Civil War-dated ALS signed “Armstrong,” one page, 5 x 8, January 18, 1864. Addressed from “Headquarters 3rd Division, Cavalry Corp AP,” a handwritten letter to his friend John McClelland Bulkley, a former classmate of Custer’s at the Boys and Young Men’s Academy, in full: “‘To make a long story short’ I want you to act as groomsman to the subscriber on the 10th of next month. Will you? I suppose it is unnecessary to go into detail you probably know all by this time. Do not refuse to grant my request it will be gratifying both to Libbie and myself. Yours in haste.” Custer adds at the end, “Will see you soon.” In fine condition, with a small old repair to a short fold split. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope.
Fourteen months after they formally met, George A. Custer married Elizabeth Clift Bacon on February 9, 1864. He had been socially introduced to her in November 1862, when home in Monroe on leave and first impressions did not fall in the favor of Custer. “Libbie” was not outwardly impressed with him, and her father, Judge Daniel Bacon, disapproved of Custer as a match because he was the son of a blacksmith. Approval was eventually attained after Custer was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. A rare and intimate letter to one of his oldest allies made all the more coveted for its special request and for Custer’s uncommon middle name signature, used sparingly for close friends and family.
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