This letter describes Clark's efforts to outfit the Atkinson Expedition to the Yellowstone River. The letter also discusses the City of Saint Louis, where Lt. Clark was staying at the time.
This pair of autograph letters are from Lieutenant Isaac Clark to his Father, Colonel Isaac Clark of Vermont, describing his efforts to outfit the Atkinson Expedition to the Yellowstone River. Letters also discuss the City of Saint Louis, where Lt. Clark was staying at the time.
The Yellowstone Expedition detailed in these letters is a little-known but significant early western expedition. It was organized in 18191 and was under the command of Col. (later Brigadier General) Henry Atkinson. The group was charged with ascending the Missouri River by steamboat (an early attempt at such travel on the Missouri) to establish a series of forts along the river to protect the American fur trade, guard against hostile Indians, and counteract the presence of the British Hudson’s Bay Company in the region. The expedition ultimately reached the “Council Bluff” in eastern Nebraska, where they established Fort Atkinson, near the Missouri River. The troops at Fort Atkinson endured a harsh winter in 1819-1820, and lack of provisions left them susceptible to scurvy and other diseases, which ultimately claimed between 100 and 200 lives. Clark’s letters give a rare firsthand account of the logistics and provisions of the expedition.
Both letters are written by Lieut. Clark, to his father, Col. Isaac Clark in Castleton, Vermont. Isaac Clark, Sr. (1742-1822) had a military career that spanned some fifty years. He fought in the Revolutionary War, participating in the Battle of Bennington (1777) and the recapture of Fort Ticonderoga (1778). During the War of 1812 he led Vermont troops in patrolling the border with Quebec to prevent smuggling and led several military forays into Quebec. He also served in several political and judicial positions in Vermont.
This letter describes Clark's efforts to outfit the Atkinson Expedition to the Yellowstone River. Letters also discuss the area of Belle Fontaine and the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, where Lt. Clark was staying at the time. Written from Belle Fontaine, Missouri and postmarked Saint Louis, Missouri.
Letter from Enos B. Moore to his brother about how he spent Christmas with Sam at Captain Young's home. The weather in New Orleans had been severe, and the wharf was overcrowded. Because of this, they have not been able to unload their freight for a while. Moore felt as though this trip has been wasteful. He planned to offload some freight and then travel back up through Cairo. He warned his
Letter from Enos B. Moore to a man who is looking to buy a ship and to build or operate a boat for the Vicksburg-Yazoo City Trade. This letter contains hiring advice for a boat's captain so that the office can remain private. There is also financial advice for purchase of a hull and machinery. Moore offers to loan the individual money and breaks down the costs of the hull, machinery, and the
Letter from Captain Enos B. Moore to his brother about getting a boat ready. Letter contains information about family members, who will join Moore on his next trip, and details for preparing the boat. Letter explains Captain Young did not sell the steamer Crescent, so Moore will take it over.
Letter from Enos B. Moore to his brother. He explains that Milton will join their trip to Jack McFarland's place. He goes on to say that the Captain believes the boat will run all summer, and one or two more trips will indicate if it will. Moore says that obtaining a low water boat is improbable due to the fact that they are in high demand, and that the Yazoo citizens do not have much to depend
A letter sent home from Enos B. Moore where he inquired as to why two previous letters had been unanswered, recognizing that he possibly did not receive their response. Talks about seeing Milton and Sam on the steamboat Ironton on the Missouri River. He tells of leaving the next day for New Orleans and describes a Yellow Fever outbreak there, and that due to low waters, the boat will stay in
Letter from Enos B. Moore regarding his attempts at finding new workers for the ship. He received a letter from William near the steamboat Natchez. He sent a young man for the position of mate; he had heard the young man was very good, but a little fractious. He was unable to find a chambermaid in New Orleans who was worth sending, and expected their departure will be delayed until the next week.
Letter from Enos B. Moore to his brother on his way to St. Louis from Paducah. Samuel was with him on the boat and they are not sure how the boat would perform. He was afraid the draft was not right despite that they had not given it a fair trial.They had only had a few drunken firemen. He said the boat is alright, but drew a little more water than he expected. Moore expects the boat to trim on
Letter from Enos B. Moore to his brother. The letter appears to be primarily an update on various people, family, and business. He mentioned Milton needing to save up money for a bushel to help him get through the hard times in the world, saying that people would swindle (fleece) individuals of their disposition. He received a letter from their father that all is well at home. While the letter is
Letter from Enos B. Moore to his brother about the monument being built. Mr. Rule would build the monument after the model with slight modifications to the shaft. The monument would be made of the best material available, and would be delivered to the boat for $900. The inscription would be of the same pattern and size as in Spring Grove Cemetery. Moore mentioned being on the steamboat Mass for a
Letter from Enos B. Moore on not lacking a staffing solution for the addressee. He mentioned purchasing extra flour in St. Louis at $8.00 per bushel, and that he did not know any young men who were idle to be an engineer for the addressee. Moore mentioned knowing Henderson Squires was an engineer in New Orleans who was available. Henderson had written and not received a response, so Moore assumed
Letter from Samuel Moore to Enos B. Moore. He was worried as he had not heard from him or William, and thought someone in the family may be sick. He mentioned receiving word in Cairo that Captain Young had died. He asked to hear back as soon as the letter was received.
Letter from Enos B. Moore to his brother about his move to Minneapolis. The family was well. He found Minneapolis to be a very dull place and the newspapers were not interesting to read. Went on to describe differences in carriages and compared to trucks on a railway.
Letter from Enos B. Moore to his brother discussing the war and investment prospects. He believed Duvall was wavering now to the success of the Rebellion. Things seemed to be quieting on the river, and there had not been disturbances by guerillas. He mentioned that if people would leave Uncle Abe alone, he would settle the question of coercion. Moore heard of farmers now desiring to raise sheep
Letter from Maria Moore to Enos B. Moore. This letter has 3 parts. In the first, she described how much she missed him while he was on business in New Orleans taking care of the boat. The second part of the letter was written the next day. She received a short communication from him and mentioned the family would be heading to Yazoo City if there was no fever in New Orleans. She also said she may
Letter from Enos B. Moore to his brother William. He stated that he received William's letter of May 25th and read it by the steamboat Morrison. All was well and he was with Duvall and Samuel, the latter of which intended to return home in a few days to possibly take Ellen to Niagara Falls. At that time Moore did not plan on doing anything to the boat, and would not until there is something for
Letter from Enos B. Moore to his brother discussing the effect of the war on business. He discussed how there was no cotton trade or passengers to have, and that he could not travel south of Cairo, IL. Moore mentioned that even sending letters to the South was not an option at that time. Mention is made of looking for a farm, but that that also would not make sense until the war ended.
Letter from Enos B. Moore to his wife discussing his trial. Moore mentioned having met with lawyers and having to have stayed in town until the case was tried. He does not mention the details of the case. He also wrote of concerns that the banks may announce that they were all out of money, and there was a possibility of their boats being confiscated. But it was only property and not their