John J. Pershing letter to Enoch Crowder - June 28, 1918
Transcript
AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES OFFICE OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF France, June 28, 1918. Personal and Confidential. General E. H. Crowder, Judge Advocate General of the Army, W a s h i n g t o n. My dear General Crowder: I have perhaps been negligent in not answering your letter which I assure you was much appreciated. I gathered from it, however, that you expected to come over and so did not write at the time. It gave me some inkling of the trouble over there. But with the new Chief of Staff, assisted by the War Council, and both working in harmony, it seems that things are straightening themselves out. At least, that is the impression at this end. We are trying to do our own part and keep pace with the increasing demands upon our ports, warehouses, railroads, and carry out general preparations in organizing and training the rapidly arriving troops. I think we should be able to meet all requirements, and have continued to assure the War Department that we can and will handle anything and everything that they can send over. Between you and me, we--Americans--have got the burden of this thing on our shoulders, and we should fully realize it. The country is enthusiastic about the war now and therefore now is the time to get everything going at full blast. The armies we shall need should be called out without delay. This, of course, I have already said to the War Department. But it is exceedingly important. First from the standpoint of training and organization; and, second, from the standpoint of transportation. Men and materials must be available to keep all possible passenger and freight tonnage constantly employed. I hope the rate of the past three months may continue indefinitely, and more, if humanly possible.
Transcript
I am saying these things to you as a member of the War Council with all the force I can get into the words. We must not play at war and we must not let it drag, because of the possible reserve forces available to our enemy, and because of the danger of our own people becoming tired of the war. Every consideration demands the utmost endeavor, beginning now and continuing as long as necessary. Our men are fine, the younger officers learn quickly, and with younger general officers there can be no doubt of the result. The duties are very strenuous and require great physical stamina in our officers. They must have youth and vigor. Just a word about yourself personally. I need not say that to have you here would give me the greatest pleasure. But I honestly and candidly think that your work there, and your presence there close to the Secretary, are far more valuable to the country than anything else that you could do. I realize that, like a red-blooded American from Northwestern Missouri, where you were born amid the active scenes of conflict, you would prefer fighting a division. So would I, but I can't fight a division. So would I, but I can't fight a division. I have the most burning desire to get right into the trenches and go over the top, but I can't do that. And so each man to the job that has been given him! Wont you write to me oftener? I am in cable touch, of course, but that does not quite give me enough insight. I do not know that I fully appreciate the difficulties on your side. I am glad you thought of Goethals, as he seems to be the right man in the right place. It should not be lost sight of by anybody that the work all of you are doing over there is quite as important as what we are trying to do here. With most sincere regards and best wishes and congratulations upon what you are accomplishing, I remain, Yours cordially, [signed] John J. Pershing.
Details
| Title | John J. Pershing letter to Enoch Crowder - June 28, 1918 |
| Creator | Pershing, John Joseph |
| Source | Pershing, John Joseph. Letter to Enoch Crowder. 28 June 1918. Lockmiller, David A. (1906-2005), Papers, 1880-1964. C0405. The State Historical Society of Missouri, Columbia, Mo. |
| Description | In this June 28, 1918, letter to Enoch Crowder, General John J. Pershing discussed his desire for American troops to be 'called without delay' to Europe. He also expressed his frustration at not being able to fight in the trenches himself. Pershing, a Laclede, Missouri, native, commanded the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. Crowder, an Edinburg, Missouri, native, served as Judge Advocate General of the United States Army during World War I. |
| Subject LCSH | Crowder, E. H. (Enoch Herbert), 1859-1932; Pershing, John J. (John Joseph), 1860-1948; World War, 1914-1918--Public opinion; United States. Army. A.E.F., 1917-1920 |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I |
| Site Accession Number | C0405 |
| Contributing Institution | The State Historical Society of Missouri |
| Copy Request | Transmission or reproduction of items on these pages beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the State Historical Society of Missouri: 1020 Lowry Street, Columbia, Missouri, 65201-7298. (573) 882-7083. |
| Rights | The text and images contained in this collection are intended for research and educational use only. Duplication of any of these images for commercial use without express written consent is expressly prohibited. |
| Date Original | June 28, 1918 |
| Language | English |