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American scout and soldier (1809–1868) who takes a place among the most colorful personalities in the Old West. Partly-printed DS, signed “C. Carson,” one page, 16.5 x 13, no date but circa January 1867. Document headed "Report of Persons and Articles employed and hired at Fort Garland, C.T. during the month of January, 1867," listing "Gerard Austin, Carpenter," who worked eleven days "Repairing Gov't Transportation," earning $75. Boldly signed at the conclusion in ink by Kit Carson as commander of Fort Garland, and countersigned by James W. Fairfield as quartermaster. In fine condition, with a few trivial stains to the document's body, nowhere near the pristine signature.
Fort Garland was an important U.S. Army post in Colorado’s San Luis Valley, established in 1858 to protect settlers in the region. After the Civil War in 1866, Carson took command as the Army worked to reassert authority across the West and manage relations with the Ute people. Drawing on his frontier experience, he helped negotiate a temporary peace in 1867, supporting safer travel and settlement. Documents such as this reflect the everyday military and logistical functions—hiring civilian labor, maintaining equipment, and supporting mobility—that underpinned the broader effort to secure and develop the postwar West.
The Western Americana auction of Jochen Zeitz.
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