Description:

George Custer
Washington, DC, October 31, [1864]
Envelope in Custer's Hand Postmarked Washington, DC to His Father-in-Law in Monroe, MI

Envelope, 5.25" x 2.75", bearing 3¢ George Washington postage stamp, postmarked Washington, D.C., October 31, 186-. Addressed by Custer to his father-in-law, Judge Daniel S. Bacon: "Hon D. S. Bacon / Monroe, / Michigan." Fine condition.

Elizabeth B. Custer begins Chapter One of "Boots and Saddles" (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1885) telling of her first meeting her future husband:

"General Custer graduated at West Point just in time to take part in the battle of Bull Run. He served with his regiment - the 5th Cavalry - for a time, but eventually was appointed aide-de-camp to General McClellan. He came to his sister's home in my native town, Monroe, Michigan, during the winter of 1863, and there I first met him. In the spring he returned to the army in Virginia, and was promoted that summer, at the age of twenty-three, from captain to brigadier general. During the following autumn he came to Monroe to recover from a flesh-wound, which, though not serious, disabled him somewhat. At that time we became engaged. When his twenty days' leave of absence had expired he went back to duty, and did not return until a few days before our marriage, in February, 1864."

Elizabeth Bacon Custer's father, Daniel S. Bacon (1798-1866), a member of the Michigan Territorial Council (1832-1835), was Judge of Probate for Monroe County. He was president of the Bank of Monroe and a director of the Michigan Southern Railroad Company. Bacon died on March 18, 1866.

Custer and Elizabeth "Libbie" Bacon were married on February 9, 1864. He was in command of the 3d Division, Cavalry Corps, in the Shenandoah Campaign, October 2, 1864, to March 26, 1865. He was brevetted Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, on October 19, 1864, for Gallant and Meritorious Services at the Battles of Winchester and Fisher's Hill, Virginia. In October 1865, Gen. Custer was in New Orleans, in command of the Military Division of the Gulf. Most likely, this envelope was sent in October 1864 by courier from the battlefield, ostensibly with other soldiers' mail, to the nearest post office, in this case Washington, D.C., to be postmarked and delivered.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 5.25" x 2.75"

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