Civil War general and Indian fighter (1839–1876) who distinguished himself as a cavalry commander, earning the rank of brigadier general of volunteers at age 23. Following the Civil War he became field commander of the 7th Cavalry and led troops in a number of engagements during the Indian Wars. Custer, together with all of the men under his immediate command, was killed at the Battle of Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876. Partly-printed DS, signed “G. A. Custer,” one page, 15.5 x 9.5, April 7, 1875. Custer, as Lieutenant Colonel of the Cavalry appoints “Joseph A. McClure…Corporal in Company E of the Seventh Regiment of Cavalry in the service of the United States.” Robustly signed at the bottom by Custer, “G. A. Custer,” and countersigned by commanding officer W. W. Cook. The appointee, Joseph A. McClure (1846–1900) also served as a bugler during the Civil War in Company E, 22nd Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment from September 1862 to August 1865. Beautifully double-cloth-acid-free museum matted with museum UV glass in the colors of the 7th Cavalry and framed to an overall size of 24.25 x 18.25. Intersecting folds, scattered light toning and foxing, and show-through from docketing on reverse, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
This stunning commission, ornately imprinted with the American eagle bearing a shield and clutching arrows and an olive branch beneath the heading, “The Commanding Officer of the Seventh Regiment of Cavalry,” holds one of the finest Custer autographs we have ever seen. The counter-signature by William Winer Cooke, 1st Lieutenant Colonel of Cavalry and Adjutant of the Regiment, adds greatly to this document’s desirability: Cooke, a member of the so-called ‘Custer Gang,’ was one of the commander’s most loyal men and remained so until the end. He was found by Custer’s side on the fields at Little Bighorn in 1876. Rarely seen and the only example ever offered through RR Auction, this 7th Cavalry appointment is a truly remarkable piece. Oversized. RR Auction COA.
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