Autographed TLS By Brigadier Gen. William H. Bisbee – Friend of Capt. William Judd Fetterman

Adjutant at Fort Phil Kearney during Red Cloud’s War in 1866, and a good friend of Captain William Judd Fetterman.

General Bisbee served in the Regular Army “Through Four American Wars,” (the title of his book). He began his career as an enlisted man, rose to sergeant major, and later in the war commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the 18th U.S. Infantry.  Bisbee saw action at Corinth, Perryville, Stones River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Atlanta Campaign (as regimental adjutant).  in 1865, he was part of the 18th’s 2nd Battalion that served at Fort Phil Kearney on the Bozeman Trail during Red Cloud’s War, and served with other units on the frontier for many years.  He remained in the army until 1902 having served 41 years, Gen. Bisbee lived long enough to be awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received during the Civil War.  When he passed away at the age of 102, he was the oldest retired officer in the United States Army.

The letter was written to Lt. Colonel Charles A. Ranlett, who at the time was commanding the Boston School Cadets, the largest school-boy organization in the world, numbering over 17,000 plus cadets.  Bisbee was prompted to write after seeing some of these cadets marching in a parade in the Boston area.  A great letter from one who truly understood the meaning of service to country. The letter is dated June 4, 1926.

Included with the letter is a photogravure of Colonel Ranlett taken in the 1930’s.  Image of General Bisbee is a downloaded copy, any other images are not inclued.

Fine condition