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Auction: 314 - Numismatic Collector's Series Sale
Lot: 1082

Custer, George Armstrong Scarce double Autograph Endorsement Signed twice, "GA Custer / Bvt Major Genl USA / Lt Col 7th Cav / Comdg" on recto and on folded panel of verso of a lined legal folio sheet, "Hd Qtrs Detch 7th Cavalry / Camp Sturgis D.T. / April 27, 1873." A cover sheet for the "Proceedings of a Board of Survey convened at Camp Sturgis, D.T. by S.O. no. 5, Hdqrs Det. 7th Cavalry dated April 19, 1873" (not present). On the interior of the page, Custer simply writes "Approved" and on the verso he has instructed to "Respectfully forward" the report. With additional "endorsement" by the assistant adjutant general, by command of Brigadier Genl Alfred H Terry, commander of the Dakota Territory, explaining that the report is "Respectfully returned to Lieut Colonel GA Custer commanding Battalion 7th Cavalry Fort Sully D.T. with the information that in accordance with instructions from these Headquarters...proceedings of Boards of Survey are required to be forwarded...in triplicate." File holes at top of page, soiling and light dampstaining, edge and fold wear including a few nicks at fold edges, overall VG. The AAG´s rather harsh comments - he underlined the bolded portion in red - are clearly intended to remind Custer of his place in the chain of command. At the close of the Civil War, Custer´s brevet rank of major general reverted to his regular rank of captain in the United States Army. He was subsequently promoted to lieutenant colonel, but no longer had the right to refer to his brevet, which may have rankled Brigadier General Terry, whose regular rank would have been below Custer´s claimed brevet (or temporary) rank. It may have further annoyed Terry that Custer´s promotion to lieutenant colonel was widely considered a political reward for his support of President Andrew Johnson.

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