Lot
872 
"Fort Fanning Jany 17th 1841" (Florida), dateline on folded letter endorsed "Paid" and "Single", entered the mails with "Savannah Geo. Jan. 23" cds and matching "Paid" handstamp with magenta "25" rating to Detroit Mich., interesting letter content about Captain leaving for Palatka (post nearest Savannah) due to sickness and the horrible conditions at the post: "…Most of the Officers at the Post have had it…This is a miserable Country, in Winter it is Fever and Ague, and in Summer it is Fever of the worst kind, it is very rarely any one escapes being sick two months at a time, Those who have been in the Country any length of time look like walking ghosts…"; light stain, F.-V.F. and scarce use from the short-lived Fort Fanning. Estimate $300 - 400.
Fort Fanning, Florida was built in November 1838 during the Second Seminole War and was first called "Palmetto". Later it was renamed in honor of Colonel Alexander Campbell Wilder Fanning, who had served under General Andrew Jackson in the First Seminole War. Its purpose was to protect the highly strategic and heavily utilized crossing of the Suwannee River. It also served as a base of operations for U.S. and Florida Militia troops that tried to suppress the activities of small bands of Creek and Seminole warriors that operated from the vast swamps of the lower Suwannee River. Raids and battles were a constant part of life in the region for both whites and Indians during the years 1836-1842. The fort was garrisoned for nearly five years, during which time, 31 soldiers lost their lives, all but three of them from sickness. The post was abandoned in February 1843 and because it was made of wood and situated in a warm humid climate, it soon deteriorated.
Realized: $450