This sheet music, “Shenandoah” is dated 1896. It was written by J.H. Wood and composed by M.C. Thayer. Chorus is, “Then sing soldiers, sing! Sing of the day the troopers rode away and captured, ere sank the sun’s last ray- the standards of the gray.” Edges are a little worn and some light surface dirt is present.

This song was first sung by Maj. George S. Roper at the 7^th Annual Banquet of the Western Society, Army of the Potomac, in honor of the last Commander of the Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, Maj. Gen. Wesley Merritt, U.S.A.

Included with the sheet music is an autograph of Merritt. Signature reads, “SAN FRANCISCO JUNE 7TH, WESLEY MERRITT MAJOR GENERAL”. Paper that contains signature measures 3 ½” x 2”.

Wesley Merritt (June 16, 1836 – December 3, 1910) was a general in the United States Army during the American Civil War and the Spanish–American War. He served with distinction in the cavalry in the Civil War and Indian Wars.

Merritt was born in New York City. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1860. In the Gettysburg Campaign, Merritt commanded the Reserve Brigade, 1st Division, Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac. After the war's end, Merritt continued to serve in the cavalry along the frontier, until being appointed superintendent of West Point, a post he filled from 1882 to 1887. In 1887, he was appointed brigadier general in the Regular Army. He was promoted to major general in the U.S. Army in 1895. He commanded the first Philippine expedition in 1898.  General Merritt retired from the Army in 1900 and died at the age of 74, on December 3, 1910. He is buried in the West Point Cemetery.

These items would look nice matted and framed together. A letter of documentation for the authenticity of the autograph is enclosed.    [sm]

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