General Orders No. 1 – Small Arms Firing Regs – Exhibiting Competitive Proficiency- Nevada Trophy – SOLD

General Orders No. 1 – Small Arms Firing Regs – Exhibiting Competitive Proficiency- Nevada Trophy.  This order was received by David Dougall Van Valzah, Major, 20th U.S. Infantry while stationed at Fort Assiniboine, Montana.  The document is dated January 2, 1891, regarding information received in the prior 1890.

This is a 21 page document with many tables showing all types of competitive shooting with revolver, carbine and rifles. This document breaks down how each Cavalry & Infantry regiment scored, and table for winners in the various Departments.  Some staining from rusted staples.  Otherwise fine.

David Dougall Van Valzah, (1840-1919).  Born in Illinois, and entered military service from Pennsylvania as a 1st Lieutenant in the 12th U.S. Infantry on 14 May, 1861, and promoted to captain on 10 August, 1864.  After the Civil War he was transferred to the 30th U.S. Infantry, and then under the Army’s restructuring, was unassigned until 1869, than assigned to the 25th (Black) Infantry in December of 1870. He remained with that regiment until his promotion to major and transferred again to the 20th Infantry on October of 1886. Promoted again in October of 1891, he was transferred to the 24th Infantry, (the other Black infantry in the Army), as Lt.Colonel.   Prior to the Spanish American War, now as colonel, Van Valzah took command of the 18th Infantry.

During the Civil War, he received brevet commissions; Brevet captain for gallantry at the Battle of the Wilderness, Va, 23 May, 1864, and the campaign before Richmond, Va.  He retired on 20 June, 1899, due to poor health from hard service in the Philippines with the 18th Infantry.