Lot 305

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Description:

Philip Sheridan ALS to George A. Custer's Wife Libbie

1p autograph letter signed by former Union Army commander Philip Sheridan (1831-1888), as “P.H. Sheridan, Lt Genl” at lower right. Written in Chicago, Illinois on April 7, 1869. On blue-ruled bifold paper displayed below a portrait of Sheridan within a crisp, white mat. The letter shows expected paper folds. There are a few isolated areas of slightly feathered and smeared words. Else near fine. The completed size of the mat is 9.25" x 15.5."

Lieutenant General Philip Sheridan wrote this letter to Elizabeth Bacon Custer (1842-1933), wife of General George Armstrong Custer (1839-1876). In full, with unchanged punctuation:

"Chicago
April 7th 69

My Dear Mrs Custer,

Will you have the kindness to forward the enclosed letter [not included in this lot] to the Genl. I presume you know about where he is + I thought it best to enclose it to you. as the safest way of reaching him

yours truly

P.H. Sheridan
Lt Genl."

Sheridan was then in command of the Department of the Missouri, tasked with undertaking operations against hostile Plains Indians. His subordinate, George A. Custer, was recently back from a suspension from rank and command; Sheridan's ability to effectively control the brash and flamboyant Custer would reflect on Sheridan's own military reputation. Custer had just concluded his winter campaign against the Cheyennes and Kiowas, and his whereabouts were apparently unknown.

The letter to be forwarded to Custer was likely that reproduced in Marguerite Merington's "The Custer Story: The Life and Intimate Letters of General George A. Custer and His Wife Elizabeth" (1987) on p. 228. Of the same date, April 7, 1869, that letter extends Sheridan's congratulations "at the success of your expedition." Sheridan continued there, "…I presume you will want a leave…you can have as long as you please."
  
Philip Sheridan was a good match for Custer; Sheridan's moniker “Fightin’ Phil” refers to the soldier’s pugnacity. Sheridan was a middling West Point cadet with a short temper and a bad attitude, once suspended for threatening a classmate with a bayonet. He began his thirty-year-long military career as a low-ranking officer in the antebellum Pacific Northwest, gaining experience fighting local Indians. He was quickly promoted during the first years of the Civil War, after distinguishing himself at Perryville, Stones River, and other battles. Sheridan was promoted to command forces in the Armies of the Potomac and Shenandoah, and his reputation for ferocity only increased by war’s end after scorching earth in Virginia. After the Civil War, Sheridan fought in the Indian Wars.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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August 19, 2020 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

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