BATTLE OF WINCHESTER OPEQUON VIRGINIA GENERAL THOMAS DEVIN VICTORY ORDER 1864 For Sale

General Thomas Devin served as Division Commander in Phil Sheridan's Cavalry Corp in the 1864 Valley campaign where Jubal Early's Army was destroyed. An Original Civil War Victory Order issued by General Thomas C Devin at HQ Second Brigade, First Cavalry Division, Middle Military Division, Nov 6, 1864 to his soldiers: their march to the Shenandoah Valley & rout of an enemy mounted infantry brigade, again "your steady arms & keen sabres hurled back the serried masses of the foe" at Front Royal, Smithfield, Kearneysville & Shepherdstown. At the Battle of Opequon (Winchester)) routing a superior force of enemy cavalry, defeated the enemy infantry lines capturing over 500 prisoners. During the pursuit (of Early's Army) from Fishers Hill to Port Republic you drove Lomax's Division "whirling" . On Oct 19 you drove the enemy & crossing Cedar Creek smashed their rear guard until reaching Fisher's Hill, driving the foe from the hill to Woodstock in all capturing 24 guns, 9 battle-flags, and 1000 prisoners. You have lost 1/3 of your number , "fallen nobly at their post of duty". Signed Thomas C. Devlin, Brevet Brigadier General. 3pp 8 x 5" ptd.. Age stains. Folds acid free repairs at folds, Overall Good. A very rare Valley campaign Victory Order. Comes w service info- Devin, of Irish-American heritage was promoted to Brigadier General by Abraham Lincoln for his part at Cedar Creek. At the Battle of Gettysburg, Devin's brigade served in Brig. Gen. Buford's cavalry division that began the battle on July 1, 1863. Devin had become a favorite of Buford's and his rugged leadership lent him the nickname "Buford's Hard Hitter," while his own men like to refer to him as "Uncle Tommy". Postwar Devin commanded US cavalry units in Arizona and new Mexico and served as one of George Armstrong Custer's pallbearers.