SIGNED "G.A. CUSTER, BREVET MAJOR GENERAL USA, LT. COL. 7TH CAV" CAMP STURGIS, DAKOTA TERRITORY, APRIL 27, 1873. From direct decent of Libbie Custer, "Proceedings of a Board of Survey" convened at Camp Sturgis, D.T. by S.O. no 5, Hdqrs Det. 7th Cavalry dated April 19, 1873. Custer was completing 350 mile march up Missouri River. He appears happy to finish paperwork of this survey as on verso signs with massive autograph endorsement panel about 4" x 5". The body of document has another "G.A. Custer" signed endorsement, along with AAG signing for Brig. Gen. Alfred H. Terry, commander of the Dakota Territory, explaining that the report is "Respectfully returned to Lieut. Colonel GA Custer commanding Battalion 7th Cavalry Ft. Sully, Dakota Territory. AAG underlines in bold red ink somewhat harsh comments apparently intended to remind Custer of his place in the chain of command. Custer would always skirt the chain of command, being temporarily arrested 2 months later. We all know what happens when you don’t follow chain of command when chasing hostile Indians. Rarely do we see brevet ranks signed above actual ranks in field service documents. Custer's brevet rank of major general may have been done to annoy Brig Gen. Alfred Terry who did not out rank him during the Civil War. Regardless, this is a wonderful document with the finest & boldest General George Custer autograph probably extant. There was a reason for Libbie to have retained it her whole life. CONDITION: very good, 2 small file holes at top of page, light soiling, light damp staining, edge and fold wear including nicks at fold edges. PROVENANCE: General George A and Elizabeth Custer; Margaret Flood (Libbie Custer's personal assistant); Spink Smythe, lot 1082, August 22, 2012; Martin Lane Western Americana Lifetime Collection. (02-21896/JS). $4,000-5,000.