Auction Date:2009 Jun 24 @ 10:00 (UTC-4 : AST/EDT)
Location:6270 Este Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, United States
incomplete, 5" x 7.75", signed Z.M. Pike. Thought to be part of a letter to MD Congressman John Montgomery, who headed the committee considering reimbursement for members of the expedition, ca 1808 or 1809. Although Montgomery himself was in favor of remuneration, similar to that given Lewis and Clark, the request was ultimately turned down. Pike's letter concludes: ...that to dare to murmur against the judgment of the assembled wisdom of the Nation is criminal in a Soldier. Therefore I shall be silent.
Zebulon Montgomery Pike, Jr. (1779-1813) was the son of a soldier, and, although born in Trenton, NJ, grew up in a series of Midwestern (i.e. frontier) outposts. He joined his father's regiment in 1794 and earned a commission in 1799. After the return of Lewis and Clark, in 1805 General James Wilkinson ordered Pike to find the source of the Mississippi as the Lewis and Clark expedition had for the Missouri River, although many think his real mission was to spy on British strength in the region. On his return, he expected to have a period of rest, but was ordered to explore the southern parts of the Louisiana Purchase, and find the headwaters of the Arkansas and Red Rivers, and apparently to spy on Mexican troop strengths.
He was captured by the Spanish in northern New Mexico (now Colorado) and taken to Chihuahua by way of Santa Fe. He was ultimately released on the Louisiana border after being taken back through much of Texas. It has been observed that Pike obtained more military intelligence from this southern circuit to Chihuahua and Texas than he ever would have on his journey to Colorado and back.
The Thomas Minckler Collection of Western Americana
Condition: Moderately toned, minor ink "burn," adhesive stains on verso.
Auction Location:
6270 Este Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, United States
Previewing Details:
Tuesday, June 23, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday, June 24 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| Ohio |
5.5% |
Ohio State Tax |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
17.5% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Cowan's is happy to provide a shipping estimate in advance of the auction. We have partnered with an outside shipper - Wrap-It Postal. Their services to our respected customers are based inside the Cowans facility.Please contact Wrap-It Postal by email at shipping@cowans.com, or call 513.871.1670 (ext.19). You can also submit a request for an online quote . All shipping and packing costs will be charged separately by Wrap-It Postal to your credit card on file.
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Cowan's is happy to provide a shipping estimate in advance of the auction. We have partnered with an outside shipper - Wrap-It Postal. Their services to our respected customers are based inside the Cowans facility.Please contact Wrap-It Postal by email at shipping@cowans.com, or call 513.871.1670 (ext.19). You can also submit a request for an online quote . All shipping and packing costs will be charged separately by Wrap-It Postal to your credit card on file.
Cowan's is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property.
ADVICE TO INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: Cowan's will not ship any package containing a firearm to any location other than within the United States. Buyers outside the United States must make their own shipping arrangements taking full risk for the transportation of any firearm.
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Buyers are required to pay for all packing, shipping and insurance charges. Overseas duty charges are the responsibility of the successful bidder. Be aware that for larger and/or valuable items, shipping charges can be substantial.
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