Manuscripts

Richard H. Kern letter to Augustus Murray Cathcart

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Description: Kern writes that his men have just returned from an expedition "against the Navajoes." He will send Cathcart drawings later in the fall. He requests an extract of Cathcart's journal, and mentions letters of John C. Frémont. Kern would have returned earlier, but he was investigating the murder of one of his men. With cross-hatched note signed "Frémont."
Type: Manuscripts(Opens in new tab)
Production date: 1849, September 30.
Call number: mssHM 20657
Creator: Kern, Richard H (1821-1853)(Opens in new tab)
Provenance: Purchased from Henkels 33, date unknown.

John Kern letter to Richard H. Kern and Edward M. Kern

Manuscripts

In this letter to his brothers (the letter is addressed to "Dick & Ned"), John Kern writes of various business matters, including the journal of a Henry King which was said to have been given to Captain John C. Frémont, but then lost. John Kern hopes his brothers might have some information regarding the diary's whereabouts. Dated 1850, May 30-31.

mssHM 20654

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Edward Meyer Kern letter to Richard H. Kern

Manuscripts

Edward Kern writes to his brother of the current situation and events at and near Sutter's Fort, where he is stationed with John Frémont. He writes of a skirmish with General José Castro of the Mexican Army, and a handwritten transcript of a statement by Castro is included. With sketch by the author.

mssHM 20649

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John Augustus Sutter letter to Richard H. Kern

Manuscripts

Sutter is glad to hear news of Kern's brother, and is surprised he did not return to "our golden Country, knowing her as well as he did." Sutter has heard of "the Disastre" Kern experienced in the Mountains while in the company of John C. Frémont. Sutter writes that the improvements he has made to his Hock Farm cost him over $100,000. The rest of the letter concerns details of Sutter's family.

mssHM 20647

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Richard H. Kern letter to Henry Rowe Schoolcraft

Manuscripts

Kern regrets being unable to meet with Schoolcraft to discuss the expedition of Coronado, and hopes to hear from him in the near future.

mssHM 20655

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Edward Meyer Kern letter to "Mary"

Manuscripts

In this letter to the otherwise unidentified "Mary", Kern writes of his journey to and arrival at Taos, New Mexico, as part of an expedition led by John C. Frémont. The party nearly starved crossing the mountains, and suffered much from the frozen conditions; ten of the thirty-three men died from hunger and exposure. The letter is signed "Ned." "Mary" may be Mary Kern Wolfe.

mssHM 20656

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J.H. (James Hervey) Simpson letters to Richard H. Kern

Manuscripts

In HM 20644, written 1851, December 1, Simpson wishes to be informed of Kern's reconnaissance, and is in need of a good draughtsman. He asks about the current status of George Houghton, and says that Kern will adore Minnesota and St. Paul once he arrives. In HM 20643, dated 1852, May 11, Simpson requests to hear more of the Indians Kern has met with, and is glad Kern has reconciled with Frémont. Both letters contain many inquiries and details concerning Kern's fellow soldiers and colleagues.

mssHM 20643-20644

Richard H. Kern letter to Augustus Murray Cathcart

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John Kern letter to Richard H. Kern and Edward M. Kern

Edward Meyer Kern letter to Richard H. Kern

John Augustus Sutter letter to Richard H. Kern

Richard H. Kern letter to Henry Rowe Schoolcraft

Edward Meyer Kern letter to "Mary"

J.H. (James Hervey) Simpson letters to Richard H. Kern