A Union contemporary of Custer's in the Civil War and a rival for the laurels of boldest young cavalier, by 1876 Merritt was Colonel of the 5th Cavalry and was in command at War Bonnet Creek and after the Battle of the Rosebud and Little Bighorn Battle, Merritt joined Brigadier General George Crook and commanded Crook's cavalry brigade for the rest of the Great Sioux War. Vintage 2 x 3.5 photo of Merritt in uniform, signed in black ink, “Sincerely yr. friend, W. Merritt.” Image is affixed to a 2.25 x 4 lightweight mount, with a slip affixed to the bottom with “Late Maj. Genl, U.S. Vols,” in another hand. In fine condition, with a bit of scattered trivial soiling. RRAuction COA.
