Lot
26 
[Indians] [Fort Atkinson - Arikara Campaign] "Fort Atkinson 27 July 1824", dateline on letter from Col. Henry Leavenworth to Benjamin O'Fallon, Indian Agent in the Territory, letter confirms that Leavenworth placed no blame on the Indian Agent for the debacle at the villages, signed by Leavenworth, Very Fine. Estimate $200 - 300.
In 1823, a large fur trading expedition led by William H. Ashley ascended the Missouri River. On June 2, at the Arikara villages in what is now South Dakota, the Indians defeated and routed Ashly's men in a surprise attack. In the battle 15 trappers or boatmen were killed and 9 more were severely injured. Responding to a plea for help from the survivors, Col. Henry Leavenworth ordered the 6th Infantry to prepare for a campaign. Within four days he was headed upriver with 220 soldiers and 30 of Ashley's survivors. Along the way he enlisted the aid of 60 white trappers and several hundred Sioux warriors. Before departing he sent the following message to General Atkinson at St. Louis: "We go to secure the lives and property of our citizens and to chastise and correct those who have committed outrages upon them.".
Realized: $475