The collection consists of one autograph letter signed by Joseph A. Sire to Pierre Chouteau, Jr. regarding competition in the fur trade. The letter is in French and is dated May 6, 1852. With the letter Sire transmitted returns from agents in the field to Chouteau, which are not present. He commented upon the low volume of furs reported by not only their agents but also by its competitors: "It would seem that our opponents must be doing a very weak trade…I cannot comprehend how, if [Honore] Picotte has made only 900 packs in the district of Fort Pierre, he will collect a total of 4000 packs and our opponents only 1500…I don’t count more than 75-80,000 [buffalo] robes against 93,000 last year…I would much like to count on the [balance sheet] of CM&S [Chouteau, Merle & Sanford] provided that it be correct." Sire and Jean Baptiste Sarpy wished to withdraw or retire from the company, perhaps due to their age. He inquired about the timeline for their departure.