How sad that he only had a few more months to live.......
By mid-December, it was obvious that Buford was sick, possibly from contracting
typhoid, and he took respite at the Washington home of his good friend, General
George Stoneman. On December 16, Stoneman initiated the proposal that Buford be promoted to major general, and President
Abraham Lincoln assented, writing as follows: "I am informed that General Buford will not survive the day. It suggests itself to me that he will be made Major General for distinguished and meritorious service at the
Battle of Gettysburg." Informed of the promotion, Buford inquired doubtfully, "Does he mean it?" When assured the promotion was genuine, he replied simply, "It is too late, now I wish I could live."
In the last hours, Buford was attended by his aide, Captain
Myles Keogh, and by Edward, his black servant.
Wikipedia.
Another name from US army lore there, Myles Keogh of 7th Cavalry fame.