Description:

Custer George


General George Custer Signed Envelope, PSA/DNA Slabbed

 


PSA/DNA slabbed war-dated envelope incorporating George A. Custer's signature as "Genl Custer" George Custer (1839-1876) hand-addressed this envelope to his wife as "Mrs Genl Custer / 339 Penn Avenue. / Washington D.C." The envelope is partly printed "Head Quarters, Defenses of Washington, Office--" but the letterhead is partly obscured by the cancelled rose 3 cent George Washington stamp. The postmark appears to be October 20, 186[4]. Letter-opened at right and with minor pencil smudging (revealing some fingerprints--Custer's?--at right!) Graded NM 7. The envelope measures 5.375" x 3.375" while the slab measures 9.5" x 4.5".


Although no year date is visible in the postmark, several clues indicate that it was 1864. First, it dates after February 1864, when Custer had married Elizabeth Bacon Custer (1842-1933). Second, it dates before Custer's early June 1865 commission to serve in the American Southwest. These time brackets thus eliminate any October 20th except that of 1864, when Custer was battling in the Valley Campaigns of 1864. Between May-October 1864, the Union Army fought against Confederates in 15+ engagements, wrapping up with the Battle of Cedar Creek on October 19, 1864, just one day before this envelope was mailed.


In late 1864, Brigadier General Custer commanded the 5th Michigan Cavalry under the direction of Major General Philip A. Sheridan and his Army of the Potomac. Custer had participated in many pivotal battles that spring, including the Battle of the Wilderness (May 5-7), the Battle of Yellow Tavern (May 11), and the Battle of Trevilian Station (June 11-12). During this last battle, Custer had captured a major Confederate supply train. Custer secured no fewer than 12 long-term and brevet promotions between 1861-1865, including the rank of Brigadier General in 1863 and the rank of Major General in 1865.

 



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