Union general whose cavalry command finally blocked Lee’s escape at Appomattox. LS signed “P. H. Sheridan,” two lightly-lined pages, 7.75 x 9.75, January 25, 1865. General Sheridan issues rations to an area desolated by the war. In part, “In obedience to instructions and from Military necessity the Valley of the Shenendoah from Winchester to Staunton...was so much devastated as to make it necessary to issue at the present time a small amount of rations. These destitute people cannot be provided for according to the system proposed in your communication...The people in this section are now so poor, that there is no way a tax fund can be created, except by an attempt to sell household furniture, and even then I doubt if there would be purchases.” In very good condition, with tape repairs to partial mailing fold separations and some light toning. R&R COA.
