- More
[Battle of Gettysburg]. George Armstrong Custer Autograph Letter Signed...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.Description
Custer discusses Meade's decision to not strike at Lee during his retreat from Gettysburg
[Battle of Gettysburg]. George Armstrong Custer Autograph Letter Signed "G.A. Custer." Four integral pages, 5" x 8", Amissville [Virginia], July 28, 1863. Written to Isaac Peckham Christiancy, associate justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, just three and a half weeks after the Union victory at Gettysburg, Custer, who was present at the battle and led a successful charge of his 1st Michigan Cavalry to break the Confederate line, discusses the aftermath of the battle and the criticism launched at Gen. George Meade for not pursuing and annihilating Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, in part:"Gen. Meade was strongly in favor of attacking Lee at once on the north bank of the Potomac but was deterred from doing so by the vote of his oldest Corp Commanders. The account given in the papers of the council of war which decided not to attack is substantially correct. I was happy to know that Gen [Alfred] Pleasonton, (my chief) among others used every argument in his power favoring an immediate attack. I knew at the time that a golden opportunity was being lost, and repeatedly sent word to Hdqrs that the throwing up of intrenchments [sic] by Lee was a mere ruse to deceive us. If we had attacked the rebel Army at Williamsport with the Potomac in their rear and at the same time a small force had been thrown across, say at Edwards Ferry, to operate on the enemys [sic] means of crossing it is my opinion that we would have gained the most complete and decisive victory of the war. I do not believe a single man or cannon could have escaped destruction or capture. I do not censure Gen Meade, unless the opinions of his Corp Commanders, (all of whom are considered able and competent officers and their opinions should be entitled to some weight) are thrown aside."
Initially celebratory at the news of Lee's defeat, emotions quickly soured in the North as word was received that the Army of Northern Virginia had escaped destruction and limped back across the Potomac to the relative safety of Virginia. Gen. Meade became the focus of the public's ire, some Radical Republicans going so far as to accuse him of being a Copperhead (a Democrat who was opposed to the war and called for a peace settlement with the rebels). Despite the criticism from President Lincoln himself, Meade received the Thanks of Congress and retained the position of commander of the Army of the Potomac throughout the remainder of the war.
Just four days before writing this letter, Custer engaged Confederate troops (one corps of Gen. James Longstreet and one corps of Gen. A. P. Hill) retreating from Gettysburg using cavalry and artillery. Due to overwhelming numbers, he was forced to retreat back to Amissville.
Folds are weak with some separation evident, particularly at the edges and the intersections of folds. Text is bold despite areas of uneven toning.
Auction Info
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $100,000 (minimum $14), plus 20% of any amount between $100,000 and $1,000,000, plus 12% of any amount over $1,000,000 per lot.
Calculate Standard Domestic Shipping Sales Tax information
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Floor auctions
Open for bidding: (View All)Fine Art
Ends on 03/05/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Ends on 03/05/2021
US Coins
Ends on 03/08/2021
Photography
Ends on 03/10/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 03/11/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 03/11/2021
Fine & Rare Wine
Ends on 03/12/2021
Western & Texas Art
Ends on 03/12/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Ends on 03/13/2021
US Coins
Ends on 03/15/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 03/16/2021
US Coins
Ends on 03/17/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 03/17/2021
Sports Collectibles
Ends on 03/18/2021
Nature & Science
Ends on 03/19/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 03/21/2021
US Coins
Ends on 03/22/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 03/24/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 03/25/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Ends on 03/25/2021
Movie Posters
Ends on 03/27/2021
Currency
Ends on 04/04/2021
Luxury Real Estate
Opens about 01/22/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 03/08/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 03/12/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 03/07/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/17/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 03/19/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 03/18/2021
US Coins
Opens about 03/08/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 02/24/2021
Musical Instruments
Opens about 03/23/2021
Photography
Opens about 03/22/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/23/2021
Photography
Opens about 03/24/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 03/18/2021
Sports Collectibles
Opens about 04/01/2021
US Coins
Opens about 03/16/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 03/26/2021
Historical
Opens about 03/29/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 03/21/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/31/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 04/01/2021
Currency
Opens about 04/02/2021
US Coins
Opens about 04/02/2021
US Coins
Opens about 03/22/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 03/28/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 04/06/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 04/08/2021
Currency
Opens about 04/12/2021
Illustration Art
Opens about 04/09/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 04/09/2021
Entertainment
Opens about 04/12/2021
Luxury Accessories
Opens about 04/12/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 04/02/2021
Heritage membership
- Past Auction Values (prices, photos, full descriptions, etc.)
- Bid online
- Free Collector newsletter
- Want List with instant e-mail notifications
- Reduced auction commissions when you resell your
winnings
- Cash Advances
- More Bidders
- Trusted Experts
- Over 200,000 Satisfied Consignors Since 1976
Learn about consigning with us
The pre and post sales experience was wonderful and flawless. Heritage has the best in-house operation I have ever seen and their people are not only professional but fun to work with, especially Steve C.View More Testimonials
As for Heritage's online system… Yes the interface is more complex than what we are used to with SAN but what is behind that interface is amazing for sellers and buyers alike. It is real time and for a real serious auction buyer there is nothing better in the auction industry, bar none.
HA.com receives more traffic than any other auction house website. (Source: Similarweb.com)