Cavalry officer (1846–1897). A survivor of the Battle of the Little Big Horn (he was in Reno's Column, and in the valley and hilltop fights), he went on to have a full military career. ALS, four pages, lightly-lined on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, May 8, 1878. Letter to his sister. In part (with spelling and grammar retained): “We have a camp of five hundred Cheyennes here now and expect some more…I have bin placed in charge of them I have to draw their rations and feed for their ponies they have their camp about two miles from the post the live in teepes and wigwams just like the hostiles they are a hard looking set they are just half clad and the squaws have scarcely anything on them except a blanket and leggins it is the same purity that helped to massacre Genl. Custer. I was talking to one of the chiefs and he told me just as I seen it he says Col. Reno was a coward but Genl. Custer was a brave man and was the last man to die.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds, and a uniform shade of mild toning.
The letter offered here is intriguing on many levels. First, Reed is handling the captured Cheyenne veterans of Little Big Horn, who provided Reed with a firsthand account of George Custer’s ultimate demise. Secondly is Reed’s involvement in the battle itself. During the historic confrontation, he was a private in Reno’s column, which had been sent to attack the Sioux village. Having no knowledge of the size of the force he faced, Reno’s plan quickly dissolved into panic and chaos, as his forces were soon overwhelmed and retreated back across the river to what is now called Reno Hill. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this letter however, is an eyewitness account of the demise of General Custer, whom the Cheyenne held in high regard for his courage. According to the consignor, this letter has been in the continuous ownership of the letter recipient’s family since the time of writing.
RRAuction COA.
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