US Army New York First Field Artillery c1916 – Col. Merrit Smith RPPCs & Letters

A unique grouping here!

All were found together from one estate. I have not been able to identify the soldier whom had wrote the letters and drew the sketches, although I presume him to have been a part of the New York 1st Field Artillery unit, and worked under or worked along side of Col. Merrit Smith.

Col. Merrit Smith is pictured in each of the three real photo postcards on horseback, along with his staff and New York Mayor John Purroy Mitchel.

Accompanying the postcards are three letters / sketches.

The letter appears to be written to “Major Galiente” and signed by a “George Perrine” although I cannot make out the signature with 100% certainty. Mr. [Perrine] had also drew the two accompanying sketches, one of a satirical map sketch of White Plains, New York. The other of Col. Merritt Smith and General Haig.

Again, I have not positively identified the person whom wrote the letter and drew the sketches, but I presume him to have worked along side or under the leadership of Col. Merrit Smith. If you have any information on identifiying this artist, let me know!

Nonetheless, the postcards are one-of-a-kind! The 1st NY Field Artillery was first mustered into service on June 28th, 1916 and lasted no more than a year before reorganizing into the 104th Field Artillery Regiment, 27th Division on Oct. 1st, 1917.

Thus, the photos were captured between that time frame, although the letter is dated July 23rd, 1898.

There are pin holes in each postcard