Search Results: Military from Main Street Fine Books & Manuscripts, ABAA

Supposedly the first officer killed in the Mexican-American War (the May 11th Battle of Palo Alto) was this U.S. Army artillery officer known as the "Father of Modern Artillery" for innovations such as a better saddle and the "flying artillery" -- lighter artillery pieces that can be moved from place to place. ALS, 1p lettersheet, 8" X 10", Ordnance Offices, New York, 12 December 1829. Addressed to Major Hoops. Very good. Handsomely, swiftly penned in rich brown ink, Ringgold here writes the military store keeper at Watervliet, New York, that "In October last I had the honour to transmit to you thro' the Quarter Master at this post by direction of the Ordc Department, together with invoices of the same certain ordnances and stores for which I have to beg you will furnish the usual receipts as the Quarter is nearly closed." After lengthy salutation and hurried signature, he adds rank of "Lt on ordc post / Com'g ordc dept." Integral address leaf also in his hand (and notes "'On public service'"). This… Read More

This British naval officer commanded the fireship HMS Blaze in 1856 when he captured Calcutta and in 1857 at capture of Hoogly in West Bengal; he was knighted in 1782 for his service in India, became rear admiral in 1787 and named commander-in-chief of The Downs in 1790, became a baronet and was named governor of Newfoundland in 1792, became vice-admiral in 1793 and became a member of Parliament -- among numerus other accomplishments. ALS, 2pp (recto and verso), 7½" X 9¼", Albemarle, England, 1796 June 22. Addressed to "My Lord Duke." Very good. Minor mounting traces on verso of blank integral address leaf. Presumably on behalf of a constituent from his district, King "beg[s] leave to become a Solicitor to your Grace, in behalf of a Person who was formerly clerk in the ordnance at upnor Castle, which situation he left on account of ill Health, and being now in indigent Circumstances, humble implores the benefit of the Charter-House. He has many Years been a regular Voter in favour of Government at… Read More

This celebrated English naval officer joined as a volunteer in 1672 and retired as Admiral of the Fleet in 1705, distinguishing himself with many commands in wars ranging from the Third Anglo-Dutch War in the 1670s to the War of the Spanish Succession in the early 18th century; he is often remembered for destroying the Spanish treasure fleet in the Battle of Vigo Bay in 1702 and for commanding the naval forces that captured Gibraltar in 1704. ALS, 2pp (lettersheet), 5 3/4" X 7", Canterbury, England, n.y. September 29. Addressed to "D[ea]r Madm." Near fine. Faintly age toned. Flowery words of condolence presumably to a daughter of a deceased friend, reading: "As I can never forget the obligations I hv to the Dutchess of Roxborough nor think off her without the uttmost concern so give me Leave to condole with you in the sincerest manner for the Loss off her, that was not only Valluable to her owne family butt to every one that knew her, and though her Death was what we had all reason to feare yett I… Read More

The French government awarded this young American Red Cross ambulance driver the Croix de Guerre for his exceptional courage in World War One during the Second Battle of Chemin des Dames on 29 July 1917; he went on to serve as assistant general counsel to the National Labor Relations Board and as law professor at the University of Wisconsin. ANS, buff heavy stock 5½" X 3¼" preprinted "penny postcard, Washington, DC, 25 August 1934. Addressed to Arnold F. Gates (1914-93, noted Lincoln/Civil War scholar). Near fine. What question prompted the then-labor union figure to pen "Yes, if you won't call me professor" and sign boldly in full is unknown, but intriguing. He also notes "National Labor Relations Board / 25 August 1934" at upper right.

This British admiral served as aide-de-camp to King George V (1911-12) and retired as a vice admiral in 1918. ALS, 1p, 6½" X 8¼", La Croix, France, 25 October 1928. Addressed to "Sir" (noted American autograph collector Reverend Cornelius Greenway). Near fine. Writing from "Villa Torriano," the Italian-style the admiral had built the previous year near St. Tropez, Napier commends his correspondent for "your World War Memorial Building, & your effort to collect photographs of distinguished officers of the allied forces," but feels that "as I held no important command afloat during the war, my photograph would be out of place in such distinguished company...." Attractively penned in blue ink.

Hailed as one of the heroes of the pivotal Battle of Jutland in 1916, this Royal Navy officer fought heroically there and was awarded the DSO (Distinguished Service Order) -- and later was awarded a second DSO for his role in quelling Turkish shore batteries at Salif; by 1931 he had risen to the rank of rear admiral, then chucked it all to enter the clergy for the Church of England and serve a poor parish in London. ALS, 2pp (single leaf), 5" X 8", London, England, 16 September n.y. Addressed to "Dear Sir" (noted American autograph collector Reverend Cornelius Greenway). Near fine. On letterhead of "The Red Ensign Club," Woods cordially denies a photo request because "I was never an Admiral at sea, and I am certainly not qualified to appear alongside those you mention. I congratulate you on your Collection and your war record and hope your wounds do not trouble you too much...." Attractively penned, with brief penciled note from Greenway at the conclusion.

