Fine and Rare Pair Cherokee Moccasins Late 18th century. Black dyed buckskin with French silk brocade, ribbons and Italian cut beads in stylized floral patterns. Originated from one of the tribal groups based around current Eastern Tennessee, North Carolina, Alabama and Georgia. The moccasins originated from the family of Mary Sarah Wellesley, Countess of Cadogan, 1805-1873. Mary had two uncles, the first Duke of Wellington, also named Arthur Wellesley, 1769-1852, and Richard Wellesley, his brother, 1760-1842, who was married to Marianne Patterson, now Marianna Wellesley, 1788-1853. She was born to Charles Carroll, 1737-1832, in Baltimore, MD, who was also the last surviving signatory of the United States Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. Marianne Ewllesley moved from her home in Maryland to join her husband Richard Wellesley in England along with her two sisters, in 1816. One of her sisters later married Napoleon's brother, Jerome Bonaparte, however Marianne would travel to her native homeland at least several times in her lifetime. It is possible that with the close family connections, that the moccasins could have originated from Marianne Wellesley, the Aunt of Mary Sarah Wellesley. Ht. 4" L 9" W 3"

Outstanding state of preservation.