James Mead, a rancher and trader from Saline County, Kansas Territory, writes this letter to his father, who lived in Davenport, Iowa. Mead and his companions are going to "the river" to send a load of buffalo meat and buffalo robes to the folks back home. He also mentions a trading excursion he has taken recently to a Kaw Indian camp about twenty miles from his trading post, listing the goods that were traded. Although other settlers were suffering during the drought of 1860, Mead and those in the vicinity are faring quite well. He once again mentioned Lincoln's election and inquired about whether or not "the Union is dissolved." The letter dated November 22, 1860, which is also on page 1 of this item is described as item #90625. These typed copies of the James R. Mead's letters were donated to the Kansas State Historical Society by Mr. Mead's family in 1940 when the originals were still owned by the family. The originals are now held by Wichita State University.