Cook. You are aware of the new arrangements to the east ward, and things go on quietly here - the H.B. (Hudson Bay Co.) have all their own way - they have engaged Some men conditionally to winter or return in the fall as may be required. I am told they have Seized all the petty traders who were within their limits - young Forrest with the others, it is also stated that Some of our people have met with the same fate!""I will try and bring you a Dog but as yet I have Seen none to Suit. .. I have a Small order to execute for Mr. Rolette, the Same you speak of I presume- Varin is doing nothing nor will he pay the amount I hold against him … mens wages Same as last year … W.W. Matthews" (Image) Est. $750-1,000

SOLD for $525.00
Will close during Public Auction
140   McKenzie, Kenneth, Autograph letter from the King of the Missouri signed K. McKenzie, 1 page, 4to, Fort Pierre (now Pierre, South Dakota), September 26, 1835. He writes Pratte, Chouteau, & Co. a letter of introduction for Francis A. Chardon,McKenzie, Kenneth, Autograph letter from the "King of the Missouri" signed "K. McKenzie," 1 page, 4to, Fort Pierre (now Pierre, South Dakota), September 26, 1835. He writes Pratte, Chouteau, & Co. a letter of introduction for Francis A. Chardon, who has worked with McKenzie "during the space of nine years. He has always conducted himself in such a manner as to meet my highest esteem and confidence… I hope an engagement satisfactory to both parties will be made with him." Piece out at bottom of page, touching valediction and paraph of signature, also with some staining. According to Chardon's journal, he traveled down the Missouri by Mackinaw boat. McKenzie, Kenneth - Scottish American fur trapper and trader (d. 1861); worked with the Hudson's Bay Company, the North West Company, the Columbia Fur Company (which he ran) and finally the American Fur Company; came to control such a large territory for the AFC that he was known as the "King of the Missouri"; built Fort Union at the fork of the Missouri and the Yellowstone; he lost his position for selling alcohol to Native Americans. (Image) Est. $400-500

SOLD for $1,300.00
Will close during Public Auction

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