Very Rare 7th Calvary Military Appointment Signed by Marcus Reno and William W. Cooke

This rare appointment signed by Marcus Reno as ( Major 7^th Calvary) and William W. Cooke (First Lieutenant, 7th US Cavalry)is quite rare. We where only able to find one other double signed d7th Calvary document that has come to market. Each of these soldiers played important roles in the Battle of Little Big Horn. Although Reno did survive Cooke died next to Custer after writing Custer’s last message for Benteen to “Come on”! This document is dated 4 months before the The Battle of the Little Bighorn, known to the Lakota and other Plains Indians as the Battle of the Greasy Grass,and commonly referred to as Custer's Last Stand.  

Military Appointment Signed "M A Reno." 1p, measuring 14.75" x 9.75", Fort A. Lincoln, Dakota Territory, dated February 23, 1876. Appointing John Holan to Corporal in Company K, of the 7th Regiment of Cavalry. Countersigned by W.W. Cooke, 1st Lieutenant. In fine condition

Marcus A. Reno (Major 7^th Calvary)

Military officer (1834-1889) who fought in the Civil War and against Native Americans in the West, but is best known for failing to come to Custer's aid during the Battle of Little Bighorn. Reno is most noted for his prominent role in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, where he did not support Custer's position on the battlefield, remaining instead in a defensive formation with his troops about 4 miles (6.4 km) away. This event has since been a longstanding subject of controversy regarding his command decisions in the course of one of the most infamous defeats in the history of the United States military.

William W. Cooke (First Lieutenant, 7th US Cavalry)

(1846 - 1876) American military officer, became known by his nickname "the Queen's Own" and had the reputation as one of the best shots and fastest runners in the regiment. His appearance was also quite distinctive. He wore long "Dundreary" side-whiskers.

He was first lieutenant and Regimental Adjutant of the 7th Cavalry who delivered Custer's orders to Major Marcus Reno that commenced the June 25, 1876, battle of the Little Bighorn. Later he would scribble Custer's last message imploring Captain Frederick Benteen to "Come On." Cooke died alongside Custer, who considers his adjutant a close family friend.

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