Excellent pair of documents relating to one Robert E. Kilbourn of Utica, NY, and his ultimately disappointing aspirations of being a cadet at the military academy at West Point. Apparently Kilbourn had written to newly-elected Congressman Frederick Davenport as to the status of his consideration for entry into West Point. The letter, which is signed by Davenport, is typed on Congressional stationary. It was written in Clinton, New York while he was still a professor of Political Science at Hamilton College.

The letter of refusal is typed on War Department/Adjutant General stationary, which informs Kilbourn that while he passed the physical requirements, he performed rather dismally on the academic portion of the exam, and was therefore not eligible for admission to the Academy. It is sign "Robert C. Davis/Major General/The Adjutant General.

Really a fantastic little grouping, leaving much to wonder about what happened to Mr. Kilbourn. We weren't able to find much about him beyond what we have here (although his father was buried in Utica), we will leave the next leg of research to the new owner.

The documents remain in fair condition, showing signs of age. Bifold, with creases, dog eared corners, and age toning. The document from Major General Davis has a dark stain. The envelope shows considerable wear. Please see the pictures for more detail.

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MAJOR GENERAL ROBERT COURTNEY DAVIS

Robert Courtney Davis (October 12, 1876 – September 2, 1944) was an officer in the United States Army who served as Adjutant General of the U.S. Army from 1922 to 1927.

Robert C. Davis was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on October 12, 1876. He attended Franklin & Marshall College before being appointed to the United States Military Academy in 1894. Davis graduated in 1898 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 17th Infantry Regiment.

Davis took part in the Spanish–American War, and saw action in Cuba. He was involved in the Santiago campaign and took part in the battles of El Caney and San Juan. He received the Silver Star for heroism at El Caney, and was recommended for a brevet promotion to First Lieutenant.

Davis subsequently served in the Philippine–American War. In August 1899, he received a second Silver Star and promotion to brevet Captain for heroism while fighting Filipino insurgents. He remained in the Philippines until 1904, when he was assigned to West Point as a professor in the Department of Tactics.

In 1906, Davis returned to Cuba with the 17th Infantry. In 1909 he was assigned as aide-de-camp to Thomas Henry Barry. When Barry was appointed as West Point's Superintendent in 1911, Davis was assigned as the adjutant on Barry's staff.

Davis served again with the 17th Infantry, and then served again in the Philippines as a member of the 8th Infantry Regiment. For most of 1915, Davis was detailed as Inspector of the Philippine Scouts, and received promotion to Major.

At the start of World War I Davis was assigned to the staff of the army's Adjutant General. In mid-1917 he went to France as Assistant to the Adjutant General of the American Expeditionary Forces. He later served as acting adjutant general and then adjutant general of the A.E.F., receiving a temporary promotion to brigadier general.

Following World War I Davis was assigned to the staff of the Army's Adjutant General, and participated on a board which reviewed War Department staff activities and made recommendations for personnel reorganization and improvements to processes and procedures.

From 1922 to 1927, Davis served as Adjutant General of the Army, receiving promotion to major general. His most notable accomplishment in this position was the organization and execution of a plan to pay bonuses to veterans of World War I.

After retiring from the Army, Davis was President of Photomaton, Inc., a company which produced automatic camera photo booths. He was also Executive Director of the New York Chapter of the American Red Cross,and served as President of the West Point Association of Graduates.

Davis died in Elmsford, New York on September 2, 1944 after suffering a heart attack while golfing at the Knollwood Country Club. He and his wife Ruby Hale are buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

FREDERICK MORGAN DAVENPORT

Frederick Morgan Davenport (August 27, 1866 – December 26, 1956) was a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from New York.

Davenport was born in Salem, Massachusetts, the son of Anna L. (Green) and David Davenport.[1] He graduated from Wesleyan University in 1889; and from Columbia University in 1905. He taught political science at Hamilton College from 1904 to 1929.

He was a member of the New York State Senate (36th D.) in 1909 and 1910. He ran on the Progressive ticket for Lieutenant Governor of New York at the New York state election, 1912; and for Governor of New York at the New York state election, 1914.

He was again a member of the State Senate (36th D.) from 1919 to 1924, sitting in the 142nd, 143rd, 144th, 145th, 146th and 147th New York State Legislatures; and was a delegate to the 1924 Republican National Convention.

He was elected as a Republican to the 69th, 70th, 71st and 72nd United States Congresses, holding office from March 4, 1925, to March 3, 1933.

He died on December 26, 1956, in Washington, D.C.