Auction Name: 2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts & Texana Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 47092

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47092

Daniel Bacon Letters to George and Elizabeth Custer with Related Items. Two letters written from Traverse City in late October 1864, wishing them well and sending news of how the home front is responding to the Union's success during the Shenandoah Valley Campaign.

Bacon's first letter is dated October 23 (two pages, 7 1/2 x 9 3/4 inches) and is addressed, "Dear Daughter." He sends news of the weather and his business interests, and comments on the progress of the war and Custer's well-being. In part: "I wrote Armstrong last week under belief that all fighting was over in the Shenandoah Valley, and that my letter would find him and you both in camp and in winter quarters. How all were doomed to disappointment and none more so than the army itself. I see by the dispatch that Armstrong as usual was placed on the right and in the fight. The next news may be another fight and yourself a widow. Providence has indeed been merciful and kind in sparing your husband not only to your self but to his relatives & friends...Father."

Custer was serving under Philip Sheridan at this time. Bacon is likely referring to the recent Union victory at the Battle of Tom's Brook on October 9, 1864. Custer and the 3rd Cavalry Division, positioned on the Union right, launched a highly aggressive mounted attack, turning the Confederate withdrawal into a collapse of their forces.

The second letter (four pages of a bifolium, 7 1/2 x 9 3/4 inches) is written six days later on October 29. Addressing Custer as "My Dear Son," he sends congratulations and assurances that his heroic efforts in the field of battle were being lauded by the general public. In part:

"I am again relieved from suspense by the announcement that you had been made the honored messenger to deliver the Rebel Flags to the War Department, trophies of the late splendid victories of Genl Sheridan. The news previous to this was that you were in pursuit of Early's demoralised and retreating army. That you were capturing cannons, prisoners, &C, and that you had sent back for men to guard your prisioners. Being in the advance a target for sharpshooters and without following the most desperate revengeful and determined people that ever lived, I naturally feared that another stand might have been made, and since my anxiety for your safety, and the suspense, which is much increased being so remote from access...I feel now that the fighting is over at least for the present in the valley and that soon you will go into winter-quarters and have a little rest.

How surprised and gratified must have been Libbie when you made your appearance in Washington and not the least that you were the honored bearer of trophies, you had doubtless taken in part yourself.

I suppose you have commanded the Division of Averell, which helped to give him so much credit, as well as his promotion. I presume you have earned, and that you have like honors, and will obtain like promotion. I have seen only occasional news in regard to yourself. I have been privileged to see Kelloggs letter, and hardly know how language could be used to compliment you more. Mr. Bates the editor of our little paper here, called me into his office today to read me an extract from your letter published in the Detroit Tribune, complimenting it, and intends publishing it..."

Together with a third letter from Judge Bacon addressed to Libbie and his wife dated August 19, 1863 - six months prior to Libbie's marriage to George Custer. The letter is three pages of a bifolium (7 1/2 x 9 3/4 inches) and is likely written from their hometown of Monroe. Bacon asks about their travels as mother and daughter make their way to Traverse City. The lot also includes a transmittal cover addressed in Bacon's hand to "Gen' G A Custer" postmarked Chicago, November 9 (no year), a small receipt made out to Bacon for taxes paid in 1823, and complimentary pass made out to the Judge and his family for Mabie & Nathan's Menagerie and Circus.

Condition: All three letters have the usual mail folds, with small separations thereat. Complimentary ticket has light soiling.

Provenance: Presented by Elizabeth Bacon Custer to May Custer Elmer; thence by descent and inheritance to our consignor.

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