Union general (1831–1901) who saw action at Bull Run, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, as well as nearly all the engagements of the Peninsula Campaign and Sherman’s March to the Sea. He is generally credited as the composer of the bugle call ‘Taps.’ ALS signed “Danl Butterfield,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.25 x 7, Cragside letterhead, September 27, 1890. Letter to former comrade Colonel John P. Nicholson, who was in charge of arrangements for a grand celebration honoring the return of the Count de Paris to America. Nicholson had changed the original date of the banquet without the Count’s knowledge. In part: “I very much regret your good people could not have made your reception the 7th being the date the Count telegraphed that he would accept it, instead of the 6th which as you are quite aware he has not so far as I know assented to…You must positively not hold me responsible in any way as committing the Count to the 6th. Please do not make any error upon this point. This must be clearly understood as I take it…So long as you relieve me from having any authority pledge or promise for the 6th except the conditional one of trying to get his assent by cable…The situation is a delicate & important one where I must not be held responsible. There are parties here certain to be disappointed.” In fine condition, with central horizontal and vertical folds and second page inlaid to a slightly larger sheet. RR Auction COA.
