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Auction: 339 - The Numismatic Collector's Series Sale at NY INC, Grand Hyatt
Lot: 1281

West Point Graduation Drawing by Captain George Wilson, 1830. 26" interior. Well-done pencil drawing of lancer attacking transport cart, riflemen firing behind amid woodlands. George Wilson (1809-1880) was appointed to the Military Academy at West Point, July 1, 1825. He graduated July 1, 1830 and served as 2nd Lieutenant in Captain Smith's Co., 1st Infantry, of which Zachary Taylor was Colonel. He transferred to another company of which Jefferson Davis was First Lieutenant. He served through the Black Hawk War and was later appointed Register of Public Lands, becoming a great favorite with settlers. From 1851 on, he lived in Lexington, Missouri. It was a custom at West Point for each cadet to make a graduation drawing. Robert E. Lee, and Taylor Bledsoe (defender of the "Old South") were among the Class of 1825, explorer Merriweather Lewis Clark, Sr. would have also been among Wilson's classmates (Clark entered in 1826). 25 x 28" wood frame (a few minor scuffs), matted, typed description (by a descendant of George Wilson) at bottom. Tears at edge of drawing, repaired thin split and some edge nibbles. Interesting piece.

Estimate
$150 to $200