2552 FORT APACHE LETTER DESCRIBING KILLING OF 10th

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This item SOLD at 2025 Apr 01 @ 15:28UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 100.00 USD
Estimated at 200.00 - 400.00 USD
CAVALRY "BUFFALO SOLDIER" PAYMASTER & BURNING OF PAYROLL. 2-page folio letter Nov. 25, 1889, by Major 10th Cavalry to 1st National Bank, Sante Fe asking that his note not be called in and needed a few days as payroll was taken; "In the most unfortunate action taken by the Apaches against our paymaster and guards, the Apaches killed our people in a most hideous manner and just before the last breath of life left there pain wrecked bodies, the entire payroll consisting in the main of paper currency which the Apaches promptly burned under the feet of our men, the pieces being found there later. The coin was evidently taken by the Apaches as only a few were found at the site of the tragedy and these were used in a most devilish manner upon the naked bodies of our men. The coins were heated red hot and then placed on the various tender and personal parts of their bodies". Is this the same robbery of Paymaster Joseph Wham, of over $28,000 in gold & silver, $1,000,000 today, that two buffalo Soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor, not knowing that it wasn't Apaches? The name signed on letter could not be located and doesn't appear to have anything to do with famous Wham robbery, regardless letter appears original from period and quite a conversation piece. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Norm Flayderman letter 1981 with 5 attachments. CONDITION: very good. PROVENANCE: Norm Flayderman collection 1971: Flayderman catalog 105, item # 1523, 1981; Robert Coelin, Blythe, CA collection; Martin Lane Historic & Western Americana Lifetime Collection. (02-22026/JS). $200-400.