Schuyler J. Rumsey Philatelic Auctions Sale

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Gems of Philately continued...

1846-1848 Mexican-American War continued...

LotNo.

Symbol

CatNo.

Lot Description

161

New Mexico, Camp Calhoun, December 12, 1846. Dateline on lengthy three page letter from 2nd Lieut. John A. Boarman (Co. "73" Santa Fe Battalion) to his brother in Ste. Genevieve, Mo., carried by military courier and entered the mails with "Fort Leavenworth, Mo., Feb 10" cds and manuscript "10" rating, letter with content regarding sickness and an Indian treaty…As there is another mail to start Plains shortly I thought would write a few more lines to let you know how of our situation and how we are. There is a great deal of sickness in Camp upward of 30 to 40 men lying in Camp at this time and we have buried two men since we have been in Quarters. They all belong to the Company from Benton County. There are sixteen of sick of (measles) and some maybe near dying, but by strict attention from the officers and now they were saved and are now doing well. Through all the disease and sickness now prevailing here. Thomas and my self so far through the intercession of Providence have escaped and I hope will pass through this dreadful times without being sick. The strongest and hardiest men seem to be the first who take sick. A Lieutenant of the Benton died a few days ago with the measles; he was in the same compy as me our beds touched each other on the right side of the last night between the hours of one and two. I woke and discovered a crowd of men standing around him. I asked them the meaning of this and they told me Lieut. Alexander was dying. I jumped out of bed and put on my clothes. I found him dying and he was perfectly sensible…Since I wrote my last letter the Navajoe's Indians have made a treaty and promised to not disturb the Mexican anymore. The Indians and the Mexicans will make an exchange of Prisoner in the spring.; some edge wear and slight soiling, generally F.-V.F.
Estimate; $2,000 - 3,000.

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Est. $2,000-3,000
SOLD for $1,200.00
Will close during Public Auction

162

Santa Fe, N.M., 28th Dec. 1846. Dateline on three page letter from Lieut. John Hinton (Co. "G", 1st Regiment Missouri Volunteers) to his brother in Petersburg, Va., carried by military courier and entered the mails with "Independence, Mo., Mar 2" cds and manuscript "10" rate, letter with content advocating for promotion, troop movements and plot to recapture the territory…"My Regiment has moved to El Paso were they will await my arrival with a battery of artillery P, a provision train & then march to Chihauhau. Rumor reports from 700 to 1000 Mexican troops at the Pass to oppose Col. Doniphan's advance, if true they must have a fight before I can come up, as I cannot leave here before the 1st present & it will take me fully 20 days to reach the Pass - I cannot but hope that no fight will come off without me. It looks a little selfish but I calculate largely on winning a brevet or 2 in my first fight…We have had quite a stir here for the last 10 days owing to the discovery of a plot to recapture this territory. The Mexicans had laid their plans very well & completed their organization; but having sufficiently early in information Col. Price was enabled to take such steps as to lead to the arrest of most of the ring leaders. But the Chief & 2nd in Command are still uncaptured & they are smart, well educated & poor ambitious men & consequently dangerous. - Those now in custody will be tried as soon as practicable & it is the general opinion that they will pull hemp (hanged).", Very Fine.
Estimate; $2,000 - 3,000.

The plot to overthrow the Americans at Santa Fe was led by Gen. Diego Archuleta and Tomas Ortiz. The failure of this takeover eventually led to the massacre at Taos and the assassination of Governor Charles Bent.

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Est. $2,000-3,000
SOLD for $1,600.00
Will close during Public Auction

163

Santa Fe, New Mexico, January 11th, 1847. Dateline on folded letter from Army surgeon to his wife at Fort Leavenworth Mo., carried by military express, entered mails with "Independence, Mo. Mar 3" cds and manuscript "5" rate marking, some interesting content describing sickness, death & battles including "…We have had a battle at a place called El Passo about 200 miles from us in which our troops came off victorious and I am in hopes that the war will soon be over…"; light toning, Fine and interesting Mexican War use.
Estimate; $500 - 750. (Image1)

