Civil War-dated ALS signed “G. A. Custer, Brig. Gen'l,” one page, 6.25 x 8, April 6, 1864. Handwritten letter to Captain R. R. Moffatt, in full: "Having carefully examined your 'Sabre Shield,' and having considered its merits, as pertaining to my own branch of the service, I do not hesitate in pronouncing it a most invaluable acquisition to the cavalry arm of the service. I am firm in the belief that the possession of it by our cavalry would give confidence and increases courage to those wearing it. The trifling weight of the shield is such as to be almost unfelt by the wearer. I hope it will be adopted at once." In very good to fine condition, with light wrinkling and faint staining. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
George Armstrong Custer (1839-1876) graduated last in his class at West Point in 1858, but promptly redeemed himself through his brave and aggressive cavalry leadership during the Civil War. Earning the confidence of cavalry commanders Pleasanton and Sheridan, he rose swiftly to the rank of brevet major general by war's end. Custer had taken command of the 5th Michigan Cavalry shortly before Gettysburg and led it into battle repeatedly. Five weeks after this letter was sent, Custer's troopers slew Confederate cavalry commander J.E.B. at the Battle of Yellow Tavern. Custer left military service briefly after the Civil War, dabbling in business and politics, but by 1867 he was battling Plains Indians in a series of campaigns which would end with his disastrous defeat and death at the Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876.
Understandably, Custer took a keen interest in cavalry equipment, and had himself developed a saber attachment of his own before the start of hostilities. For cavalry units of the Civil War, however, sabers were proving no match for pistols in close combat. Nevertheless, Custer recognized that improved equipment made for braver soldiers, and advocated for the adoption of Moffatt's sabre shield.
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