Auction: 394 - Coins, Commemorative Medals, Autographs and Documents - e-Auction
Lot: 757
Custer, George Armstrong [Custer, Elizabeth]. U.S. army officer and cavalry commander in the Civil War and the Indian Wars; killed with all his men at the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876. His wife, Elizabeth "Libbie" Custer, née Bacon, was one of the few army wives to accompany her husband in the field. Her father, Judge Daniel Bacon disapproved of their initial courtship as Custer was the son of a blacksmith. Custer's elevation to Brevet Brigadier General just before the Battle of Gettysburg brought the judge around and the two were married in Monroe, Michigan, February 9, 1864; after Custer's death, Libbie became an outspoken advocate for the legacy of her husband. Autograph Note Signed "G A Custer". 1 page, 4 x 5 ½" Head Quarters, Army of the Potomac note paper, Dec. 29, 1862, 8 o'clock P.M. Custer writes in pencil: "Miss Bacon, I have the honor to acknowledge the rect. of your package containing many of the comforts and necessaries of life Let me assure you the poor destitute soldier is ever thankful for such favor. Respectfully yours GA Custer". Addressed to "Miss Bacon" on verso. Accompanied by the bottom part of another Army of the Potomac note page on which Custer has written in pencil "I did not think you was [scratched out word] capable of deception"; the top part apparently torn off by Libbie. Fine.
Sold for
$2,500
Starting price
$900