Those of you who are interested in player piano history and John
McTammany might be interested in a letter which the seller describes
as follows:
Daniel E. Sickles (1825-1914) Union Major General. Sickles lost a
leg at Gettysburg in an unauthorized advance from Little Round Top
and was awarded the Medal of Honor. 7" x 10" typed letter signed,
"D.E. Sickles, Maj. General, U.S. Army, Retired," three pages, New
York, October 14, 1910, to Colonel Jonas M. Cleland, President,
National Piano Manufacturer's Association.
"...my attention having been directed to the attitude of the music
trade in its dealings with John McTammany a veteran of the Civil
War... When the war broke out John McTammany, though but a mere
youth, was practically at the head of a large manufacturing
establishment... it was while convalescing on a cot in the government
hospital at Nashville, Tenn., that he may have laid the foundation
of the great player piano industry of the present day from which the
members of your organization have reaped a golden harvest while he,
the inventor has remained comparatively poor... it is because of the
foregoing facts that comrade McTammany's case appeals mightily not
only to his old comrades in arms but to every man who believes in
justice and a square deal... put an end to the systematic robbery of
a defenseless old soldier...."
Sickles has indicated on page one that this is a "Copy."
The letter is currently up for auction on eBay (item # 723025592) with
a "buy it now" price of $250.00. I have no connection to the seller --
I only mention the letter because the group may find it interesting.
Todd Augsburger -- Roller Organs
Kenton, OH
http://www.rollerorgans.com/
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