Lot
986 
(Missouri Territory) (Fort Bellefontaine) St. Louis / Apr 15, two-line postmark and red manuscript "Free" rating on 1817 folded military letter from Brigadier General Thomas A. Smith to Col. Robert Butler, Adj. General S. Division, U.S. Army, Nashville Tenn., endorsed "Pub. Service", he writes "If reports from the Indian country can be believed, several of the Tribes are disposed to commence hostilities this spring, they are endeavoring to draw into the Confederacy all the Indians on the upper Mississippi; if any information should be received that will render an additional force necessary, I will communicate it by Express", F.-V.F. with interesting Indian content. Estimate $300 - 400.
General Smith was the officer in charge during the building of Fort Crawford at Prairie Du Chien. He was a leading figure in frontier Missouri; following service at Fort Bellefontaine he resigned in 1818 to become the first receiver of public moneys at the Franklin Land Office, a position he held for about 10 years. He later operated a farm in Saline County which was called "Experiment", indicating his lack of experience in farming. The recipient of this letter, Col. Robert Butler, had been breveted Lt. Col. "for gallant action during the siege of New Orleans." When this letter was written he was Adjutant General of the Division of the South, stationed at Nashville. After resigning from the Army, he served as Surveyor General of Public Lands in Florida.
Realized: $425