George Armstrong Custer

George Armstrong Custer (December 5, 1839 - June 25, 1876), notable 19th century United States Army officer, authentic, hand addressed envelope.  Custer was a highly decorated Union officer in the American Civil War and played a decisive role in the Appomattox Campaign.  Custer was more notable for his role in the Indian Wars, in particular at the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876, where he and all of his men were killed by a coalition of Native American tribes in what has come to be known as "Custer's Last Stand."

Envelope, 8” x 4”, bearing a pair of 3¢ George Washington postage stamps, postmarked New Orleans, LA, July 12, 1865. Addressed by Custer to his father-in-law, Judge Daniel S. Bacon: “Hon D S Bacon / Care of Hannah, Luy & Co / Chicago Ill / Traverse City / Mich.” Not signed by Custer. At top edge, Custer wrote “Steamer Allegany.” “Letter from Alexandria” penciled vertically, probably by Bacon, at left edge. Torn open at right edge. Minor flaws at edges. Fine condition.

Commissioned Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, April 15, 1865, Custer was in New Orleans, in command of the Cavalry Division in the Military Division of the Gulf, from July to November 1865. When he arrived in New Orleans, he was immediately sent up the river to Alexandria, Louisiana, to take charge of a division of cavalry, gathered from the Western States. It was from Alexandria, as noted in pencil on this envelope, that Custer wrote to his father-in-law.