Description:

JOHN GIBBON SETS OUT FOR BATTLE...AND WOULD BE SEVERELY WOUNDED 16 DAYS LATER
JOHN GIBBON (1827 - 1896) Union major general who fought throughout the war at the head of the Iron brigade, severely wounded at Gettysburg, and after the war led the relief column to bury the dead at the Little Big Horn. Fine content A.L.S. "John Gibbon Col. 7th Infty", 2pp. 4to., "Hd. Qrs. Dist of Montana", Fort Shaw, July 23, 1877 to Capt. C. C. Rawn, commander of the post at Missoula. In part: "...On arrival of the companies from Ft. Benton & Camp Baker I shall leave this post for Missoula by way of Cadottes Pass. Should the main body of the hostiles attempt to come through that way I shall meet them, and in that event I desire you to push on after them with all the force you can get together of soldiers and citizens...Should they try to strike north down the valley...follow as far as you can, and let me know, by special courier on the Big Blackfoot Trail...give me as early intelligence as you can of any movement on the part of the Indian...from Deer Lodge before I start, of by special courier afterwards...". A few trivial spots on second page, else very good. After leaving Fort Shaw, Gibbon picked up the trail of the retreating 750 Nez Perce (200 warriors) and added 45 civilian volunteers to his force of 161 men. With orders to take no prisoners, Gibbon's men attacked at dawn and killed everyone in sight. The Nez Perce regrouped as Gibbon was wounded in the leg, and sniping commenced between both sides. The battle ended as the Indians withdrew, leaving the bloodied Federals half dead of thirst and hunger.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas), DHL or UPS Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items are not shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

September 10, 2013 11:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 22.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 + $1,000