signed
by (EARLY AVIATION ARCHIVE)
Archive. 7 pieces. 1938 to 1939. A grouping of seven pieces concerning Frederic E. Humphreys, the first Army officer to fly solo. These pieces, arranged in chronological order, mention the thirtieth anniversary of Humphrey’s first flight. 1) TLS. 1pp. 8” x 10”. July 18, 1938. War Department. A typed letter signed “J Totten” on “War Department” letterhead concerning “Special Recognition for Colonel F.E. Humphreys”: “…Reference is made to your letter of November 12, 1937, recommending that some form of special recognition be awarded Colonel Frederic E. Humphreys, New York National Guard, for being the first officer of the United States Regular Army to fly a plane alone…it is proposed to make a suitable award to Colonel Humphreys. By order of the Secretary of War…”. 2) TL. 1pp. 8” x 10”. July 18, 1938. War Department. A typed letter that is an unsigned copy of #1. 3) TDS. 1pp. 8” x 10”. August 3, 1938. No place. A typed letter signed “Ames T. Brown”, indicating that he mailed a letter to Louis L. Pendleton concerning the 30th anniversary of the flight. 4) TD. 1pp. 8” x 10”. August 4, 1938. Camp Smith, Peekskill. A typed document, mentioning that it is to be addressed to “Colonel Louis L. Pendleton”. 5) ALS. 1pp. 8” x 10”. August 23 ’38. New York City. An autograph letter signed “L.L. Pendleton Colonel” addressed to Lieutenant Humphreys: “Please not attached papers, which please return to me at your convenience. ‘The Mills of the Gods grind slow’ – it would seem – but ‘better late than never’ also applies. I hope I will be around next summer to see what they really do then!” 6) TLS. 1pp. 7” x 9”. April 5, 1939. Aberdeen Proving Ground. A typed letter signed “C.M.” on “Office of the Commanding Officer Aberdeen Proving Ground” stationery. He wrote to Humphreys: “It certainly was nice to get your pleasant letter of April 3rd…my memory is quite clear as to the time you and Lahm were trying out the first Wright airplane. I am glad you enjoyed the bulletin, or class letter, but I prepared it quite a while before it was issued and made some serious omissions…There is a good article in the ‘Sperryscope’ Vol 8, no 10, just out, by Lahm, which mentions the trying experience of your pamphlet. Call up the Sperryscope Co. and get a copy from Gillmor, who is an old friend of mine.” Lahm received the first flying lesson, but Humphreys made the first solo flight, just before Lahm made his flight. 7) Card. 1pp. No date. Governor’s Island, NY. A card imprinted “Colonel Earl McFarland”, and written on in pencil “My best wishes and I hope to see you soon. Governor’s Island NY”. (Inventory #: 3234)