Description:

Philippine-American War

Frederick Funston Signed 20th Kansas Infantry Promotion Document Dating Between Spanish-American and Philippine-American Wars

 

1p partly printed and partly handwritten document signed by Colonel Frederick Funston (1865-1917) as "Frederick Funston, Colonel 20th Kans. Inf. U.S.A. Commanding the Regiment" in lower right corner. Also signed by Charles B. Walker as "Chas. B. Walker, 1st Lieutenant 20th Kans. Inf. U.S.A. Adjutant of the Regiment" in lower left corner. In very good to near fine condition, with expected toning, isolated discolored spots, and minor wrinkles, measuring 15" x 10.25" unrolled. From the autograph collection of James Sigler.

 

The document, with its modest printed eagle seal at top, announced the promotion of Lorillard Wickham to Corporal of the 20th Kansas Infantry effective September 5, 1898. Signed at Camp Merriam in San Francisco on September 19, 1898, approximately 1 month after the United States and Spain ceased hostilities in the Spanish-American War, and about 1 month before the 20th Kansas Infantry continued onto the Philippines to engage in the imminent Philippine-American War.

 

Corporal Lorillard Wickham (circa 1877-1958) likely enlisted after the Kansas Governor's call for volunteers in late April 1898. Troops were mustered in Topeka in mid-May and dispatched to San Francisco-area training camps that summer. Before the 20th Kansas Infantry could fight against the Spanish, however, the war ended. Instead, the Regiment was sent to the Philippines to subdue their newly acquired Filipino subjects. Corporal Wickham was probably with Colonel Funston during the April 1899 seizure of Calumpit. About as many 20th Kansans died in battle as they did of disease, but Wickham survived. Regimental histories indicate he was mustered out of the service in late October 1899.

 

Frederick "Fighting Fred" Funston was a journalist, railroad man, and botanist before commanding the 20th Kansas Infantry at the onset of the Spanish-American War. His participation in major engagements of the Philippine-American War earned him the Medal of Honor. The most spectacular of these triumphs was the capture of Filipino rebel leader Emilio Aguinaldo (1869-1964) on March 23, 1901. Funston and other Americans had infiltrated Aguinaldo's encampment posing as prisoners of war held by native troops; he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General following this dramatic ploy.

 

Provenance: Autograph Collection of James Sigler

 

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

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

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!
Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. ***PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR SHIPMENT TO BE SENT TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN THE ONE YOU HAVE ON FILE WITH INVALUABLE, YOU WILL NEED TO INFORM US OF THIS AS SOON AS PAYMENT IS SUBMITTED FOR YOUR WINNINGS*** Shipping and handling costs are competitive as we maintain discounted contracts with FedEx. If you have any questions, contact University Archives prior to bidding. After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item. We currently ship via FedEx but if your purchase is shipping to a P.O. Box, we ship via USPS. All items are insured. We ship from our offices in Westport, CT. We may opt to use a third party shipper for very fragile, bulky or oversized items. Items requiring third party shipping will be denoted in the item description. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000