A Civil War general and Indian fighter, Michigan-born George Armstrong Custer (1839–1876) 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. Lengthy endorsement written in another hand and signed by Custer as “G. A. Custer, Maj. Genl.,” on an off-white 3.25 x 6 panel removed from a larger document, October 13, 1865. The endorsement reads: “Respectfully forwarded and earnestly recommended. This application is made at my request. I have every reason to believe that Captain Earle will be the only Officer of his Dept.; serving with this Command, Captain Rockwood having been relieved and ordered to report to the Adjutant-Genl. U.S.A., and Captain Wells A.C.S. having been reported for violation of Par. 996 Army Regulations under circumstances which render his remaining with this Command extremely doubtful. His case is undergoing investigation, and will be reported upon. For these reasons I recommend that this application be granted.” Army Regulation 996 states that “If any disbursing officer shall bet at cards or any game of hazard, his commanding officer shall suspend his functions, and require him to turn over all the public funds in his keeping, and shall immediately report the case to the proper bureau of the War Department.” Double matted and framed with a portrait of Custer to an overall size of 16.75 x 14. In fine condition, with scattered mild toning and slight feathering to a few letters of signature. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
