September 22, 1881. · Santa Fe, N.M.
by [New Mexico]: Sheldon, Lionel A.
Santa Fe, N.M., September 22, 1881.. Handbill, 7 3/4 x 5 inches. Staple holes near top edge, otherwise fine condition. An exceedingly rare and perhaps unique surviving printing of general orders from New Mexico Territorial Governor and Commander-in- Chief, Lionel A. Sheldon. Here, Sheldon organizes an "Independent Military Company" at both Silver City and Georgetown, both in Grant County. Governor Sheldon also names the officers of each company and orders them to "at once muster and swear in" soldiers, appoint non-commissioned officers, furnish muster rolls to the adjutant general officers of each company, and make "make prompt requisition for arms and ordnance stores." The order is unsigned by the adjutant general. Silver City is still a thriving tourist destination, though Georgetown has become a ghost town. The general orders here likely relate to local dissatisfaction with the ability of federal government troops to protect the thriving mining interests in Grant County, or to perhaps assist federal troops in their ongoing battles with the Apaches. No copies in OCLC. (Inventory #: WRCAM56405)