Lot
7 
Bent's Fort, Santa Fe Trail, Unorganized Territory, 1846 Mexican War letter from settler/trader enroute to Santa Fe, datelined "Near Bents Fort July 31 '46", the same day that Kearny (also at Bent's Fort) issued his proclamation to the people of New Mexico declaring his intention to "liberate" Santa Fe, postmarked "Fort Leavenworth, Mo., Sep 2" black cds with manuscript "5" cents unpaid, An excellent trail letter with historic contents written by E.N. Pomeroy, which states in part, "We are all well as usual intending to leave for Santa Fe in two or three days, the traders are in fine spirits from the understanding that we are not to pay any duty, and from sea ports being blockaded so that supplies can't enter the usual way…We are making fine profits in our sales to the Army, the only trouble is in procuring goods enough. The mail is about to close. The news from Santa Fe is that the place will probably surrender without a fight, nothing however is known upon which much reliance can be place.", Very Fine and rare, this is the earliest recorded folded letter from what is now Colorado & one of the most important early Colorado items, one other example is known carried by this Military express. Estimate $5,000 - 7,500.
Bent's Fort was established as an early trading post in unorganized Missouri Territory, but was also used by the military as circumstances dictated. As it had no postal facilities, this letter was carried by military courier back to Fort Leavenworth.
Realized: $7,000