1835 – A letter of regret written on an impressive Military Ball invitation Major General in the New York State Militia informs a subordinate that he and several other officers would not be able to attend a militia assembly in Watertown
Camden, New York: 1835. Envelope or Cover. This illustrated bi-fold Military Ball invitation was used by Major General Lyman Curtiss of Camden, New York, to send his regrets to Major Julius Tower of Watertown infoming him that neither he nor several other officers would be able to attend a local militia assembly. It measures approximately 10” x 8” unfolded. It bears a manuscript Camden postmark dated 31 December 1835 as well as a manuscript “10” rate mark. In nice shape.
The ball invitation features an impressive illustration of two cannons, the national colors, a unit flag and shield surmounted by a federal eagle. It states that
“The Managers respctfully solicit the Company of [blank] and Lady, at the Inn of J. & E. Potter, at Holland Patent, on the 8th of January next at 2 o’clock P. M. It is requested that all Military men appear in full uniform.”
17 Ball Managers, led by General Curtis, are listed by rank and name.
Curtiss’s letter of regret that he cannot attend the Watertown event, written on an internal page of an invitation to ball in Holland Patent, reads in part,
“Yours of the 26th Inst and one previous was duly recvd and truly appreciated – I should be extremely hapy to participate in your Assembly but I had previously engaged to attend at Holland Patent if I attend anywhere this winter. Doct Ransom is in Georgia this winter. My QtrMaster Mr Miner is not in the habit of attending Balls it is not likely any will attend from this place. . Very good. Item #010784
This is the earliest illustrated military ball invitation that we have seen.
At the time of listing, nothing similar is for sale in the trade. Rare Book Hub and ASBA show nothing similar has appeared at auction. OCLC shows two military ball invitations from the 1830s in institutional collections; neither are illustrated.
Price: $250.00