54. NAVAJO INDIAN "LONG MARCH" MILITARY DOCUMENT Early Indian War US Cavalry document, 2pp. 4to., secretarially signed by Bvt. Major General George W. Getty, Head Quarters District of New Mexico, Santa Fe, N. M., Oct. 3, 1867 ordering for commander of Fort Sumner, NM, Maj. Charles J. Whiting, 3rd US Cavalry to pursue renegade Navajo Indians and return them to their reservations at the end of that tribe's forced Long Walk episode. In part: "...Withdraw the picket at Hubbell's ranch...send such force as you can...in pursuit of the Indians...follow the trail and bring them back to the reservation...forcibly if necessary. One or more Navajo chiefs should accompany the detachment from Fort Sumner...also an interpreter and guide...the troops at Fort Stanton, will be placed under your orders...also...recall Captain Wilson's company for...service in...pursuit of the Indians...the cavalry company at Fort Stanton had better be sent in the direction of Albuquerque to cut the trail of the Indians and follow it up. Supplies...can be obtained at Albuquerque. If the Indians have gone in the direction of the Rio Grande...advise me by return courier. I will order the troops at Fort Wingate and Craig...to the fords on the Rio Grande, to prevent...the Indians from crossing...it is the utmost importance that the Indians should be sent back to the reservation...". Following the American Army's occupation of Santa Fe in 1846, treaty upon treaty established between the United States government and the Navahos were ignored. By 1863, Col. Kit Carson was ordered to force the tribe onto reservations. To the Navajo people this time is known as the "Long Walk". Few Navajos escaped the wrath of the army and by 1867 those who did were hunted down. A rare piece of New Mexican Indian history! Some soiling, else very good. $300 - 4006