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Historic "Confidential" letter from Secretary of War William Belknap to the Colonel Thomas Ruger, offering the Superintendency of the U. S. Military Academy at West Point on March 27th, 1871!
This two page letter is written completely in Belknap's own hand, and addressed to Ruger, then in Atlanta, Georgia.

Should the Superintendency of the Military Academy be offered to you, would you accept?
I put the question squarley and candidly, and request an answer of the same character, as soon as you can give it.
Pardon me for saying that I do not promise the position, but hope that your answer may be favorable.

Awaiting an early reply
I am
Yours Very Truly
Wm. W. Belknap
Sec'y of War

Please address your reply directly to me & mark the envelope "Private"

This really belongs at West Point, the Superintendency is the most important position there, and here is the actual letter from Belknap to Ruger! Incredible piece of Army history here!

In superb condition, with wear as shown in the scan.

$750.00 plus shipping