TLS signed “Wm H. Taft,” one page, 5.5 x 9, War Department letterhead, March 6, 1907. Letter to Oswald Garrison Villard at The Evening Post. In part: “I have your letter…inclosing certain publications from the Manila ‘American.’ The Manila ‘American’ is such a reckless sheet that I would place very little confidence in what it says. General Wood has cabled me that he is forwarding a number of affidavits tending to show Pershing’s innocence of the charge. I return herewith, as you request, the clippings from the ‘American.’” Some light spreading of ink to text, a few creases and ripples, and signature just a shade light, otherwise fine condition.
When President Roosevelt promoted John ‘Black Jack’ Pershing from Captain to Brigadier General, skipping three ranks and surpassing over 800 senior officers, a scandal surfaced that nearly destroyed the general’s reputation. On information from an anonymous source, newspapers around the world published charges that he kept a Filipino mistress while serving in the Moro district, secretly fathering two children. As evidence surfaced to clear Pershing of the charges—including affidavits from men named as witnesses to the affair, and an affidavit from the supposed ‘mistress’ herself denying it—Secretary of War William Taft stayed on top of the rumors on behalf of the president, keeping his newspaper friend Oswald Villard informed each step of the way. The press quickly changed its tune, publishing articles instead about jealous passed-over officers likely responsible for beginning the baseless rumors, and the general continued his meteoric rise. An interesting letter regarding the military hero who would go on to earn the highest rank ever held in the US Army: General of the Armies. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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