Est. $500-750
SOLD for $325.00
Will close during Public Auction

164

U.S. Ship Columbus, Harbor of Monterey, Upper California, March 1847. Dateline on lengthy three page letter to Canterbury, N.Y., carried privately and entered the mails with red "New York, Ship, 7cts, July 21" cds, letter written by Charles Hand with excellent content regarding arrival of U.S. ships of war at Monterey, Kearny's defeated the Mexicans at San Pascual (Dec. 6, 1846) and more…"You will percieve by the above that we are at the seat of War in this ocean, where we arrived on the 2nd inst after a passage of 52 days from Callao…We found on our arrival here the Frigates Independence, and Savannah with the Store Ship Lexington and the Sloop of War Warren arrived about four hours afterwards. - So that at this time March 5th there are 5 Men of War in the Harbor. There are some American troops on the coast and at San Diego 90 miles - northward of us are some 7 or 800 Mormons who count 400 effective men. Colonel Kearney of the 1st U.S. Dragoons is also here having crossed the country and from Santa Fe to this place he had but 100 men. When at Pueblo about 200 miles in the interior he was surrounded by a force of 7 or 800 Mexicans through whom he cut his way and arrived here with the loss of but 18 men. The American Flag is now the National Banner of California and if the Government ever gives it up to Mexican misrule, the President who signs the Treaty and the Senators who vote for its ratification should be held in the same estimation, that the memory of the traitor Arnold is - From what we can see from the ship Monterey has not increased much in size since 1840, when I was here in a whaler, but as I thought then I think now it is one of the most beautiful countries in the World…General Aristas (Mariano) wife is here, and in fact I believe almost the only warrior in the place…she is reported to have said that her husband need never return unless he can bring a necklace of scalps of the miserable Americanos as some of our enemies style us - When Commodore Stockton first established a form of Government here and took possession of the country a majority of the male inhabitants fled to the interior but the most of them have since returned, and are now living peaceably in the Town. We are now waiting the arrival of the frigate Congress and the Sloops Portsmouth and Cyanne when we are to proceed southward to the reduction of Mazatlan and Acapulco, which latter is represented to be second only to Vera Cruz in its defences. We are at present the Flag Ship of the Squadron and as Commodore Biddle is the oldest Commodore afloat he is Commander in Chief of the United States forces in the Pacific…Troop ships are now on the way to this place, but if any men except Mechanics are to be left I shall Volunteer, if not I shall return here within a year after reaching the United States."; cover stained and worn with repaired internal splitting, Fine.
Estimate; $4,000 - 6,000.

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Est. $4,000-6,000
CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

165

Pueblo de Los Angeles, Upper California, May 20, 1847 (General Kearny Return Expedition). Dateline on lengthy 3-page letter to Brooklyn, N.Y. sent by soldier in N.Y. Vols regiment to sister, gives account of voyage to San Francisco by sea…"we landed in San Francisco which contains about 500 inhabitants"…"Next we went to Monterey the Colonel having orders to proceed there with four companies"…"so we embarked on board the U.S. Ship Lexington and finally arrived"…"Well again we had just got settled when news arrived that Genl. Bustament was coming towards Pueblo de los Angeles so we were ordered to meet him and Genl. Kearny came down with us. We landed at a placed called Santa Pedro"…"about nine in the morning we marched to Pueblo and arrived before dark"…"we arrived here but Bustament has not come and I do not think he will if he does he will have a warm reception for we are very strong here besides a fortification we have thrown up.", includes a post script "we could whip 2000 Mexicans", entered mails with red "St. Louis Mo., Aug 26" cds and matching "Steam 10" straightline rating handstamp; cover intact with splitting and some separation along folds, Fine.
Estimate; $5,000 - 7,500.

A REMARKABLE USE CARRIED OVERLAND BY BRIG. GENERAL KEARNY FROM CALIFORNIA TO FORT LEAVENWORTH.

