TYPED AND SIGNED LETTER – MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT DR. B. J. D. IRWIN, COLONEL AND ASSISTANT SURGEON GENERAL TO GENERAL SCHOFIELD – DISCUSSING MOHAIR BRAID FOR OFFICERS’ BLOUSES – CHICAGO, 1892

TYPED AND SIGNED LETTER – MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT DR. B. J. D. IRWIN, COLONEL AND ASSISTANT SURGEON GENERAL TO GENERAL SCHOFIELD – DISCUSSING MOHAIR BRAID FOR OFFICERS’ BLOUSES – CHICAGO, 1892

Hover to zoom

Image 1 Image 2

$135.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 2023-484

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

Typed Letter Signed – Medal of Honor Recipient Dr. B. J. D. Irwin, Colonel & Asst. Surgeon General, to Commanding General John M. Schofield – Mohair Braid for the Proposed Officers' Blouse – Chicago, May 17, 1892

This is a one-page typed letter signed by Bernard J. D. Irwin, the Army surgeon whose actions at Apache Pass, Arizona, in February 1861 are the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded. It is written on Headquarters, Department of the Missouri, Medical Director's Office stationery, dated at Chicago, Illinois, May 17, 1892. The letter is addressed to "General J. M. Schofield, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.," then Commanding General of the U.S. Army.

The letter concerns uniform development. Irwin encloses specimens of mohair braid "as designed for the proposed blouse for army officers." He explains that Nos. 1 and 2 are new, while No. 3 is a piece taken from a blouse worn constantly for "three years." He notes that it has lost little if any of its color or other good qualities despite years of exposure to the weather. He then makes a pointed request. Having seen the composition of the uniform Board, he suggests that, given his "connection with the subject" and his "careful and thorough study and examination" of the matter, his presence on the board "would tend to and secure a favorable result."

The letter is signed in ink "B. J. D. Irwin," above his typed title "Colonel & Asst. Surgeon General, U.S. Army."

This is a nice piece of uniform history. Black mohair braid became the defining trim of the Army officers' undress blouse adopted a few years later.

Irwin was an Army assistant surgeon in February 1861. At Apache Pass he led a small mounted force through hostile country to relieve men of the 7th Infantry under Lt. George Bascom, who were trapped by Cochise's Apaches. His Medal of Honor was not actually issued until 1894, so this letter predates the award.

The recipient adds to the interest. Schofield was a former Civil War army commander, then serving as Commanding General of the Army, and was himself a Medal of Honor recipient for Wilson's Creek.

The letter comes with a presentation sheet summarizing Irwin's Medal of Honor action.

CONDITION:

One horizontal fold with light, even toning. The paper is crisp and clean, with no tears or losses. The typescript is clear and the signature is bold and dark. The type shows through faintly on the reverse, which is otherwise blank.  Approximately 8 1/2" x 10", single sheet with one horizontal fold.

A great content letter between two Medal of Honor recipients on the subject of officers' uniforms.   [cm][ph:L]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!

Inquire »

Inquire About TYPED AND SIGNED LETTER – MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT DR. B. J. D. IRWIN, COLONEL AND ASSISTANT SURGEON GENERAL TO GENERAL SCHOFIELD – DISCUSSING MOHAIR BRAID FOR OFFICERS’ BLOUSES – CHICAGO, 1892

should be empty