Lot 4367
Patton, George (1885-1945) American general and tank commander; considered one of the greatest military leaders in history. Autograph Letter Signed ("G.S. Patton Jr."), n.p., November 15 (19)18, 1½ pp, quarto. Written to his mother, four days after the Allied armistice with Germany was signed.
"Dear Mama, Well it is over and I at least am not pleased. I had just perfected a new formation which I should have love to have tried also I would like to have rescued a man under fire so as to get the Medal of Honor. Also at my present rate I might have gotten a star for which I should now have to wait a long time. / But I have always looked at this war as a means for getting into position for the next one for I have no desire that Nita [his sister] should be the only four star member of the family [Nita was engaged to Pershing for about a year]. / So just as I braved at West Point the day I was turned back in order to be just Corporal next year I am on the job here just as if the war were still on. At least no one can ever say of me that I grudged working for interest I wanted nor that I hid behind my rank. As Gen R[achenbach] told men who joked him about my being hit in the but [sic], 'By God no one can make fun of Patton who was not in front of him and that limits it to the Boche. / Here is a poem [not present] I wrote on the death of one of my Captains he was truly a fine officer and died 300 m. ahead of his men. Further than I got. / I am feeling fine and got rid of my bandages on the 11th of the month to celebrate the victory…."
Estimated Value $6,000 - 8,000.
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| Realized $6,900 |
