John Pershing
Brest, France, February 1, 1919
John Pershing to Anne Wilson Patton in the Midst of Paris Peace Conference Re: League of Nations, the President, & Bolshevism
ALS

A lengthy letter from General John J. Pershing (1860-1948) to Anne Wilson Patton, sister of George S. Patton, during negotiations of the Paris Peace Conference dated February 1, 1919, Brest, France. Written on American Expeditionary Forces letterhead and affectionately signed "John" at the conclusion. Accompanied by its original transmittal envelope, featuring various philatelic markings and docketing. ALS, 3pp of a bifolium, measuring 6" x 7.5",The letter exhibits flattened folds, darkened soiling near edges, and minor tearing at bisected crease. Overall, near fine with fantastic content.

Within, Pershing writes of his presence at the Conference, and the uncertainty around the formation of a League of Nations. He then goes on to mention Bolshevism as a "real menace" that may require intervention.

In full:
"The peace conference requires my presence often and in the mean-while there are many other things to attend to. The President has made a splendid impression so far as can be gleaned and will probably put over his plans.
Just what kind of a League of nations will come out of this dis-cussion remains to be seen. Our duty we all hope for is in early return to the troops to their native land. Still we are ready for anything that may come except Bolshivicism [sic], that is a real menace it seems to me. What the beast is no one can readily define but it is at least dangerous.
There are many very good looking and very nice girls constantly coming over for the Y.M.C.A. 85 of them came to Brest today where I happened to be making an [illegible]. It would be so splendid if you could be induced to slip over quietly. It would give two persons much pleasure- George and myself.
I have just had [Jo] Davidson the American sculpture make a bust of me. At least he kept after me until I agreed, and it had turned out wonderfully well. I wish you could see it. I shall send you a photo of it. "

The Paris Peace Conference was a set of formal and informal diplomatic meetings between 1919 and 1920 after the end of World War I, in which the victorious Allied powers set the peace terms for the defeated Central powers. The losing nations were notably not given a voice in deliberations, which in turn gave rise of long-lasting political resentment which persisted throughout World War II and beyond. The two main products of the Conference were the creation of the League of Nations and the signing of five peace treaties, including the Treaty of Versailles. Pershing's uncertainty toward the League's formation aligned with other United States officials, who thought their involvement would subvert the power of Congress to declare war. Indeed, the U.S. would never become an official member.

Earlier in 1917, two years after the deaths of his wife Helen and three daughters in a house fire, Pershing courted Anne Wilson "Nita" Patton (1887-1971), the younger sister of his prot?g?, George S. Patton, father of Gen. Patton of WWII fame.. Pershing met her when she traveled to Fort Bliss to visit her brother, and he introduced them. Pershing and Nita soon began a relationship and became engaged, although this was eventually called off during their separation while Pershing was in France.

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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6" x 7.5"