"BEATRICE IS GOING TO BE OPERATED ON FOR APPENDICITIS… I TELEGRAPHED AND WROTE A LARGE LETTER OF SYMPATHY AND GOT A LETTER SAYING THAT ALL MY ANXIETY WAS WASTED": AMUSING SIGNED AUTOGRAPH LETTER FROM GEORGE S. PATTON AT WEST POINT TO HIS FATHER, DISCUSSING HIS CONCERN OVER HIS FUTURE WIFE'S APPENDICITIS OPERATION AND A FOOD FIGHT
PATTON, George S. Autograph letter signed. West Point, New York, 1909. Single sheet of stationery, measuring 10-1/2 by 6-3/4 inches unfolded, pp. 3. $3500.
Wonderful signed autograph letter from George S. Patton at West Point to his father, mainly concerning his future wife's appendicitis operation and a food fight in the school cafeteria.
The autograph letter, written entirely by Patton on "West Point. New York." stationery, reads in full: "Dear Papa, Beatrice is going to be operated on for apendicitis [sic] on Tuesday 28th so I am quite worried. First she thought it would happen last Tuesday and I got a letter Wednesday saying that it had happened so at once I telegraphed and wrote a large letter of sympathy and got a letter saying that all my anxiety was wasted. My I felt foolish but I supposed I did the right thing. I had a slight cold Monday and am going to the hospital to get a spray. The Col. took me in and I slept and read for a day and a half. I guess that that dance I got with Miss Gandry the night you were here caused it for I was perfectly well. I am dining with Mrs. Simonds today and will have to make pretty close connections as I have to go to riding at 2 p.m. and she dines at 1. Still it was too near Feb 14 to refuse. Last night Hughes and Forman were both away and a first classman —- happened to be at the staff table so everyone in case thought it a fine time to bombard. The table of grills and potatoes just blackened the air and burst all over the table. They were not throwing at me but some of the roasting fragments scattered over me a little. It appeared rather childish for men who will be officers in two weeks. Though there is a little snow on the ground it is very mild and an overcoat is scarcely necessary. I did a little better in my studies last week. I am feeling very well. With lots of love your devoted son. Geo S Patton Jr" (punctuation added).
This letter was written to Patton's father, with whom he frequently corresponded. George S. Patton, Sr., a graduate of VMI, was a prominent attorney as well as the first mayor of the newly incorporated city of San Marino, California. In this letter, Patton's concern for moral rectitude is clearly on display. The "Beatrice" suffering from appendicitis was "Beatrice Ayer," the woman Patton would later marry.
About-fine condition.