Description:

WEST POINT SPECIAL ORDERS FOR CUSTER'S 1877 INTERMENT
Excessively rare, superb content document regarding the burial of George Armstrong Custer (1839-1876), the Union major general of cavalry who fought in nearly every battle of the Army of the Potomac, including Gettysburg, and later met his tragic end at the hands of Cheyenne and Sioux warriors at the battle of Little Big Horn. D.S. on official United States Military Academy letterhead, 2pp., 4to., West Point, October 8, 1877, the Special Orders "No. 123" for Custer's October 10, 1877 reinterment ceremony at West Point Cemetery. In part: "The Commanding Officer of Company "E," Battalion of Engineers will detail (2) Two non-commissioned officers and (6) Six privates, to act as body bearers at the funeral of the late Brevet Major General George A. Custer, U.S. Army... 1st Lieutenant George R. Davis, 5th Cavalry, will proceed to Poughkeepsie, New York, to superintend the removal of the remains of the late Brevet Major General George A. Custer, U.S. Army, from that place to West Point...". Custer was initially buried on the field where he died, but the government agreed to move his remains to West Point after persistent lobbying by his wife. A degree of controversy remains as to whether Custer's actual remains made it to the West Point cemetery. Slight toning, especially at margins, slight folds, very good.

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January 21, 2010 10:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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