Once considered the U.S. Army’s greatest “Indian fighter” after successes against the Apache, Crook participated in Grant's Nov. 3., 1875, “secret meeting” that launched the Great Sioux War. To that end, Crook had been installed as Commander of the Dept. of the Platte. Officially, Crook was supposed to remove the miners who were trespassing in the Black Hills in contravention of the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty; unofficially, by not doing so, he guaranteed military conflict, which was Sheridan’s (Crook’s Division Commander) favored option. Ink signature, “Very sincerely your friend, George Crook, Brig. Gen. U.S.A., Omaha, Neb,” on an off-white slip, dated January 14, 1882. Cloth matted with an 8 x 10 portrait of Crook, and a name plaque, to an overall size of 21.5 x 14.5. In fine condition, with a bit of trivial edge toning. R&R COA.
