Autograph Quotation Signed – John McA. Schofield, Medal of Honor Recipient

Description

Autograph Quotation Signed – John McA. Schofield, Medal of Honor Recipient
Offered for your consideration is a short quotation penned for an autograph collector by a long-serving Army officer and Medal of Honor recipient. The paper is headlined from “
THE AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION OF
/
HOWES NORRIS, JR.
” (printed in blue) and bears a manuscript statement which reads “
Self interest must be inseperably identified with the public interest in the mind of the man who would win the right to be called patriot.
”. This is boldly signed at the conclusion by “
J. M.
Schofield
” and dated “
Jan. 29, 1900
”. Whether the statement is a personal quote from Schofield or a statement that he was quoting is not known to the seller, though it is a thought provoking and interesting concept. No further printed or written material is present, except where a collector has identified the author of this piece in pencil on the second page (whether this is from Howes Norris, Jr. or another individual is not known to the seller). Apparently, Howes Norris, Jr. was a prolific collector, as a cursory Internet search uncovers numerous references to items from his collection. This interesting item would look great framed with a portrait of Schofield in uniform, especially if combined with an image of the Medal of Honor (there is apparently some question as to whether he actually deserved it or not). A great addition to any Civil War or Medal of Honor autograph collection.
John McAllister Schofield
was born in Gerry, New York on September 29, 1831, though he was taken by his father to Freeport, Illinois at the age of twelve. By the age of sixteen, Schofield was working as a surveyor in Wisconsin, and the following year he was teaching school there. He was appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York in 1849, graduating 7
th
in his class from that prestigious institution in 1853. In the years preceding the Civil War, Schofield served in Florida and as an instructor at his alma mater. In 1860 he was granted a leave of absence from the army to become professor of physics at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. During the early days of the Civil War, Schofield served as a mustering officer for the state of Missouri, was a major in the 1
st
Missouri Infantry (which he reorganized as artillery), and as chief of staff to General Nathanial Lyon at the battle of Wilson’s Creek (Lyon would be killed there and Schofield would be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions upon that field). He was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers on November 21, 1861, and given command of all of the Union militia of the state of Missouri. From October, 1862 through April, 1863, Schofield commanded the Army of the Frontier, operating in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas. He was promoted major general of volunteers on November 29, 1862, but his appointment went unconfirmed, expiring on March 4, 1863. However, two months later (May 12, 1863), he was again appointed, and this time duly confirmed. From May, 1863 through January, 1864, he was in command of the Department of the Missouri. During the campaign to capture Atlanta, Georgia, Schofield commanded the Army of the Ohio (XXIII Corps). Left behind when General Sherman began his “March to the Sea”, Schofield inflicted a bloody repulse to Confederate General John B. Hood’s army at Franklin, Tennessee, and again led the XXIII Corps during the destruction of the Southern army at Nashville. For his gallant services, Schofield was promoted to brigadier general in the Regular Army to rank from November 30, 1864, the date of the battle of Franklin. His command was transferred to North Carolina where they participated in the closing battles of the Civil War. He was brevetted major general in the Regular Army for his services, and subsequently was sent to France to negotiate the withdrawal of French soldiers from Mexico. He served as Secretary of War in 1868, but resigned soon after President Grant’s inauguration. He was advanced to the rank of major general soon after his resignation. From 1876 through 1881 he served as superintendent at West Point, after which he served at various military postings. He succeeded to the command of the army in 1888, and was promoted lieutenant general in February, 1895. He retired from the military in September of that same year. John McAllister Schofield died in St. Augustine, Florida on March 4, 1904 and was subsequently buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Medal of Honor Citation
:
Was conspicuously gallant in leading a regiment in a successful charge against the enemy.
·
It is interesting and unusual to note that Schofield initiated his own Medal of Honor while serving as the Acting Secretary of War in 1868, though it was not awarded until 1892.
The presently offered item exhibits signs of period use, as well as subsequent long-term storage (probably in an old autograph album). Toning is noted across the entire surface, imparting to the paper a beige to light tan hue. This toning is somewhat darker at the edges (probably from the oils on the hands of those who opened the pages throughout the years), especially on the blank last page (this appears to have been in contact with an album page, possibly containing chemicals detrimental to long-term paper preservation). The contrast, due to the amount of ink applied in the creation of this piece, is sharp and bold, though the handwriting leaves a little to be desired. Minor ink smearing can be seen at several locations, though this does not serious affect the overall eye-appeal or desirability of the piece. Two folds, one horizontal and one vertical, are present, both of which affect the integrity of the paper. As noted earlier, this piece was attached to an album page at one time, with remnants of three stamp hinges still present on the back. Measuring approximately 4⅜ x 6⅞ when closed and 6⅞ x 8⅞ when laid flat, this piece would wonderfully represent this long-serving and high-ranking military officer.
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A .00 charge will be added to any item picked up in person at our physical location.
If you have any questions regarding this item, please ask before purchasing.
Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA