1838 (March 31), Little Rock, Arkansas, to West Lothian, Scotland, transatlantic stampless letter, to Mr. George Steel at "Shots Iron
1838 (March 31), Little Rock, Arkansas, to West Lothian, Scotland, transatlantic stampless letter, to Mr. George Steel at "Shots Iron Works," circular LITTLE-ROCK / ARK. c.d.s. and straight-line PAID handstamp with manuscript "25" cent rate notation, red New York (23 Apr) transit c.d.s. struck just above two-line WHITBURN / PENNY POST handstamp, reverse with boxed LIVERPOOL / SHIP LETTER (S13) and circular MAY 25 1838 arrival mark, rated 1/8 due including the 8d ship letter fee and 1d Penny Post charge, very fine, with fascinating contents. Written by Robert Brownlee, the letter describes life in Little Rock 18 months after Arkansas statehood, characterising it as a "Wild West" environment settled by "Double Barrelled gun" and "Bowie Knife." He recounts two murders in rapid succession - a 17-year-old boy shooting a local doctor through the eye at the post office, and a knife fight on the floor of the legislature - a reference to the famous stabbing of Representative Joseph J. Anthony by Speaker of the House John Wilson. He records abundant local game including bears, wolves, and turkeys, and describes encountering thousands of Native Americans from Florida (the Trail of Tears) being moved through the territory, noting they were "clad in a manner all over with rings, beads, ribbons, and feathers."