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June 11, 1819 Letter
Title
June 11, 1819 Letter
Date
1819-06-11
Description
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.
P-064 Yellowstone Expedition Letters
Title
P-064 Yellowstone Expedition Letters
Date
1819-06-11
Description
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.
Letter from John Jacob Astor to Anthony Charles Cazenove, July 11, 1813
Title
Letter from John Jacob Astor to Anthony Charles Cazenove, July 11, 1813
Date
1813-07-11
Description
Letter from the New York businessman John Jacob Astor to Anthony Charles Cazenove in Alexandria, Virginia in July of 1813. Astor writes to ask Cazenove to procure him 15 to 20,000lbs. of some commodity.
P-100 Fulton, Robert Autographed Letter
Title
P-100 Fulton, Robert Autographed Letter
Date
1812
Description
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
Letter from John Jacob Astor to Charles Gratiot, July 24, 1811
Title
Letter from John Jacob Astor to Charles Gratiot, July 24, 1811
Date
1811-07-24
Description
Letter from the fur trading businessman John Jacob Astor to Charles Gratiot of St. Louis in July of 1811 about the Astoria expedition led from St. Louis to the Pacific Coast under the leadership of Wilson Price Hunt. Astor asked if Gratiot had any information about Hunt's party.

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