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Youngest brother (1848–1876) of George Armstrong Custer, who had long hoped to join his brothers in the Army, but was unable to officially enlist because of poor health. Boston became a civilian contractor attached to the 7th Cavalry, venturing west and serving as a scout for George's 1876 expedition against the Lakota. Boston, together with George and his other brother, Tom, was killed during the Battle of Little Bighorn. Scarce ALS signed “Bos,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, October 21, 1866. Handwritten letter to "My dear brother & Sister," George A. Custer and his wife Libbie, in full: "I thought I would write you a few lines to see if you had arrived at your place of destination yet. We are all well as usual. Pap has not got home yet but expect him every-day. We expect Tom home every day. I am going to school regular now so I could come down there with you. I know I would enjoy myself very much. I hope Anna is contented. Tell her all her folks are well. I wish Libbie was hear to help me write my composition. I have to have one friday. Mr. Jones (the man that fixed your boat) said it would cost $10.00 and I give him the $5.00 you left me and he said that he wanted you to send it to me as soon as you could. We would all like to see you very much. It is very lonesome since you left. I would like very much to make you a visit next summer but I suppose there is no chance of it. How does your dogs get along. I suppose you have gone a hunting before this time." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed by Boston Custer to "Gen. G. A. Custer, Ft. Riley, Kansas," and postmarked at Monroe, Michigan.
Written shortly after George A. Custer’s posting to Fort Riley with the newly formed 7th U.S. Cavalry, this letter captures a transitional moment as he shifted from Civil War service to frontier duty in the expanding American West. It also provides a contemporary glimpse of the Custer family’s life in Michigan, offering a grounded primary-source perspective on their close-knit relationships and daily concerns in the immediate postwar period.
The Western Americana auction of Jochen Zeitz.
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