Description:

GEORGE A. CUSTER
(1839 - 1876) Union major general of cavalry who fought in nearly every battle of the Army of the Potomac, including Gettysburg, and later met his tragic end at the hands of Cheyenne and Sioux warriors at the battle of Little Big Horn. Outstanding and important early A.Ms.S. "G.A.C.", 1p. 8vo., [Hopedale, Ohio, 1856], a two-verse love poem "To Mary". In full: "I've seen and kissed that crimson lip / With honied smile o'erflowing; / Enchanted watched the opening rose / Upon thy soft cheek glowing; / Nor deemed thy beauties spell / A finer charm could borrow / But Oh! I had not then beheld, / Thy parting look of sorrow. / Altho in nature's garland gay / A thousand hues betwining / Can one surpass the snow white flower / Through dew drops meekly shining! / Dear Mary thy eyes may prove less blue / Thy beauty fade to morrow / But Oh! my heart can ne'er forget / Thy parting look of sorrow". Small, clean tear at left margin, penned with a fine-nibbed pen, overall very good. Custer penned this poem to Mary "Mollie" Holland, daughter of Alexander Holland at whose home he boarded while teaching at Cadiz. The two fell madly in love, and indeed even shared a trundle bed for a period of time. When Mary's father learned of the affair, he banished the suitor from his home. Holland even went as far as to see to it that his friend, Congressman John A Bingham, assure that young Custer be approved as a cadet at West Point, where he would remain for four years far from innocent Mollie. Hence, this affair actually led to Custer's military career and ultimate untimely end!

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June 4, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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