Description:

Douglas MacArthur
West Point, NY, November 15, 1921
MacArthur's Fiancé Blackmailed by "Black Jack" Pershing, 11 Page ALS
ALS
A lengthy autograph letter signed by Douglas MacArthur to his soon-to-be fiancé regarding jealous advances of General John "Black Jack" Pershing. 11pp, measuring 5.25" x 8.25" (each) and mounted with protective plastic to the overall size of 45.75" x 25.5", West Point, dated November 15, 1921. Signed "Douglas" as Superintendent, U.S. Military Academy, and addressed to Mrs. Louise Cromwell Brooks. Written on U.S. Military Academy stationery, accompanied by the original postmarked envelope in MacArthur's hand. A fascinating letter written two months before the official announcement of their engagement, in which MacArthur advises his fiancé on how to cope with unwanted advances and threats of blackmail by Pershing. He also begins the letter with poetic meditations on his new engagement ring. With flattened mail folds and scattered spots of foxing. A few areas of ink smudges. Boldly signed by MacArthur. Expected wear and soiling to the envelope.

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Reading in part:
"Lovely Lady, As I write my hand with its rings fascinates me...I have watched it as it fought for me on many a bloody field...I have felt it drive the steel home, - and I have grinned at its cool readiness and skill as a killer...But today its sight thrills me...it seems to point no longer pistol or dirk but towards the immortal road to Paradise, its flash sweeps like a flush through my veins, and I laugh with the Gods in rapturous glee at the wonder forging of those brilliant circlets that bind us together…"

In regard to Pershing, he writes:
"I am sorry the C.I.C. is worrying you. Sorry he is such a bully - such a blackguard as to try and blackmail you. His actions make me feel ashamed of the Army...Above all things I hate cowardice in a man, and this is such a painful evidence of just that...He is trying to break your spirit. Don't let him...Ignore him, do not let him come to your house, do not let him telephone you, do not dance with him, do not let him speak to you except when unavoidable. Such treatment will kill him. See the Secretary of War [John W. Weeks] yourself and tell him the entire story. Omit no detail. He will be shocked beyond words...The C.I.C. misrepresents to you when he criticizes my regime. It is universally regarded as successful. He has said so himself on numerous occasions. He is taking the other line only after knowing of our engagement…Maintain an inflexible poise, an invincible composure, and trust our destiny. The situation worries me not in the slightest except as it may affect you. With you beside me I am above the shafts of Fate and feel that I am at the top of the world. Love me, laugh at his vulgar villainy, and all will be well…"

Louise Cromwell (1890-1965) was an American socialite and was "considered one of Washington's most beautiful and attractive young women". She met MacArthur in late 1921, having been recently divorced and already the mother of two young children. Pershing clearly was a rival of MacArthur's for the affections of Louise, his biographer mentions: "an unfortunate public episode - not a private one - connecting Pershing to Louise Cromwell Brooks, MacArthur's first wife. Pershing knew and liked her immensely, and she him...One rumor had it that Pershing sent MacArthur to the Philippines in a kind of banishment as soon as he married Louise." (F.E. Vandiver, Black Jack: The Life and Times of John J. Pershing, p.1091) MacArthur and Brooks announced their engagement in January 1922 and were married that Valentines Day. The couple, however, proved to be ill-suited and ended in divorce seven years later.

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: 45.75" x 25.5"
  • Medium: ALS

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