Pierce Young was a young West Point cadet in 1861, from Cartersville, Georgia. His roommate, George Armstrong Custer was a Yankee. They were best friends; but their worlds were different.

When the South suceded from the Union, Pierce followed his state, Custer followed the Union.

Both soon became Generals but for different countries and armies. As fate would have it, they met in conflict.

Early one evening in 1863, Custer was eating dinner in a commandeered Virginia home with his staff, reluctantly served by Southern women of the home’s family.

Rebels broke through the perimeter; Custer was forced to evacuate before he finished his dinner. Knowing his adversary, he told the hostesses to tell his Southern friend, General Young to enjoy his unfinished dinner.

Pierce entered the home a hero and finished his Yankee friend’s dinner After a good Southern nights sleep, breakfast was served by his grateful hostesses, but soon interrupted.

Union forces broke through the perimeter and Pierce and his staff were forced to evacuate before finishing their breakfast. Pierce, also knowing his adversary, told the hostesses to tell his Yankee friend Custer to enjoy the rest of his breakfast.

Custer re-entered the Southern home. Legend has it that he enjoyed the breakfast that had been left him by his old Rebel friend.

After the War Between The States the Rebel General Young went on to become a Untied States Congressman and Ambassador to Guatemala and Honduras. His Yankee roommate went to the Little Big Horn. Today, very few have heard of General P. M. B. Young. Everybody has heard of General George Armstrong Custer.

David G. Archer
City of Cartersville
Sesquicentennial Celebration Chairman