Nov 09, 2004 - Sale 2021

Sale 2021 - Lot 91

Price Realized: $ 7,475
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 2,000 - $ 3,000
LOVE LETTER TO THE GENERAL CUSTER, ELIZABETH B. Autograph Letter Signed, "Libbie" to George Armstrong Custer, a love letter written during the Civil War, wishing she could see him, joking that she outranks him, reminiscing about the prior winter, discussing the possibility of having a baby, forwarding the congratulations of a mutual friend on his promotion, writing that even the rebel papers think he is the best cavalry officer, expressing anxiety over more battles and expressing her deep love for him. 4 pages, folded 8vo sheet; usual folds. With the orginal envelope, stamp clipped off. Washington, 29 October [1864]
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"I feel such a longing to see you tonight. I'm all ready to receive a card from you my darling - the hearth is swept & the fire bright and the room is cheerful if only tho one who lately was here would come again! But I don't think much of your coming but indeed I think of my going to you. I wish people would not discourage me about going down - but they do and make me fear myself. I may have to stay here several weeks more - oh wouldn't I be so glad to be there with you tonight! I suppose you have your happy family about you - my corn [?] & your dogs and squerril [sic]. Do you think you would make an exchange tonight and take me instead of your pets! I would promise you something 'to boot' . . . . I know you think you rank me but you don't for though I did not fight all the battles I think I have seen a great many persons wear the laurels who did not win them. So remember unless you ride right by my side whenever I go out - I won't go at all - now ain't you sorry you are married because you have a wife who says won't to you . . . . I was so proud as I saw it passing by. I stood in the sidewalk and watched it and thought proudly that my boy had captured it nearly all - Oh but those gentlemen have disturbed me so by saying Early - so Johnson is now in command I believe - may make another attack. Oh my darling why must it be. I began to feel a little safe but now I must be anxious again. Oh when will these hurdles cease! Do you really think that there will be another battle this Fall. Oh if there is Autie need I beg you to take care of yourself . . . I am keeping 'somebody's' letter in such a safe place. Oh Autie it is such a dear letter. I am going to read it before I go to bed. I love you so dearly I cannot bear to stop writing even. Oh I could only have one dear kiss! Good nighty my love my life my world . . ."