He won the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroism in the Civil War

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004

During Indian Wars he commanded the famous "BUFFALO SOLDIERS" of the all black 24'th and 25'th U.S. Infantry Regiments; during Spanish-American War he was commanding general for the Cuban Campaign. MAJ. GEN'L WILLIAM R. SHAFTER. It was his great skill at Santiago that ended the war. Yet, the newspapers went mercilessly after him and the dispute that raged over his dealings with U.S. Navy Admirals Sampson and Schley became the major controversy of the entire campaign. Shafter was eventually vindicated. He writes to long time friend Albee at Winchester Arms Company after his return from the campaign from Washington, Sept. 13, 1898. Two page short typed letter (each blank on reverse) with fine, full penned autograph signature, informing that he would much like to "go blue fishing with you [in Conn.]…if I can spare the time from sending the troops away." Acknowledges articles Albee sent him regarding the Sampson-Schley controversy: "…I feel as you do, that they cannot hurt me any and that when the sober, second thought comes to all good American citizens they will take the correct view of it." Exc.

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