Lot 110
Bierce, Ambrose -- ALS Written in June 1913: "I meant the books to represent me, not at my best. but as I really am…" (1842-circa 1914) American journalist, short story writer, poet, literary critic, and Union Civil War veteran. He wrote in numerous genres and was known for his biting satire and social criticism. In December 1913, he traveled to Chihuahua, Mexico to observe the Mexican Revolution first hand. He was never seen again. Autogrqph letter signed, 4 pp, small 4to, Army and Navy Club, Washington, D.C. June 7, 1913. To Col. H. H. Sargent, a career army officer and author of books on military history and textbooks on military strategy whom Bierce greatly admired.
After explaining his delay in responding and the reason for his change of travel plans, Bierce writes, in part: "I'm glad if anything in the books has given you even a little pleasure. There is much that I put in, not because I particularly liked it myself, but because it had become well known, and was bound to be republished some day by somebody, probably imperfectly. Besides I meant the books to represent me, not at my best. but as I really am, with all my sins, inconsistencies, heedlessness, and other human qualities. I don't want to be anybody's 'good boy'." He asks Sargent's opinion of the new cavalry sword and its thurst, "…I've been in a good deal of cavalry fighting, and I don't believe that men can be taught to thrust instead of strike, nor that they could do much damage if they did. But I understand that 'the French do it.' I wonder why our military experts do not sometimes study what Americans do--or did in the days of Stuart, Sheridan, and Wilson…." Boldly and clearly penned and signed, with original, holograph envelope. Estimated Value $600 - UP
The W. R. Holman Collection, Pacific Grove, CA.
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