442

George A. Custer

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
George A. Custer

Bidding Over

The auction is over for this lot.
The auctioneer wasn't accepting online bids for this lot.

Contact the auctioneer for information on the auction results.

Search for other lots to bid on...
Auction Date:2018 Jul 11 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Tremendous Civil War-dated ALS signed "G. A. Custer," one page both sides, 5 x 8.25, Head-Quarters Cavalry Brigade letterhead, August 21, 1863. Letter to General H. J. Kilpatrick, in full: "Commdg 3rd Div. without investigating the matter in reference to Lieut. North disregarding a certain order of the Brig. Genl. com'g the Division, I find on reading the letter, on which your endorsement was made, what I consider, sufficient grounds to warrant any officer, who understands his duty, in disregarding such order, the order was communicated to him by a citizen and that citizen a rebel. I would court-martial any officer of my command who would receive and act on any order transmitted through such channels." Custer modifies the letterhead to read, "Head-Quarters 2nd Cavalry Brigade, 3rd Div., Cav Corp." In very good to fine condition, with light toning along edges and one of the vertical folds.

On June 29, 1863, the 23-year-old Custer was commissioned to brigadier general of volunteers and assigned command of the Michigan Cavalry Brigade in Kilpatrick's division, becoming one of the youngest Generals in the Union Army. Three days later, Custer led his men in the Battle of Gettysburg where he assisted in preventing J.E.B. Stuart from attacking the Union rear. Known for his aggressive battlefield tactics, Custer displays marked consideration in the disobedience case of Lieutenant North, a soldier Custer ultimately defends given the order's treacherous origins. An intriguing letter from early in the storied military career of the 'Boy General.'