This distinguished, highly-decorated British India Army officer took part in many engagement during World War One; he was promoted to lieutenant general in 1917, and a full general in 1920, as well as becoming Chief of the General Staff in India and also aide-de-camp to King George V; in 1926 he was promoted to field marshal. ALS, 1p, 5½" X 7¼", London, England, 26 September 1931. Addressed to "My dear Sir." Near fine. Single tiny edge chip at lower left. On imprinted stationery, Sir Claud thanks an admirer for his letter and cordially agrees to send a signed photograph (not present. Boldly penned in thick black ink, with rank "Field Marshal" added below his full signature. A sharp example. Pencilled notes at lower left of letter and on verso of noted American autograph collector Reverend Cornelius Greenway.

This lieutenant general with the British Army was named General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command in 1914 and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Command in 1916. ALS, 2pp (single leaf), 5¼" X 7", London, England, 7 October 1930. Addressed to Reverend Cornelius Greenway. Fine. On black-bordered mourning stationery, Sir William tells this noted American autograph collector "I am much honoured by your letter asking me for my photograph.... When I was Commander-in-Chief of the Western Command I had the great pleasure of meeting General Pershing officially on his arrival in England and have some charming photographs of the event...." Handsomely penned in black ink. At the bottom of the closing leaf Greenway pencils a couple of lines in his distinctive script.

This major general of the French Revolution began as a dragoon in the King's Regiment in 1772 and by 1792 had risen through the ranks to become captain commanding the Quatre-Nations Company of Hunter Carabineers; in 1793 he was promoted to brevet major general in command of the 16th military division in Saint-Omer, though dismissed and then reinstated; by 1795 he commanded the districts of Alencon, Bellasme Mamers and La Ferte-Bernard. ADS, 1p, 7" X 9¼", apparently Nogent Le Actron, France in spring 1795. Near fine. This certificate appears to name one Lieutenant Deplessis of the 6th Regiment of Chasseurs a Cheval as brigade commander for the districts of La Ferte-Bernard, Bellasme Mamers and Nogent Le Actron. Dated "Le 10 Pluvoise an 4. dela Republique" -- the French Republican Calendar began in 1792 (until 1805), that being Year I and "pluviose" being the fifth month, a confusing situation open to minor interpretation that would date this document to May 10, 1795. Handsomely, boldly penned and with… Read More

This U.S. Army general commanded the VII Corps Artillery (1944-45), the 82nd Airborne Division (1950), the 2nd Armored Division (1951) and the X Corps (1952); he served as vice chief of staff for the U.S. Army in 1955, deputy commander in chief of Europe in 1957 and director of military assistance for the Defense Department in 1960. Partly-printed ADS, 1p, 7 3/4" X 2 3/4", Washington, DC, 1921 February 9. Very good. Check made out to Geraldine Birkheimer for $40, drawn on the Riggs National Bank, whose engraved image appears at left. Usual cancellation perforations, not affecting signature.

Perhaps a War of 1812 veteran... perhaps an attorney... perhaps a bureaucrat -- perhaps all of the above! ALS, 2pp, 8" X 10", Rutland, VT, 1818 May 16. Addressed to Robert Brent, Pay Master General of the U.S. Army. Very good. Mild age toning. Good content appeal on behalf of the wife of a War of 1812 substitute soldier who died in battle. Reads in part: "There are in this vicinity two or three instances where persons served in the detached militia from this state in 1812 as substitutes, whose names do not appear on the roll, they having answered to the names of those who were drafted. These persons died in the service leaving widows... the widows claims for 5 years half pay is admissable as making proof of their services.... permit me to remark in their behalf... it would be extremely unjust to exclude a claim merely because the officer should improperly suffer the name of the drafted man to remain upon the roll...." Very interesting discussion of the dilemma of widows of substitute soldiers.

This British general's long and illustrious career began in 1805 when he joined the Scots Fusilier Guards; he served in the Pensular War (Spanish War of Independence) 1808-14. ANS (third person), 1p, trimmed 4½" X 6½", 4 Devonshire Place [London], n.y. Very good. On black-bordered mourning stationery featuring the embossed Scots Fusilier Guards emblem at top center -- oddly trimmed, with upper left and upper right corners trimmed at an angle so that the note "peaks" above the emblem. Boldly penned third person note: "General Sir John Aitchison request his name may be put on the list of H. Royal Highness the General Commanding in chief for his Service the 15th Instant." Intriguing and worth further research.

American army general who served as a commander of the famed 9th Cavalry Regiment, black soldiers known as "The Buffalo Soldiers"; as an Indian fighter, Hutcheson participated with the 9th Cavalry in actions against the Oklahoma Indians, the South Dakota Sioux and the Bannock Indians; co-authored a history of the regiment. Partly-printed ADS, 1p, 7½" X 3", Washington, D.C., 1919 July 30. Very good. Handsome check drawn on The Riggs National Bank, with a bank vignette at left, made out in Hutcheson's hand to "Camp Quartermaster Laundry" for $9.88 and boldly signed. Usual cancellation perforations, not affecting text. Uncommon.

