Major General John Buford. John Buford was a Cavalry officer, and played a very vital role in the start of the Battle of Gettysburg. Almost immediately after the battle, Buford contracted typhoid, and he passed away on December the 16th in the home of his good friend and fellow General, George Stoneman. Before he passed away, President Abraham Lincoln promoted John Buford to Major General. When Buford heard of the promotion on his deathbed, he inquired doubtfully 'Does he mean it?', and when he was assured it was infact true, he simply replied 'It is too late, now I wish I could live.'.