(1826 - 1863) Union cavalry general whose initiative in opposing the advance of A.P. Hill's Corps at the Battle of Gettysburg helped to ensure a Union victory. Stricken with typhoid fever and died in Washington at the end of 1863. Extremely rare, good association A.L.S., 1p. 4to., Jefferson Barracks, MO, April 30, 1855, to future Confederate general Samuel Cooper, then a colonel and Adjutant General of the U.S. Army. In full: ‘I have the honor to transmit an estimate for Recruiting funds. The am’t is due to contractors for transportation of Recruits. I have been relieved from the recruiting service and ordered to my Reg’t. I have received from Lt W. W. Lowe 2nd Cavalry the amt $341.00 of his qr mr’s [quartermaster’s] funds – which is to be replaced by the draft for the recruiting funds. When the money is transmitted please make it payable to Lt W. W. Lowe 2nd Cav. and hold me accountable.’ He signs ‘Jno Buford’ at the conclusion in black ink, adding his contemporary rank ‘Lt 2 Drag[oon]s’. Shows original mailing folds, with slight toning to the edges, a small area of paper loss at the top left corner, and a pencil identifying inscription to the verso, otherwise in very good to fine condition overall. Buford's signature is rare in any form, and long-form writings in his hand even more so.