Scarce and intriguing handwritten draft letter attributed to Col. Robert Purdy, likely dating to the mid-19th century and discussing military retirement, political patronage, and public perception surrounding an unnamed officer’s request to leave active service. The writer references efforts to secure retirement “from the Army,” mentions “leave of absence,” and comments extensively on how the matter is viewed by “the country,” “Washington,” and the press. The letter reflects concerns over public criticism, military reputation, and accusations of political favoritism. Particularly notable are passages discussing “political influence” and fears that an officer would appear to have been “put down by that strange genius, political family.” The document appears to be an unsent draft or retained copy, written rapidly in dark ink on a single folded sheet with numerous revisions and strike-throughs. Signed at conclusion: “Most Respectfully … Col. Robt. Purdy” An evocative manuscript reflecting the intersection of military service, politics, and reputation in nineteenth-century America. Suitable for collectors of Civil War material, military manuscripts, and political correspondence. Condition: substantial wear, fold separations, edge losses, heavy strike-throughs and ink offsetting, but still largely decipherable. Manuscript remains fragile yet displayable.
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Mr The step here seemed to about so rank the Army necessary for my longer continuance — permit me to ask leave to retire from the Army. As a resignation takes no leave of an officer meritorious services to the Army no doubt with military men help, not to make such question had been obtained & who was naturally by the country has been left out, although accused suspicion to a majority “if the Cols remained but has been put down by that strange genius political ________________________________________ so prevalent at Washington upon the subject can an officer receive if by personal appearance & mingled emotions of irritation mortification & regret, to be applied & improve it with others. The loss of nearly of every high character, leave I only ask leave & permission to retire from an office of a gentleman I solicit esteem & respect that you will & believe family, more enjoys every possible happiness in the absent wife of Sir Most Respectfully your obt. svt. Col. Robt. Purdy May God bless
