Scarce Civil War–dated partly-printed DS, signed “Approved, G. A. Custer, Brig Genl Comdg 2d Brig,” one page, 8 x 10.25, September 10, 1863. Special requisition document for the Third Brigade, Second Division, Cavalry Corps, requesting material “to care [for] the sick horses in the Brigade.” Among the items listed are “One Case Veterinary Instruments,” “Saltpeter,” “Glauber Salts,” “Linseed Oil,” “Turpentine,” “Castile Soap,” “Sponge,” “Burgundy Pitch,” “Mustang Liniment,” “Two Horse Syringes,” “One Shoulder Needle pointed,” and “One Spring Lance.” Signed at the conclusion by Custer and countersigned twice by a quartermaster. In very good condition, with partial separations to horizontal folds, moderate scattered staining, a few chips to edges.
The Second Brigade of the Third Cavalry Division was Custer’s very first command, having been promoted just a few months earlier at the end of June. Put under heavy stress in harsh conditions, the Union’s cavalry horses often suffered from disease, exhaustion, and starvation in addition to battlefield wounds and accidental injuries. The US War Department took measures in March 1863 to provide better care for horses, authorizing a veterinary surgeon to be appointed for each cavalry regiment with the rank of sergeant-major. Given its early date and pertinence to the cavalry’s horses, this is an ideal Custer document. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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