Santa Fe, New Mexico, September 2, 1865 to Captain William R. Shoemaker, Fort Union, New Mexico, two pages, octavo, reading, in part: "...Mr. Patterson is now about to return to Texas to procure another lot (of) beef cattle. He is obliged to cross the great prairies through the Indian Country both going, and on returning with his cattle. His party is not sufficiently armed, and it is not possible to obtain arms in this country unless he can get some from the military...you are hereby authorized to loan them twelve or fifteen Sharps carbines...if you have them to spare, or...fifteen Mississippi rifles...It is desirable to encourage the introduction of cattle from Texas to New Mexico now greatly reduced in stock from Indian depredations..."

Private Collection of a Gentleman, Southern MS

Stains; split at one fold, else good condition.