2005-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005
Autograph Letter Signed, Edward F. Nicholls, 4p. quarto, June 13, 1846, Lomita, addressed to his mother in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, and reads in part: “…Our arrival in the country is considered by the paisanos a decided ‘bonne fortune’ & they make the most of the opportunity…A perfect beauty of Mexican horseflesh can be had for from $20 to $30 while ordinary horses bring but $5 or $10…I have spoken of the Mexicans as a miserable race ‘tis with reference to the exactions & oppressions of their Government. From the accounts given me by a number of them I conclude that even at this distance from the center of power the commonalty are but little better off than Russian serfs, with the difference that the Autocrat protects his subjects from foreign aggression while these poor devils are left by their Govmt. to defend themselves from their dreaded enemies the Comanches as best they may. The dueno or landholder of Lomita told me yesterday that four years ago a considerable village stood on the hill where we now lie encamped. A large body of Comanches came during the night - set fire to the village - murdered and scalped such of its inhabitants s were unable to effect their escape & departed on the next night with four thousand horses & mules the plunder of the neighborhood…” More. VG.
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