Apr 29, 2004 - Sale 2004

Sale 2004 - Lot 46

Price Realized: $ 1,955
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 2,000 - $ 3,000
RENO, MARCUS A. Autograph Letter Signed, "M. A. Reno / Major 7th Cavalry" to the Adjutant of the 7th Cavalry, "I have the honor to report myself in 'Detached Service' at this place . . ." 1/2 page, single 4to sheet, Office of the Board on Breech-Loading Small Arms stationery. Springfield, 1 December 1872
Set Alert for Similar Items

Additional Details



A scarce letter from the officer blamed for Custer's defeat at the Battle of Little Big Horn. After advancing upon Custer's orders, Reno's unit was forced to retreat to the bluffs along the river after meeting greater resistance than anticipated. Fighting from an entrenched position, Reno's unit (joined by surviviors of the annihilation of the other units) held off numerous attacks for 36 hours until reinforcements arrived. Although widely-criticized for the retreat, Reno was acquitted in an 1879 court martial.