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OLD c1885 ARMY TAILOR’S LETTER ABOUT WEST POINT CADETS
Interesting
old 2-page manuscript letter 5.5 x 8.5” about selling uniforms & goods to
the Cadets at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York. The front page has printed letterhead for
John G. Haas, ARMY AND NAVY TAILOR 43 East Orange Street, Lancaster,
Pennsylvania. Haas wrote this letter to
2nd Lieutenant Elisha Spencer Benton who was a recent graduate of
West Point (entered that institution in 1880). Lt. Benson was apparently
stationed with the Third Artillery at Newport Barracks, Kentucky. Haas
discusses a uniform order Benton has sent him and then writes about his many
orders from the West Point Cadets and details about how they are circumventing
recent regulations issued by the Superintendent of the Military Academy.
The
letter has rather severe damage down the entire right side and is somewhat
wrinkled at top & bottom (see scan).
There are two small holes along the left side where the letter was
probably once bound in a file with other letters.
Full
transcription of this letter follows:
Lancaster,
PA June 8, 188(5?)
Lieut.
E. S. Benson, 3rd Arty, Newport Barracks, KY
My
Dear Sir
I
am in receipt of yours of the 6th inst. For which please accept my
thanks. I will send them with as little
delay as possible. I am very busy this
spring. Had a(n?) elegant TRADE FROM
WEST POINT this year. Had orders from
all except 6 & have three of those (now?).
The Supt put to a great deal of trouble this year. All had to get permits for what goods were
to be DELIVERED AT WEST POINT, but the BOYS GOT AHEAD OF HIM. I must go to meet them at the Sturtevant
House next Saturday (June 13) where I will deliver the most of the goods. How is that, Ha, Ha.
Please
let me know whether I shall put straps on the blouse. I furnish an excellent quality, regulation size at 4 cts extra,
heavy bullion at ___ cts. I am sorry
you did not get to Washington. Such a
delightful post.
Very
truly yours,
J.
G. Haas
Elisha
S. Benton rose to the rank of Captain in the 3rd Artillery on 6 June
1900.
Price= $65.00
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