Wesley Merritt Autograph Letter Signed

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004

MERRITT, Wesley (1834-1910) Merritt received his Brigadier General's star due to "gallant and meritorious service" during the Brandy Station and Upperville actions of the campaign through Pennsylvania. Being promoted from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General was a previously unheard-of "skip" in promotion. After the Civil War, Merritt served in the West as Lieutenant Colonel of the 9th US Cavalry, helping to put down several Indian uprisings. When war broke out with Spain, Merritt commanded the United States forces in the Philippine Islands, cooperating with Admiral Dewey in the US expedition to conquer Manila. He was the officer to accept the Spanish surrender. Merritt was the first Military Governor of the Philippines from July 25, 1898 until August 22, 1898, and then left for Paris to advise the United States Peace Commissioners. Autograph Letter Signed, “Wesley Merritt Major Genl. U.S. Army” 1p. octavo, January 6, 1899, Chicago, “No, I am not to return to the Philippines. I will shortly take command of the Dept. of the East...” Mounted, else Fine.

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