"THAT CURSED NAVY LICKED US YESTERDAY AT BASEBALL": ORIGINAL SIGNED AUTOGRAPH LETTER FROM GEORGE S. PATTON, JR. AT WEST POINT TO HIS BELOVED SISTER, ANNE, DISCUSSING ARMY'S CRUSHING BASEBALL LOSS TO NAVY AND PLANS FOR A FAMILY VISIT
PATTON, George S. Autograph letter signed. [West Point, New York], 1908. Single sheet of stationery, measuring 10 by 6-1/2 inches unfolded, pp. 2. $4000.
Interesting signed autograph letter written by George S. Patton at West Point to his sister, Anne, mentioning West Point's loss to the Navy in baseball, a bet on the game that cost thousands, and a potential family visit.
The letter, written entirely in Patton's hand to his sister on 1908 United States Military Academy (West Point) stationery, reads in full: "Dear Anne: That cursed Navy licked us yesterday in baseball and also got three thousand dollars some of which was mine and which we had bet on the game. This morning there was some mistake and no collection was taken up. So one of the cadets took occasion to say that we had lost so much to the Navy that even the silver plates were gone and it certainly looked as though we were busted and could not make any offering. When I got that far I was interrupted by a card from uncle Billy and spent the afternoon with them nearly walking them to death. It certainly is funny to see aunt Josie married. She said she saw Beatrice the other day. Were you also so fortunate? I supposed you will come up with ma and Nannie next Sunday but then all of you must keep away until after exams. Well I must stop now. Your loving brother. Geo. S. Patton, Jr." (punctuation added).
This letter is inscribed to Patton's sister, Anne "Nita" Wilson Patton, best known today for her failed engagement to John J. Pershing. Patton regularly corresponded with his sister. The letter begins with one of Patton's favorite topics—organized sports. Baseball was one of Patton's frequent preoccupations while at West Point. Here, Patton mentions "Beatrice," his future wife Beatrice Ayer, as well as his mother and Aunt Nannie, two of his closest relatives.
Very nearly fine condition.