Letter, George A. Custer to Augusta Frary
A letter from George Armstrong Custer to his cousin Augusta Frary. Custer tells Frary of a visit by Abraham Lincoln to review the Union Army encamped near the capital, as well as a friend’s visit on his journey to see his wounded brothers. He explains that he is torn in his opinion of the war. While he wishes the conflict to end for the sake of his country, his personal interest in warfare furthers his desire to participate in battle.
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Gen McClellan’s Head Quarters
Friday Oct 3rd 1862
Cousin
Your letter was
received this morning and
read with pleasure. I have
been out riding all day
The President has paid us a visit
and to day accompanied
by Gen McClellan and staff
he reviewed that portion of
the Army which is encamped
in this vicinity. This occupied
nearly the entire day. Yesterday
the same party visited the
late battle ground. The President
will probably return to Washington
to morrow.
C Jordan, a brother
of William, visited me yes-
-terday and remained till
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this morning. his visit to
this army was for the purpose
of seeing another brother
who was wounded at the
battle of South Mountain.
he started to day for
Baltimore to see William
he told me that he probably
would return home by way
of Niagara Falls. You
ask me if I will not be
glad when the last battle
is fought? So far as my
country is concerned I, of course,
must wish for peace, and
will be glad when the war
is ended, but if I answer
for myself alone, I must
say that I shall regret to
see the war end. I would
be willing, yes glad, to see
a battle every day during
my life. Now do not
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misunderstand me. I only
speak of my own interests
and desires, perfectly regardless
of all the world besides.
but as I said before, when
I think of the pain + misery
produced to individuals as
well as the universal sorrow
caused throughout the land
I cannot but earnestly hope
for peace, and at an early
date. Do you understand
me? I intend to apply for
a leave of absence on or
about the holidays, + after we
have gone into winter [illegible].
if my application is success-
-ful I shall certainly
pay you a visit.
You spoke of having no one
in your family to answer the
call “to arms” Why can you
not consider me your
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representative in the army
and centre on me the
interest or a portion, which
you would have done
upon your brother. I
should certainly strive
to represent you and
yours with credit.
Shall I become your
protegé in the army?
Write Soon
Ever Yours
George