(CIVIL WAR 1865) Custer George Armstrong Congratulatory Ord

Sale 2253 - Lot 106

Price Realized: $ 3,360

?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price

Estimate: $ 1,200 - $ 1,800

"YOU HAVE NEVER LOST A GUN--NEVER LOST A COLOR--AND HAVE NEVER BEEN DEFEATED" (CIVIL WAR--1865.) Custer, George Armstrong. Congratulatory Order from General Custer. Letterpress handbill, 8 1/4 x 4 1/4 inches; laid down on paper, minor foxing. [Petersburg, VA]: G.A. Sykes, [1865?]

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Additional Details

Custer was present at the Confederate surrender at Appomattox on 9 April 1865, and the same day issued a stirring congratulatory order to the members of his Third Cavalry Division. This copy was printed by printer Gustavus A. Sykes in nearby Petersburg with an added title and introductory line. Sykes had been active during the Confederacy, and had even printed an essay for a Confederate soldier (see Parrish & Willingham 8345), but with the war over, he probably saw a good opportunity for selling this order as a souvenir to occupying Union troops. It was likely issued shortly after the surrender, but has Custer signing in type as "Brevet Major General," a rank he was not awarded until 15 April. Only one copy in WorldCat.