Catalog Archive
Auction 111, Lot 230

"Custer's Battle-field (June 25th 1876) Surveyed and Drawn Under the personal supervision of Lieut. Edward Maguire Corps of Engineers U.S.A. by Sergeant Charles Becker", Maguire, Lieut. Edward

Subject: Montana

Period: 1876 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
17.5 x 15 inches
44.5 x 38.1 cm
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An excellent terrain map of the scene of Custer's defeat that was made shortly after the infamous massacre of the 7th Cavalry. Macquire was attached to a column that came to Reno's rescue and upon departure of the hostile Indians he proceeded to the scene of the disaster. Drawn by Sergeant Charles Becker, the map details the area, locates the graves of 12 fallen soldiers and officers, including Lt. Col. Custer. Locates the Indian Village, the course of the Little Big Horn River, Reno's skirmish line and much more of interest. The six page report (Annual Report of Lieutenant Edward Maguire, Corps of Engineers, for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 1876. Explorations and Surveys in the Department of Dakota. Camp on the Yellowstone River, Near the Mouth of the Big Horn River, July 10, 1876) includes Maguire's short synopsis of the troop operations leading up to this historic engagement. His comments are most elucidating on several levels, including "The Indians are the best irregular cavalry in the world, and are superior in horsemanship and marksmanship to our soldiers, besides being better armed…" A remarkable map with the rarely seen with the original report.

References: Wheat (TMW) #1266.

Condition: A

Issued folding, now tissue backed. Lower left margin at binding trim added for framing with a tiny amount of neatline facsimile.

Estimate: $400 - $500

Sold for: $325

Closed on 6/8/2005

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