In Senate Of The United States, December 23, 1828. Resolved, That The Committee On Indian Affairs Be Instructed To Inquire Into The Present Condition Of The Fur Trade Within The Limits Of The United States, And To Report What Measures, If Any, Are Necessary To The Safe And Successful Prosecution Of That Trade By Citizens Of The United States.

THOMAS H. BENTON

Publication: 1828, Washington

First edition. 8vo. 20th Congress, 2nd Session. Two-tone quarter leather and cloth folder, titles stamped in gold on the spine, 19 pp. The Committee on Indian Affairs responded with several suggestions offered by various senators, military officers, and governor of Missouri. Essentially they point out that the Fur Trade is "in a state of great depression," attributed to the admission of British traders upon our territories, high duties lately imposed on the blankets, strouds, and scarlet cloths used in the Indian trade, and the free admission, without duty, of foreign furs from all parts of the world. Further the loss of lives by Indian hostility, is believed to be instigated by British traders, and computed to be 500 men for the past twenty years, on the upper waters of the Missouri, and in or beyond the Rocky Mountains. Similarly the loss of properties from the same cause is high, and the largest U. S. trading companies is in a depressed state, has been unable to declare a dividend, and is in danger of going out of business. Rittenhouse 41 says, "Considered one of the basic congressional documents on the fur trade, issued in 1829." Wagner/Camp 37 says "This report includes, among other documents, a copy of a letter from General Ashley dated Saint Louis, November 12, 1827, cited in our number 36 and another Ashley letter of January 20. 1829, discussing the movements and murder of trappers in the Rocky Mountains. This letter includes a reference to Peter Skene Ogden. The report also contains letters of C. C. Cambreling dated January 12, 1829, and J. J. Astor, dated January 29, 1829." Streeter 2090 says "The American fur trade had fallen off apparently due to depredations by wild Indians instigated by competitive British traders, as well as lack of protective tariffs. This report details those difficulties." Very good copy housed in a fine protective binder.

Inventory Number: 52740