SHSND Home > North Dakota History > Unit 3: Commerce Culture, and Conflict, 1800-1878 > Set 5: Fred Gerard & The Fur Trade > Documents - Letter 1

Unit 3: Set 5: Fred Gerard & The Fur Trade - Documents - Letter 1

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Fort Abe Lincoln Dak Ty March 8th 1876

My Dear Daughters

I have just returned from Fort Berthold and found a letter from Josie & Carrie awaiting me. Your letters I read with pleasure, but will say that I am disappointed it seems to me that you might change the commencement of your letters you simply repeat what you have written to me twenty tines before, one would say that you are not improving very fast in your compositions

Your Mother was well when I left, she sends her love to you all I bought your Lockets, Chains, & Rings, will probably send them by Express. The Receipt from Mother Muhtlides I have not re­ceived

There will be an Expedition start from here about the 10th of April against the hostile Sioux Indians, I expect to have to go out with it. Gen Custer is expected here daily, until then nothing is positively known, I will write you again before start­ing & let you know how long we will be gone

I wish the sisters would have your Photographs taken in a group & send two to me before I leave here, one I wish to send to your Mother

Mrs Siep is now living in Bismark and wants to hear from Carrie You will please me by writing to her upon receipt of this letter. You might send me some of your drawings.  I wish to see how you are getting on with it. Your drawing boxes will try & send with the other things. I sent Josie a nice Neck Tie last fall by mall did you get it or not, send me one of your old Copy Books each, that is Josie &Carrie Hoping you are all enjoying good health With much love & many kisses

I am your Affectionate Father

F. F. Gerard

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