My GGrandfather served under Custer!

[clw]

I've just got to share this, so please allow me to indulge myself and forgive me for sounding like an excited child.

While researching Custer's Civil War record this morning, I discovered that my Great Grandfather, William L. Hyatt of the 1st Michigan Cavalry, served under, drumroll......... General George Armstrong Custer!! I have even found his name in the Regimental Roster.

Grandfather's letters state he re enlisted in 1864 to serve "3 years or during the war", so I know he was with the 1st at Gettysburg.

From Custer's Action Report for The Michigan Brigade at the Battle of Gettysburg, July 3, 1863.....

"I cannot find language to express my high appreciation of the gallantry and daring displayed by the officers and men of the 1st Michigan Cavalry. They advanced to the charge of a vastly superior force with as much order and precision as if going upon parade; and I challenge the annals of warfare to produce a more brilliant or successful charge of cavalry than the one just recounted."

This one's for you, Grandpa Hyatt.

[elisabeth]

Congratulations!!! What a fabulous thing to discover.

[clw]

Forgot to post the link to the report.......

members.aol.com/dlharvey/custer.htm

Elizabeth, it's kind of overwhelming to consider the tales he could have told. His letters -- there are only four -- make mention of action only in passing. They are mostly about camp life and references to home and family. There is nothing about Gettysburg. As is the case with many soldier's letters and reminiscences, they reflect the fact that battle is often an experience shared only with those who fight beside you; something loved ones at home simply can't grasp. But I'm very thankful to have them.

[elisabeth]

If it were me, I'd be hopping mad that he hadn't said more, but yours is a much more thoughtful reaction. Very true.

Wonderful stuff.

[elisabeth]

clw --

Feast your eyes on this!

tinyurl.com/2aykrc

Your great-grandfather's pension info!

Unfortunately you have to register with the website to view it properly, and I haven't yet checked to see how much they charge ... but at least you now know the National Archive has got stuff about him ...

[clw]

Elizabeth! Thank you! I had looked at the National Archives site when you suggested it and had planned on going back when I had more time, but this is just lovely. You were so thoughtful to find this for me.

For anyone who's interested complete access to all documents on this site is $10/month or $100/year. Also FYI, if you put the name/words you're searching for in quotes, the search is more specific.