George Sibley

Document Type

Correspondence

Abstract

The letter, written by George C. Sibley in St. Louis on May 29, 1825, addresses several matters related to his upcoming expedition to Santa Fe. Sibley informs the recipient that a man named James Logan wants to join as a volunteer hunter without pay, but Sibley declines to encourage such offers, arguing that volunteers could complicate logistics and fairness among applicants. He’s willing to allow traders to accompany the expedition at their own expense if they follow camp rules and are adequately prepared.

Sibley lists six carefully chosen recruits, all skilled and reputable men, emphasizing the great public excitement about the expedition and the overwhelming number of applicants. He laments how exaggerated public expectations and newspaper attention might create problems.

In the latter part of the letter, Sibley rebukes a Mr. Boggs for publicly claiming that Sibley had promised him support for an appointment as secretary. Sibley firmly denies ever making such a promise, calls Boggs’s behavior improper and dishonest, and expresses hope that Boggs will retract his accusation to restore his reputation.

The letter closes with Sibley’s commitment to carrying out the expedition honorably despite its hardships.

Publication Date

5-29-1825

Repository

Western Historical Manuscripts Collection

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