149. PHILIP H. SHERIDAN (1831 - 1888) Union major general of cavalry and famous Indian fighter. Sheridan's fighting prowess was evident throughout the war, from Booneville to Chickamauga and the elimination of J.E.B. Stuart at Yellow Tavern. Manuscript L.S. "P.H. Sheridan" as Lieutenant General USA, 4pp. 4to., on imprinted "Headquarters Military Division of the Missouri" letterhead, Chicago, Oct. 2, 1872, to Governor J.A. Campbell of "Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory". In part: "...I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th ultimo, in reference to sinking an artesian well on the military reservation at Fort D.A. Russell...I found that they would not contract to bore a well at Fort D.A. Russell at so much per foot, as they had no means of knowing the character of the soil, and therefore if they entered into a contract, it must be on the basis of boring through solid granite: which was absurd and made the contract impossible. Failing in this, the only way open to us was to purchase the necessary tools and employ skilled labor in sinking the well under the supervision of the Quarter Master's Department. I think that Major A.J. Perry A.Q.M. Department of the Platte, has taken all the necessary steps to commence work on the well without delay, employing the best quality of skilled labor that he has been able to obtain in this city, under the direction of Mr. Webb one of the best known men in Chicago in this particular line of business. I have no doubt of the final success of project....The Secretary of War is 'authorized to spend the sum of $10.000, or so much thereof as may be necessary' &c., &c...". Small remnant of prior mounting on final page, otherwise in very good condition. $400 - 500