Heading toward California, Kearny was informed that the conquest had already been completed by Commodore Robert F. Stockton and Lieutenant Colonel John C. Fremont. With a force reduced to only 120 dragoons, Kearny arrived in early December to discover that rebellious Mexican-Californians had retaken most of the province. Stockton had proclaimed himself governor of California and refused to accept Kearny's authority. Because he wished to preserve harmony and because Stockton's men constituted the bulk of available U.S. forces, Kearny accepted the situation and led the combined army-navy command to Los Angeles, defeating the Mexicans at San Gabriel (Jan. 8, 1847) and the Mesa (January 9), thus ending the resistance.nnThis letter was carried by military express to Monterey and then overland May 31, 1847 by Brig. General Stephen Watts Kearny to Fort Leavenworth arriving on August 22. At Fort Leavenworth, Kearny, on his way to Washington D.C., boarded the steamboat "Amelia" August 23rd to St Louis and deposited his mail. They were postmarked upon arrival in St. Louis August 26th with 10¢ due.nnKearny was returning from the campaign that conquered California during the Mexican War; he brought Lt. Col. John C. Fremont with him - under arrest - for attempting to usurp Kearny's authority there. The trip over the California-Oregon trail took 66 days. Putnam had apparently been in charge of the ships mentioned in the letter that were carrying supplies to the Army in California.

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Est. $5,000-7,500
CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

166

Monterey Barracks, May 27th, 1847 (Kearny's Overland Mail). Dateline on lengthy three page letter written by Pvt. J.S. Vincent (Col. Steven's 1st Regiment New York Volunteers) to his brother in Alfred, N.Y., carried on the first overland mail from California and entered the mails with red "St. Louis, Mo., Aug 26" cds and matching "Steam 10" straight line handstamp, with letter giving a detailed account of the ongoing war in California and mentions Kearny's overland departure in part…Thee are now staying at the Barracks. A party of men who are to be Gen. Kearney's escort across the mountains and I must not miss the opportunity to send you a line. Every thing is dull in California. There is no chance for a fight and here we are sucking our thumbs in Monterey the Capitol California…The sloop of Mr. Dale arrived on the 23 inst from the South but she brings no news of Mexican affairs. The slop of War Portsmouth arrived here from the south and she brings Mexican papers which gives a detailed account of an engagement between Gen. Taylor and Santa Ana. As near as I can learn it would seem That Gen. Taylor had but 7,000 men and Santa Ana 18,000. Gen. Taylor not deeming himself strong enough to meet Santa in the open field planted a battery of 26 guns in a pass between San Luis Potosi and Saltillo and retreated upon it and when the Mexican army got into the pass Gen. Taylor ordered his men to fall flat upon the ground and fired the battery over them into the crowded Mexican files. The result of the battle was 5000 Mexican killed and 2000 American killed and Gen Santa Ana had retreat to the city of Mexico. The Portsmouth also brought news that Gen. Scott had taken the town of Vera Cruz and was laying before the Castle to starve it to surrender. If this news be true it in all probability end the war very soon. In that case we shall be disbanded this fall. It has been decided by our commanding officers that we cannot be kept out of our traveling fees when we are disbanded except by a special act of Congress and there has been no such special act so that each man will receive 20 cents a day in lieu of rations 50cts for every 20 miles travel and his wages from the time he is disbanded to the time he gets to his place of enlistment (allowing 20 miles for a days travel) So you see each man will received a smart sum to carry him home. I cannot tell yet which way I shall go home whether across the mountains or take a vessel and go down to Panama cross the Isthmus to the gulf of Mexico from thence to New Orleans…The 7th Regt. legal-size pretty well scattered over California. 1 Company at Sonoma - 3 Companies at San Francisco - 1 Company at Monterey - 3 companies at Santa Barbara, and 2 Companies at Pueblo de los Angeles. Col Stevenson and Staff are at the latter place. Col. R. B. Mason, I st Dragoons Successor Gen. Kearny in Command in California is to be Governor when Kearney leaves. I do not think he will be as well liked as Kearney is. He is a Stem harsh man - but little calculated to win the confidence of volunteers. Gen. Kearney (who went to Pueblo with Col. Stevens) arrived here this afternoon in the U. S. ship store Lexington and I have just heard that he has ordered 150 men to Acapulco is to be attached by troops landed above the town and by bombardment form the Vessels of War simultaneously. I at first thought that our company would be ordered down but I have heard since that Lt. Col. Burton's command at Santa Barbara are to be sent down…I have heard since I commenced this letter that Gen. Kearney is to start Monday and it is now Saturday afternoon and I have to get ready for Saturday afternoon drill and Sunday morning parade and inspection so I must close.; cover with some edge toning, still Very Fine.
Estimate; $10,000 - 15,000.

