[GREAT FIRE OF 1874 IN HELENA, MT] ALS of Augustus K. Wise, Helena, Montana Territory, March 30, 1874, to the Singer Manufacturing Company

Wise, Augustus K. [GREAT FIRE OF 1874 IN HELENA, MT] ALS of Augustus K. Wise, Helena, Montana Territory, March 30, 1874, to the Singer Manufacturing Company. 1874. [7207]

ALS, 5 x 8 inches, 2-pp. manuscript in brown ink, signed. Purple ink "April 25, 1874" near top, probably date of receipt. Small flecks of paper to right edge of front, possibly from an envelope. Contents below. Good.

A fine Western Americana and Disaster item, singed by a Montana Pioneer. The mining town was only first settled as a camp in 1862, and a rich gold strike in 1864 led to rapid growth. The fire of 1874 was started in a Chinese kitchen and burned several blocks of businesses and residences.

"Helena Montana Terr
March 30 1874

"Gentlemen, I have one of your Machines No. 3 with folding table, witch has gone through the great Fire at Helena Montana Jan 9th 1874 the Machine itself is all right even the smalest springs in the same, but the Folding Table, Iron Stand, Wheel & trestel, (or foot board), & rubber ring for filling the bobbing, Hemmer & 1 Doz Needles are missing. Now what would be your lowest you could furnish me that above parts, they may be packt in a single small Box as I understand of sending them together my business being that of a Jeweler & think if the Machine can be put in Order again at a reasonable figure it will make a good Addvertisement for your Machine. The Machine works all right as I have it at present on on[e] of your Folding Tables & Iron Stand belonging to another party also let me know the weight of the same anser as soon as possible & Obliged.

"Very Respectfully Augustus K. Wise, Helena Montana Terr. P.O. Box 62."