Quarto bifolium (ca. 24,5x19 cm or 9 ¾ x 7 ½ in). 2 pp. Brown ink on bluish paper. Fold marks, age-toned, but overall a very good letter, written in a legible hand.

Historically interesting private letter written by a pioneer farmer of Walla Walla (inc. 1862) only two years after the removal of the local immigration ban. The Department of Pacific barred migration to Walla Walla in the mid-1850s due to the constant warring with the natives. The prohibition lasted until October 1858, when the newly appointed Department General William Harney finally lifted the ban.

The letter was written by Thos M. Gray (ca. 1834-?), a native of Vermont, Tennessee, who relocated to Walla Walla in the late-1850s. In 1866, after several years of farming, he and his wife left Washington Territory for the Bitter Root Valley in Missoula, Montana Territory.

In the text, the author addresses "dear cousin" with a detailed request to buy and deliver livestock to “Mr. Babcock” in Missouri. He specifies that the animals be purchased solely in Kentucky or Saint Louis, warning “to do it without fail for I will probably never get a chance of getting them across again.” Gray also details Mr. Babcock's responsibility to transport the livestock to Walla Walla and mentions two possible routes for this journey: across the Plains or via Fort Benton. In the rest of the text, the author mostly talks about financial matters and other logistical issues. Overall, a historically interesting private letter regarding one of the earliest instances of livestock transportation to Walla Walla.

The text of the letter: “I have nothing of importance to write at present only that I am well, and I hope this will find you all enjoying the same. I don’t write this to give you any particulars for Babcock, the bearer of this letter can give you the particulars and description of the county. He is my nearest neighbor and loves joining me here and he is now on his way back to the States after his family and I have made arrangements with him to fetch me a stud horse and three mares or one mare and two mules and I want you to buy said property and charge the same to Thomas Gray, and also all other expenses that may occur while buying the above property. I wish the horses to be bought up in Kentucky or Saint Louis and delivered to Mr. Babcock in Missouri at whatever point he may direct when he comes by you. Then can agree when the horses are to be bought. I have made this arrangement with Mr. Babcock to fetch those horses for me provided he comes across the States. He has not decided whether he will come across the Plains or by way of Fort Benton on the Missouri River. If he comes by Benton, I then wish you to send me a jackass and if the fair is not too high and not too much expense attached to sending me a horse that way you can send him also. If Babcock comes by Benton and you send me a jack, I want him good size and not over five years also and warranted and if he comes across the Plains send me those two horses without the jack and if you buy those horses I want you to do it without fail for I will probably never get a chance of getting them across again and if Babock is short of money when he is fitting out give him one hundred dollars and charge it on me that is if he tells you that his circumstances are such that he needs it. This letter will be delivered by Mr. Babcock to you and he can tell you what kind of horses I want as well as I can describe it to you. I have nothing more to write so I will come to a close by sending you all my love and respects.”