Lot
1082 
Chickasaw Nation Nov 23rd 1805, black manuscript postmark with matching "25" rate notation on folded letter to Annapolis, Maryland, datelined "Arkansa October 3rd 1804", with the letter only having personal contents, and was likely off one year in his dating of the letterhead, a few toned spots on front, F.-V.F.Estimate $1,500 - 2,000.
AN INCREDIBLY EARLY POSTMARK FROM THIS INDIAN AGENCY OF WHICH VERY FEW COVERS ARE KNOWN DURING THIS TIME PERIOD.
The Chickasaw removal is one of the most traumatic episodes in the history of the nation. As a result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, the Chickasaw Nation was forced to move to Indian territory, suffering a significant decline in population. However, due to the negotiating skills of the Chickasaw leaders, they were led to favorable sales of their land in Mississippi. Of the Five Civilized Tribes, the Chickasaw were one of the last ones to move.
Current Opening Bid: $750
Lot
1083
Fort Arbuckle CN June 8th 1855, black manuscript postmark on blue folded letter to New York City franked with 1851 3¢ dull red (11) tied by manuscript cancel, business enclosure datelined "Fort Arbuckle C.N. 4th June 1855" from "John C. Henshaw, B Major US Army"; vertical file fold through stamp, otherwise Very Fine, postmarks from Fort Arbuckle are very scarce, as most mail was processed at nearby Fort Gibson., ex-Kramer.Estimate $300 - 400.
A VERY RARE FORT ARBUCKLE FOLDED LETTER.
Fort Arbuckle was constructed by the U.S. Army in 1850 to counter raids by Plains Indian tribes on immigrant trains heading west to California and on the settlements of Choctaw and Chickasaw nations in Indian Territory.
Current Opening Bid: $150
Lot
1084
Ft. Arbuckle, Chickasaw Nation, March 7th, 1863, dateline on letter only (no cover) with very interesting contents, in part, "…In compliance with my promise when leaving Sherman I take this opportunity of writing you, respecting Indian matters in this portion of the nation…I explained how the Indians came to abandon the Reserve after the massacre of the Forks and white men by the Shawney & Delewares…the Comanchees alone who were influanced by a brainless chief are the only exceptions. That the Reserve Indians are sincear in their adhearance to the South and have a warm attachment to the country allotted to them, there can be no manner of doubt…", the lengthy letter goes on to detail Confederate affinity and Union distrust by the Indians, changes in leadership, and is signed "J. Shirley", accompanied by full transcription of the contents, Very Fine.Estimate $200 - 300.
Current Opening Bid: $100
Lot
1085
Fort Washita, Ark. Aug [xx] [1855], decipherable black cds tying 1851 3¢ dull red (11, four margins) on folded letter addressed to Choctaw Agency, Ark.; letter datelined "Mineral Bayou Aug 8th 1855" and reads, in part, "I write you these few lines to keep you well posted on the subject of our late treaty with the U. States & the Chickasaw tribe of Indians. There is the probability of it being much opposed by some of the Chickasaws & also some of the Choctaws…Some of the Chickasaws appear to be dissatisfied with the $150,000 to be paid to the Choctaws almost for nothing they say. And some appear to be against the lease for the permanent location of the Wachitas and other bands or tribes of Indians. On the other hand, some of the Choctaws opposed the idea of giving the Chickasaws the right of independent self government within the limits of their own district…We have too much at stake to lose and we should be very cautious in this matter. But if we approve the treaty, & the Chickasaws reject it still we shall gain by this action. We can go on to Washington with good face & make another treaty leaving the Chickasaws out, and wind up our important business with the department & come home rejoicing…But if we reject first, we shall ruin everything. Please talk with Col. C. McC on this subject but this is a secret-let it not go out. Keep it to yourself until I see you…Israel Folsom" the vertical file fold through cds, Very Fine, ex-Jarrett.Estimate $500 - 750.
A FASCINATING AND HISTORIC LETTER.
Fort Washita was in the Chickasaw Nation and established in 1844 in what is now Bryan County, Oklahoma. It was built to protect the citizens of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations from the Plains Indians. The Fort was later abandoned at the start of the Civil War by Federal troops.
Current Opening Bid: $250