A Civil War general and Indian fighter, Michigan-born George Armstrong Custer (1839–1876) distinguished himself as a cavalry commander, earning the rank of brigadier general of volunteers at age 23. Following the Civil War he became field commander of the 7th Cavalry and led troops in a number of engagements during the Indian Wars. Custer, together with all of the men under his immediate command, was killed at the Battle of Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876. Bold war-dated ink signature, “G. A. Custer,” on a 3.25 x 3.25 off-white slip with an endorsement in another hand, “Head Quarters, 3rd Cav. Division, Jan. 21, 1864, Respectfully … approved … Brig. Gen.” Light toning along edge extremes, and a few subtle brushes and blots to signature, otherwise fine condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
