Wife and biographer (1842–1933) of ill-fated General George Armstrong Custer. ALS, three pages on two adjoining sheets (the final page written perpendicularly), 5 x 6.75, April 3 [envelope postmarked 1905]. Custer writes to Dr. Jackson in Dansville, New York. In part: “Mrs. [Ruth McEnery] Stuart [American author, 1852–1917] finds that she has courage and strength to stay with Sterling through most trying and exhausting hours with him but she is not equal to writing…. She asks me to write and tell you that she appreciates your solicitude and regrets that she cannot herself tell you so. Sterling’s condition is better in some respects than when she arrived for then the doctors feared paralysis of the abdomen but he can retain food now and the swelling over the spine where the dislocation is has gone down—besides he does not suffer so much pain. He is an admirable patient for an active restless man. His spirits are good and he is a great comfort to his mother in that he is not depressed or irritable and he is very dependent on her and on his Aunt Miss McEnery…. We—Mrs. Stuart’s friends—feel deeply indebted to all of you for sending her back so improved. I have long watched her condition with solicitude knowing she would go down with all that she endured and I find since her return from Dansville that she is calmer, more herself than in some years….” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Custer’s hand. Mild handling wear, and light fold through first name of signature, otherwise fine condition. RRAuction COA.
