Louis McLane Hamilton collection

Collection

Identifier: VAULT box-Ayer-MS-356

Staff Only

Abstract

Correspondence, extracts of reports, printed obituaries and resolutions, newspaper clippings, 1867-1867, possibly collected by Benson John Lossing, concerning the life of Capt. Louis McLane Hamilton and his death at the Battle of Washita. Includes correspondence of Philip Hamilton (father) to Lossing, and Robert Mayhew West (forwarding copy of 7th Cavalry resolution on Hamilton's death to the Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle); ms. extracts from Custer's July 6, 1867, order praising Hamilton's actions; printed obituaries from New York newspapers; a printed copy of the West letter and accompanying resolution; and a newspaper articles containing Custer's report to Gen. W.T. Sherman on the battle.

Dates

1867-1869

Creator

Hamilton, Philip (Person)

Biographical / Historical

Poughkeepsie, N.Y., native; grandson of Alexander Hamilton; Civil War veteran; and captain, 1866-1868, in the 7th U.S. Cavalry led by Col. George Armstrong Custer.,On Nov. 27, 1868, Hamilton was killed in the 7th's encounter (Battle of Washita) with an encampment of Cheyenne near present-day Cheyenne, Okla.