Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
(800) 937-3880
SELL

Lot #162
William T. Sherman

On a memorable West Point speech: “I rarely ever prepare for such occasions and trust to the inspiration of the moment”

This lot has closed

Estimate: $0+
Sell a Similar Item?
Share:  

Description

On a memorable West Point speech: “I rarely ever prepare for such occasions and trust to the inspiration of the moment”

ALS signed “W. T. Sherman,” one page, lightly-lined both sides, 5 x 8, Headquarters Army of the United States letterhead, January 18, 1880. Letter to a gentleman. In part: “I have no copy of that West Point address to which you refer—and am not sure that any copy was kept at West Point. I will however send your letter to Gen’l Schofield…to send you a copy if in existence. I rarely ever prepare for such occasions and trust to the inspiration of the moment, and therefore trust to the newspapers to catch the substance.” In very good condition, with some irregular toning to the first page and an area of dampstaining to second integral page (affecting no writing or the signature); the signed page is crisp and clean. Writing as the commanding general of the US Army, Sherman is likely referring to his address given on June 15, 1869, to the graduating class at West Point. Sherman’s tendency to improvise speeches led to some particularly memorable quotes—just six months before writing this letter, he gave his famous ‘War is Hell’ speech at the Michigan Military Academy. A fascinating letter with excellent West Point association. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Rare Manuscript, Document & Autograph
  • Dates: #411 - Ended July 17, 2013





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $100.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.