Lot 1055
Carson, Christopher Houston "Kit" (1809-1868), American frontiersman, served as guide for John C. Fremont on Oregon Trail into Sierra Nevada.
Document signed "C. Carson" as a Colonel and commanding officer of the Navajo Expedition, 15½" x 9¾", Fort Canby, New Mexico, August 1863; document is a report of persons hired and employed in the Quartermasters Dept., all of whom deserted, with pay due, on August 10, 1863; 12 names are given, all Indian Scouts and, judging by their names, all Native Americans; very minor breaks at fold junctions, Very Fine with bold signature; professionally matted with a portrait framed to an overall 29½" x 18".
Estimate $15,000 - 20,000
AN EXCEEDINGLY FINE AND RARE "KIT" CARSON DOCUMENT, SIGNED WHILE HE WAS ENGAGED IN THE NAVAJO EXPEDITION.
Expertization: Kenneth Rendell COA.
In 1863, Kit Carson was commanded to conduct a "scorched earth" policy against the Navajo people — burning crops and killing livestock. After the defeat of the Navajo tribe those who surrendered were forced on the "Long Walk", during which numerous Native Americans starved, drowned or froze to death. "Kit" Carson, hearing of the loss of Navajo life, notified Carleton that the deaths were attributable to "want of a sufficiency to eat. I respectfully suggest to you the propriety and good policy of giving the Indians…while en route to Basque Redondo, sufficiency to eat."
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| Realized $15,000 |
