ALS signed “G. A. Custer (Cadet U.S.M.A.),” one page, 7.5 x 9.5, September 20, 1857. A handwritten letter to Charles C. Wilson, addressed from the "West Point Barracks" at the United States Military Academy, in full: "In my conversation with you on the cars between Cleveland & Toledo some three months ago you told me you were acquainted with a family named Ward living in that part of the State. Wishing to get their address I take the liberty of thus intruding myself upon your notice. I think you told me the he (Ward) had two daugters [sic], and as you are acquainted with them I would like to know their given names, and if they have any brothers I wish to know their names also. If you will favor me by sending me the address and names of the family of which I speak I will be very much indebted to you.” The consignor notes that Wilson has replied on the reverse, listing the name of Jno. Ward and Miss Augusta Ward, both of Genesco, New York, indicating that they ‘are all the names I can give.’ Handsomely archivally matted and framed with an engraved portrait to an overall size of 21.75 x 17. In fine condition, with minor paper loss to the lower left corner.
More prankster than scholar, Custer famously graduated last in his class of 34 cadets at West Point Academy in 1861. Having entered the US Military Academy in June 1857, Custer in four years amassed a total of 726 demerits, albeit for seemingly trivial offences such as being late to supper or for throwing snowballs. The advent of war and subsequent demand for trained officers forced academy officials to graduate both the classes of 1861 and 1862 within a month of each other. His final year of study compressed into six weeks, Custer, by the skin of his teeth, graduated on June 24. On July 18, Custer left West Point and three days later, as a second lieutenant in the 2nd US Cavalry Regiment, participated in the First Battle of Bull Run. Some sixteen years later, Custer’s gathered remains from Little Bighorn were interred with full military honors at West Point Cemetery.
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