40 / 194
49
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(WEST POINT.) Leaf from an autograph album Signed by 18 of the 52West Point
cadets in the class of 1853, including John Bell Hood, Philip H. Sheridan, and George B.
Anderson. Signatures written on recto only, each inside a small printed box, the boxes
arranged to resemble scattered visiting cards. 10
1
/
2
x14
1
/
2
inches; faint scattered soiling.
[West Point], circa 1853
[350/500]
WITH
—
Three items: cover of an autograph album bearing gilt-lettered title: “Sketch Book,
Cadet J.S. Bowen” [Confederate General John Steveans Bowen, d. 1863] * Two sheets of
humorous drawings (one of a St. Louis militia unit, the other of a classical sextet in 1878),
possibly by General Bowen’s son, Menard Kennerly Bowen (1855-1899), who is named in
the militia list.The drawings are nice but of little historical importance.
50
●
WILKINSON, JAMES. Autograph
Letter Signed, “JaWilkinson,” as Senior
Officer of the United States Army, to
General Anthony Walton White (“My
Dear White”), remarking that certain
[mysteriously unspecified] inquiries were
successful, inviting him to send Mr. Bootes
supplied with regimental equipment, stat-
ing that his letters had been intercepted by
others looking for evidence of his political
inclinations, and in a postscript, criticizing
the French [against whom the U.S. would
soon begin the Quasi-War]. 1 page, folio;
remnants of prior mounting alone right
edge verso, moderate staining along left
edge touching text, folds. (MRS)
“Hd. Quarters” Pittsburgh, 2 May 1798
[500/750]
“
. . . I am surprised you have not heard of the
result of my Enquiries after the ___ [blank],
as they were compleatly successful & the result
has been long since reported to our friend
McPherson. . . . I have had many letters inter-
cepted, in search for my politics, so much the
better—yet I think it might be worthy
Enquiry, to know the fate of yours & Mr.
Bootes transmitted to theWar Office. . . .”
The postscript: “The french are at length unmasqued, & stand confessed a band of freebooters,
unequaled among civilized nations.The Conduct of our Envoys has been noble, that of our President
decisive.”