Autograph Letter by Chief Charlo, Head Chief of the Bitterroot Salish from 1870 to 1910
Flathead Agency, Jocks PO, Montana: 1903. 8vo, 2pp, autograph letter signed by Chief Charlo, headed Flathead Agency, Jocks P.O. Montana Jan. 7th 1903 and sent to H.J. Gensler. Charlo head chief of the Bitterroot Salish from 1870 to 1910, known for maintaining a policy of peace with the growing population of Whites who settled in Southwestern Montana and negotiating for rights with the American government throughout the late 19th century as the United States removed his tribe from their Native lands; ultimately, he felt that the government broke its promises to him, with one newspaper article noting that "Charlot feels that he and his people were deeply injured by these officials [government negotiators] and has never forgiven the white race for this injury." Despite his mistreatment, Charlo welcomed white settlers and even risked his life to protect them. Here, he exchanges pleasantries, discusses the weather and upcoming new year, and requests some photogrsphs, with the recipient, likely Henry J. Gensler, a longtime stenographer in the United States Senate; we surmise that the two met during Charlo's 1884 visit to Washington with the Salish delegation, when he met President Arthur and, nearly blind, had cataracts removed from his eyes. The photos in question were probably taken during this visit, as the letter mentions a photo of Pascale Antoine, a Salish subchief and also a member of the delegation. Charlo ultimately lost his fight to retain his lands, resulting in his tribe's 1891 removal to the Jocko Reserve, from which he wrote this letter over a decade later. Although, according to one Indian Agent, "Charlo 'bore himself with reserve, dignity and pride of race...like a king in exile,' the aging leader grieved, every day, for his abandoned Bitterroot Valley. Charlo never reconciled to the removal or to the federal government's treatment of the Salish...He would discuss no aspect of his Bitterroot life with whites" (Walter, Chief Charlo and the Salish 'Trail of Tears'). The letter seems to reflect this dignified and yet reserved attitude; it is highly respectful and stiltingly formal, with perhaps a tinge of nostalgia in Charlo's request for the photos from a lost era. In very good condtion, with mild creasing and toning. A transcript of the letter follows:
"Your very kind and most interesting letter was received gladly thursday and as Pascale Antoine is away I thought I would answer it myself. As for the photographs you speak of I will be very glad if you send them it will be all right. Thanks ever so much for the kind remembrance and good compliments you entertain for me and also for kind hopes of Health & Happiness. You say it is cold in Washington well it is not very cold here yet we have some very cold weather next month. Thank you ever so much for your kind wishes of 'A Happy New Year.' Well I wish you the same I am your sincere friend. Chief Charlot. P.S. I'm sending the pictures address to me and I will give Pascale his picture. Charlot." Item #8150
Price: $450.00