A.L.S. Handwritten folded letter written June 8, 1837 and addressed to Col. Hiram Craig, Chariton Post Office Chariton County, Missouri

1837. Very Good. 2 p. handwritten letter on recto and verso of first leaf of a bifolium which was then folded to form a letter with the address and postmarking in the center of the verso of the second leaf. Single sheet (41 cm x 27 cm) folded to form two leaves. Red circular postmark only partly readable. Seal not preserved. Letter closely and legibly written by Bradford. Online information identifies Colonel Craig as having been an officer in a Virginia regiment in the War of 1812, and a surveyor in Augusta County, Virginia, before he claimed several hundred acres of land in New Madrid, a few miles from ''Old Chariton." He was appointed by the Missouri Legislature in 1820 to help select the location for the county seat of Chariton County. Bradford is seeking his counsel about the Missouri property of his son who appears to have been dead for some time. Bradford says he now has possession of some or all of his son's papers, including an executed but unwitnessed will appointing the father as executor and leaving the estate to the decedent's sister. It is unclear whether previous correspondence has established any business relationship between Bradford and Craig. Most of the letter recites details about some notes, bonds and judgments that the writer believes to be still partly or wholly unpaid by "Wm. Beaty." Bradford wants someone in Missouri to pursue information about this, saying that, partly due to failure of a local bank, he is unable to come to Missouri to handle matters. A slave is involved but Bradford tells Craig, the slave is reported to have absconded to Ohio, and, in any event seems to be regarded by Bradford as less important that getting something out of the various notes, bonds and judgments.