1007359
O. O. Howard
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Howard writes of his ”strong desire that our father above . . .
shall now & henceforth work in me & with me to do His good pleasure.”
Oliver Otis Howard, 1830–1909. Union Major General, American Civil War. Autographed Letter Signed, O. O. Howard, one page, 5¼" x 8", with integral leaf attached, on imprinted personal stationery, Burlington, Vermont, January 22, 1900.
This is a beautiful letter, boldly written and signed by General Howard. Responding to a student's request for a letter to be included in albums devoted to the handwriting of prominent men and women, he writes, in full: “My favorite thought is in a strong desire that our father above, who indeed is everywhere, shall now & henceforth work in me & with me to do His good pleasure. / The broader wish is that His will may be done here on the Earth as it is done in Heaven. This answers your hope & request does it not? / Sincerely your friend . . . “
Howard was known as the “Christian general" because he based his decisions on his deep religious piety. He thought of leaving the military to become a minister but remained in the Army once the Civil War started.
This letter comes from a large collection of letters, notes, and signatures assembled by a professor of penmanship at the State Normal School at Emporia, Kansas, now Emporia State University, who had his students write to high-profile men and women to request a handwritten letter expressing a reminiscence, a favorite sentiment, or a word of advice. It had never been offered on the autograph market before we sold it.
The letterhead bears Howard's name and rank, “Gen. O. O. Howard,” above the printed notation "U.S. Army, Retired.” Howard has written and signed the letter in crisp black fountain pen. The letter has two horizontal mailing folds, and there are mounting traces on the back of the integral leaf, but otherwise the letter is virtually pristine. It is in very fine condition.
Unframed.
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