369

WILLIAM J. FETTERMAN

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Militaria Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
WILLIAM J. FETTERMAN
(1833 - 1866) U.S. Army office during the Civil War and subsequent Red Cloud's War. In November 1866, Fetterman and his regiment were stationed at Fort Phil Kearny, tasked with protecting immigrants traveling to the gold fields of Montana Territory. Fetterman boasted that with 80 soldiers, he could "ride through the Sioux Nation. On December 21, 1866, a large band of Cheyenne and Sioux - which included Crazy Horse - under the leadership of Red Cloud attacked a wood train near the fort. Fetterman, with a group of (ironically) 80 men, pursued the Indians...and found himself facing 2,000 hostiles. He and his command were wiped out to a man. Very rare Civil War-date D.S. “Wm. J. Fetterman” on Army of the Cumberland letterhead, 1p. 4to., Lookout Mountain, Feb. 1, 1865, Special Orders No. 20: " 1st Lieut. John Miller ... having reported for duty with his Company will take command, he being Senior Officer. II. 2d Lieut. Joseph L. Follett will turn over all Government property in his possession pertaining to Battery ‘G’ 1st Mo. Light Artillery to Lieut. Miller who will receipt to him for the same. By order of Brig. Gen. King....” Two small holes and light staining from previous binding to left margin, else near fine. A very rare Indian Wars signature!