Extremely rare manuscript DS signed “G. A. Custer, Lt. Col. 7th Cav. & Bt. Mg. Genl,” one page, 8 x 12.5, April 26, 1873. Sent from “Headquarters Detach’t 7th Cav’y, Cam[p] Sturgis,” a document entitled “Circular No. 24” and addressed to the officers of Custer's 7th Calvary, providing new orders on proper formation tactics. In full: “The attention of line officers is called to the printed instructions found on page 12, U.S. Cavalry Tactics, 1841, immediately following the words ‘Compliments by Cavalry under review,’ for information as to posts of troop officers & when the battalion formation is observed. When a troop forms singly the posts of officers will be in accordance with the rules laid down on page 4 of same volume. At the command of ‘Prepare to dismount’ given by the battalion commander, the Chief of squadrons, or if the formation is by troop, the Captains of troops and the Chiefs of platoons, will come forward paces, turn their horses to the right about and superintend the execution of the order by their respective commands. In the execution of the commands ‘Prepare to mount’ and ‘Mount’ similar rules will govern; officers will resume their proper front in each case immediately after the execution of the command ‘Form ranks.’ The same rule will govern in the squadron and troop acting singly.” Signed prominently at the conclusion by George A. Custer. In fine condition, with file holes to the left edge, and toning and an old repair the lower horizontal fold. Accompanied by a handsome engraved portrait of Custer bearing a facsimile signature. Anything signed by Custer during his leadership of the 7th Cavalry remains rare and highly sought, with this unusual document, detailing the precise reorganization of cavalry formations, offering unique insight into Custer's meticulous mindset as commander.
The famed 7th U.S. Cavalry was formed in 1866, with its first lieutenant colonel being the storied cavalryman George A. Custer, who had been one of General Philip Sheridan’s most trusted division commanders during the Civil War. In the spring of 1873, 10 companies of the 7th Cavalry under Custer's command headed by steamboat up to Cairo, Illinois, and then took the trains to their first stop in their new department, Yankton, Dakota Territory [now South Dakota], arriving on April 9th. Custer in turn selected a campsite for the unit just east of the Rhine Creek along the railroad tracks, and a tent city known as Camp Sturgis sprang up on the flatland beyond the town.
On April 13th, the mild springtime weather suddenly changed, and for two days intermittent sleet and snow made camp life miserable. On the 15th a spitting rain turned to powdery, windblown snow, and as the blinding blizzard mounted, the precisely organized military cantonment became a frenzied arena of confusion. As tents were blown down, Custer gave the order for the men to take individual initiative—to try to lead their horses to shelter in Yankton’s warehouses, stables, and livery barns. When the storm abated Custer looked around and determined he needed to reorganize his regiment. He would do so utilizing the U.S. Cavalry’s rule book.
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