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

Lot Number: 47337

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47337

James G. Blaine Autograph Letter Signed to George A. Custer. Two pages of a bifolium on "Thirty Ninth Congress" letterhead, 8 x 10 1/2 inches, Washington; January 7, 1866. Blaine, then serving as a Congressman from Maine, writes to Custer to solicit his help in securing a sutler appointment for Blaine's brother at Fort Riley, Kansas. In part:

"I have a brother now twenty six years old. For eight years preceding the present a resident of Leavenworth Kansas - who desires the appointment of Sutler at Fort Riley...My brother is a thoroughly educated businessman with much experience in the West and is at present a special agent in the U.S. Treasury Department. He can have any number of endorsements from the best men of both parties in Kansas..."

Blaine closes by hinting at how he might be of use to Custer in the future: "I have succeeded in embodying the suggestion in regard to Brevets for conduct in the volunteer service in a Bill which has passed the House and will I presume be favorably considered in the Senate. If in any way I can serve you here please command me." Signed, "J. G. Blaine."

Blaine was one of the leading Republican figures of the post-Civil War era, rising to national prominence as a powerful party strategist and legislator. Over the course of his career he served as a congressman from Maine, Speaker of the House of Representatives, United States senator, and twice as Secretary of State. In 1884 he secured the Republican nomination for president, but lost the general election to Democrat Grover Cleveland.

Condition: Lightly toned with smoothed folds. Light, scattered staining throughout. Pencil annotations on verso.

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

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