TYPED LETTER ON THE SUBJECT OF WORLD PEACE SIGNED BY AMERICAN FOUR STAR GENERAL RALPH E. HAINES, JR.

February 5, 1973.. 1973.. Fine. - Typed 2-page letter filling 1 side of a sheet of cream-colored, 8-1/2 inch high by 7 inch wide letterhead with a vignette of a flag in red & gilt at the top, and 1 side of a follow-up sheet. Signed "Ralph E. Haines, Jr," above his typed name and title "General, United States Army, Ret." There are 2 tiny marks & a small area of light soiling at top left of the first sheet. Near fine. <p>Haines writes to Congressman Seymour Halpern who has sought his views on the best way to achieve world peace. Haines apologizes for the delay in answering caused by activities related to his retirement. He retired from the army on January 31st, 1973, five days before the date of this letter.<p>Haines writes a long and thoughtful letter, quoting from the Bible and telling a charming anecdote about a girl requesting help with her homework from her dad. He confronts the apparent contradiction posed by his belief that world peace is the most desirable condition for the welfare of mankind: "My career of service as a soldier bespeaks a less than complete conviction in the ability of men to resolve their differences and reconcile their ambitions without resorting to arms". He concludes that only a national effort "to turn anew toward the goal of becoming 'one Nation under God'" will result in "an outpouring of God's blessings that could include peace..."<p>Ralph Edward Haines, Jr. [1913-2011] was a U.S. Army four star general who served as Vice Chief of Staff of the Army [1967-1968]; Commander, U.S. Army, Pacific [1968-1970] and Commanding General, U.S. Continental Army Command [1970-1973]. He was the last commander of the Continental Army. At his death he was the Army's oldest living four star general and its senior retired officer.