LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 October Grand Format Autographs #629  / 

25353

Major Marcus Reno Autograph Letter Signed

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:250.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 1,500.00 USD
Major Marcus Reno Autograph Letter Signed
<B>Major Marcus Reno Autograph Letter Signed,</B></I> "<I>M.A. Reno</B></I>", 2 pages, 4.5" x 7", New York City, January 3, 1886, to "<I>Editor, Weekly Press</B></I>", location unknown. A West Pointer and Civil War veteran, Major Reno was a key figure during the Battle of the Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876. He commanded a third of the 7th Cavalry on its expedition against the Sioux with Custer and Captain Benteen leading the other two wings. Although Reno engaged the Sioux, his men were able to escape Custer's fate. Reno's military career was thereafter dicey at best since many individuals felt that he could have rescued Custer. He was officially exonerated from any wrong-doing, however was discharged from the service in 1880 for striking a junior officer. This rare ALS discusses the publication of articles that likely were giving his "side of the story" as regards Little Bighorn. It reads:"<I>Your note of 30th ult.received. I had furnished the return from the publication of these articles to my wife & she has discovered that a magazine published in N.Y. City will pay her more for them than $35. As you have them & as I first offered them to you, perhaps you can have them for $100.00 Articles like these written from the experience & personal observations of myself, could not be accounted as ordinary correspondence, & for that reason should not be subjected to the usual rates of pay however I do not presume to dictate to an old newspaperman & if my proposition will be acceptable to you, publish them, if not, return them, & I will not feel hurt. Very respectfully,.</B></I> A postscript adds, "<I>If you do not keep them please return them by express as I wish to have them on Tuesday morning</B></I>". Light even toning, else very fine condition. Housed in a custom library case with gold stamping on cover and spine.
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