American military officer (1846–1876) who fought in the Siege of Petersburg and the Appomattox Campaign during the Civil War. In 1871, he was appointed adjutant to Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and became one of Custer’s most trusted associates during the Indian Wars. Cooke penned the famous last order at Little Big Horn—”Benteen. Come On. Big village. Be quick. Bring packs”—before he was killed there, along with Custer, in June 1876. Scarce ink signature, “W. W. Cooke,” on an irregular off-white 6 x 1 slip clipped from a partially printed document. Cooke has also filled in his rank: “1st Lieut. [Capt] and Adjutant 7th [Reg’t. of] Cavalry.” Matted with a reproduction photo and engraved plaque to an overall size of 11 x 11.5. Close trimming to top edge and vertical fold, otherwise fine, clean condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
