George & Elizabeth Custer Handwritten Envelope w/ 1896 ALS

A pair of items related to George and Elizabeth "Libbie" Custer, including a handwritten envelope in Custer's hand addressed to his soon-to-be wife and ALS from Elizabeth in which she refers to herself as a "show lady", likely in reference to lecture tours she performed throughout the latter half of the 19th century. Both feature expected degrees of minor soiling, darkened markings, and creasing throughout. Otherwise, a nice pairing overall. 

The lot includes:

1.) A handwritten envelope affectionately addressed in George Custer's hand to his then-fiancée: "Miss Libbie Bacon/ Monroe, Michigan". Postmarked from Washington, D.C., ca. 1864, measuring 3" x 5.5". PSA authenticated and encapsulated to the overall size of 4.25" x 7".

2.) ALS, 3pp on bifolium, measuring 4.5" x 7", dated November 25, 1896, Bronxville, NY. A letter addressed to one Miss. Kelham, signed "Elizabeth B. Custer" vertically on right inside page. Reading in part: "I saw such possibilities when I thought how I would enjoy a chat and a little more looking into each others lives. But it may come when I am more at leisure and no longer a 'show lady'… I live on the enthusiasm of work myself."

George Armstrong Custer (1839-1876) was a United States Army officer and cavalry commander in the American Civil War and the American Indian Wars. He would marry Elizabeth "Libbie" Bacon (1842-1933) on February 9, 1864 after being promoted to brevet brigadier general. Following his death at the Battle of Little Bighorn, which many at the time believed to be a preventable military blunder, Libbie would be invaluable to the rehabilitation of her husband's image through the publication of several books and embarking on speaking tours.

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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