Beschreibung:

ROOSEVELT, Theodore. Autograph endorsement signed ("Theodore Roosevelt Col 1 s t US V Cavalry], Camp Wickoff, 2 September 1898. 16 words plus signature written on the verso of a partially printed document signed by Alexander O. Brodie ( Lieutenant Colonel of the Rough Riders ), a military discharge for Trooper Campbell Babcock of Troop K of the Rough Riders. 1½ pages, 4to (11 x 8½ in.), engraving at top of an eagle with wings spread, accomplished in manuscript, some browning and very minor soiling. DISBANDING THE ROUGH RIDERS: ROOSEVELT PRAISES A TROOPER FOR PERFORMING HIS DUTY WITH "MARKED GALLANTRY" On June 22, 1898, the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry disembarked from a transport and landed upon the beaches of Daiquiri in Cuba. Within two days, active operations against Spanish positions began with a campaign directed against the stronghold at Santiago. The Rough Riders played a key role in the capture of the city as Roosevelt led his cavalry in a gallant charge up San Juan Hill on July 2. Roosevelt was extremely proud of his men and his own role as the regiment's commander: "for ten great days I commanded the regiment and led it victoriously in a hard fought battle. I never expected to come through! I am as strong as a bull moose" (Miller, Theodore Roosevelt: A Life , p. 305). In the Fall, with the war over, the Rough Riders began to demobilize. Here, Campbell Babcock of Troop K, a 5½ foot tall former rancher with blue eyes and dark hair, who participated in battles at "Las Guasimas, San Juan Hill," and "Engagements & skirmishes before Santiago" during the "First expedition to Cuba," is commended by his commander Woodbury Kane: "Service honorable & trustworthy. Was attached to Rapid Fire Gun Detachment & saw severe service...Attached to the Regimental Hospital after fall of Santiago." Roosevelt endorses the document with further praise for Babcock: "Behaved with marked gallantry in action on two or three occasions while under my personal observation." The regiment officially disbanded on September 15. When the men presented Roosevelt with a Remington statue as a parting gift, Roosevelt responded with great emotion: "I am proud of this regiment beyond measure...It is primarily an American regiment, and it is American because it is composed of all the races which have made America their country" (Miller, p. 312). According to ABPC, this is the only Rough Rider discharge with a Roosevelt endorsement to come to auction in the last 30 years. Provenance : Christie's, 20 May 1994, lot 80.