Philip Sheridan, Manuscript Letter, Signed

Description

Philip Sheridan writes a letter for a Chicago tavern owner, allowing him to transport “wines or liquors.”

In full”:

“The bearer of this safe-guard, is Mr. James J. Gore, a citizen of Chicago, and a man of large business and wealth.  He visits the Indian Territory for recreation and pleasure for a week or two.  Should Mr. Gore desire to take with him, for his own use, any wines or liquors, he has authority….”  He goes on to commend Gore to “any official he may meet in the Territory, and to the courtesy of Army officers.” 

Gore had acquired a liquor license in Chicago in 1880 under the name of Chapin & Gore (on E. Adams St., where their building still stands; it is now called Opus, and is favorite with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra patrons.  Gore traveled many times to the Indian Territory; perhaps for “recreation,” but more probably to sell spirits to the Indian tribes! 

Gore had a whisky brand, “Old Jim Gore” named after him and he and Chapin were known nationally as distillers and for the various shapes of their bottles and containers. Gore also famously rolled barrels of Whiskey into Lake Michigan during the Chicago Fire. After the Chicago Fire, he sold the whiskey at a premium price, calling it “Lake Michigan whiskey!

Excellent.

Sheridan, Phil. Manuscript Letter, signed “P. H. Sheridan” as Lt. General.  HdQr. Military Division of the Missouri (letterhead), Chicago: 18 Sept. 1882.  4to.; 1p.