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Lot 145
Custer, George Armstrong (1839-1876) U.S. Army officer and cavalry commander; the youngest general in the Union army. He fought with distinction in the Civil War and played a key role at Appomattox; his division blocked General Robert E. Lee's retreat on Lee's final day of battle. Custer was present at the surrender at Appomattox Court House and was presented with the table upon which the surrender was signed as a gift for his gallantry. He is better known today for leading more than 200 men of the 7th Cavalry to their deaths in the Battle of the Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876.
Document Signed ("G A Custer"), one page, 10 x 8". Printed Transcript of General George Armstrong Custer's message to the soldiers of the Third Cavalry Division from Appomattox Court House, Va., April 9, 1865. Very good; overall toning; a horizontal fold lightly traverses Custer's very bold signature. Housed in an old case which needs replacing. In part:
"Soldiers of the Third Cavalry Division: With profound gratitude toward the God of battles, by whose blessings our enemies have been humbled and our arms rendered triumphant, your commanding general avails himself of this his first opportunity to express to you his admiration for the heroic manner in which you have passed through the series of battles which today resulted in the surrender of the enemy's entire army.
The record established by your indomitable courage is unparalleled in the annals of war. Your prowess has won for you even the respect and admiration of your enemies. During the past six months, although in most instances confronted by superior numbers, you have captured from the enemy in open battle one hundred and eleven pieces of field artillery, sixty-five battle-flags, and upward of ten thousand prisoners of war, including seven general officers. Within the past ten days, and included in the above, you have captured forty-six pieces of field artillery and thirty-seven battle-flags. You have never lost a gun, never lost a color, and have never been defeated; and notwithstanding the numerous engagements in which you have borne a prominent part, including those memorable battles of the Shenandoah, you have captured every piece of artillery which the enemy has dared to open upon you….For our comrades who have fallen, let us ever cherish a grateful remembrance. To the wounded and to those who languish in Southern prisons, let our heart felt sympathies be tendered.
And now, speaking for myself alone, when the war is ended and the task of the historian begins--when those deeds of daring which have rendered the name and fame of the Third Cavalry Division imperishable, are inscribed upon the bright pages of our country's history, I only ask that my name be written as that of the commander of the Third Cavalry Division.
G. A. Custer
Brevet Major General Commanding."
Estimated Value $10,000 - 15,000.
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