ALS signed “Douglas,” seven pages on two sets of adjoining sheets, 4 x 5.5, Superintendent’s House, United States Military Academy letterhead, no date, but postmarked October 27, 1921. Letter to Louise Brooks. In part: “I have been drunk with the intoxication of you all day. The caress of your eyes, the tenderness of your lips, the sparkle of your wit! The gleam of your smile makes my pulse shiver, the touch of your hand my head whirl, the warmth of your mouth suffocates my gasping senses and leaves me stunned and shaken with the glory and wonder of you as I enter into Paradise…Mother says to come on Tuesday by all means. She says to tell you she keeps your room ready at all times and the door is on the latch. I may have ‘a lot to learn’ about your quick 'changes of plan’ but when they bring such happiness to me as this change promises you will find me an enthusiastic pupil. Go to the dinner on Monday—but think of me. I have a reluctance to accept the hospitality of a non-acquaintance no matter how intimate with you until after our announcement. It would be different if I were a young man about town but representing this great institution I feel that I cannot trifle with its dignity. I shall miss you dreadfully that night, but my consolation will be Tuesday…You will make my grave old room seem almost human.” In fine condition, with a bit of scattered light toning. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in MacArthur’s hand.
When MacArthur met socialite and multimillionaire heiress Louise Cromwell Brooks shortly after her first divorce, it was love at first sight. The two began an intense but private courtship: serving as Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, soon to become the Army’s youngest major general, MacArthur was aware of how his relationship would be received by those in his military world. He declines a dinner invitation to maintain his image, writing, “It would be different if I were a young man about town but representing this great institution I feel that I cannot trifle with its dignity.” Though gushing to his future wife, clearly enraptured in his newfound love, he kept their relationship private until they were married on Valentine’s Day of 1922. Even in this delightfully uncharacteristic love letter, the legendary general remains focused on his military career, a focus that would carry him to the highest levels of military achievement. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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