MAJOR GENERAL GEORGE ARMSTRONG CUSTER - MANUSCRIPT ENDORSMENT SIGNED 09/11/1863 - HFSID 350509

GENERAL GEORGE ARMSTRONG CUSTER
General Custer requests that attention be given to the case of Captain Peter Casey of Chicago's Irish Legion, the 90th Illinois volunteers, for absence without leave.
Manuscript Endorsement Signed. War-dated.  signed "G. A. Custer / Brig Gen Vols / President of Ex Board".  3 ¼ x 3. September 11, 1863. In part: “Respectfully forwarded by the Examining Board recommended attention requested to enclosed ? from ? of this Board in case of Capt Casey.” Signed by Custer as Brigadier General Volunteers and president of the Examining Board. He requests that attention be given to the case of Captain Peter Casey of Chicago's Irish Legion, the 90th Illinois volunteers, for absence without leave. Dublin-born Casey was a Chicago saloon owner who suffered a series of run-ins with Army authority. In this particular case, he had suffered from a severe case of fever and was given a legitimate furlough which he extended without leave. Eventually, in the spring of 1864, Casey would be dismissed from the service for unexplained absences and unspecified conduct unbecoming an officer.

A very nice, boldly signed Custer display piece, elegantly matted and framed with a copy of an original Civil War-era photograph. Great condition. Overall, 14 x 21. Not framed by the Gallery of History.

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. Custer left military service briefly after the Civil War, dabbling in business and politics, but by 1867 he was back in uniform, battling Plains Indians. The resulting conflict would claim the life of Custer and his troopers at the Little Big Horn (June 25, 1876).