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Exceptional letter to Commissioner of Indian Affairs Ely S. Parker, requesting reports on the Plains Indians and related military campaigns in order to write articles for The Galaxy & compile his My Life on the Plains. Five years later, Custer would be killed and his troops annihilated by Sioux and Cheyenne warriors led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse at Little Bighorn.
George Armstrong Custer (1839-1876). Autograph Letter Signed ("G.A. Custer / U.S.A.”), as Lt. Col., to General Ely S. Parker (1828-1895), Commissioner of Indian Affairs. Monroe, Mich., June 18, 1871. 3 pp., in purple ink.
Inventory# 20625 $17,500
Partial Transcript
Monroe, Mich June 18th 1871
My dear Genl
I have engaged to write a series of articles for the Galaxy descriptive of life on the Plains embracing personal sketches, marches and campaigns. I would be very glad to obtain from your Dept copies of the reports of Indian agents relating to the Sioux, Cheyenne, Arapahos, Apaches (Plains) or Comanches. – having any reference to General Hancock’s expedition or to the causes which led to it or its results. I <p.2> would be particularly glad to have Col. Wynkoop’s Reports or extracts therefrom. I would also like to obtain copies of reports or extracts therefrom of agents or Superintendents relating to the campaign with which I was connected in 68. – My purpose is to make my narrative as truthful as possible and therefore do justice to all parties. The reports I desire merely for reference and not for publication. – I would like the printed or published reports of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs for the years 66-7-8-9-70 <p.3> and 71. – Any of the above documents which you may feel disposed to favor me with will be gladly received by
Yours Truly G.A. Custer U.S.A.
Address Monroe Mich
Gen Ely S Parker Com Ind Affairs
Historical Background: Custer, a Union brigadier general at age 23, had fought in nearly every battle of the Army of the Potomac, including Gettysburg and Appomattox. His articles on the Plains Indians were first published in the Galaxy, Volumes 13-18, 1872-74, and then incorporated into his book, My Life on the Plains, or, Personal Experiences with Indians, published in 1874.
Parker was a formally-educated Tonawanda Seneca who served as an interpreter and tribal representative. During the Civil War he served as military secretary and Aide-de-camp to Ulysses S. Grant, in which position he wrote out the official copy of the terms of Lee’s surrender. When Grant was elected President, Parker was appointed as the first Native American Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
Provenance: Frank Siebert Library of the North American Indian, Sotheby’s October 28, 1999.
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