Subject Guide
Mountain West
Malachite’s Big Hole
Writing and Records:
Writing Supplies, blank record books and writing paper are items commonly included with the inventory lists of goods taken to the mountains. Obviously some of the record books and writing supplies were intended for use by the company to maintain records of debits, credits and disbursements for it's employees and free traders. However, many among the Mountain Men were literate, and the time of rendezvous was an excellent time for writing letters to family and friends, because the letters could be taken back to civilization for delivery with the returning pack train. Also, it was not uncommon for literate Mountain Men to regularly maintain a journal of events and happenings during their travels. Prices shown are St. Louis prices and the quantities are typical of what was taken to rendezvous.
|
No. |
Units |
Item Description |
Cost |
|
2 |
each |
Blank Book |
38¢/each |
|
1 |
each |
Blank Book |
25¢/each |
|
2 |
each |
Blank Book |
25¢/each |
|
1 |
each |
Blank Book |
50¢/each |
|
½ |
ream |
Fool’s Cap Paper |
$5.50/ream? |
|
50 |
each |
Best Quills |
2¢/each |
|
2 |
? |
Black Ink Powder |
$1/? |
|
3 |
each |
Silver Pencil Cases |
$1/each? |
|
¼ |
ream |
Ruled Cap Paper |
|
|
¼ |
ream |
Plain Cap Paper |
|
|
5 ½ |
Letter Paper |
|