GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
RARE 1875 GEORGE ARMSTRONG CUSTER LETTER SIGNED WITH IMPORTANT INDIAN CONTENT, ARCHIVALLY FRAMED.Two-page LS written March 11, 1875 to Indian agent Edmond Palmer at Standing Rock, Dakota Territory. The letter is regarding an Indian peace conference which would take place May 29th, 1876 at Fort Abraham Lincoln where less than 30 days later Custer and his clan would march to their deaths at the Little Bighorn. The 700 Sioux and other affiliated tribes after signing the peace treaty feasted, danced and sang. Anyone present would have thought the Indian Wars were over. The peace between the tribes lasted as long as it took for the Indians to clear the fort. The letter can be read in full on website, but a portion reads, "'...I have received your letter acquainting me with the reasons which prevented the delegations of Indians from your Agency from coming as intended to this post to confer with the delegation of the Rees now here. As it was of importance that the date upon which the proposed council assemble should be determined upon promptly and notice thereof sent to the various tribes interest.... Every tribe and band should be represented by its most influential men otherwise the council will terminate in results of no value. Please communicate with me in regards to the decision of the Sioux. I will send a communication to the agent at Cheyenne informing him of the date fixed and will be greatly obliged to you, if you will cause it to be transmitted by a courier from your Agency. I am, Sir Very Respectfully Truly Yours." He signs his name 'G.A. Custer' above his rank. 'Lieutenant Colonel of Cavalry Brevet Major General, U.S.A. Comdg.' at the close.'" Letter is mounted in archival 52" x 22" fancy molded frame with 2-sided glass so obverse can be seen from the rear, facsimile obverse is framed adjacent to signed second page along with 2 facsimile photographs of Custer and engraved brass plaques. Two letters of authenticity accompany, one from well known manuscript authority John Reznikoff. SIZE: PROVENANCE: Outstanding estate collection of Confederate and historical arms of Morris Racker. CONDITION: Document was not removed from its archival mounting but appears to be very good with one 1/2" area of paper loss along one side margin effecting no text. The Custer signature is especially crisp and bold. There is a large chip to upper right corner of frame and linen mats have a water stained area which does not effect the letter on the right edge inward about 6". 51957-27 JS (10,000-15,000)