Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891 to George A. Custer
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05068 Author/Creator: Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891 Place Written: Lincoln County, Nebraska Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1867/06/17 Pagination: 3 p. : free frank : envelope ; 24.8 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy
Sends orders to Custer for military activities against the Sioux and Cheyenne in "the valley of the Platte." Directs him to "quietly disarm" friendly Indians of horses that appear stolen and send them to Fort McPherson or Fort Segwick. Indicates that if Indians avoid him or try to escape, Custer should kill the adult males and send the women and children to the forts. Links the Indians to "acts of murder and highway Robbery" and asserts that "we cannot afford to wait the slow action of the Tribes." Orders Custer to reject any conferences with the Indians, to "Tell them that you have come to act and not to talk." Written at Fort McPherson.
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