Field Marshal G.J. Wolseley | Group of documents on the Red River Expedition in Manitoba, 1870

Field Marshal Garnet J. Wolseley, 1st Viscount Wolseley

Group of eight documents relating to the Red River Expedition, Manitoba, 1870, including:

i) document signed, by Queen Victoria ("Victoria RI"), acknowledging the commission of the pioneer officer John Owen Young into the 60^th Reg of Foot, one page, folio, Windsor, 23 October 1855

ii) letter signed, field force orders concerning the Officer Commanding 1/60^th Royal Rifles, about the construction of the Dawson Road, stating that Colonel Wolseley will hold them responsible for the efficiency and management of these orders, 3 pages, 8vo, Prince Arthur’s Landing, Thunder Bay, June 6 [1870]

iii) letter signed, from the commander Colonel G. J. Wolseley to J. O. Young, providing instructions and strategic advice, 26 June 1870

iv) two letters signed, from the commander Colonel G. J. Wolseley to J. O. Young, speaking warmly of his service in the Red River Expedition, calling him “so good a soldier”, recommending him for further service, 24 May 1872

v) document signed, acknowledging Young's induction into the Masons, 1 page, folio, 21 April 1874

vi) letter signed, from the commander Colonel G. J. Wolseley to J. O. Young, describing an accompanying certificate, 15 January 1875

vii) unknown postcard

The Red River Expedition of 1870 was a small but highly successful punitive expedition under Wolseley, in what is today Manitoba. It covered 650 miles of hostile territory to reach Fort Garry - now Winnipeg - where French-speaking rebels led by Louis Riel had seized power but subsequently fled to the United States.

PROVENANCE:

Sotheby's, London, 16 December 1996, lot 132