LOT #47101 |
Starting Bid: $600
Joseph Fought Autograph Letters (4) Signed. ...
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Description
Custer's Civil War bugler sends condolences to Libbie Custer: "It seems so hard after all he had went through to be put to death by such Savages"
Joseph Fought Autograph Letters (4) Signed. Four letters
totaling 17 pages by the man who served under George A. Custer as
his bugler during the Civil War; including two condolence letters
to Elizabeth Bacon Custer written shortly after Custer's death at
Little Big Horn.Fought worked at the War Department in the Judge Advocate General's Office, and his first letter is on the Department's imprinted letterhead (six pages, 5 x 8 inches). He writes a hurried and anguished letter on July 10, 1876 to Libbie, in part:
"I hope you will excuse the liberty I take in addressing you, I feel myself unable to put in writing the feelings of my heart - since I am - satisfied that the General is gone, and that he really is no more. I tried in every way possible to believe that he had escaped and - that it was a mistake.
But oh God thy will be done. You no doubt know better than I can tell you how I was attached to the Genl., how I idolized him. Indeed no man in the world could ever take his place in my heart and I know you must feel even greater the loss as also the others who have lost their dear and loving friends.
I will not take up your time in a long letter...I had a peculiar feeling come over me (and my wife fully remembered what remarks I made regarding the peculiar state of my feelings) on the fatal day. Doubtless he thought of me also in his last moments. It seems so hard after all he had went through to be put to death by such Savages. I conversed with him when he was here regarding his expedition, and when he left he called at my office and bode me goodbye and said he was going - and I remarked Genl I fear something will happen to you if you go. And he replied 'Why Fought you have grown cowardly since you have been in the Department. If I did not know you so well I would think you were a coward.'
I expressed my regret at what I had remarked and we shook each other by the hand for the last time.
How I loved that man no one can know. My Dear General will always be before my eyes no matter where or when..."
Custer's body was discovered on June 27, 1876; and as Fought worked at the War Department, it is likely that he was among the first to hear. He writes again a week later, on July 17. This time, his tone and script is more measured: "I will not annoy you much at this time - because I know your trouble is very great. I only wish it was in my power to alleviate it in some degree, and in that view I write to try at least as one who admired and loved the General - and who shall continue to feel so towards him while permitted to remain in this wicked world..." He writes that he had previously sent pictures of his children, mentions wanting to send a picture of himself and encloses "some clippings." The letter has a small clipping affixed to the top left corner naming Rain-in-the-face as the Sioux chieftain who shot Custer adding: "The next time it rains in the face of that Sioux, God grant that it may be something heavier than hail." A small clipping of an article describing a gathering of General Custer's old comrades at the National Hotel in Washington, D.C. is included, as well as the original transmittal cover addressed to Libbie at Fort Abraham Lincoln, Dakota Territories.
Together with two letters written to Custer dated August 29 and October 7, 1866 from South Carolina. The August 29 letter pleads to Custer that he not forget him and states that he has written before, but has not received a reply. Although he is a first sergeant in his company, he says he would serve under him again, "Even as a private I would be satisfied."
He writes again on October 7 letting Custer know he has resigned his position as first sergeant of company L of the 5th cavalry and "for the reason that I thought I could get transferred to your regiment as first sargt of some company with the hope that I could do better there than here for I wish to get to you or your command some way if possible."
Condition: With usual mail folds and toning. Envelope has been torn open along the left, and the postage stamp removed.
Provenance: Presented by Elizabeth Bacon Custer to May Custer Elmer; thence by descent and inheritance to our consignor.
Auction Info
2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts & Texana Signature® Auction #6328 (go to Auction Home page)
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February
26th
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26th
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