2006-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2006
CUSTER, George Armstrong (1839-1876) Union brigadier general at age 23, he fought in nearly every battle of the Army of the Potomac, including Gettysburg, later to be killed and his troops annihilated by Sioux and Cheyenne warriors led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse at Little Bighorn. Autograph Letter Signed "G.A. Custer U.S.A." 3p. octavo, Monroe, Michigan, June 18, 1871, to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, former Brigadier General Ely S. Parker (1828-1895) who was General Grant's ADC and transcribed the Appomattox surrender, and himself a Seneca chief. In most part: "...I have engaged to write a series of articles for the Galaxy descriptive of life on the Plains embracing personal sketches, marches and campaigns. I would be very glad to obtain from your Dept copies of the reports of Indian agents relating to the Sioux, Cheyenne, Arapahos, Apaches (Plains) or Comanches - having any reference to General Hancock's expedition or to the causes which led to it or its result ... I would like to obtain copies of reports or extracts there from of agents or Superintendents relating to the campaign with which I was connected in '68. My purpose is to make my narrative as truthful as possible ... The reports I desire merely for reference and not for publication. I would like the printed or published reports of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs for the years 66-7-8-9-70 and 71 ..." Fine. Custer's articles on the Plains Indians were first published in the Galaxy, Volumes 13-18, 1872-74. His research was then incorporated into his book, My Life on the Plains, or, Personal Experiences with Indians, published in 1874. These authoritative articles describe the very tribes that would annihilate his command two years later.
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