Lot #346

George S. Patton

Description

Patton remarks on a West Point lecture—"he came on four batteries of Russian artillery firing very rapidly and with nearly all their ammunition gone"

Early ALS signed “Geo. S. Patton, Jr.,” five pages on two sheets, 5 x 6.5, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York letterhead, no date. Letter to his Aunt Nannie, in part: "Last night we all went to a lecture…given by a war correspondent. The lecture was illustrated by a large number of pictures taken by speaker—many of these were very good but the lecture itself was exceedingly poor at the very beginning he carefully informed us that he always carried a pair of the most powerful glasses made and from the amount of knowledge he achieved he must have always stayed sufficiently in rear to test their power to the utmost for he apparently knew nothing of the fighting he gave however several illustrative insidents [sic] he said that once he came on four batteries of Russian artillery firing very rapidly and with nearly all their ammunition gone and that the colonel in command asked him if he could see or knew what he was shooting at for he himself had not the least idea. He was also at the battle of Syoyang and said that instead of the Japs crossing the river under a heavy fire and storming the banks that the battle took place three and a half miles beyond the river and that the Japs crossed the river entirely unopposed. While instead of hand to hand fighting the Russians did not see a Jap the whole day while the enemy's artillery which caused them the most loss was firing over two ranges of hills and was directed from a station six miles off to the left of the battle…think that my stand is vile and now it's even worse we had the general transfer in french today…I have gotten a considerable no of demerits alas so am feeling rotten which is only natural. I think I must be terribly stupid for I have studied pretty hard.” In fine condition.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
• Dates: #502 - Ended June 14, 2017

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