The Hon^l. HEN^RY DEARBORNE. Sec^y War Dep^t.
Having thus proven that he was a citizen of New Jersey and of the United States, the captain could feel that the coveted majority was his. His commission as major of the 6th Infantry, of date May 3d, 1808, was acknowledged by him in the following letter, which I have also chosen as the one to be reproduced in facsimile for the present work:
I have the Honor to acknowledge the receiipt of yours, notifying me of my appointment to a Majority in the 6th Regt. of Infantry in the Service of the United States. You will please Sir! to receive this as my acceptance of the same, and believe me to be
With High Consideration Your Ob^t. Ser^t. [Signed] Z. M. PIKE
Among other things which had engaged Major Pike's attention was of course his book--that story of his adventures which he had fondly dreamed would immortalize his name, and respecting which his dream was realized. He had already made such progress in his literary work that he entered into official correspondence with the Secretary of War on that subject. For instance:
I shall in a day or two address an unofficial letter to the President, requesting the favour of his advice, on the Subject of the publication of my Voyages, on which, he having read them, in Manuscript, will be a Competent Judge--In this I shall speak as having the permission of your Department for the publication.--
I am Sir, with great Consideration, Your obt. servt. [Signed] Z. M. PIKE Captain.
The inside history of books which the world will not let die is always interesting. Here is a letter which speaks for itself:
I have entered into an agreement with the firm of Conrad, Lucas & C^o of this place to print and publish my Tours, for which I allow them 20 pr. Cent on all the sales, and pay besides the expences of printing &c.--This, with bad debts and other Casualties will leave to myself but an extreame small profit but as a soldiers views are more Generally directed to fame than interest I hope that one object will at least be accomplished.--The Work will not exceed four dollars pr. Copy but the exact price we cannot yet ascertain but hope Gen^l. Dearborne will give it all the patronage which he may deem it entitled to; and Signify to Mess^rs. Conrad and Lucas the number of Copies you will take on ^ac of your Department. I have taken the Liberty of encloseing under cover to you a letter addressed to Nau [the draughtsman] which the Secy can read, and if he does not wish to retain that man, in the Service of the Goverment at the present time he will be good enough to have the letter presented to him, and should the Goverment wish his services in the Autumn or after he has done my business he can return to Washington: But if he cannot be spared by the Depart^t. the letter can be distroyed look out for another person--