Benjamin Harrison

Partly-printed DS as president, signed “Benj. Harrison,” one page, 8 x 10, July 30, 1892. President Harrison authorizes and directs the Secretary of State to cause the Seal of the United States to be affixed to "my Proclamation warning persons in Wyoming in the resistance of the laws by reason of unlawful obstructions, combinations, and assemblages, to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective homes on or before Wednesday the third day of August next." Boldly signed at the conclusion in ink by President Benjamin Harrison. In fine condition.

President Harrison's proclamation was issued against the backdrop of the Johnson County War, a violent 'range war' and law-and-order crisis in Wyoming that lasted from 1889 to 1893. Large cattle interests accused smaller ranchers and homesteaders of cattle rustling and banded together to suppress them with force. Armed confrontations had escalated to the point that civil authorities were unable to effectively enforce the law, prompting Wyoming’s governor to request federal assistance. In response, President Harrison deployed U.S. troops and formally warned those engaged in unlawful resistance to disperse, aiming to restore order in a newly admitted Western state.