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Auction: 394 - Coins, Commemorative Medals, Autographs and Documents - e-Auction
Lot: 760

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 "EBC". 2 1/3 pages, 5 x 8", Feb. 17, no location, nor year (Daytona, Florida - where she was convalescing, ca. 1927-1932). Writing in ink to her assistant Margaret Flood - "My dear Margaret", Libbie says: "You write such good letters - quite like the way you talk -- always so deferential seeming never to forget the good manners of maid to mistress. But I always want to be more to you Margaret - for you are one of the best friends of my lonely life and of my declining years.

Time is hurrying by. I am weak as water and go when ever anyone points a finger at me. Consequence is quite too tired out nights." Libbie talks about her room and missing people, then goes on: "Oh Margaret you know all my sorrows and I can speak again and again to you. I miss Mr & Mrs. Lawrence all the time". As always, Libbie sends her regards to Flood's husband Patrick and concludes "all good wishes to - to you". 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. Light trifold. Fine.

Sold for
$220

Starting price
$180