A REMARKABLE USE CARRIED OVERLAND BY BRIG. GENERAL KEARNY FROM CALIFORNIA TO FORT LEAVENWORTH.

This letter was carried by military express to Monterey and then overland May 31, 1847 by Brig. General Stephen Watts Kearny to Fort Leavenworth arriving on August 22. At Fort Leavenworth, Kearny, on his way to Washington D.C., boarded the steamboat "Amelia" August 23rd to St Louis and deposited his mail. They were postmarked upon arrival in St. Louis August 26th with 10¢ due. Kearny was returning from the campaign that conquered California during the Mexican War. He brought Lt. Col. John C. Fremont with him, under arrest, for attempting to usurp Kearny's authority there. The trip over the California-Oregon trail took 66 days. Putnam had apparently been in charge of the ships mentioned in the letter that were carrying supplies to the Army in California.

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Est. $10,000-15,000
CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

167

Arkansas River one days march From Pawnee Forks, June 27th 1847 (Santa Fe Trail). Dateline on lengthy three and a half page letter written by Pvt. M.I. Baker (Co. "B" 4th Illinois Infantry) to his nephew in New York City, carried by military courier and entered the mails with "Fort Leavenworth, Mo., Jul 6" cds and manuscript "10" rate, letter with excellent content of the journey to Santa Fe and Indian attacks…"When I last wrote you I was at Council Grove on my way to Santa Fe. After leaving there we proceeded on our journey and nothing of note happened until we reached Pawnee Fork, where we arrived just one day to late to have had an encounter with a party of Comanches & Pawnees, who attacked a homeward bound train of wagons and drove off over one hundred oxen and wounding some of the men. We found here two trains of thirty wagons each, which started the next day with us. Two other trains of thirty wagons each had started home too on thru days ahead. Well we traveled home 16 to 18 miles and encamped on the Arkansas. At Reveille or light the next morning we discovered that the Indians had made a charge on Hayden 's train and were driving off their oxen. The order to saddle and mount our horses was given and in a few moments all were in the saddle. I was among the first in the ranks, but was ordered to remain behind to help guard the camp. About twenty one men (only) started off in pursuit of the Indians. - Opposite to us on the other side of the river, was a large crowd of Indians, ready to drop and fall on our camp if we sent away all our men. Our men (21) headed by a Sergeant made a gallant charge on the Indians and they all commenced to run off. - At this the Indians on the other side run their horses up the river a few hundred yards, crossed and charged in rear after our men. The Indians in front seeing this, turned around and there was our poor fellows with enemies in front & rear and ten to one at least - (then the Indians commenced crossing the river. I foresaw the result and wanted only twenty to attack them and keep them from attacking our men in the rear but our commanding officer, Lt Low would not send the men and so the result was horrid to relate. I made no comment, but have facts to speak for themselves. There was at least two hundred warriors all mounted with lances, bows & arrows & a few guns and all of them on trained horses and themselves the best horsemen in the world. This could not last only for a few moments, when our men made a retreat for camp at the top of their horses speed. They got by this time all the cattle, some 70 or 80 yoke of oxen across the river and had about one hundred and fifty men on foot doing that part. The first man that came in was Sergt. Bishop, wounded with a bullet just above the kidneys. This is not as yet thought to dangerous, although it is rather doubtful. The next was a your man by the name of Lancaster, son of a German Baron, who fell from loss of blood off his horse some 200 yards from Camp. Besides being lanced, he had an arrow still in him, which entered under the right arm and the steel front was sticking out clear through him just above his heart. He still is living but his case is thought hopeless…We do not know for certainty how man of the Indians were killed as they always take the dead away with them, but it cannot fall short of thirty for almost all of our men killed one and those of our men that got killed, each killed from two to four & five. The Indians have not as yet made another attack, but we expect nothing else every moment. We are now well prepared for them…We have just learned those Indians have taken and destroyed the new fort lately built at Jackson Grove near the cropping of the Arkansaw. They killed three men the rest escaped with a six pounder and have gone on to Santa Fe with Smith train as guards…PS. I am express this at dark for Fort Leavenworth by which I send you this letter.", Very Fine.
Estimate; $3,000 - 4,000.

