(1818 - 1861) Union brigadier general who met with Confederate representatives and declared 'This means war', he later put down the pro-Confederate Missouri militia and faced Ben McCulloch at Wilson's Creek where he was killed in action, becoming the first Union general to fall in the war. His pro-Union efforts in Missouri are known as a main reason why the state did not join the Confederacy. Rare, good military content war-date A.L.S. ‘N. Lyon’, 1p. 4to., St. Louis Arsenal, May 30, 1861, to a Capt. J. J. Witsig, in full: ‘Upon your report of Arms sent off, and supposed to be at one of Rail Road Depots, you will cause the main Depot of Iron mountain road to be examined, and send this note to Genl [Thomas W.] Sweeny, at Turner’s Hall, who is hereby directed to cause the Pacific rail road Depot and the north Missouri Depot to be examined by the portions of Reserve Corps nearest to these respective Depots.’ Lyon signs at the conclusion in black ink, adding his rank ‘Brig. Gen’l Comig’. Shows original mailing folds, with some ink spots to the body, otherwise in fine condition overall. Sold with a period frontispiece engraving of Lyon, with his facsimile signature below the portrait.