Lot 1004 1879 letter mailed from Fort Benton, Montana Territory on NOV.28.1879 (purple octagonal star duplex, used for less than one year, ties a 3c Washington stamp) to Henry J. Morgan in Ottawa (DEC.9 receiver). The 4 page letter inside is datelined 5 days earlier “Fort Walsh, 23rd Nov 1879” and was written by Morgan’s brother William, an early constable of the North West Mounted Police (regimental #191), who is describing the difficulties of living and working at Fort Walsh. He writes “I am now on the most dangerous duty chopping wood with another, five miles from the Fort. Of course we carry our rifles revolvers chuck full, but we are just as liable to be shot in the back, as poor Graham was. If you know the boy’s people you can tell them that every man here longs to avenge him – and aim to on the first opportunity…” he goes on “I want to get out of this Fort, for in plain English it is the damndest fraud ever perpetrated on the people of Canada…”. Henry Morgan, upon having received the letter forwarded it to Sir John A. Macdonald writing on the cover “Dear Sir John, Please return when you have read this” and the back of the cover has the reply “Dear Morgan, Thanks – your brother appln came I have got his discharge. (signed) JAMD”. The online Mounted Police database (LAC) reveals that he was discharged on June 17, 1881. Fort Walsh was intended to curb the illegal whiskey trade, protect Canada’s nearby border with the United States, and aid with native policy. It served as the NWMP headquarters from 1878 to 1882. Historically important. Estimate $1,000 sold for C$1,900.00 plus 15% buyer’s premium.
A Traditional Philatelic Auction House — Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
