May 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, May 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/29/2012
Marcus Reno autograph letter signed, dated 17 August 1867, from Fort Vancouver in the Pacific Northwest. Breveted to Brigadier General in the Civil War, Reno is better known today for his role in the 1876 Battle of Little Bighorn when he was accused of abandoning Custer. In 1866, he was assigned to Fort Vancouver where he was initiated into the Freemasons. This letter, addressed to Masonic ''Washington Lodge No. 4, F. &. A. M.'' reads in full, ''...I respectfully request a dispensation of time enabling me to be raised to the Third Degree, for the following reasons. That before the next regular meeting of the Lodge, two weeks hence, I will be required to be absent for one month more or less, & I desire the benefits of this degree while absent...'' He signs, ''M.A. Reno''. He was raised to the third degree of Master Mason on 21 August 1867. Reno would be transferred to Dakota Territory where he joined Custer in the Sioux campaign. His military career ended in dishonor after being court martialed for cowardice at Little Bighorn and discharged. Minor soiling and foxing to single page 8'' x 10'' card style letter, else near fine. Lot includes single page 7.75'' x 9.75'' Masonic ''Report of Committee on Petition'' recommending initiation into the lodge, also near fine.
Marcus Reno 1867 Autograph Letter Signed from Fort Vancouver -- ''...I respectfully request...to be raised to the [Masonic] Third Degree...''
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