Alfred M. Wilson to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Alfred M. Wilson to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Wilson, Alfred M.
Identifier
WWP25106
Date
1918 August 6
Description
Alfred Wilson writes to his cousin about his arrival in France.
Source
Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924--Correspondence
World War, 1914-1918--France
Soldiers
Contributor
Morgan Willer
Language
English
Provenance
Document scan was taken from Library of Congress microfilm reel of the Wilson Papers. WWPL volunteers transcribed the text.
Text
American Expeditionary Forces
Office of the Chief Quartermaster, A.E.F.
Hon. Woodrow Wilson,
White House,
Washington, D.C.
My Dear Cousin Woodrow:
For some little time I have promised myself the pleasure of writing to you, but I have hesitated to do so as I know how busy you are. I sailed from New York, May 19th, on the Justicia (since sunk by torpedoes), landing in England June 1st. After a ten days stay in London, I crossed the Channel from Folkestone to Boulogne and then went by train to Paris where I remained three days. The last night of my stay was enlivened by an air raid. Not much damage was done. I then visited the front lines near Chateau Thierry where the Huns were trying their last offensive and where a division of our army was holding the line, and holding it well. I was under shell fire, but it never touched me. My next visit was at General Headquarters, where I delivered your message to General Pershing. The General was very much pleased and asked me to express his thanks to you for your words of confidence in him. “The President has no more loyal and devoted servant than I am,” he added. Nearly his entire staff are old comrades of mine and it was such a pleasure to meet them. I took dinner with the General. He was most kind to me and wished me to express a wish as to the job I desired over here. This I respectfully declined to do, as I said that I wanted to be placed where my poor abilities would serve my country to the best advantage. Our Chief Quartermaster, Gen. H.L. Rogers, was there at the time and most kindly said that he desired me as an Assistant to serve on his staff as inspector of oil and gasoline. That is my position at present. I travel a great deal and see all of our activities. You need never worry about the Army suffering for lack of any supplies. Never has an army been so well supplied as our men are supplied. Gen. Rogers has built up a wonderful system and has surrounded himself with the best talent in the service. (This was before I appeared on the scene, or my modesty would not allow me to make the statement.) All the little luxuries that arrive, such as canned fruits, chocolate candy, etc., go to the men at the front. Everything in the Services of Supply exists only for the purpose of giving the fighting troops every necessity, aid and convenience possible. No mother need fear that her boy must go cold and hungry. The troops have plenty of tobacco.
We were delighted to learn that Gen. Rogers had been nominated Quartermaster General and we hope that the Senate will soon confirm the nomination. It would be a shame, however, to take him away from over here where he has done such efficient work and where men of his capacity as so badly needed.
I could tell you much about Red Cross, Y.M.C.A., Knights of Columbus, and Salvation Army activities, but my letter is already too long. Each organization does excellent work, but the latter gets a little closer to the men at the front.
Give my love to Cousin Edith, Cousin Helen, and the girls. I hope that Cousin Margaret will come over to sing. Gen. Pershing said that she was expected.
With all sorts of best wishes for your health and prosperity,
Your loving cousin,
Alfred M. Wilson
Maj. A.M. Wilson, Q.M.C., N.A.,
Office of the Chief Quartermaster,
A.E.F., France,
A.P.O. No. 717.
Office of the Chief Quartermaster, A.E.F.
Hon. Woodrow Wilson,
White House,
Washington, D.C.
My Dear Cousin Woodrow:
For some little time I have promised myself the pleasure of writing to you, but I have hesitated to do so as I know how busy you are. I sailed from New York, May 19th, on the Justicia (since sunk by torpedoes), landing in England June 1st. After a ten days stay in London, I crossed the Channel from Folkestone to Boulogne and then went by train to Paris where I remained three days. The last night of my stay was enlivened by an air raid. Not much damage was done. I then visited the front lines near Chateau Thierry where the Huns were trying their last offensive and where a division of our army was holding the line, and holding it well. I was under shell fire, but it never touched me. My next visit was at General Headquarters, where I delivered your message to General Pershing. The General was very much pleased and asked me to express his thanks to you for your words of confidence in him. “The President has no more loyal and devoted servant than I am,” he added. Nearly his entire staff are old comrades of mine and it was such a pleasure to meet them. I took dinner with the General. He was most kind to me and wished me to express a wish as to the job I desired over here. This I respectfully declined to do, as I said that I wanted to be placed where my poor abilities would serve my country to the best advantage. Our Chief Quartermaster, Gen. H.L. Rogers, was there at the time and most kindly said that he desired me as an Assistant to serve on his staff as inspector of oil and gasoline. That is my position at present. I travel a great deal and see all of our activities. You need never worry about the Army suffering for lack of any supplies. Never has an army been so well supplied as our men are supplied. Gen. Rogers has built up a wonderful system and has surrounded himself with the best talent in the service. (This was before I appeared on the scene, or my modesty would not allow me to make the statement.) All the little luxuries that arrive, such as canned fruits, chocolate candy, etc., go to the men at the front. Everything in the Services of Supply exists only for the purpose of giving the fighting troops every necessity, aid and convenience possible. No mother need fear that her boy must go cold and hungry. The troops have plenty of tobacco.
We were delighted to learn that Gen. Rogers had been nominated Quartermaster General and we hope that the Senate will soon confirm the nomination. It would be a shame, however, to take him away from over here where he has done such efficient work and where men of his capacity as so badly needed.
I could tell you much about Red Cross, Y.M.C.A., Knights of Columbus, and Salvation Army activities, but my letter is already too long. Each organization does excellent work, but the latter gets a little closer to the men at the front.
Give my love to Cousin Edith, Cousin Helen, and the girls. I hope that Cousin Margaret will come over to sing. Gen. Pershing said that she was expected.
With all sorts of best wishes for your health and prosperity,
Your loving cousin,
Alfred M. Wilson
Maj. A.M. Wilson, Q.M.C., N.A.,
Office of the Chief Quartermaster,
A.E.F., France,
A.P.O. No. 717.
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Files
Collection
Citation
Wilson, Alfred M., “Alfred M. Wilson to Woodrow Wilson,” 1918 August 6, WWP25106, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.