(CUSTER GEORGE ARMSTRONG) Archive of 19 letters to General C

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"THE PEOPLE WISH ONLY TO SEE YOU RIDE" (CUSTER, GEORGE ARMSTRONG.) Archive of 19 letters to General Custer concerning his famous horses and hunting dogs. Various sizes, in generally excellent condition. Vp, 1864-1875

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In addition to his military exploits, Custer was renowned for his race horses and the dozens of hounds which accompanied him on his frequent hunting expeditions. Many of these letters relate to the race horse Don Juan, perhaps the most famous of Custer's horses before Little Bighorn. Some letters concern Custer's claim against the U.S. government for his personal horses lost during the Civil War. Correspondents include Norton Parker Chipman, P.T. Barnum (an 1875 telegram), and many others. One letter, from horse breeder Elliot Gray in 1866, offers a business proposition that appeals to Custer's desires: "I will make you worth $10,000 & you can keep on hunting Indians buffaloes ... as much as you like & I will come & help you occasionly kill buffaloes." In another letter, he adds: "The people are anxious to see the General ride Don Juan at the fair (or any other horse). They wish only to see you ride."