AMS, one lightly-lined page, 8 x 12, entitled ‘The Sargasso, Sea,’ signed on the reverse “Geo. S. Patton, March 6, 1899.” Composition written for a class assignment at age 13. In full, with original punctuation and spelling retained: “The Sargasso Sea is one of the unexplored mysteries of the world. Though discovered as soon as Norrth America no one has ever yet explained its unfathomable depths for the weed is so thick that niether steam nor sail can force its way to the center. It is thought by the way the currents run that it is a haven for delericts, and has been filling up with them ever since men first crossed the Atlantic, or in other words for the past four centuries. As many of the Spanish Galleons were loaded with gold it is thought it may be a perfect treasure house in the midst of the Atlantic, and also resting place for the unburied bones of many a sea hero, slain in battle or by the elements. There is quite a vivid description of the experiencies of a man who was left on a wreck which was supposed to be sinking but which floated into the middle of of the Sargasso, Sea but he afte many hard-ship succeded in forcing his way out, this is questionable.” Patton’s teacher has corrected his various errors in red ink. Central horizontal and vertical folds with some tape-repaired separation to each, a few tears to the right side, and a stray ink spot affecting one word in the center, otherwise very good condition. It is a surprisingly well-written essay for a young man who suffered from dyslexia—but we do see some evidence of it, particularly in the misspelling of “derelicts.” As an adult, Patton would joke, 'Any idiot can spell a word the same way time after time. But it calls for imagination and is much more distinguished to be able to spell it several different ways as I do.' An incredible manuscript revealing Patton’s mindset at an early age—even then he was thinking about valiant men, great adventure, and wartime heroics. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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