AMER AUGUST 2015
The live portion of this session begins on Monday, August 24, 2015.
GENERAL ALFRED H. TERRY SIGNED DOCUMENT SURRENDERING A HORSE THAT SURVIVED THE BATTLE OF THE LITTLE BIG HORN.Fascinating document in which the US Army gives up title to a horse which survived the Custer massacre and found its way to Canada! The manuscript letter, 2pp. 4to., Washington, Feb. 25, 1879, is signed by Adjutant General Edward D. Townsend and was sent to Gen. Philip Sheridan. It notes that Major J. W. Walsh of the Northwest Mounted Police: "...has in his possession a gray horse branded 'U.S.' which was captured by the Indians in the Custer battle and which he purchased from a half-breed and would like to retain...the Secretary of War authorized Major Walsh to keep the horse...". On verso is an endorsement by Alfred H. Terry (1827-1890) Union brigadier general and commander of the expedition leading to George Custer's death at the Little Big Horn. He forwards the letter to Walsh, noting: "...I had no authority as Department commander to take any action upon the letter of Major Walsh...the United States makes no claims to the horse in question...". there is also an endorsement signed by William D. Whipple (1826-1902) Union brigadier general and Chief of Staff of George H. Thomas at Chattanooga and Atlanta, sending the document to Terry. SIZE: 8" x 10". CONDITION: Very good overall as can be seen in photos. Signatures and text easily discernible. 48441-11 JS (800-1,200)