AMERICAN HISTORY. Two autographed letters signed (a.l.s.) by Lieut Henry R. Graham dated 1st July 1802 and 20th January 1807 while stationed at Fort Stoddert in the U.S. Mississippi Territory, and an accompanying a.l.s. by General James Wilkinson, 12pp., 10pp. and 2pp respectively, 23cm x 18.5cm and 24.5cm x 19.5cm. The 1802 letter offers an interesting account of the landscape, garrisons and journey: ‘The Indians I was told have been very troublesome in this quarter since the removal of the troops from Wilkinsonville which has been entirely evacuated (and possessed by the Indians) for some time.’ He describes the land ‘between the mouth of the Ohio and the country opposite Natchez ‘tis only fit for its present inhabitants, Indians, alligators, snakes and such like’. A more detailed account of Orleans is offered ‘the city which in some measure exceeded my expectations’ commenting positively about the markets and public buildings but continuing ‘It has perhaps the most corrupt administration of any Government in the World. The streets are narrow and contracted, and are kept very filthy, the effluvial arising from the stagnant water along the flags is extremely disagreeable on a warm day’. The 1807 letter references that Graham ‘had accompanied General Wilkinson in his Barge from Saint Louis to Natchitoches where I was appointed his extra Aide De Camp, and in that capacity attended him through all the fire of our Sabine War’. He continues to talk about the Spanish and its army ‘nothing more than a band of traders… their religion is interest and money their gods… I find in order to obtain correct information from a Spaniard you have either to bribe heavily or find out a path to truth through an ocean of falsities’. Graham goes on to discuss the Aaron Burr Conspiracy ‘it has created considerable commotion in this country… I am at present only susceptible of amazement at so extraordinary a procedure.’ Continuing ‘Colonel Burr however is daily expected at Natches with 12,000 men. General Wilkinsons flotilla will meet and stop him if possible at some point above Fort Adams. The General will remain himself at New Orleans as the most important port which he will defend even at the points of his bayonets… I am sorry to conclude this letter by informing you that many of our officers in the army have been suspected and some of them even named as accomplices of Colonel Burr’. The final letter by Wilkinson gives orders and kind words towards Graham. Provenance: Edward Graham and thence by descent.