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Est. $3,000-4,000
SOLD for $2,600.00
Will close during Public Auction

168

Albuquerque, N.M., July 13th, 1847 (Santa Fe Trail). Datelined folded letter from Capt. William N. Grier to Brig. Gen. R. Jones, Adj. Gen. U.S. Army at Washington D.C., endorsed "On Public Service" and "New Mexico", carried by military courier back up the Sante Fe trail to Fort Leavenworth, delivered to a non-contract Missouri River steamboat leaving for St. Louis, struck with red St. Louis "Steam 10" straightline rating due handstamp, "10" crossed out and manuscript "Free" rating since the Adjutant General had the franking privilege, receipt docketing of Sept. 24, 1847, two months 11 days after it was written, Very Fine and choice.
Estimate; $3,000 - 4,000.

A RARE SANTA FE N.M. MILITARY LETTER TO WASHINGTON D.C.

This letter was written by Captain William N. Grier, a member of the Doniphan's Expedition that seized Santa Fe at the beginning of the Mexican War. Letter reads: "It becomes my melancholy duty to report to you the death of 2d. Lieut. Joseph McElvain 1st Dragoons, who died at this place at 12½ O'Clock P.M. yesterday (July 12th) from the effects of a gunshot would in the left arm near the shoulder joint. On the morning of the 14th Inst. Lieut. M. & two other officers of my command with a Detachment of twenty Dragoons went in pursuit of a party of Marauding Indians (Navajos). About two miles from this place Lieut. M. was wounded as described above by the accidental discharge of a carbine which he held in his right hand, Very Respectfully, Wm. Brier".

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Est. $3,000-4,000
SOLD for $3,500.00
Will close during Public Auction

169

Monterey, California, August 18, 1847 (Stockton's Overland Mail). Dateline on commercial folded letter to Plymouth, Mass., carried privately by ship and entered the mails the following year with red "New York, 5cts, Feb 14" cds, letter with notation "The First of the above Bill I remitted to you on June 8/47 by Comdr Stockton" with that bill enclosed in this letter, Very Fine, an early usage prior to the formation of the Monterey post office in early 1849.
Estimate; $2,000 - 3,000.

CARRIED ON THE SECOND OVERLAND TRIP EAST FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO NEW YORK BY COMMODORE ROBERT F. STOCKTON.

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Est. $2,000-3,000
CLOSED
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170

Santa Fe, New Mexico, October 11, 1847. Dateline on cover to Belleville, O., carried privately with "Politeness of Capt Turner" endorsement who was returning to Fort Leavenworth, letter with interesting content…"I send you by Capt. Turner and Lieut. Roper of our Regiment a Puebla bow and with sixteen arrows. The Puebla Indians are the descendants of Montezuma's old subjects, and are a much finer and braver race of people than the Spaniards, at the battle of Taos (January 1847 Revolt) which was fought last winter they stood till they were bayoneted while the Mexicans ran at the sight of a gun. They use the bow and lance pretty generally. The white's now not willing to sell them guns through this bow and arrows have been used a little they are yet good…I also send you, the Doubloons, and of which you will keep for yourself, another you will give to mother.", and signed Wm. H. Snyder, Very Fine, ex-Risvold.
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.

Lt. William H. Snyder is a collector sending home native items from the Pueblo Indians.

