Union general (1826–1863). On July 1, 1863, at Gettysburg, it was Buford's troopers that fired the first shots of the battle. He was stricken with typhoid fever during the Rappahannock campaign and died in Washington on December 16, 1863. His commission of major general was presented to him on his deathbed. War-dated ALS signed “Jno Buford, Asst. Insp. Genl U.S.A.,” one page, lightly-lined, 5 x 8, December 14, 1861. Letter to Colonel Edward C. Williams of the 9th PA Cavalry. In full: “I am instructed by the Genl-in-Chief to inspect the troops in the Dept. of the Ohio—Please have your Regt. in line of battle by 1 o’clock P.M. on Monday. The inspection will be conducted as prescribed by the Army Regulation. The men equipped as for the Field.” Double-matted and framed with a portrait of Buford and a biographical plaque to an overall size of 20.5 x 22.5. An area of mild dampstaining to lower portion, with some over signature, but in no way affecting legibility, otherwise fine condition. Oversized. RR Auction COA.
