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

Lot Number: 47095

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47095

Philip H. Sheridan Letter Signed to George A. Custer. Three pages, 7 3/4 x 9 3/4 inches, "Headquarters Military Division of the Gulf," New Orleans; June 30, 1866. Marked "Confidential" at upper left, with "66" in bold pencil beneath. Writing shortly after the Civil War, Sheridan replies to a private letter from Custer about the situation in Mexico, where French-backed Emperor Maximilian faced growing Republican resistance. Although Custer's original letter is not present, Sheridan's response makes clear that Custer had inquired about taking a role with the Liberal forces. The letter reads, in part:

"In regard to Mexico...There is scarcely a native Mexican in that country in favor of Maximilian; and his position is now becoming precarious whether the French and Austrians are withdrawn or not. Two thousand Cavalry would take the country from him in six months backed up as it would be by a Mexican force. The liberals have 6,000 men on the Rio Grande frontier...On the 16th of this month they captured the Imperial Convoy and killed or captured two thirds of the Escort which numbered 1,800 men. They will also probably get the specie trains coming down from Monterey with about 2,000,000 dollars. In fact Custer if they have any vim they will take Matamoros and the whole of Northern Mexico inside of six weeks..."

Sheridan then addresses Custer's possible participation: "Carvajal told me about you and the permission General Grant would give you. If you conclude to go, you will have my warmest support...If you do anything it will be necessary to do it soon: Maximilian's power is a farce and he has no troops to sustain it." Signed, "Philip H. Sheridan / Major Genl U.S.A."

Sheridan and Custer formed a close friendship during the Civil War and maintained a strong bond for the remainder of Custer's life. In later years he repeatedly stepped in to support Custer's career. When Custer was court-martialed in 1868 for leaving his command without permission, it was Sheridan who urged that he be returned to the field. Again in 1876, after Custer was briefly sidelined following his testimony in the Belknap scandal, Sheridan helped ensure that he and the 7th Cavalry would still take part in the campaign that ended at the Little Bighorn.

Condition: Lightly toned with smoothed folds. Several separations at the folds; closed tear at bottom edge of first page measuring approximately 11/2 inches, touching text but not affecting legibility. Integral fold just holding.

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

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