#4199 • Military Archive-Teddy Roosevelt, MacArthur and Pershing Autographs

Part of Fine and Decorative Arts | March 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM (live auction by Alderfer Auction)

High bid $1,000.00

Status: Sold

Historic archive containing autographs of Theodore Roosevelt, General Douglas MacArthur, and General John Pershing. Archive related to William Alexander McCain (1878-1960) Career United States Army officer that graduated the United States Military Academy in the Class of 1902. McCain was a veteran of the Mexican Border War (1914-16), World War I, and World War II. McCain served in cavalry, infantry and various staff positions retiring as a brigadier general. He was awarded two Distinguished Service medals in his career and would command the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot from 1934 to 1942.He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. William Alexander McCain was the brother of U.S. Admiral John Sidney McCain who was Senator John McCain’s grandfather. Archive includes; 1.) United States military commission for William A. McCain as 2nd lieutenant in the United States Army from June 12, 1902. Printed document on vellum with manuscript fill-ins dated June 30, 1902 and measuring 19.5” x 15.75”. Commission signed by Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt Jr. (1858-1919) American politician that served as Governor of New York (1899-1900), Vice President of the United States (1901) and 26th President of the United States (1901-1909). Document also signed by Elihu Root (1845-1937) American lawyer and politician, who served as United States Secretary of War and United States Secretary of State. Document exhibits folds, toning and small chip/tear at right border. 2.) Autographed 1pp TLS dated June 16, 1936, New York, New York from John J. Pershing (1860 -1948) American army general, and commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. Letter on Pershing letterhead measuring 10.75” x 7.25” to Colonel W.A. McCain. Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot. Letter content regards Pershing being unable to attend an unveiling ceremony. Letter presents a strong signature and exhibits rust spot from paper clip at top border. 3.) Autographed 1pp TLS dated September 28, 1935, Washington, D.C., from Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) American military office and general who served as a top U.S. Army commander during World War II and the Korean War. Letter on War Department, Office of Chief of Staff letterhead measuring 10” x 8.5” to Colonel W.A. McCain. Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot. Letter content regards thank you from MacArthur to McCain for his kind letter of encouragement. Letter presents a strong signature and is accompanied by typed onionskin copy of letter from McCain to MacArthur regarding MacArthur’s service. 4.) Bachelor of Science diploma from the United States Military Academy for William Alexander McCain, Class of 1902 dated October 12, 1937. Certificate measures 10.75” x 14” and exhibits some wrinkles. 5.) Early 20th century chest-up portrait photograph of McCain in U.S. Army dress white uniform that displays collar insignia of the 15th United States cavalry. Photograph measures 11” x 6.75” that is housed in photographer’s folder. 6.) Letter (12pp) on War Department, Philadelphia Quartermaster Department letterhead (page 1 only) from William A. McCain to the Adjutant General of the Army. Letter dated May 10, 1935 details Lieutenant William A. McCain’s participation in pursuing Pancho Villa in Texas/Mexico in 1916. Letter sheets measure 10.5” x 8” and exhibit some toning. 7.) Letter/document (3pp) dated May 16, 1960 detailing William A. McCain’s military service from 1898 to his retirement. Sheets measure 10.5” x 8” and exhibit some toning. 8.) Typed copies (2) being 1pp each to Bernard M. Baruch dated January 23, 1939 regarding an invitation to speak. Sheets measure 10.5” x 8” and exhibit some tears. Bernard Mannes Baruch (1870-1965) American financier and statesman.