ALS signed “Your devoted son, George S. Patton, Jr.,” one page both sides, 5 x 8.25, November 3, 1915. Letter to his father. In full: “Major Langborne wants to take a leave in Cal. shortly; it would cost him $300 to ship his auto there and back he wants to find out what it would cost him to rent a machine out in L.A. for three weeks or a month. He would do his own driving. If you could find out from Joe and write him soon he would be much pleased. Maj. G.T. Langhorne 8th Cav Sierra Blanca Tex. I am going out to the outposts for four days and expect to get some good hunting. Everything is quiet here. Love to all.” Horizontal mailing fold through the tops of a few letters of signature, a few creases, and slight show-through from writing on opposing sides, otherwise fine condition.
At this time, Patton was serving as a junior cavalry officer under George T. Langhorne’s command. Among Patton’s duties, as referenced here, was to arrange for the transportation of the major’s car. That car—a Cadillac—would gain a certain level of prominence six month when Langhorne, having completed his visit to California (likely to see his brothers), reacted to an attack on two Texas towns by Pancho Villa’s raiders. The cavalry commander loaded a dozen sharpshooters into this Cadillac and heading across the Rio Grande in search of the bandits, launching a front that would become known as the Punitive Expedition. Among the men accompanying the assault—commanded by General John J. Pershing—was Patton, now serving as the general’s aide. Unique correspondence from Patton shortly before a mission that would gain him a level of fame that would only grow as his military career continued. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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