Lot 318

Bill Mitchell TLS on Publishing Diary Entries in "Liberty" Magazine

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Bill Mitchell TLS on Publishing Diary Entries in "Liberty" Magazine

Estimate: $300 - $400

Starting Bid: $100

(0 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

William Mitchell
Middleburg, VA, May 9, 1928
Bill Mitchell TLS on Publishing Diary Entries in "Liberty" Magazine
TLS

A typed letter from pioneering Air Force Officer William Mitchell (1879-1936), signed at conclusion as "Wm. Mitchell" in bold fountain pen. 1p on personal stationery, measuring 6.5" x 10.25", Middleburg, VA, May 9, 1928. Addressed to one Harry Thomson Wright of Long Island, he discusses a series of recent articles published in Liberty Magazine written in the form diary entries. Exhibits scattered foxing and uneven toning throughout. Minor ink smudging to tail end of signature. Otherwise, good condition.

In full:

"Thank you for your letter of May 3rd. I am glad you are enjoying the articles in Liberty. I think also that Captain Thomason's illustrations are very good. I shall probably publish the Diary in book form soon."

William "Billy" Mitchell was a United States Army officer who had a major role in the creation of the United States Air Force. Mitchell served in France during World War I and, by the conflict's end, commanded all American air combat units in that country. After the war, he was appointed deputy director of the Air Service and began advocating for increased investment in air power, believing that this would prove vital in future wars. He argued particularly for the ability of bombers to sink battleships, and organized a series of bombing runs to test his ideas.

Mitchell was known to antagonize Army administrative leaders with arguments and criticism, causing his eventual demotion to the rank of colonel in 1925. Later that year, he was court-martialed for insubordination after accusing Army and Navy leaders of treason for investing in battleships instead of bombers.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 6.5" x 10.25"
  • Medium: TLS

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