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Fort Defiance, A. T. Military Letter, 1858 [190437]

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Fort Defiance, A. T.  Military Letter, 1858 [190437]
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Two page manuscript letter from W.K. Van Bokkelen, Capt, AQM (Quartermaster) at Fort defiance, (ariz) to Major J.L. Donaldson at Sante Fe (also a AQM). Interestingly, this is not the same Van Bokkelen (a Major General) that was in Virginia City Nevada in 1863 and stored nitroglycerin under his bead and blew up his and neighboring buildings, killing many including himself.

This letter expresses important concerns about having enough food (especially corn) for the horses and mules ensuing fights against the Navajos. There were two Indian attacks at Ft Defiance, one in 1856 and another in 1860. The 1860 attack saw 1000 Navajo warriors attack the Fort. The 150 soldiers in the Fort were able to defend themselves. Van Bokkelen later faced an inquiry about the corn shortage. He states he will have 350 horses and 370 pack mules.. He has a daily consumption need of 8500 pounds by December, 1858.

Important early letter that outlines the well-known corn issues attendant to the Fort in the 1850's. [ Fort Defiance Arizona