Custer Lashes Out at a Soldier for Drinking and Gambling

CUSTER, GEORGE. Letter Signed “G.A. Custer”, as Major General, [Texas,1865],1p., tan ruled paper, 5” x 6.25”. Text in an unidentified hand, slight toning, folds, else Fine condition.

In this letter signed by Major George Armstrong Custer, he reports his disapproval of a Major McAllister.  While undated, this letter was likely written near the time of one dated October 15, 1865, from Custer at the Headquarters of the 2nd Division Calvary in Hempstead, Texas to Major Lee, Assistant Adjutant General. In that October 15 letter Custer cites in detail his disapproval of McAllister's drinking and gambling, and ends with a passage that corresponds nearly word-for-word with the present letter signed by Custer.  

The letter hereto offered, in full, “I would like to say that the conduct of Major McAllister should not be passed up unnoticed and he not being under my command I respectfully submit the above statements of Officers for the consideration of the Major General commanding. I would add that Major McAllister has left this point for Houston, and expressed his intention before leaving of hastening to New Orleans and tendering his resignation before this report could be received and acted upon.”

Shortly after the Civil War, in June 1865, Custer was assigned duty in Louisiana and Texas, where he headed "a division of 4,000, organized in Alexandria, Louisiana, and later stationed in Texas.  Custer immediately encountered severe disciplinary problems with these veteran troops who had fought in the Civil War and wanted to return home.  It was the first time that he commanded troops who did not worship him, which compelled him to face a rumored assassination attempt and to squelch a near mutiny.  In August, the unit moved to Hempstead, Texas" (Hatch, Custer Companion, 32-3). 

Custer adopted highly unpopular measures to deal with the disaffected soldiers, including an order decreeing any "enlisted man committing depredations on the persons or property of citizens will have his head shaved, and, in addition, will receive 25 lashes on his back, well laid on."  This provoked comments from his enemies.  He was denounced for "brutality, for flogging men who had fought for their country."  Custer attempted to keep the full extent of these problems away from his wife, who in an October 22, 1865 letter written from Hempstead to her parents, notes, "You would hardly believe in the short time we have been here what a favorite Autie (George Custer) has become. The soldiers are now in an excellent state of discipline, and the planters live undisturbed.  The soldiers do not fancy having so tight a rein, but they know enough to obey" (Custer Story, 169-172).

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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