Lot
2028 
(Santa Fe Trail - Batemen Correspondence) "Santafe, March 15, 1849", blue folded letter from E.B. Batemen to his brother at St. Charles Mo., entered mails with partial "Independence Mo., May 23" cds and manuscript "5" rating, letter reads "Since last I wrote nothing of much interest has transpired in this ends of the earth. The weather is cold here & we have had a long cold winter, but are not much troubled with mud as you are in Mo. This is the dullest time of the year for our city & at present extremely dull, the American population are more sparse than at any other time many having gone to the States & other South on business. I had hoped to have some money ere this to have sent you & father lot on account of a Speculation into which I entered some three months since involving about 1500$ & which appears likely to result unfavorably. I am at present in straightened circumstances & disappointed in that hope. My present calculation is to start in course of a month for California, with a company of citizen now raising for that purpose. If I do go it will be as Surgeon to the Company; its main object I understand to be the exploration of the country & to locate a Colony it is an enterprise solely of the citizens & will be in no way connected with the Military establishment. Would it not be well for you to acquaint yourself with the Spanish Language as you may wish some day to visit this country. I have made some progress so that in common intercourse can get along tolerably well…"; light bleach spotting, Fine and interesting letter. Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
Realized: $1,700