Sold For $550
*Includes Buyers Premium
ALS by Elisha Bennett, signed "Elisha," three pages on adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 9.75, April 18, [1867]. Writing to his sister from Fort Laramie, Bennett relates the latest news from Fort Kearny on the massacre of William J. Fetterman and his men in December 1866. In part: "Those Indians almost universally use the Bow and arrow—at the Phil Kearny massacre all were shot with arrows. Capt. Brown and Col. Fettermann it is supposed shot themselves. Gen. Palmer is in command at Fort Laramie… We have 6 companies, mostly cavalry of the 2nd bat., many of them are out on escort duty with trains etc. We have a plenty of provisions and ammunition on hand. There is a gunner that protects the company in laying the rails. The Indians have never touched the rails but have at one time destroyed 10 or 15 miles of telegraph poles & wire. We have a good post Bakery and get good Bread. We get our flour from the States. They frequent attack at night or morning and drive off our stock. Not withstanding we send a gunner with our trains. The escort varies a few days since we sent 100 men with a train to Fort Phil Kearny. When I leave for Fort Sedgwick my new Post where I have been lately ordered, I shall take 10 or 15 armed employees that have been discharged. The land here requires irrigation but it is in good stock country. We get most of our vegetables from Cache La Poudre near Denver. I have written to [brother] Erskine that I would give him a place but if he wish he could get a commission although a solder's life is a poor one but he wants it." Corner-mounted, matted, and framed with the front page of the New-York Tribune from June 6, 1870, relating news of Red Cloud's visit to Washington—identifying one of the topics of discussion as the "Fort Phil Kearney Massacre"—to an overall size of 23.25 x 31.75. In fine condition. Additionally includes an unsigned letter from Elisha Bennett's brother, Erskine, also penned to their sister, regarding Elisha's death from disease.
The Collection of Dr. Joseph Matheu.
