Col. F. 7th Minnesota Volunteer solider who took part in the Minnesota Indian Massacre. ALS signed “William Johnson, Late Co F. 7th Minnesota Vols, Enlisted Aug 2nd 1862, Discharged 16th, 1865 at Fort Snelling, Minn,” one page, 9 x 6.5, no date. Johnson writes, in full: “Replying to yours of 25th Will say that I never saw or knew President A. Lincoln. My service for my 1st year was after the Sioux Indians, just after the Sioux outbreak in fall of 1862, was at Battle of Wood Lake, Minn. at Camp Release, also at the hanging of the 38 condemned indians at Mankato Dec 26–1862. June 1863 we formed an expedition of about 4000 troops for a campaign from Mankato Minn to chase the indians out of Minnesota & across N. Dakota. We caught up with & drove them across the Mo river near where Bismarck ND now is, returning to Fort Snelling Minn. Thence to St Louis Mo. for the winter. In spring of 1864 we joined the 16th A. C. under Genl A. G. Smith, Afterwards known as Smith Guerillas. Was mustered in & discharged at Fort Snelling Minnesota.” Central intersecting folds with a horizontal crease, light toning, and trimmed edges, otherwise fine condition. RRAuction COA.