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Est. $1,000-1,500
SOLD for $700.00
Will close during Public Auction

171

Head Quarters Santa Fe N.M., October 15, 1847. Dateline on three page letter written by Pvt. Thomas McDowell (1st Regiment Infantry Illinois Vols) to Troy, Ill., carried by military express and entered the mails in St. Louis bearing their red "Steam 10" straight line handstamp, letter with description of places in New Mexico after march from Fort Leavenworth…"Arrived here the 19 day of September & after a long march of 66 days through a desert inhabited (by) those hostile bands of scavages who frequent this Road for the purpose of plundering & murdering those who are so unfortunate as to fall in there cruel hands…We were somewhat amused when we came in sight of Las Vages which is the first Town in New Mexico at least on Route to Santa Fe - There houses are built of mud 7½ feet high - Roofs perfectly flat covered with the same materials…A great trade is carried on between that place & Santa Fe…will now inform you that we have marching orders to El Paso which is 320 miles from here South - we will leave for here in a Short time…I will now inform you that Santa Fe is considerable of a place - the Town is about 8 miles in circumferance - houses built of mud - The main Plaza is in the center of the city about 300 feet square - there is 3 Catholick Churchs & the Relic's of 3 or 4 more old delapitated Churches that were one(ce) venerable Edefices but now the cankering worm of time has deminished their beauty very much"; cover with a few light stains, F.-V.F., ex-Risvold.
Estimate; $2,000 - 3,000.

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Est. $2,000-3,000
SOLD for $2,100.00
Will close during Public Auction

172

Santa Fe, Nov 6 } (1847). Manuscript Military Express endorsement clearly written on greenish-blue folded letter datelined "Santa Fe, New Mexico, October 22nd 1847" from 1st Lieutenant and Adjutant William F. Snyder in Hook's Company E, 1st Regiment, Illinois Volunteers, to his brother John in Belleville, Illinois, carried east by military express on the Santa Fe Trail, it entered the mails with "Independence Mo. Nov. 16" cds and manuscript "10" due rating; small piece of last page missing, but almost all of the content is intact, Very Fine, ex-Irwin Vogel, Birkinbine & Kramer.
Estimate; $7,500 - 10,000.

THIS IS THE EARLIEST RECORDED MARKING OF ANY KIND APPLIED AT SANTA FE TO MAIL CARRIED BY MILITARY EXPRESS, WHICH WAS THE ONLY MEANS BY WHICH LETTERS COULD BE SENT TO OR FROM THIS ARMY-OCCUPIED NEW MEXICO TOWN.

After General Stephen W. Kearny occupied Santa Fe on August 18, 1846, a military express was established over the Santa Fe Trail. Mail was carried over this route via Bent's Fort (or the Cimarron Cutoff), and eastbound letters entered the mails at Fort Leavenworth or Independence, Missouri. On May 11, 1850, the contract for monthly mail service on the same route was awarded to Waldo, Hall and Company commencing July 1. Examples of military express mail typically do not have any markings applied at Santa Fe. The "Santa Fee Nov. 6" postmark is dated the day the express departed, two weeks after the letter was written.nnThis chatty letter between brothers mentions the names of no less than fifteen enlisted soldiers and officers in the 1st and 2nd Regiments of the Illinois Volunteers. Lieutenant Snyder enlisted at Alton, Illinois, on May 26, 1847, and arrived in Santa Fe (Military Territory of New Mexico) on September 16, 1847. He was discharged at Alton on October 14, 1848.

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Est. $7,500-10,000
CLOSED
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173

Fort Mann, Upper Arkansas, December 6th 1847. Dateline on folded letter addressed to President James K. Polk in Washington City, D.C., with manuscript "Pr Santa Fe Express" endorsement at lower left, "Fort Leavenworth, Mo., Dec 24" cds with manuscript day and "10" rating crossed out, letter regarding the tendering a resignation…"To His Excellency, James K. Polk, President of the United States, Sir, I was mustered into Service of the United States at Fort Leavenworth, as Captain of the Company E "Indian Battalion" Missouri Volunteers, which Battalion is under the Command of Lieut. Col. William Gilpin. Reasons of a substantial and influential character, constrain me to tender my resignation as Captain of said Company.", and signed Capt. Napoleon Koscialowski, with Adjutant Gen. recommendation & Secretary of War final approval docketing; some soiling along file folds, F.-V.F., ex-Risvold.
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.

