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Auction: 336 - The Numismatic Collector's Series Sale
Lot: 1852

Custer, George Armstrong. An Interesting Pair of Custer-Related Envelopes. 1) Courtship of Libbie Bacon, Civil War Era Custer Envelope. Postmarked December 31, 1863, Washington, D.C. To "Miss Libbie Bacon / Monroe / Michigan." All written in brown ink in Custer's distinctive hand. The flap has a tear and there are light stains at the bottom, otherwise quite decent.
In November of 1862, Custer was socially introduced to Elizabeth Clift Bacon, while on leave in Monroe, Michigan. At first, she was not impressed with him, and her father, Judge Daniel Bacon, was less impressed. Over a year went by. During this period Custer established himself as daring and resourceful military officer, earning the rank of Captain, and participating in Peninsula Campaign, the Siege of Yorktown, the Battle of Antietam, and other important engagements. He also waged a constant campaign to win Libbie's hand in marriage, baraging her with letters. On February 9, 1864 they were married.
2) Custer, George Armstrong. Great Chicago Fire Related? Postmarked Bloomington, Illinois, October 14, (1871?) with the address written in brown ink by George Armstrong Custer to "Mrs. General Custer / Monroe / Michigan." One of the best preserved envelopes in the entire offering. The Three Cent green oval embossed postal stationery dates this example to the 1870's. The Great Chicago Fire occurred on October 10, 1871, and General Sheridan was called on to police the city. Perhaps Custer was in Bloomington, on his way back to his Elizabethtown, Kentucky post when he wrote the letter that was contained in this envelope. [2]

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$475