Prominent American explorer, military officer, and politician (1813–1890) who mapped the Oregon Trail, played a prominent part in conquering California during the Mexican War, and ran in 1856 as the first Republican presidential candidate. ALS signed “J. C. Frémont,” one page, 5 x 8, December 12, 1868. Frémont writes from New York to Col. J. T. Fiala in St. Louis. In part: “I have to thank you for your letter … in reply to my enquiry. The information you furnish is satisfactory & fully answers my purpose. I thank you also for directing the profile to be made…. I will think over what you say about Maj. Rombauer & reply….” Fiala, Fremont's chief topographical engineer in the Western and Mountain Departments, was instrumental in the construction of the fortifications around St. Louis and the establishment of the river flotilla of gunboats. Fiala was the brother-in-law of four Hungarian-born brothers, the Rombauers, who served in the Civil War. Mild handling wear and a few small, faint stains, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
