Custer Honeymoon & Prison

On February 11, 1864, Judge Bacon wrote a short letter from Monroe Michigan to his nieces in Richmond, Virginia to tell them about his daughter, Elizabeth and her new husband, George Custer’s honeymoon schedule. “The wedding pair went from Cleveland to Buffalo thence to Rochester where they saw “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” Then to Onandaga, to the home of my brother-in-law, husband of my sister Charity. On Sunday afternoon they went to church, but, the weather being inclement, Libbie wore her traveling suit. But it cleared off, and at afternoon church the new things were exhibited…very gratifying to her friends (also to her Mother when she read about it). All the fixings were examined, and from the “Oh’s” and “Exquisites” in the letters I judge the friends were pleased (with her new wardrobe). Their time was divided between the Smiths and Dr. J’s, and at each they were feasted on turkey and sugar-coated cake. On Monday morning they left for Howlett’s Hill, but before train time the wardrobe was displayed to friends and relatives who had not seen it. At the height of the exhibition the porter called for their baggage, and all hands fell to packing. Armstrong among the number. He got entangled in a hoop skirt, whereon Amelia called “Surrender!”…” Judge Bacon missed his only child terrible after she married and moved away. No matter what he tried to do, he keenly felt her absence and envied George Custer’s time with her. I’m trying desperately to allow God to take away all bitterness from my heart over my brother’s absence. I continue to miss him terribly. I feel it more so now because I will be making a trip to see him soon. I don’t relish seeing the way he’s changed. His face is large, bloated from the medication, he has no teeth, and he shakes all the time from Parkinsons. I envy Judge Bacon because he knew his daughter would come home to him. I do not have the same hope about Rick.