Description:

GEORGE S. PATTON
(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. Historic content T.L.S. "G S P Jr." with the added notation at bottom "Secret" underlined twice on War Department letterhead, 1p. 4to., Aug. 24, 1942 to Gen. GEOFFREY KEYES (1888-1967), Commanding General of the 3rd Armored and 9th Armored Division, Deputy Commander of the I Armored Corps under George Patton in North Africa, and later Commanding General of II Corps and 7th Army at war's end. Just slightly over two months before American troops would land in North Africa in Patton's first military command of the war, Patton asks Keyes to serve as his immediate deputy in a self-typed letter. In part: "...I am to command a task force for an overseas operation comprising initially some seventy thousand and subject to groath [sic]. At present it seems probable that it will be our chief effort for some time. Do you want to go along, If they let me have a second in command I would ask for you, otherwise I would get you shifted to the command of one of the armored divisions comprised in the expedition. I will do nothing until I hear from you and then can only do my best but believe I can manage it. Hence say nothing to anyone...You can wire me...". Interestingly, Patton sent the letter by regular first class mail, as envelope is included! Also present is Keyes' handwritten draft response (unsigned), 2pp. 4to., [n.p., n.d.]. In part: "...I appreciate your offer and am anxious to serve with you anywhere any time. It sounds too good to be true...This has the makings of one of the best divisions in the Armored Force...we have over 700 officers and 7,000 enl. men...I certainly congratulate you on your well merited and long delayed assignment...". Two pieces, fine.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas), DHL or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance 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 are not 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.

February 18, 2014 11:00 AM EST
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 22.5% 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 $3,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000