Civil War general and Indian fighter, Custer distinguished himself as a cavalry commander. He became a brigadier general of volunteers at age 23. Following the war he became field commander of the 7th Cavalry. He was killed with all in his immediate command in the battle of Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876. Self-contaned partial ALS signed “G. A. Custer, Bvt. Maj. Genl, Comg. 3 Div,” one lightly lined page on the reverse of a related partial letter in an unknown hand trimmed to 8 x 4.5, no date [circa 1864]. Custer writes to the Governor of New York. In part: “I take great pleasure in recommending Major M. B. Birdseye for the Lieut. Colonelcy of the 2nd New York Cavalry there being a vacancy in that grade in the regiment. Major Birdseye is an active, energetic, gallant, and experienced officer, and desires the promotion…. I most heartily concur in the foregoing recommendation, believing the promotion to be merited by faithful and gallant services in the field as well as by the ability and qualifications of Major Birdseye.” Lieut. Col. M. B. Birdseye commanded the 2nd New York Cavalry after Maj. Walter C. Hull was killed in battle at Old Forge, Va., November 12, 1864, until Capt. Alanson M. Randol, of the regular army, was made colonel of the regiment in January 1865. Birdseye’s regiment is entitled to the credit of opening up the “ball” in the immediate vicinity of Appomattox; for it was the Harris Light Cavalry, led by Birdseye, that charged into Appomattox Station (three miles from where Lee’s main army was camped) about sunset, and captured three railroad trains, loaded with supplies for Lee’s almost-famished army. In fine condition, with a small split along horizontal fold, a touch of trivial toning, and light show-through from text on reverse. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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