32-line autographed letter datelined Wellsville, New York/March 20, 1905, "To all whom it may concern, I have the honor to most cheerfully recommend Daniel Knipe [also spelled Kanipe] late Sergeant Troop "C" 7th U.S. Cavalry (my old regiment) for any position of an honorable character…Sergeant Knipe…participating in the battle of The Little Bighorn, Montana, June 25th and 26th 1876…was the bearer of General Custer's last order, which was to me, to bring packs up…", signed "T. M. McDougall, Major U.S. Army, Retired", two pages, 10-1/2 x 8 in. Minor separations at folds, soiling, minor stains, several pinholes. Provenance: Descended in the family of Daniel Kanipe, great-grandfather of consignor; at 3:15 p.m. on June 25, 1876, Captain Thomas Custer, George A. Custer's younger brother, relayed the order to Daniel Kanipe: "Go to Capt. McDougall. Tell him to bring the pack train…come on quick--a big Indian Camp…"; this mission likely saved Kanipe's life, as all perished who soon after followed Custer into battle with the Sioux under Sitting Bull.