Description:

Native American Nez Perce Indian content ALS, Indian Wars.

Four page ALS on lightly lined paper, 8" x 12.5". Extensively scripted on the recto of each page with versos left blank. Dated 'Dec 11 1889", and signed by Jas Reubens as "Jas Reubens / Nez Perce Indian". Lightly toned, expected folds, with faint handling marks. Else near fine.

A fantastic legible letter penned by James Reubens, Nez Perce Indian, to Miss A.C. Fletcher, extending and presenting his gift of the "most important relic, the noted "Pipe" of my tribe, the Nez Perce Indians ... with all it has stood for in the past history of my people".

Jas fully describes the incredible personal significance of this relic and its heritage. Accompanied by a typed transcription of this poignant, elegant letter. The significance of the pipe is profoundly rooted into the spirit of Indian life and their culture.

"An emblem of peace or war ..."

"In former days, it was used to pronounce the sentence of death of the capture enemy or his safety ..."

"This very "Pipe" went through Chief Joseph's war 1877, and owned by Chief Looking-glass, was killed at General Miles battle ..."

More so, Jas Reubens philosophizes on war, peace and warriors, written very spiritually and with incredible grace, with some of his quotes being literally Presidential in nature as: "Brave men never lived long, they loved to die for their people and their country, and many of these brave people died and left their bones in the strange lands."

The stunning letter is shown in full below:

"Nez Perce Agency Idaho Ter.

Dec. 11th, 1889

To Miss A. C. Fletcher,

U.S. Special Land Agent.

I present to you, most important relic, the noted "Pipe" of my tribe, the Nez Perce Indians.

I present to you the "Pipe" with all it has stood for, in the past history of my people.

As an emblem of peace or war, in former days it was used to declare peace or war, with another nation.

In former days, it was used to pronounce the sentence of death on the captured enemy or his safety, while in the hands and power of the Nez Perce Indians, the writer once witnessed a ceremony performed on a captive Blackfoot Indian who was captured in a battle, (This very Pipe was used) the life was granted to the captured Blackfoot, and he was sent home all safe to his people.

This very Pipe went through Chief Joseph's war 1877, and owned by Chief Looking-glass, who was killed at General Miles battle at Lear Paw mountains in Montana. (General Howard is mistaken in his "Book" when he says Looking-glass was killed at Gen. Gibons fight at Big-hole Mont.)

After the death of Looking-glass, a relation Three Eagles took the pipe and kept it, in the fall of 1878, J. received my appoint­ment as Interpreter for Chief Josephs Band while they were in the Indian Territory, sometime after arriving there. This noted "Pipe" was turned over to me, because of my rank among my people.

I have kept it since until now, I now part with it, and with all it signifies, in the past history of my brave and most noble tribe of Indians in American. With it goes all the pride of my people, and, beware of abusing this most sacred trust.

Generals Howard and Miles failed to capture this most Important "Pipe", and how much it cost the Government?

If some General had been sent here to allot the lands to the Nez Perce Indians, he would have showed his authority, and as the Indians were very bitter against the allotment, there would have been another Nez Perce war.

But you have come to us in the right time, in peace, and with full intention of doing justice to your Red friends, and you have conquered the bravest tribe of Indians in America, and on your return, take this "Pipe" as a trophy of your victory over this noble tribe.

With this "Pipe" a century ago, down, on the Yellow Stone River even to its mouth, and on Missouri river, and as far South even to Salt Lake, and down on the Columbia river to its head waters, the smoke of their council fires rose in every Valley and the mountains.

Their shouts of victory rung through the forests, their arrows and the deadly tomahawks whistled through the valleys. The warriors clothed themselves with glory. The young naked savages lis­tened to the songs of victory.

Brave men never lived long, they loved to die for their people and their country, and many of these brave people died and left their bones in the strange lands.

Could the (French) Nez Perces find no graves in their own land?

Their courage, fortitude, sagacity and perseverance, were felt by the surrounding tribes.

In the wars of Oregon and Washington Ter., the Nez Perces were found fighting under the flag of the U.S., they shrunk from no dangers, their battle cry was heard amid the smoke of the battle field, and did good service to the Government.

Now you have received the relic of this most remarkable people, see you accord the respect due.

Yours truly,

Jas. Reubens

Nez Perce Indian"

A wonderful piece which was made last available in the 1980s and was acquired at that time by William J. Burger for $1,750 and had remained in his collection since.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. ***PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR SHIPMENT TO BE SENT TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN THE ONE YOU HAVE ON FILE WITH INVALUABLE, YOU WILL NEED TO INFORM US OF THIS AS SOON AS PAYMENT IS SUBMITTED FOR YOUR WINNINGS*** Shipping and handling costs are competitive as we maintain discounted contracts with FedEx. If you have any questions, contact University Archives prior to bidding. After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item. We currently ship via FedEx but if your purchase is shipping to a P.O. Box, we ship via USPS. All items are insured. We ship from our offices in Westport, CT. We may opt to use a third party shipper for very fragile, bulky or oversized items. Items requiring third party shipping will be denoted in the item description. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000