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Auction: 394 - Coins, Commemorative Medals, Autographs and Documents - e-Auction
Lot: 758

Custer, Elizabeth "Libbie" née Bacon. 1842-1933. Wife of Brevet Major General George Armstrong Custer, one of the few army wives to accompany her husband in the field - during the Civil War and Custer's subsequent postings on the Great Plains where he was the commanding officer of the U.S. Cavalry; left nearly destitute after her husband's death at Little Big Horn, became an outspoken advocate for his legacy through her popular books and lectures for the course of her six decades of widowhood. Autograph Letter Signed "Elizabeth B. Custer". 2 pages, 8 ½ x 11", 211 South St, Daytona Fl. (Libbie was in Daytona recuperating from an illness), undated (ca. 1927-1932).

Writing in pencil (first paragraph), then brown ink to her personal assistant Margaret Flood, Libbie laments errantly missing some $40 monthly payments to Flood. "You never call me to account for mistakes and I am so apt to make them when away from my desk at home. What I want to do is send check for each month - So write a line an tell me what I owe now." Libbie goes on to say she is "still fighting neuritis - two treatments a week and my leg is not so uncertain when I walk". "The place" (Daytona), she says "continues to be delightful. But I am so often so tired Margaret". She sends her "best wishes for Patrick" [Margaret's husband]". Margaret Flood (1889-1968) was born in Ireland and immigrated to the United States in 1911. She began working for Elizabeth Custer as an assistant-companion in 1914 and worked and, along with her husband Patrick, lived with her at 71 Park Avenue until Libbie's death at age 91 in 1933. The two were extremely close as evidenced by their personal correspondence. Some light age toning. Very Good.

Sold for
$210

Starting price
$180