Lot 771: STERNBERG, GEORGE MILLER

771. GEORGE MILLER STERNBERG (1838-1915) American physician in Medical Corps of the U.S. Army, serving under General Sykes in the Army of the Potomac, participated in the battle of 1st Bull Run where he was taken prisoner. Engaged in bacteriological study, he was the first to demonstrate the plasmodium of malaria and the vacilli of tuberculosis and of typhoid fever; in 1893 named U.S. Surgeon General. Fine T.L.S. "Geo. M. Sternberg" as Surgeon General, 1p., 4to.on imprinted "War Department, Surgeon General's Office" letterhead, Washington, Apr. 23, 1898, to George P. Sprague, M.D., North Danvers, Mass.", in part: "...with thanks, the receipt of your letter of the 21st instant tendering your services as a medical officer in the event of war with Spain, I have to inform you that should a necessity arise for your services your application will receive due consideration...". Just two day after this letter, America did declare war on Spain, the hostilities resulting from the mysterious explosion in February that sunk the battleship U.S. "Maine" while moored in Havana harbor. Folds, wrinkles, good condition. $500 - 600