Four Page Holograph Letter Signed. To Colonel Theo. F. Rodenbough, Author Of "From Everglade To Canon With The Second Dragoons"

I.(NNIS) N.(NEWTON) PALMER

Publication: 1875,

Palmer was writing to a nervous and agitated Rodenbough, who was concerned with the seemingly poor initial response to his book, which is the history of the Second U.S. Cavalry. The letter was written at Fort Sanders, Wyoming Territory. Innis Newton Palmer, Army Officer (Mar. 30, 1824-Sept. 10, 1900). Born in Buffalo, New York, graduated from West Point in 1846 and assigned to the Mounted Rifles (later the 3rd Cavalry). Beginning at Vera Cruz in 1847, he fought in the Mexican War until the capture of Mexico City, winning two brevets and was seriously wounded. In 1849, he marched overland from Fort Leavenworth to Oregon Territory, serving at Oregon City and Fort Vancouver, then taking part in Indian campaigns in Texas from 1852-54. He transferred to the 2nd Cavalry (which became the 5th) in 1855 and returned to Texas where he served, including taking part in some Indian conflicts, until the Civil War. He ended the Civil War as a brevet Major General of Volunteers and brevet Brigadier General of the Army. Palmer served on the Plains with the 2nd Cavalry as Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel, retiring March 20, 1879, where after he divided his time between Washington D.C. and Denver. He died at Chevy Chase, Maryland and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Fort Sanders. 1866-82. Fort John Buford. This four-company post was arranged around a 400- by 235-foot parade ground when first built, then enlarged to a 600- by 500-foot parade when two more companies were assigned to the permanent garrison. Two buildings are left at the site, both of stone for obvious reasons: guardhouse and magazine. Highway 287 cuts right across the parade ground south of the city of Laramie. From the downtown area, take US 287 south 2 miles. A stone marker is at the junction of the highway and a dirt road which leads to the guardhouse ruins, 100 yards east. The magazine is on the other side of the interstate highway in front of the Laramie Country Club clubhouse. Rodenbough's book, From Everglade to Cannon with the Second Dragoons, was published in New York in 1875. His book was a classic work on the history of the military unit which became the Second United States Cavalry and offers accounts of Indian fights in Nebraska, Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming, along with an appendix which includes biographical sketches of prominent officers in the Second Dragoons, as well as brief accounts of battles in which they participated from 1836 to 1875. There is also material on the Civil, Mexican, and Florida wars, and also on the Mormons. This letter reads as follows: .....Fort Sanders, W.T. ..... April 4, 1875 My Dear Rodenbough, Your several letters, postals, the prospectus have all arrived in good time, and news of the matter contained therein has been neglected or overlooked. But must be patient. It is only a very short time since the notice of the contemplated publication of the book has been sent around. I have done all I could to arouse an interest in the book, but you must recollect that there are not now one dozen officers in the regiment who were associated with in even in war times to say nothing of ante bellum. Those who would be interested in the book are scattered over the whole country and it takes time to hear from them. I've proposed to send to all the 1st Sergeants of companies to try to get subscriptions among the men, but really how can we expect the enlisted man to take any interest in the matter. They know nothing of the subject-treated of and I would be surprised were they to be willing to pay the price which is heavy for them. We presume that the prospectus was sent to Sweitzer and to all the officers in Fort Ellis. Would be sometime before you can hear from them, and I hope they will do something. There are four companies at Ellis - only one here. As much as I would appreciate the book I fully recognize what a trouble and expense it must be to let it up handsomely, and I very much respect that you even undertook to write or publish it. If I were able to subscribe for a large number of copies I would be glad to do so, but I have been so particularly unfortunate in business matters that I assure you I have such bad and simple account fairly due us at the end of a month for two years,---so much for my bad ventures. I feel sure that Gen. Pike Graham would wish a copy of the book and you must put him down for one. He is now in Europe and I will guarantee the payment of his copy in addition to the two for myself. The account you give of the success in obtaining subscriptions (in your last letter to Clark) is, I think, considering this time---very satisfactory. I had no idea that so much would be secure in so short a time. Still, as I have stated, - when I see how impatient you are and how much you dread a disappointment, I am sorry you embarked in it; at the same time I believe that enough will be eventually received to pay all expenses. I shall write to Sweitzer by this mail of today, urging him to do whatever he can. Be sure to send a prospectus to Thompson who is now at Columbia S.C. sick. Direct care of "James G. Thompson," Lane (L D.) sutler here was associated for many years with the 2nd Dragoons wishes 1 copy. Be sure to send a prospectus to John Carter--Ft. Bridger. He was once sutler of the 2nd and he will take a few copies I think. I will write to him. Sincerely yours, I.N. Palmer. Palmer was doing everything he could to assist Rodenbough by providing helpful suggestions and at the same time trying to allay his concerns for a lack of early sales of his book. Letter has a crease along one margin, else near fine.

Inventory Number: 18337