Lot 115
(Fort Sumner, N.M.), inbound cover bearing 3¢ rose (65) tied by blue "Cincinnati. O. Jun 27" duplex to Dr. Geo. S. Courtright, Asst. Surgeon U.S.V., Fort Sumner, New Mexico, endorsed "Via Ft. Union" at bottom left, docketed as received "July 23rd/64" at top left; some aging at bottom, Fine and scarce inbound use.Estimate $150 - 200.
In March of 1863, the legendary Kit Carson first moved subjugated Mescalero Indians to Bosque Redondo, where a new reservation and outpost was being established near the Pecos River - the first incarnation of Fort Sumner. The summer, fall and winter, Carson campaigned relentlessly against the stronger Navajos. By the summer of 1864, Carson's scorched-earth campaign had led to almost 8,000 defeated Navajos surrendering at Fort Defiance and Fort Wingate. Gen. Carleton ordered these bands forcibly escorted in the summer of 1864 to the newly established Fort Sumner. Dr. George Courtright was part of the new garrison troops sent to Fort Sumner from Fort Union.
Realized: $130