Alcohol has almost destroyed his intellect

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005

Autograph Letter Signed D.S. Miles, 4 pages, quarto, May 28, 1856, Sante Fe, New Mexico to W.A. Gordon, Washington, D.C. Colonel Miles speculates on court martials, promotions among the generals, and the chances of open war with the local Indians. His letter reads in part: "...been kept vamoosing about on General Court Martials...between this and Fillmore, traveling at least 1200 miles, through and over this wretched barren country - daily in danger of being scalped by the Apaches...you will have seen published doubtless the cases of Capt. Scammon and Lieut. Morrison 3d Inf - The Captain is nearly gone poor fellow and can't live much longer. Great sympathy is felt for him...but drink - alcohol has almost destroyed his intellect...The Indians out here seem to be disposed to break out into a war. The most powerful tribe (Navajo) muster 2500 warriors, the Gila Apaches about 1200. Should this come off, and i don't see how it is to be avoided, the country will smoke and the Treasury groan before it ends...". VF condition.

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