CUSTER, George Armstrong (1839-1876). Autograph letter signed ("Custer"), to Captain George Yates, 7th Cavalry. Fort Yates, Dakota Territory, 11 June 1871.

3 pages, 4to, with stamped transmittal envelope, minor creasing, envelope soiled.  

Custer writes to Yates, who was staying at the Galt House in Louisville, Kentucky, urging him to purchase horses for the 7th cavalry, and warns him about inferior Indiana horses being sold as Kentucky mounts. He suggests that Yates call on Major B.G. Thomas in Lexington and that he look for thoroughbreds for Custer and his brother Tom. Custer was looking specifically for a four-year stallion or gelding "provided that it is not nervous in and about the heels." Yates, a Captain in Company F of the 7th, was a Custer favorite and died at the Little Big Horn. A fine letter revealing Custer's equestrian side. 


The Forrest Fenn Collection
From the estate of George F. Yates
Butterfields, March, 2002, Lot 7045
Forrest Fenn Collection