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Est. $1,000-1,500
CLOSED
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174

Jefferson Barracks, Mo., Sep 19 (1848) (Missouri). Sharp strike of cds on fresh 1848 folded letter to Washington D.C., with matching "Free" handstamp and manuscript "On Official Business" endorsement, sent by Major Stephen Kearny confirming his commission as Brevit Major General, Very Fine and choice.
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.

Jefferson Barracks named for President Thomas Jefferson was established in 1826 and located on a high plateau on the west bank of the Mississippi River.

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Est. $1,000-1,500
SOLD for $1,900.00
Will close during Public Auction

175

Santa Fe, New Mexico, January 10th, 1848. Dateline on three page letter written by Pvt. John Snider (Co. E 1st Infantry Illinois Vols) to Belleville, Ill., carried by military courier and entered the mails with "Fort Leavenworth, Mo., Mar 14" cds with manuscript "10" rate and "From the Army of The West" endorsement at top, letter with some interesting content…"The companies that left here have been ordered back and they will soon be here. We expected to be attached and they were ordered back. There is some news come in this evening that truce was made but whether this was true or not. If this is so we will go home in the Spring and if not we will go South in the Spring. I should like to go South…There have been two men whiped since we have been here and they catched 3 mexican officers the other day. The next morning after I commenced this letter, there was a roomer in town that there was a 9 hundred Mexican coming in hear to attack us and the Comal (Colonel) order the artillery companie up in the fort…I heard talking to one of the Mexican officers all thou if hope that they may come and do come show them now no quarter there is just the men here to handle them. This is one of the greatest places out of hell. There is nothing going on but gambling and whores here. There is not a girl here is neigh high to a tumble."; portion of cover torn off and repaired including portion of postmark at lower left, Very Fine appearance.
Estimate; $750 - 1,000. (Image1)

Est. $750-1,000
SOLD for $650.00
Will close during Public Auction

176

From U.S.A., Santa Fe (1848). Sender's notation on army occupation period stampless folded letter headed "Santa Fe New Mexico Jan. 16th 1848", the notation evidently anticipating the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, from Mexican-American War soldier Charles W. Abbott to a reverend in Lebanon, Illinois, carried up the Santa Fe Trail by military express to the unorganized territory assigned to Missouri and mailed with Fort Leavenworth, Mo. (now Kansas) large cds with "Mar 14" manuscript date and "10" manuscript rate marking, lightly silked at the folds, Very Fine.
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.

A REMARKABLE MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR LETTER FROM AN ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER IN NEW MEXICO. SOLDIER LETTERS FROM ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS WHO SERVED IN THE "ARMY OF THE WEST" ARE RARE AS SO FEW MEN SERVED IN THESE REGIMENTS.

Letter mentions "our Reg. is still cooped up here in this place having nothing to do but drill! drill!… we have no prospect of any fighting, for all the enemy that could be mustered in N.M. has lately been attacked and beaten." and "New Years and Christmas passed of quite dull except that some of the soldiers took themselves a little furlough and got drunk. On New Years Day we buried one of the lieutenants of the Reg… We always bury the dead with much parade and with military honors." and "The Mexican congress that has convened here… have passed some good laws, one is that the Mexicans may bury their dead free from the charges of Catholic priest… Many others were passed and put into effect which will benefit this ignorant and superstitious people."

