PATTON GEORGE S Autograph Letter Signed George S Patton Jr t

Sale 2296 - Lot 99

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Estimate: $ 4,000 - $ 6,000

"THE GOVERNOR OF NEW MEXICO PRESENTED [PERSHING] WITH A MEDAL" PATTON, GEORGE S. Autograph Letter Signed, "George S Patton Jr.," to his mother ("Dear Mama"), explaining that he had not written because he had been studying for his examinations, speculating that the U.S. would not raise a large army except in the unlikely case of an invading army, mentioning that General Pershing had been awarded a medal by the Governor of New Mexico [probably in recognition of the recent expedition against Pancho Villa], complaining that his unit is poor and hoping for improvement, and hoping for Aunt Nannie's health. 3 pages, small square 4to, written on a single folded sheet, 3rd page written vertically. Np, 21 March 1917

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". . . One comfort is that I will not have to take another exam for some time unless we raise a big army. Personally I don't think we ever will until compelled to do so by the actual presence of an invading army.
"Gen. P[ershing] got here last night and the Governor of New Mexico presented him with a medal. I was present at the ceremony and talked with the General afterwards. I saw him again this afternoon on his way to the train going west. He was all fussed up . . . ."
The United States entered the First World War on April 6, 1917, two weeks after this letter was penned. Patton followed Pershing to France where the young and promising officer organized and trained the 1st Tank Brigade, which he led into battle at Saint-Mihiel in 1918.