Trotsky, Leon. (1879-1940) Russian Communist Leader, Revolutionary, and author.
Typed Document Signed. Two pages, recto/verso, oblong Quarto, on letterhead of the Revolutionary Military Council, 14th Army of the Ukrainian Republic, August 8, 1919. Interesting request to disband an armored train, directed to Trotsky's attention, as People's Commissar of the Red Army and Navy. One side of the document requests permission to disband an armored train at Ekaterinoslav, under the command of Comrade Berg. "They are doing nothing," writes the Commissar of the 14th Army, Comrade Basov, "...their real place is in the Red Troops." Leon Trotsky has written his decision below in red pencil: "It is authorized. Trotsky." On the other side of the document, a contradictory request has been penned in ink, which challenges the "report" of the Commissar of the 14th Army, and requests another arrangement for these same troops. Trotsky has made a note below this verso request, "D/O. T," which translates as "F[or]/R[eport]. T[rotsky]." Evidently he desired to have the matter investigated more thoroughly.
Reinforced at right margin, where the page has been attached to a strip of heavier stock. Two minor areas of paper loss at right edge, not affecting Trotsky's signature, which is uncommonly large and bold. The entire page is heavily annotated, and visually quite appealing.
Estimated Value $600-900.
