Autograph – Field Marshal Eberhard Herwarth von Bittenfeld (1796–1884) – handwritten, signed letter of thanks to his nephew, 1876

Autograph – Field Marshal Eberhard Herwarth von Bittenfeld (1796–1884) – handwritten, signed letter of thanks to his nephew, 1876.
Double-sided sheet of paper (14.5 x 21.5 cm) featuring an embossed coat of arms; the letter is written in black ink on both sides and dated "Bonn, September 6, 1876," addressed to his nephew, Werner. It is a handwritten letter of thanks for birthday wishes received on his 80th birthday, concluding with the lines: "I hope to see you again in good health in Berlin, likely this autumn, and to be able to express my affection to you in person—your loving uncle, Eberhard Herwarth." Below this, the title "General Field Marshal" has been added in blue ink. Folded twice; slightly stained. Eberhard Herwarth von Bittenfeld began his military career in 1811 and, as a second lieutenant, participated in the Wars of Liberation (1813–14). He was promoted to major in 1835 and became commander of the I Battalion of the 2nd Foot Guards Regiment in 1839. As a lieutenant colonel, he took command of the Kaiser Franz Guard Grenadier Regiment in 1846; he was promoted to major general in 1852, lieutenant general in 1856, and general of the infantry in 1860. In 1871, he was granted the rank of General Field Marshal, and in 1875, he was placed on the inactive list (disposition). His decorations included the *Pour le Mérite* and the Knight's Cross of the Military Order of Maria Theresa (both awarded in 1864), as well as the Order of the Black Eagle (1866).
Provenance: The autograph collection of Gertrud Hoffmann and her daughter Else Karmann—"A German Autograph Collection, 1850–1967."