I was surprised that Custer was at Gettysburg—as a major.
He was the key to routing Stuart.
His death 14 years later at Little Big Horn has been the source of much speculation of political intrigues due to his popularity and ambitions and whether he may have been “set up”.
Not a major. A newly promoted brigadier general !
He had been bumped FIVE RANKS just the week before and been in charge of the 4 Michigan units. So he has not even had time to say ‘howdy’ to his units.
There were 2 other big promotions with Custer. But one of them died in battle soon thereafter.
The movie version, ‘They Died with their boots on’, has the promotion being accidental. They we’re going to punish Custer for an infraction, and instead in the panic of the moment promoted him. They were getting ready to rescind the promotion when his repeated charges of the Confederates saved the day.
But given the reorganization, I the appointment was deliberate and not accidental.
The site is a bit vague here. Reportedly Custer had been ordered elsewhere. He disobeyed that order by ‘asking’ the commander where he was for permission to stay and fight.
“but the latter was stationed on the Baltimore Pike. David Gregg’s one-brigade command was supplemented by the newly formed “Michigan Brigade” of Brig. Gen. George Armstrong Custer. Custer was assigned to the division of Brig. Gen. Judson Kilpatrick but happened to be on loan to David Gregg and requested permission from Gregg to join his fight. “
In either case, Custer led two charges, and lost two horses that day.
His daring stopped the Confederates.