Description:

GEORGE S. PATTON, JR.
(1885 - 1945) 'Old Blood and Guts' was one of the finest tank commanders in history, rolling his forces through Tunisia, Sicily, France and Germany until halted at the Rhine. Fine content, lengthy A.L.S. 3pp. 8vo., West Point, [n.d. but ca. 1904-1909], to his sister and confidante Anne Wilson 'Nita' Patton on West Point letterhead, in which the future general bemoans his romantic woes with his wife-to-be, Beatrice Ayer…and discusses one of his other true loves, fencing! In part: '…You are pretty darned worthless you might have by a little clever talk saved me months of hard work and getting picked out at the end I hope you will see the error of your ways and find out something definite as soon as possible. I just wrote a twelve page letter to B. but said very little nothing to the point. I spoke largely of Lucile and said how I was looking forward to seeing her. I wish to hell B would get married, for if I could only resist the temptation to spring into the river, I think I would be and I know she would be a lot better off, for I fear that she would not like the army. Damn it why did I ever go to Catalina on July 1 1902 and why did I see a little girl who I thought I did not like and why have I been in a hell of a fix ever since? Well last night I had lots of fun, the broad sword class that I organized fenced informally a bunch of professionals and senior professionals from the 'Turnvereins' in N.Y. (we fenced here). I licked the first one so bad he could not see and then tied with their two best men. I was quite tickled for both of the last two asked specially to fence with me. I went to the hop afterwards and nearly died of fatigue. It was strange to fence with a lot of old fat men a lot older than ones self. I certainly was glad to fence them for it may give broad sword a start and perhaps we can fence the Navy next year…' Fine. Patton would go on to marry Beatrice – and also participate as a fencer in the 1912 Olympic Games, representing the U.S. Army.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

November 13, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000