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Est. $1,000-1,500
CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

177

Booneville Sep 7, 1848. Dateline on two page letter addressed to Lieut. John A. Boarman at Fort Leavenworth, Mo., with manuscript "If the Troops are discharged at Independence, tell P.M. to please forward to that Office" sender's notation at lower left, with "Boonville, Mo., Sep 9" origin cds with matching "5" rate handstamp, forwarded to "Independence, Santa Fe Batt." with "Fort Leavenworth, Mo., Sep 26" cds and manuscript "Fowd." and added "5/10" rerating below rate handstamp, with letter from brother asking if he could stop by and mentions other military personal…"John did you know this Berry in the New Mexico he represents himself as being a Lieutenant & fought with you at the battle of Rosales & he has no character here, they tell me so I put on your guard…John when you come to Town you will find us near Col. Pierce's Hotel (Colonel Sterling Price of the Second Regiment of the Missouri Mounted Volunteers)", Very Fine.
Estimate; $750 - 1,000. (Image1)

Est. $750-1,000
SOLD for $550.00
Will close during Public Auction

178

Santa Fe N.M., February 24th (1849). Military adjutant endorsement on 1849 datelined folded letter to Saint Charles Mo., carried military courier on the Santa Fe trail, entered mails with manuscript "Westport Mo., 26 March" postmark and matching "10" rating; some edge wear, Very Fine.
Estimate; $4,000 - 6,000.

The contracts for carrying the mail on the Santa Fe Trail were let by the military authorities in the Quartermasters General's Office at Fort Leavenworth to civilian contractors in 1848 and 1849. The mail service was very irregular during this period, with the cost of each delivery being carried under special contract at $600.00 per round trip. The military maintained their own courier service to Fort Leavenworth were all letters would then enter the U. S. Postal service.nnDr. E. B. Bateman informs his brother Newton of life in Santa Fe, during a very dull winter season where, the main story seems to be about the tragic journey of Col. Fremont, including the death of many of his men during their journey to Taos in a severe winter storm. Fremont crossed from the Plains through La Veta Pass 9,382 feet into the interior valley west of the Sangre de Cristo range then on south to Taos.nnThis is the tragic story as written by Dr. Bateman: "…Col. Fremont & men were here a few days since en route for California. They were compelled to put into Taos (Tous) for succor, having lost all their mules & ten men from famine & cold & besides nearly all else they possessed they suffered greatly & appeared like shadows of natural men, but in time American spirit, meek, submissive & determined. There is a great spirit here of emigration to the west, numbers have already gone & many more, probably to the number of 100 will emigrate from Santa Fe to the west this spring, highly bound for western California. I have recently been a trip 50 miles blow on the famous Rio Grande, it is a beautiful mountain stream meandering through scenery as Grotesque & lovely as beautiful as any in the world."

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

Est. $4,000-6,000
CLOSED
Will close during Public Auction

179

Liberty, Mo., Feb 5 (1850) (Col. A.W. Doniphan Letter). Cds on two page 1850 folded letter from Alexander W. Doniphan (Colonel of the 1st Battalion of Missouri Mounted Volunteers) to his cousin in Weston, Mo., endorsed "Col. A.W. Doniphan" signature and "5" rating, with letter about an illness that has nearly taken away his voice, Very Fine, a rare signed cover from Alexander W. Doniphan shortly after the Mexican American War.
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.

Colonel Alexander W. Doniphan led his men to victory in the battle of Brazito north of El Paso on Christmas Day in 1846, and again in the final larger battle at Sacramento Pass, Chihuahua, Mexico on February 28, 1847. Colonel Doniphan led his men throughout the 5,000 mile journey during the Mexican War. They were very often short of supplies with bad water and poor rations, which may have caused his illness. The Army returned home by steamboat from Texas Coast to New Orleans and on the St. Louis in July 1847.

Complete images:
View gallery or Download PDF (6.0MB). (Image1)

Est. $1,000-1,500
SOLD for $3,750.00
Will close during Public Auction

United States Postal History

LotNo.

Symbol

CatNo.

Lot Description

180

Wells Fargo & Co., Paid. Company red frank on 1855, 10¢ Nesbitt entire (U16) to Philadelphia, Pa., with choice strikes of "Blood's Penny Post, May 14, 1858" cds canceling indicia and "Blood's Despatch, 2Cts." rimless circular handstamp at lower left; small corner repair and stain removes with backflap reattached, Extremely Fine appearance, a wonderful appearing western express and Eastern local city delivery usage, with 1997 & 2011 P.F. certificates.
Estimate; $500 - 750. (Image1)

Est. $500-750
SOLD for $3,250.00
Will close during Public Auction