Union cavalry leader. It was two of his brigades that initiated the fighting at Gettysburg northwest of the town. He was able to hold off the Confederate assaults until the arrival of Union infantry and enabled Meade to make a stand south and east of the town on the next two days. He later served through the Bristoe Campaign, but just before the commencement of the Mine Run Campaign he was struck down by typhoid and had to relinquish his command on November 21, 1863. He died in Washington on December 16, 1863. His commission as major general of volunteers was presented to him on his deathbed. ALS signed 'Jno Buford,' one lightly-lined page, 8 x 9.75, October 4, 1857. Letter to Colonel Munroe. In part, 'As I passed through Chicago I saw Lt. Wood sick in bed. He gave me in my charge one of your trunks which had been left on some account or other yesterday....The day after in St. Louis I had a bilious attack which confined me to bed for 11 days...At Detroit I took the fever...which still hangs on to me.' In fine condition, with a light mailing fold through signature. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
