Manuscript letter: Snowshoes, with sketch.

1876. Autograph letter signed, from E. G. Ritchie of Dummer, Ontario Canada, to G. J. Tompkins, Dutchess County, NY, dated March 29, 1876. A five page letter with a section describing snowshoes, and including a small ink sketch of a snowshoe. The description reads, "Yes! I have seen snowshoes and assure you they are needed at present. They are about three feet long and 15 inches wide at the widest part. The frame is made of a long piece of wood bent to the proper shape with two crosspieces mortised in the frame on which are woven narrow strips of tanned deer skin ... " Ritchie provides additional information on the use of snowshoes, and their effectiveness in crossing fields and snow banks.

4 1/4 x 7". Pink paper with die cut edges with a darker pink printed border, one folded piece with an additional sheet loosely inserted. The snowshoe sketch on cream paper, 4 x 3 1/2" Very good condition. Item #22818

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