Lot 186
Patton, George S. Envelope signed "Geo S. Patton Jr." in black ink, with a holograph note, "West Point Papers, Important. Don't Open," postmarked Washgton, D.C., 1904 Mar. 9. The envelope holds a letter from the War Department, Adjutant General's Office, 1p, 10¼" x 8", Washington, 1904 Mar. 4. Addressed to George Smith Patton, Jr., San Gabriel, Los Angeles Col, Cal., stating: "I have the honor to inform you that you have been selected for appointment as a cadet of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. Should you desire the appoitment, you are authorized by the Secretary of War to present yourself before a board of officers at Presidio of San Francisco, Cal. on the 3rd day of May, 1904, before 9 o'clock a.m. for mental and physical examination. If it be found that you possesss the requisite qualifications, you will be admitted to the Academy…upon reporting in person to the Superintendent at West Point on the 15th day of June, 1904…." Below Patton's name and address, the letter notes that the appointment was made through (California) Senator Thomas R. Bard (1841-1915).
The envelope contains two other letters: one on War Department letterhead, dated March 9, 1904, agreeing to Patton's request to change the place of his physical exam from The Presidio of San Francisco to Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland; the second letter, on "Headquarters United States Military Academy West Point, New York" letterhead, March 17, 1904, refers to a certificate submitted for Patton by the Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, deeming it satisfactory. The letter also refers to a list of books (not present) that Patton would be studying during his first year and advises Patton to devote "great attention" to algebra and geometry, and recommends the study of French (which would serve Patton in good stead while he was stationed in France during World War I). All three letters have light toning; some soiling to the envelope.
Patton attended Virginia Military Institute for one year, then transferred to the United States Military Academy. He was forced to repeat his first "plebe" year because of poor grades in mathematics. He repeated his plebe year with honors, and was appointed Corporal Adjutant (the second highest position for a cadet). He graduated in 1909 and received his commission as a cavalry officer. The rest is history.
(See Military Memorabilia section for many other military leaders.).
Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000.
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| Realized $6,900 |
