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Auction: 394 - Coins, Commemorative Medals, Autographs and Documents - e-Auction
Lot: 761

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 "Elizabeth B. Custer". 2 ¾ pages, 5 x 8", 211 South St., Daytona Beach, Florida (where Libbie was convalescing), February 20th, no year (ca. 1927-1932). Writing in ink to her assistant Margaret Flood - "My dear Margaret", Libbie notes she is enclosing a check and bemoans having "little privacy, and my small desk is heaped up and in confusion..the long reign of neuritis has made me forgetful.

Miss you all the time, for you have spoiled me so - helping me with dates, bills, promises, engagements - that I make blunders and forget promises and the such. A lady in reduced circumstances acting as hostess - runs after me - often opens the door softly to tell me it is time to dress or go out". Libbie goes on: "I am getting better of neuritis. The doctor comes every week and I am more in favor of ostheopathy". She thanks Margaret for telling her about the tenant, sends her regards to Flood's husband Patrick and concludes "Affectionately yours". 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