Letter to General Enoch H. Crowder from L.C Dyer - September 12, 1918

Transcript

September 12, 1918. Major General Enoch H. Crowder, Provost Marshal General, U.S.A., War Department, Washington, D.C. My dear General Crowder: Today is Registration Day under the new draft. I believe that the Members of Congress, without possible an exception, appreciate very greatly your great ability in handling these important matters connected with the raising of an Army. In a short time you will have completed the important part of this work and the details can no doubt be left to other competent assistants under you. I do not know what your ambition is other than to render to the American people the best that there is in you. I feel that as soon as your work is finished in connection with the Selective Service draft that you ought to go to France in command of a Division, and later on become Commander of an Army Corps, with a rank of Lieutenant General. All Missourians, and in fact all Americans, are proud of your great record. I know that you would not permit anyone to help you in obtaining any assignment; in fact, I know it is not necessary, but that your worth and ability is fully recognized by the President and the Secretary of War. I only write these few lines to you to let you know that I am thinking very much today of you and your great service to the country, and ask to be permitted to extend to you my congratulations. With sincere regards and great respect, I have the honor to be, Yours very sincerely, L.C. Dyer, M.C., 12th Dist. (St. Louis) [Missouri].