The following 1861 letter was written by a clerk in the Larrabee & North Military Goods store located at No. 174 Lake Street in Chicago. The 4-page lettersheet displays printed illustrations of military goods for sale on the first page and includes a hand written letter to 24 year-old James Savage, a British-born member of the U. S. garrison at Fort Mackinac, Michigan. This most interesting promotional lettersheet has cuts of 25 different items, including officer’s swords, epaulettes, saddles, hats, and other items to outfit officers in the newly expanding Union army.

Transcription

Chicago, [Illinois]
2nd May 1861

Mr. James Savage
Mackinac, Michigan

Dear Sir,

We have delivered your fatigue cap to Messr. A. T. Spence & Co. for shipment to Propeller Sun this evening.

The cap is $1.25. We therefore enclose in stamp 25.00 to balance amount of your remittance.

U. S. Staff button vest we have sold two qualities at 3.00 & 4.50 per gross. At present we are out and find it very difficult to get at any price. We have scarlet cord for trousers at 3/– per of 12 yards. Have no lace except gold & silver.

Yours truly, — Larrabee & North

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Jas. Savage, care of Toll & Rice, Mackinac