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 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 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 wife to assure her she was not forgotten in his absence. He spent the previous evening at Captain Young's and found all of them well except Captain Young, who was ill but improving. Mary and Harry had just returned from a visit to Mrs. Hollingsworth. She was getting along well, and had received his wife's letter. Moore, along with William, Lizzie, and Duvall
Letter from Enos B. Moore to his brother about canceling their trip. He mentioned making this decision after a council of war, and decided he would not continue to Vicksburg. Maria appeared to have a matter to settle that required him to be in town, as it would be illegal if he was not. Moore then discusses expenses for the boat. He warned his brother that it would not be a good place to buy a
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
Letter from Enos B. Moore to his brother after Scarlet Fever affected William's children. He was glad that they were recovering. Moore mentions Fanny had been recovering from her eye being sore and Maria was doing well. They expected to travel home soon and stop to stay with Uncle Jos. He would make a short trip to Lake Minnetonka before they left.
Letter from Enos B. Moore to his brother discussing business. He mentioned being on the steamboat Prentiss. He referred to Captain Jo Brown not being able to dock when he previously travelled. He mentioned Captain Titus Brown was there to help load luggage and move it. The fare was going up from Vicksburg to Cairo or St. Louis.
Letter from Enos B. Moore to his brother on the building of a new boat. He lamented that William's business had been dull. Moore described the progress of building a new boat, and that the rain and wind had been interfering. Despite that, the engines had been built and they hoped to put up the chimneys soon. He concluded that it may take about 3 weeks. He noted that he should be able to get a
This letter to an unnamed recipient provides a remarkable window into the mind and soul of this American legend. The letter captures Robert Fulton’s frustration and bitterness at having to compete for recognition of his monumental achievements. He argues passionately that he alone can claim he invented steamboats and he provides proof by expounding upon his superior familiarity with the