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David Dawson Mitchell (1806-1861) asks respected former Indian Agent for Missouri for his support in his application, and was successful, serving as Superintendent of Indian Affairs during most of the time from 1841 to 1853. Born in Louisa County, VA, MItchell became a clerk for the American Fur Company in St. Louis in 1828, built Fort McKenzie in 1832, and another fur trading post, Fort Mitchell, was named after him in 1833. The letter reads, in part: "...the object... is to solicit your influence in my behalf. I think I may be permitted to say (without vanity), that my long experience is all maters relating to Indian affairs, would enable me to discharge the duties of the office in a manner that would give satisfaction to both the govt. and Indian. I know that a friendly word from you, would have more weight at the department than that of any other individual..." Provenance: Descended in the Benjamin O’Fallon family.