Apr 21, 2011 - Sale 2244

Sale 2244 - Lot 61

Unsold
Estimate: $ 600 - $ 900
MITCHELL, WILLIAM ("BILLY"). Autograph Letter Signed, "Wm. Mitchell," to "My dear Mr. Gardner," explaining that his poor handwriting is due to his riding on a train, and expressing sympathy with his views about the aeronautical movement. 3 pages, square 8vo, written on a single folded sheet, "Pennsylvania System" stationery. Np, "Thursday 8:00 PM" no year

Additional Details

". . . What you say about some phases of the aeronautical movement is fully appreciated. It appears to me that it is high time for some decency to be injected into it . . . . Your paper will do a great deal in that direction. . . ."
Mitchell (1879-1936) was a U.S. Army officer and aviator, whose highly critical views of the role of the navy in national defense precipitated a court-martial, in which he was found guilty. After resigning from military service, he continuted to promote his views, assisting in the establishment of the U.S. Army Air Forces and the Department of Defense.