In the book of Encyclopedia of Indian Wars, the author G. F. Michno states, “George Bill Sanford, born in 1842, served in the 1st Dragoons/1st Cavalry in a number of departments, from California and Arizona to Idaho and Montana, fighting Apaches to Nez Perces.  He directly commanded units in at least nine casualty-producing engagements.” The context for this quote was a discussion who were the greatest Indian fighters… so the writer of our letter was a strong contender!  The document is headed, “Maj. Gen. Casey’s Hd. Qrs. Richmond, Virginia. April 26th, 1865.”

                                Major J. M. Nicholls,

                                                            Paymaster,

Dear Major,

            As you will see by the enclosed order, I have “turned up” in Richmond.  I have
been over to Petersburg and seen the “1st”.  They are pretty well “considering” – two
of our officers were wounded in the last fight.  The regiment is at Sheridan’s Hd. Qrs. 
I am in hopes of getting away from here soon, but first it is necessary to pay up and
so I send you my accounts for April.  Please send me a draft at the earliest possible
moment and put in the price of clothing.  I don’t know how much it is.  Madden of the
6th Cavalry is here on the same duty as myself.  I send you a copy of my order made
“Official” by Major F. W. Taggard reply to Gen. Casey.

 

Direct Capt. Geo. B. Sanford USA Maj. Gen. Casey’s Hd. Qrs. Richmond, Virginia.  
Trimble is still at 1st Cavalry Div. Hd. Qrs. & very well.

 

Please send me the “needful” as soon as you possibly can and very much oblige. 

                                            Your sincere friend,

                                                                                        George B. Sanford
                                                                                        Capt. 1st Cavalry.

                                Capt. G. B. Sanford

                                                    1st U.S. Cav.

                                                    April 26th, 1865

The document is written in nice dark ink with several ink stains, Sanford signature on the back is very large and signed as “Capt. 1st Cavalry”.  For a collector of the 1st U.S. Cavalry or important Indian War leaders, this is a fine document!

#W31 – Price $135