Good Evening Blogger Friends,
There are two more letters that James R. Mead wrote that were in trusted to the Kansas Historical Society, they are the subject of tonight's blog. This is the third of four letters that I found at Kansas Memory, a branch of the Kansas Historical Society. It's a wonderful web site if you like history; there's so much to tantalize your imagination. OOP'S, got side tracked there, so back to the letters. This one is titled First Trading Post In Kansas, and is dated December 25, 1859, as were the first two letters. It is signed "Your son, James R. Mead", so it must have been written to his parents, one would think. He begins by telling his readers that he is prepared to spend the winter on the prairie and that that probably doesn't set to well with the folks, but never-the-less, that's the plan. He says that he has plenty of food and grocery's on hand and thinks "it will be a pleasant and profitable time." He plans on trading with the Indians and assures his family that he is in a safe location, away from "the wild Indians." There was a Kaw tribe camped not far away and he says that "they are friendly and fond of trading". He has two companions and a hired man. The companions whom he doesn't name are fellow hunters, while the hired man is the one in charge of processing the buffalo.
In the second paragraph Mr. Mead is commenting on what they get from the buffalo beyond their hides. He says, and I quote, " I have on hand about 100 tongues which are worth $1 apiece in market. We also have a barrel of tallow and next summer can get it by the thousand weight. It is worth .10 each or .121/2 per pound. It makes beautiful candles."
Going on, Mr. Mead talks about times being hard in Kansas because much of the money was being spent buying land. He says that new comers tell that it's harder in the States than in Kansas. A man by the name of Col. Titus has become a friend of Mr. Mead and is a very influential man in town. The Col. opens his home to Mr. Mead whenever he is in town and Mr. Mead is pleased with this friendship.
In the fourth paragraph he speaks to his father, I believe, do to the tone of the words. It has something to do with Mr. Mead Sr. having some trouble and anxiety over something that we as readers have no point of reference. His advice to his dad is to banish the past from his mind and be happy and content. Mr. Mead Jr. says that he is happy and doesn't envy those who have more than he.
In the fifth and last paragraph of this letter, his dad asks the sons advise about an old mare that I suppose the old man is somewhat fond of for it's having been around for so long. It's time to let the old girl go and the son says to his dad, in all caps; "BY ALL MEANS SHOOT HER! She is an eye sore and disgrace to any man." His finial words of wisdom on the subject is; "A man is always judged by the stock he keeps." Isn't there something like that concerning the company one keeps too? Http://www.kansasmemory.org/item/90618.
The last letter is of a different flavor and is titled; " RAMBLES OF DIS-UNION ADVICE TO FATHER RELIEF, and dated February 14, 1861 from Saline Ranch. It begin with this phrase;" Disunion news is terrible indeed." Mr. Mead is concerned about the influence this news will cause on his business come winter. He says that the price he get for furs has gone down, but he still had plenty to eat.
This part is interesting and I will quote it so you can hear every word. "The awful facts you hear of suffering in Kansas are half of them bare-faced lies. Tell the folks to take care of your own poor and let us alone. The Territory would be vastly better off today if not one dollar of relief had been sent to us." I don't quite understand what he's so upset about. If any of you bloggers know, by all means enlighten me. He also, in the same paragraph tells his dad to keep out of the way of his enemies and avoid publicity. To live within his means and forget about the past. That remark about the past surfaces again here. This letter is more like a note, as it only takes up a half sheet of paper. Another short note is printed at the bottom of this page titled; "War: Fire: Decision to Marry. Written from Leavenworth, Ks. on May 1, 1861. This portion has to do with the effect of war on the economy in Kansas, which was having a rough time in the early days of 1861.
 He says that the river towns are doing a good business outfitting people going to Pikes Peak, but other than that, there wasn't much going on there.
He tells about a big fire that was in the town the night before he wrote this note. The losses from the fire were $70,000, but insured. He didn't say what burned or how the fire started, just that there had been a fire. He also mentions that the people were getting ready for the possibility of war should it come that way. He says, "I hope Old Abe gives them fits before long!" This guy, Mr. Mead, sure had a way with words. Here's what he has to say about the women he's planning on marrying. "I am going to get married this Fall to a poor girl and not very good looking but she likes me and I like her and I guess we could make a living." He says he could have anyone he wanted, but he didn't care that much about looks. Poor girl indeed!
These letters are copies of the type written ones by Mr. Mead and were donated to the Kansas State Historical Society by Mr. Mead's family in 1940 when the originals were still owned by the family. The originals are now held by Wichita State University. (Item Number:90618; Call Number: James Mead Coll. #438; Box 1 Volume 1;
KSHS Identifier: DaRT ID: 90618.)
That's a wrap for tonight, sweet dreams,
Cheri