Opening Day Auction Closing May 9th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/10/2015
No General in the history of the United States has achieved more fame and notoriety that George S. Patton. A sensitive poet and history scholar, Patton was also utterly ruthless on a battlefield. He longed for the days of swashbuckling horse cavalry yet wholeheartedly embraced the newest developments in military technology. As a commander he was both loved and feared by his men, and will be forever known as single-handedly establishing the U.S. Army's tank corps.
This letter was penned by the future General just months away from his graduation from West Point. Dated February 7, 1909, the six pages consist of two conjoined pieces of embossed West point stationery and one single sheet of the same. In full as written: "Dear Mama, There was a hop last night but B(eatrice) could not come though I expected her until the last minute but she came up today and I had a very nice day. "She said to write to you in fact she thought I had already but when you answer her don't say exactly when you heard. Now in regard to your answer B is afraid or seems to be afraid that you won't like my being in love with her. Anyway she told me to impress you with the fact that I had been doing better in my lessons since Christmas. "Also we are not engaged in the sense that we don't use the word so don't you use it.”But I guess you can write her the proper kind of a letter only don't use that word and make it very clear that I am the one to be congratulated which is the case. "I suppose I should not talk about such things but she is getting wise all the time and practically told me tonight that the family could go to[o.]she was going with me and would stay anywhere I wanted this is getting pretty bad for I think she ought to wait until her father dies which won't be long but she don't think so. And if I get a long detail in the Islands I think she wants to marry me before I go which of course cannot be considered so I must either get the first or stay in this country. But she is a great girl she is perfect except fool for liking me you may not think so but it is never the less true. She had been staying with Aunt Nannie at a three for a cent boarding house which her parents have been in NY ever since Wednesday so I guess you won't loose out in influence but you would not anyway. "If you have any doubt about my being very much devoted get rid of it for I am. I would do anything that kid told me and I never thought I would be that weak but she likes me so much that I can't help it. "I think we shocked Miss Crory and all the niggers at the hotel for they insist on coming around and naturally see more than they should as it takes a long time to get hair infouled from bell buttons. I guess I have said a little more than I should but its all right with you. Please write to her soon I would not write to Mrs. A.(yers, B's mother) until you have had a letter from B and don't tell B that I asked you to write. "I am very well as you can see by these pictures taken at about seven above and I did not catch cold. But I won't try it again so don't worry."
The future General signs off with "your devoted son, George Patton". A rare hand written letter offering a rare glimpse into the sensitive side of the man known to the world as "Old Blood and Guys". The signature and writing is crisp and clean, the pages exhibit light staining and mailing folds with some edge wear to page six. Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.