Custer’s sword captured by Confederate Cavalry at the Battle of Trevilian Station

In Louisa County, Virginia, some 9,300 Federal cavalry with 20 pieces of horse artillery under the command of major General Philip H. Sheridan were intercepted by the commands of Major General Wade Hampton and Fitzhugh Lee. 

The Confederate forces numbered some 6,450 cavalry and 14 guns of the horse artillery. The two Confederate divisions were under the command of Major General Hampton. A fierce 2 day struggle ensued and ended by the retreat of the Union Forces on the night of June 12th.

The fight was described as "bewildering" as it was violent. Cavalrymen on both sides fought dismounted from tree to tree. By mid-day Custer's command had worked themselves behind the Confederate's scattered positions, capturing 1,500 of their horses, supply wagons, artillery caissons and prisoners. But within minutes, the tables were turned. 

The Union Cavalrymen were surrounded on all sides. Custer was slightly wounded and his own personal wagon train was captured by Confederate Cavalryman Lieutenant Frank Blair. Blair took the booty (the sword pictured and Custer’s dress frock coat) home to Texas where it remained for over 135 years.