American military officer (circa 1833–1866). After serving with distinction in the Civil War, Fetterman became captain of a battalion stationed at Fort Phil Kearny, Wyoming, for the protection of miners and settlers traveling along the Bozeman Trail. On December 21, 1866, a band led by Crazy Horse’s uncle, Hump (a.k.a. High Back Bone), attacked a nearby train. Though a newcomer to the region and to confrontations with Indians, Fetterman volunteered to lead a relief party of several dozen men, later joined by another military detachment and two civilians. Ignoring orders to go no further than Lodge Trail Ridge, Fetterman led his men in pursuit of several Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho decoys, headed by Crazy Horse, who led the troops into an ambush by a force of hundreds. Though Fetterman had once boasted he could “ride through the Sioux Nation” with no more than 80 soldiers, he and the troops under his command were wiped out in less than an hour in what came to be known as the Fetterman Massacre, and, to the three Indian nations involved, the Battle of Kills 100, 100 Hundred Soldiers Killed Fight, and 100 Hundred in the Hands. Scarce war-dated DS, signed “Wm. J. Fetterman,” one faintly lined page, 7.75 x 9.75, Headquarters, First Brigade, First Separate Division, Army of the Cumberland letterhead, February 1, 1865. Special Orders No. 20. In part: “I. 1st Lieut. John Miller ... having reported for duty with his Company will take command, he being Senior Officer. II. 2d Lieut. Joseph L. Follett will turn over all Government property in his possession pertaining to Battery ‘G’ 1st Mo. Light Artillery to Lieut. Miller who will receipt to him for the same. By order of Brig. Gen. King....” Two small holes and light staining from previous binding to left margin, and a touch of very mild handling wear, otherwise fine, clean condition. Autograph material from Fetterman is quite uncommon. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
