The Battle of Little Bighorn is one of the most infamous moments of the United States’ expansion West. Fought in 1876 during the Great Sioux War, the US 7th Calvary Regiment was soundly defeated by an army comprised of the Lakota, Arapaho, and Northern Cheyenne tribes. Five cavalry companies led by George Custer were totally and completely annihilated by the Native American warriors. Custer, the leader of the American troops during this battle, became a tragic hero of the American frontier, with the Battle of Little Bighorn becoming known as “Custer’s Last Stand.”

     The item offered here is a 5x3 inch envelope addressed to “Mrs. Genl. Custer,” George’s wife. Handwritten by General Custer, he sent this envelope to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where his wife was stationed at the time. This envelope was sent in 1869, seven years before Custer’s death, and features a 3 cent stamp on the front. The inscription was written in black pen that has since faded to purple. This envelope is in excellent condition save for a small piece out on the right side of the item. This item comes with a Philatelic Foundation COA and a University Archives LOA.

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