This most renowned of British naval heroes is almost as famous for his scandalous open affair with one of the most famous and beautiful women in England, the married Emma Hamilton, despite having lost most of his teeth, the use of his right eye and his right arm in various military successes; his nautical victories against the French made him Napoleon's nemesis; killed aboard his ship "Victory" in the battle of Trafalgar. ALS, 1p, 7" X 8¼", Burnham, 1793 February 2. Addressed to "Gentlemen." Near fine. A boldly penned and handsome example of Nelson's scarce right-handed penmanship, four years prior to losing his right arm in a July 1797 battle and having to learn to write left handed. Rather cryptic financial content, reading in full: "I am glad to hear You did not bring our trust money into the Lands as they had risen so very much. I shall be in Town on tuesday Evening & shall probably see Mr. Creed on Wednesday, therefore please to let the money Remain in your hands 'till you hear farther from my… Read More

This U.S. Army general led the American Division in the Pacific during World War Two and later served as Korean War commander. ALS, 1p, 7¼" X 10½", Fort Bragg, NC, 1949 November 2. Addressed to Mary B. Day. Near fine. Staple holes at upper left, not affecting text. Chatty personal note on letterhead of Headquarters V Corps. "Lydia will join me here soon and we will settle to normal living again. Mother is much better now...." With original envelope, addressed in Hodge's hand and also signed. Uncommon. Accompanied by a superb original 1949 black-and-white glossy news agency photograph (International News Photo), 8½" X 6½". Original newsprint mimeographed text sheet still present and tipped to verso (as issued). Titled "Says Reds Arm Koreans and Flout Pact," this text begins: "Called back to the United States for an over-all review of the Korean situation, Lt. General John R. Hodge, U.S. Commander in Korea, is shown (right) with Secretary of War Robert Patterson as he went to report to President… Read More

This Rhode Islander came from a line of military officers -- including his brother John Jay (1815-95), noted naval officer. ALS, 2pp (recto and verso), 7" X 8", New London, CT, 1858 December 3. Addressed to "Doct. Duffield" (D. Bethune Duffield, 1821-91, well known scholar and poet). Good plus. Binding traces along left margin; chip at lower left corner, not affecting text; some fold separations archivally mended on verso side. Overall clean, quite legible and not unattractive despite condition. On September 10, 1858, the 45th anniversary of the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie (fought largely by Rhode Islanders on the American side) was commemorated, with many celebrations taking place in Detroit. Here Almy writes to one of the participants in these ceremonies: "We had the great pleasure in September last of reading in the New York Times many extracts from your very grand & elegant Poem delivered in that month on the ever memorable anniversary of Perry's gallant achievement on Lake Erie." Almy asks for a… Read More

This Union officer, a brevet general awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, is credited with inventing dynamite circa 1866 independently from Alfred Nobel; he invented other explosive manufacturing processes as well, and from 1868 to 1903 operated an explosives plant in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Handsome ALS, 1p, 5½" X 9", Oliver's Mills, PA, 1903 June 10. Addressed to Captain Isaac P. Gregg, who was in charge of gathering appropriate noteworthies for the dedication of an equestrian statue of General Joseph Hooker. Very good. Slight age toning. On black-bordered mourning stationery, Oliver thanks Gregg "that I shall be so generously provided for... at the Brunswick Hotel. I cannot say what train I will come on, but I will find my way to the Hotel in the afternoon or evening without difficulty...." A dyn-o-mite example!

This American naval officer was among those killed in the explosion of the Kearsarge on April 13, 1906, at Guantanamo, Cuba. Partly-printed ADS, 1p, 7½" X 3", Washington, DC, 1903 October 19. Near fine. Usual cancellation perforations, slightly affecting text. Check drawn on The Riggs National Bank, made out in Hudgins' hand to "Army and Navy Club" in the amount of $10 and boldly signed. Bank vignette at left.

After distinguished World War One service, this U.S. Army general served as Chief of the War Plans Division of the War Department (1927-31), then in 1932 was named head of the Army War College; served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the War Department (1935-36) and commander of the Fourth Army and IX Corps (1936-38). ANS, 1p, 7" X 9 3/4", Washington, DC, 1934 February 20. Addressed to Mr. Thuringer. Very good. Single water spot over several letters, though no blurring; else fine, clean and attractive. Gracious reply to an autograph request, penned large and bold and signed in full on "The Army War College" letterhead.

British airship commander, the first to use a British airship on patrol in World War One and the first to make a transatlantic airship flight in 1919. ALS, 2pp (single leaf), 4½" X 7½", Cardington, England, 1930 February 25. Addressed to the librarian of Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry. Near fine. Single original mailing fold. Blind-embossed crest. Boldly penned in blue fountain pen from the "Royal Airship Works," Scott transmits "the 'Royal Aeronautical Society' Journal, of November 1929 [not present], which include a copy of the lecture I gave before the Society, on the subject of 'Handling & Mooring of Airships'...." Handsomely signed in full. Scott was killed eight months later in the spectacular crash of the airship R 101 in northern France -- which signaled the end of Britain's interest in dirigibles. Extremely scarce in this form, especially with dirigible content.