Scope and Contents From the Collection: 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...