General Orders Relaying The Deaths of Generals Philip Sheridan & George Crook – SOLD

General Orders Relaying The Deaths of Generals Philip Sheridan & George Crook.  Both of General Orders were received by David Dougall Van Valzah, Major, 20th Infantry, then serving at Fort Assiniboine, Montana.

George Crook, USMA Class of 1852, began is Civil War service a colonel of the 30th Ohio Infantry, and rose to the rank of major general of volunteers by war’s end.  He was highly engaged in many battles, captured near the end of the war, but was released soon after and continued more battles until the South surrender.  He remained in the army as a major in the regular army in 1866. Promoted to brigadier general in 1873 with continued service until his death in 1890.  Probably best known for his exploits in the Indian Wars and his part in the Apache wars in the Southwest, and the capture of Geronimo.

Philip H. Sheridan, USMA Class of 1853, probably needs little effort in recalling his service history. Nearly always connected to the U.S. Cavalry’s history in the Civil War and his association with his subordinate George Armstrong Custer.  In 1883 Sheridan became Commander in Chief of the Army.

War Department Notice, August 6, 1888,  The Secretary of War announces the death of General Sheridan in a two page obituary in black mourning borders. Some age toning, and a little acid free tape repair to some rougher areas.  very good otherwise.

General Orders, No. 33, HQ of the Army, March 22, 1890.  The obituary for Major General George Crook, with same borders.  Light age patina, but fine.

The pair of two important, historical military figures in one lot.

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.