Auction Name: 2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts & Texana Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 47090

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47090

George A. Custer Period Fair Copies of Two Letters of which One is Signed by Custer. Two period fair copies on three pages of a single bifolium, 7 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches, preserving the text of two early letters in which a teenage Custer seeks and then follows up on a congressional appointment to West Point. Both are addressed to John A. Bingham, the Republican congressman from Custer's Ohio district who would go on to serve as a leading Reconstruction figure and principal framer of the Fourteenth Amendment.

The first letter, dated May 27, 1856, finds Custer introducing himself and asking about a possible cadetship:

"Sir wishing to learn something in relation to the matters of appointment of cadets to the West Point Military Academy, I have taken the liberty liberty of addressing you on the subject...If in the multiplicity of your duties which I know you must have on hand you can spare time to inform me as to the necessary qualifications for admission and if our congressional district is unrepresented there or not or at least when there will be vacancy you will confer a great favor on me. I am desirous of going to West Point and I think my age and tastes would be in accordance with its requirements, but I must forbear on that point for the present. I am now in attendance at the McNeely Normal School in Hopedale and could obtain from the principal if necessary testimonials of moral character. I would also say that I have the consent of my parents in the course which I have in view. I remain, Yours respectfully, G. A. Custer."

The May 27 letter is signed by Custer and is the earliest exemplar we have found by him.

The second, dated June 11 of the same year, thanks Bingham for his reply and presses Custer's case more directly:

"I feel myself compelled to write again to express my sincere thanks for your prompt attention...I will also add that in all the points specified I would come under the requirement set forth in your communication, being about 17 years of age above the medium height and of remarkable strong constitution and vigorous frame. If that young man from Jeff Co of whom you spoke does not push the matter, or if you hear of any other vacancy I should be glad to hear from you. Yours with great respect, G. A. Custer."

The handwriting of both letters and of the signature on the June 11 letter are highly stylized, suggesting they were made as a keepsake. We believe only the signature on the May 27 letter is by Custer as it matches the script of a September 20, 1857 letter sold at RR Auction in June 2022. The letter sheet was received from the consignor in a period double-glazed frame.

Custer was successful in securing a nomination from Thomas Bingham. Bingham's letter of support (now in the National Archives) stated that Custer "fully possesses all the qualifications physical, mental, and moral required" for cadetship.

Condition: Lightly toned with smoothed folds. Light, scattered staining throughout. A few separations at the folds, touching text but not affecting legibility.

Provenance: Presented by Elizabeth Bacon Custer to May Custer Elmer; thence by descent and inheritance to our consignor.

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