Union general (1827–1890) who fought at First Bull Run and Port Royale, and who, after the war, became commander of the expedition against the Sioux during which Custer met his end at Little Bighorn. LS signed “Alfred H. Terry, Brig. Genl.,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.5 x 9.5, Headquarters, Department of Dakota letterhead, May 8, 1876. Letter to General H. G. Thomas. In part: “When I received your first letter…I confess that I was in great doubt whether to answer it at all. The suggestion which it contained, that perhaps I wished to use my rank and influence to crush an officer of inferior rank to myself, inclined me rather to forward it to the Adjutant General…From the tone of your second letter, however, I gather that you did not intend that your first should be offensive; and therefore I answer it…Had I not been so occupied pertaining to the Expedition from Fort Lincoln that I have had no time to write. That your purpose in obtaining your leave was not to urge the detail which you have received is shown by the papers which you have sent to me, seem to show that previous efforts have been made by you, without knowledge of your post and department commanders to obtain a detail which would take you from under their command and you will pardon me for saying, that I for one cannot regard such action as entirely in accordance with the highest standard of soldierly conduct.” In fine condition, with a couple of small separations to one horizontal mailing fold. On May 17, 1876, General Terry started from Fort Lincoln with four companies, totaling 925 men. The expedition would culminate in one of the most storied military events in American history—Little Big Horn. RR Auction COA.
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