Custer, George Armstrong

Autograph document signed once in the text ("Genl Custer") and again in pencil at the bottom ("GA Custer"), one page (9 ¾ x 7 ¾ in.; 248 x 197 mm), Leavenworth, Kansas, no date [ca. 1867-1873], comprising a manuscript purchase order "For Gen[era]l Custer's Mess"; formerly folded, a few inkspots.

Autograph document signed once in the text ("Genl Custer") and again in pencil at the bottom ("GA Custer"), one page (9 ¾ x 7 ¾ in.; 248 x 197 mm), Leavenworth, Kansas, no date [ca. 1867-1873], comprising a manuscript purchase order "For Gen[era]l Custer's Mess"; formerly folded, a few inkspots.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Known as a hero in the Civil War, the flamboyant Major General was promoted in 1866 to Lieutenant Colonel and assigned to command the Seventh Cavalry Regiment based at Fort Riley in eastern Kansas. He was stationed at Fort Leavenworth, with his wife, for extended periods from 1867 to 1873 when he was sent to the Dakota Territory, and the order could have been written at any time in this era. One could speculate that it was written towards the earliest part of this time as his supply master would come to know his wishes as time went on. The order was directed to the firm of Woolsen and Webster, 5th Street West Side, between Delaware and Shawnee Streets, Leavenworth.

The list includes cooking apples, potatoes, onions, carrots, parsnips, Kingsford's Starch, lemons, butter, eggs [twenty dozen], veal, mutton, chickens, ducks or geese, and kerosene "provided it can be obtained in tin or metal cans, not wooden kegs."