"I HOPE SOME DAY TO GO TO EGYPT AND ALSO TO BABYLON FOR I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN FOND OF THOSE OLD PEOPLES THEY WERE SO SOLID AND SO THE REVERSE OF MODERN SUPERFICIALNESS"

PATTON, George S. Autograph letter signed. [West Point, New York, circa 1907]. One leaf of stationery, 11 by 7 inches, folded into four leaves, with writing in ink on all sides. $7000.

Autograph letter signed by Patton addressed to his future wife, Beatrice Ayer, while he was still a cadet at West Point.

Patton and Beatrice Banning Ayer met as teenagers on Santa Catalina Island off the coast of Southern California in 1902, when their families were vacationing. Ayer was the daughter of prominent Boston industrialist Frederick Ayer. During his years at West Point, Patton's friendship with Ayer deepened. After he asked Frederick Ayer's permission to marry his daughter, they announced their engagement in March 1910. They were married in Boston on May 26, 1910. The letter reads in part: . You must think that I don't take much interest in your mother's health not to have written sooner, but I do and hope she is much better. Please give her my love and tell her that I am very sorry indeed that she has been sick. It must have been pretty hard on you to act as nurse, but I am sure you made a good one. The book I was reading, or rather trying to read…is very interesting and I like it.

I hope some day to go to Egypt and also to Babylon for I have always been very fond of those old peoples they were so solid and so the reverse of modern superficialness.

Concerning Mrs. A, a policeman told me that one day when we were all at dinner, she and the Colonel met in the area and had it hot and heavy and that just as she was going away he said: 'Madam, I cannot strike a woman, but I wish you would ask your husband to say to me what you have said.' Beside this, there is a rumor that the War Department is going to investigate the case see if always says nothing but the truth. I am sort of sorry for her, for I think that she was born that way and we should not be too hard on her.

Tomorrow, the second class is going away, and as Mr. Gable [?] is again on guard, I shall act [as] sergeant major at drill, parade, and guard mounting I hope that I shall not be too stupid and do it properly. The only names I can think of for horse are those of generals such as Caesar and Pompey, but the only horse of sufficient sobriety to have such a name would be the 'Undertakers' horse so the names are quite out out of the question. I do remember at once being heard of two horses called 'Up and Go' but the names are not good either, so for that I must ask a little longer to consider the matter. Don't forget to give your mother my love. George Patton. Sunday 5."

With his emphasis on nerves in an upcoming role as a drill leader in his class, interest in ancient cultures, the need for discipline and personal honor as well as humor, this letter not only provides an intimate glimpse into Patton's thoughts and personal character but also serves as a valuable historical document showcasing the mindset of a future military giant in his formative years.

In excellent condition.