The First Floridian Cadet at West Point, S.V. Benét 1877 ALS

ALS, 2pp front and back, measuring 5.5" x 9.25", dated April 23, 1877, Washington City. A letter from Stephen Vincent Benét, the first Floridian cadet to enter West Point, to the widow of Army General James Allen Hardie (1823-1876), who himself had graduated from the academy two years before the latter. Within, Benét praises Hardie for being a gentleman and model soldier following his death in 1876 while on active duty. Boldly signed as "S.V. Benét/ Brig. Genl. Chief of Ordinance" at conclusion. Exhibits expected letter folds, surface toning, and sight creasing throughout; dealer's notes present on recto and verso. Else, very good with wonderful West Point content.

In full:
"I owe you an apology for not having sooner acknowledged the receipt of copy of the excellent memorial of your lamented Husband. My first recollection of him dates back to 1845, when I was a plebe at West Point, & he was my Instructor; & the impression he then made upon me was more than confirmed in after-years; for which I then, as a boy, respected him for his kind & gentlemanly consideration, & for marked literary ability & acquirement, his after service proved the possession of all the higher virtues that characterize the Christian gentleman & accomplished soldier. I am sure that the Army at large will receive with pride & gratification, the publication of so richly deserved tribute to his memory, & the younger officers will find, in this record of his career, a life worthy of study & imitation."

In June of 1845, Stephen Vincent Benét (1827-1895) would become the first cadet ever admitted to West Point from his home state of Florida, which had officially earned statehood just three months previous. After graduating third in his class of 1849, Benét would serve at various arsenals across the country while simultaneously teaching geography, history, and law back at the Military Academy. By 1874, he had been promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and was appointed 8th Chief of Ordinance, whereupon he oversaw the establishment of the Sandy Hook Proving Ground in New Jersey. During this time, Benét is generally credited with having pioneered the study and improvement of various aspects of field artillery, including high angle fire weapons and modified uniform construction.

James Allen Hardie graduated from West Point in 1843, going on to serve during the Mexican-American War as a major in San Francisco. By the time the Civil War began in 1861, Hardie had joined the staff of George B. McClellan after being promoted to lieutenant colonel, where he was trusted with delivering attack orders to major generals William B. Franklin and George Meade. He was later nominated by President Abraham Lincoln to the rank of brevet brigadier general on March 3, 1865, an appointment the Senate confirmed shortly after.

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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