Item #SQ8077318

Here is a nice piece of George Custer history. In 1868 Custer addressed this envelope in his hand to his wife (incorporating his signature), "Mrs Genl G A Custe[r], Care of K C Barker Monroe (struck out), Detroit Mich." The envelope measures approximately 5" x 3". Three-cent stamp affixed to lower left corner. The envelope is in fine condition with light wear and a torn right edge affecting the "r" in Custer's signature.

The letter that was mailed with this cover was one of the few that was in the collection of Dr. Lawrence Frost, the famous Custer biographer. The letter and cover became separated when the Frost collection was sold off.

Custer sent the letter just before departing on the Washita River Campaign in 1868. It was sent from Fort Hays to Libbie Custer in Monroe (Custer's home town), but Libble had been invited to stay with the family of Mr. K. C. Barker in Detroit. Barker was a prominent citizen and mayor of Detroit from 1864-65. He visited Custer in the field and had hosted Custer after he was court martialed and reduced in rank. It was with Barker that Custer had visited Saratoga Racetrack in the summer of 1869.

George Armstrong Custer was a highly decorated Union officer in the Civil War and played a decisive role in the Appomattox Campaign. He was more notable for his role in the Indian Wars, however, particularly at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876, where he and his command, the 7th US Cavalry, were killed by a coalition of Native American tribes in what has come to be known as "Custer's Last Stand."

Includes COA from JG Autographs of Peabody, MA.