West Point Account Book and 6 documents relating to his Military Service

1865. Hardcover. Good. The West Point account book of William Gerhard, while a cadet, 1865-1869, and 6 documents relating to his military service. William Gerhard (1847-1914) of Philadelphia was the son of Benjamin Gerhard (1811-1864) and Anna Sergeant Gerhard (1815-1873). He married Sally Lyle Howell (1855-1879) and they had one child, Arthur Howell Gerhard (1877-1949). He was appointed a cadet on Sept. 8, 1864, and was at West Point from June 1865 through June 1869, when he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieut in the 9th United States Cavalry on June 15. He served in Texas from Oct. 1869 until he resigned on September 30, 1874, having been promoted to 1st Lieut on Nov. 19, 1873. Following his military service, he was a manufacturer of chains and anchors in Ardmore, Pa., and then a senior member of Empire Chain Works, Philadelphia, Pa. The account book is the original calf-bound book issued by West Point showing Gerhard's monthly expenses for items from the commisary and other expenses for the 4 years he was a cadet. With handwritten paper label on the front cover: "Cadet William Gerhard June 1865." The additional documents consist of: (1) a handwritten letter reporting "Gen. Meade took Willie Gerhard to see the President to ask for an appointment at West Point" and Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton subsequently making the appointment; (2) printed letter of appointment for Gerhard signed by Stanton and dated Sept. 8, 1864; (3) official appointment with blue seal, to take effect July 1, 1865, signed by Edwin M. Stanton and dated Feb. 22, 1866 [sic]; (4) Gerhard's appointment as Second Lieut. in the 9th Regiment of Cavalry, signed by Secretary of War John A. Rawlins and dated June 24, 1869; (5) a leave of absence for 3 months for Gerhard, signed by Adjutant General E. D. Townsend and dated June 23, 1869; and (6) Gerhard's promotion to 1st Lieut. of the 9th Regiment of Cavalry, signed by Secretary of War Wm. W. Belknap and dated Nov. 29, 1873. The handwritten letter is unsigned but attributed to James Cornell Biddle (1835-1898), which is consistent with the letter. The account book is in Good Condition: front board is detached but present; lacking leather from spine; pages are clean and tight. Documents are clean and solid; light folds, some of which are starting to separate.