Letters from the Trader Post Scandal or Indian Ring, Belknap Case

Pierrepont, Edwards

Publication Date: 1876

About this Item

Two signed copy book letters from Attorney General Edwards Pierrepont to George Chase and Caleb Marsh during the investigation into the trader post scandal and trial against Secretary of War William W. Belknap. The impact of Belknap's actions would involve high profile people of the day including President Ulysses S. Grant, Col. George Custer. After the Civil War, Secretary of War William Belknap authorized, appointed and licensed 'sutlers' with traderships at US military forts located in the West. Sutlers had exclusive rights to sell goods to soldiers and Native American via these traderships. In particular, Belknap awarded a tradership at Fort Sill in Oklahoma Territory in 1870 to Caleb Marsh. John Evans, already a sutler at Fort Sill, did not want to give up his position, so Belknap appproved of an illicit financial arrangement where Evans would halve his profit and give it to Marsh who then would share his profit with Belknap's wife. This occurred at other trading posts as well. Under President Grant's Indian peace policy, Native Americans were sold top of the line guns from tradership posts, while soldiers were required (under Belknap's authorization) to buy supplies, and defective rifles from tradership posts. (This is thought to be a contributing factor to Custer's defeat at the Battle of the Big Horn in 1876.) This caught the attention of Col. George Custer who discovered profits were going to investors rather than licensed sutlers, and he made allegations that involved President Grant's brother. The first letter is addressed to George Chase, asking him to make all haste to bring to Washington, DC Mr. Caleb Marsh 'who testified in the Belknap case' and to assure him of protection should he wish to return to Canada. The second letter is addressed to Caleb Marsh requesting his return with Mr. Chase, "It is my wish and that of the President to get your testimony in the Belknap case.you shall have complete protection and safe conduct to return to Canada if you desire. Have no fear that you will be betrayed." 2 manuscript letters on onion skin, 3pp total. Letters wrinkled, some fading, holes at ink spots, but very legible. Pre printed page numbers at the top right corner 256-258. Seller Inventory # 28497

Bibliographic Details

Title: Letters from the Trader Post Scandal or ...

Publication Date: 1876

Signed: Signed by Author(s)