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Lot 76: Gen. Custer Related Letter, 1861

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:600.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 1,250.00 USD
Lot   76: Gen. Custer Related Letter, 1861
<b>Autographs</b><hr><b>Rare Civil War Letter From Custer’s Accuser</b>

<b>(GEORGE A. CUSTER).</b>
Manuscript Letter Signed, “Robt. M. West/ Major Comd’y,” on lined, trimmed paper, December 12, 1861, HdQuarters of Light Artillery/ Genl Keyes Division - Camp Key West, 5.75” x 8”, Extremely Fine. To Lieutenant C.C. Suydam/ A.D.C. & A.A.G., a short letter, in full: “Sir/ I have the honor to forward herewith proceedings [sic] of a Board of Survey convened under my orders on the 7th instant. I have the honor to be/ Very respy/ Your Obt Servant.” Impeccably scripted, probably by an aide; the only blemish is a double center fold. Robert M. West was a Union Officer and General who twice preferred charges against Custer.

Following the Civil War, where he was brevetted brigadier general for conduct at the Battle of Five Forks, General West reverted to the rank of Captain and served with Custer in the 7th U.S. Cavalry. He commanded Co. K of the 7th Cavalry at the Battle of the Washita when Black Kettle’s Cheyennes were wiped out. It was Captain West who preferred court marshal charges against Custer in 1867, resulting in Custer’s suspension from service until September, 1868. He also preferred murder charges against Custer, but these charges were later dropped. Captain West died September 3, 1869.