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.
Realized: $2,500