Writing on “Head Quarters, Military Division of West Mississippi, New Orleans, La.” stationary, Canby states:

“Col.,

    Send these and the dispatches for Genl. Halleck by the boats
 this evening & deliver Capt. Auger’s for the next boat. 

 
                                                                                    Edw. Canby, M.G.”

Canby was appointed Major General of Volunteers on May 7th, 1864 and assigned to the command of the Military Division of West Mississippi. While not dated, our document is probably from later that year.  The document measures 4 ½ x 5 inches and is written in nice dark ink.  Canby became quite the hero after his death.  The 4 most renowned surviving Generals attended his funeral: Sherman, Sheridan, Wallace and McDowell.  Several towns and counties were named in his honor! 

Canby was a “hands-on” leader and a champion of the Indians.  He insisted on going unarmed to peace negotiations with tribal leaders.  Unfortunately, when negotiating with the Modoc Indians in 1873, Canby was shot twice in the head and had his throat cut. 

The document is in excellent condition and apparently has been in an old collection.  Written neatly in red ink at the very bottom… definitely old and of the period when he was killed, is: “Killed by the Modoc Indians, April 11, 1873 in the lava beds.” 

A wonderful Canby example, worth $695!

#D129 - Price $395