Major General George Armstrong Custer Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles

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 (June 25, 1876).