Letter signed J[ohn] D[ougherty], Liberty, Clay County, Missouri, to Robert Campbell. We are overstocked with Indian goods at both Forts Kearny and Laramie. The Pawnees are forbidden the post and we have no license to go to them. Perhaps you can sell some of the goods to traders. I consider Fort Laramie the best military post on this frontier to make money as sutler. Tutt and Lewis Dougherty should be urged to send in their lists early. I have directed Lewis to build a store house at Kearny as we did nothing there last year thinking the post would be removed to some other point. I received a letter from Major Ruff who is anxious to return to this country. I would like to get him to take my place on the Platte River while I remain about Fort Leavenworth picking up good contracts. Individuals mentioned: James M. Hughes and Major Eaton., 1850 May 27

Item — Box: 2

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

Collection consists mainly of the correspondence of Major John Dougherty in relation to sutling at Fort Kearny, Nebraska, and government transportation of freight between Fort Kearny and Fort Laramie, Wyoming, in the 1840s and 1850s. Also includes numerous bills of sale of slaves; correspondence and reports regarding Indian affairs, including a report from Leavenworth, March 9, 1832; land documents; and correspondence regarding land claims. Correspondents include Dougherty's son Lewis B. Dougherty, Robert Campbell, Henry S. Turner, A.G. Reed, Major C.F. Ruff, and Col. Thomas Swords. Collection also includes two diaries, 1869-1879, and a ledger, 1851-1852, of the medical practice of Dr. William Wallace Dougherty, a Liberty, Missouri, physician and nephew of John Dougherty. The diaries include material on the family.