The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1877-01-06
"Reminiscences OF Gen. Custer by
Our Ohio County Correspond

~ONAJ >OhASSfOhN
ent.
Editors lutellIgcn0er:
A few days before the battle OF Gettys-
burg, in a group Of mounted otIicer1 Of
high rank who we're watching the mulO
teams, OF the vast army supply trains
slowly struggling through the swift wa
tiers OF the Monocasy. river, there was n
very young officer who attracted good
deal Of notice. lie had an immense head
OF curly auburn hair that fell back in
loose ringlets on his shoulders. He wore
suit OF black velvet that was lavishly
ornamented with yellow embroidery and
unlike anything worn in the army. His
rank, contrary 10 what is usual with
young officers, he carefully concealed.
Among the cOnjectures as to who and
what he was, the theory was advanced
that he was Il fool that had been put on
some Generals staff 10 please some rich
man. This was generally accepted as
probable, Notwithstanding his bright eyes
and intelligent face. This singular look
ing youth was no less person than the
late Gen. Geo. A. Custer. He had Just
been raised to the rank OF Brigadier
General, and had come to take command
OF brigade Of Michigan Cavalry, to
which he had been assigned. This he did
on the following day at Frederick, Md.
At the same time Gen. Farnsworth took
command OF the brigade TO which the
First West Virginia Cavalry was at
tached, and Gen. Fitzpatrick assumed
command oil the division composed Of
these two brigades.
Clusters extreme youth and display Of
feminine vanity made an unfayorable
impression. But there was soon an op.
portunity TO test his qualities rs sol.
dier, for in u day or two aiterward they
ran into Stewards rebel cavalry, and had
sharp encounter. His conduct gave
general satisfaction.
This division reached Gettysburg on
the evening Of the second day Of the bat.
tie, and was ordered TO take a position
near Hunterstown in support Of Gen,
Gregg, who was guarding our right flank.
During the night Fitzpatrick received an
order to move his division 10 position
on the left flank, some dozen Of miles
from where he then wins. This move.
ment was begun in the early morning.
A halt was made behind the centre Of
our Lines for breakfast and TO feed the
horses, when the march was resumed.
Gen. Custer, having misunderstood his
orders, instead OF going with his division
returned TO his former position near
thunderstorm. Gen. Fitzpatrick did not
discover the mistake until it wa1 sup
posed TO be too late to correct il, and he
was permitted to remain there through
out the day. General Meade, il seems,
thought his left flank the weak point in
his position, and sent au order to Gen.
Fitzpatrick to keep up demonstrations
there, which he executed with character.
istic recklessness. Our resulting losses
were especially heavy in officers, Gen.
Framework being among the killed,
But for Clusters blundcr on that day his
disastrous meeting with Sitting Bull
might never have taken place. ' " ~ I
From this time onward he was engaged
almost necessarily in scouting, skirmish.
ing and fighting, and soon become great
tayorite, not only with his own com.
mand but with all with whom he was as.
ISOLATED. He continued to command the
brigade to which he was first assigned for
more than 4 year. He was with Shcri.
dan when he chased Early up the shcn.
SndSah Valley, aud just after the army