John J. Pershing letter to Enoch Crowder - April 18, 1919
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AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES OFFICE OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF France, April 18, 1919. Major General E. H. Crowder, Provost Marshal General, War Department, Washington, D.C. My dear General: It has been too long since I have written you, especially as you continue faithfully to write at intervals. Once feels, however, that one can go on and neglect his friends and they will understand, as I am sure you understand. Your last letter implies a great deal more than it says, and I can imagine a great many things that have happened, and perhaps are still happening, that you have not told me. A War Department that is not harmonious can not succeed in accomplishing the great tasks which lie before it. I think that this touches the keynote of the whole thing. To get harmony though, the duties of each must be fully understood by all, and each should try to get the other's point of view. In addition to this, the head of affairs must regard the organization as a machine, each of whose parts has its especial function. In other words, personal ambitions, narrowness of view and high-handed methods all serve to disarrange and disturb the smoothness with which the machine should run. The Secretary is now here on a visit and it may be possible that I may have some opportunity to talk with him, although my own affairs here are naturally uppermost. I have given little thought to my own future, but will be willing to accept what falls to my lot. Mean-
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while I hope to have a chance to have a talk with him during the next few days, as he is arriving this minute at my headquarters. The guard has already turned out, and is standing in readiness for his arrival. I shall try to get much of a line on the general situation as possible. With very sincere appreciation of the splendid work that you have performed as Provost Marshal General, and with very great sympathy with you as Judge Advocate General I must close. The Ansell affair and consequent investigation shows complete failure to appreciate war conditions by those who are airing their views. Perhaps when some of the fighting men get home they shall be able to help you out. With very warm personal regards, and sincere good wishes and good luck, I remain as always, Very sincerely yours, [signed] John J. Pershing
Details
| Title | John J. Pershing letter to Enoch Crowder - April 18, 1919 |
| 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 the effectiveness of the War Department, and his appreciation of Crowder's work as Provost Marshal General and Judge Advocate General. 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; United States. War Department; |
| 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 | April 18, 1919 |
| Language | English |