Description:

An historic content set of three letters and documents which led to Douglas MacArthur obtaining his first command of a division, the 42nd "Rainbow" Division, with which he had fought throughout World War I. These pieces, comprising two letters and one document, were prepared by MacArthur's superior and prior commander of the 42nd, Major Gen. CHARLES T. MENOHER (1862-1930). The first letter, 1p. 4to., was sent from "Headquarters, 42nd Division" on Nov. 1, 1918 to commander of the A.E.F., Gen. JOHN J. PERSHING. He writes, in part: "...I am enclosing herewith copy of note written by me yesterday to General Liggett on behalf of General MacArthur [included]...I desire to make a personal appeal to you for the assignment of General MacArthur to the command of this division and for the reasons set forth...to General Liggett...There is also enclosed copy of letter...which letter gives more in detail the services of General MacArthur, which I know have earned for him the love and extravagant admiration of every officer and man in the division..." He adds in a holograph postscript to Pershing: "Many thanks for the honor and implied compliment conferred in assigning me to command of a corps" and signs a second time. The second item is 4pp. 4to., Oct. 30, 1918, was again signed by Menoher and sent to Pershing as Menoher's cover letter indicated. In it, he details MacArthur's accomplishments in battle. It commences with a description of the general's talents in logistics and communications, his role in the pursuit of the German forces at the Second Battle of the Marne, penetration of the Bois de la Sonnard at St. Mihiel, command of the 84th Brigade at Verdun, and much more, recommending that MacArthur be promoted to major general. The last signed letter, 1p. 4to., was sent by Menoher to Gen. HUNTER LIGGETT commanding 1st Army, from Headquarters, Oct. 31, 1918. He again urges that MacArthur be appointed to replace him as commander of the 42nd Division, adding: "...Every man in the division practically worships General MacArthur..." and notes that a failure to promote him would imply that MacArthur had failed in his duties in some manner. There is much more content in this historic grouping which could only have originated from the files of Pershing himself. These documents are mentioned in MacArthur's memoirs, particularly the Oct. 30 four-page recapitulation of his service in the war. He quotes the document and notes that Menoher sent his mother a copy: "She cherished it to the day of her death!" There is a small bit of foxing, edge wear and tear, and the signatures have been circled, otherwise very good condition.

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November 13, 2018 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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