George A. Custer Period Fair Copies of Two Letters. Two period fair copies on three pages of a single bifolium, 7 1/2...
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Description
George A. Custer Period Fair Copies of Two Letters. 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 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."
A very interesting pair of early letters that document Custer's own efforts to obtain the appointment that launched his military career. Bingham ultimately won Custer's nomination to the United States Military Academy in 1857 with a letter of support (now in the National Archives) stating 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:
Auction Info
2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts Signature® Auction #6328 (go to Auction Home page)
Bidding Begins Approx.
January
26th
Monday
Auction Dates
February
26th
Thursday
Proxy Bidding Begins Approx.
27 Days
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: N/A
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
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