Content Description

Collection of manuscript and typed letters, 1913-1922, addressed to WWI fighter pilot Alan Campbell Cameron of Riverside, Cook County, Illinois. Alan was the son of John M. Cameron (1867-1939) a successful Chicago attorney who was very active in local civic affairs. Alan attended the University of Virginia at Charlottesville but by October 1917 he was at Belleville, Illinois in the U.S. Army's 1st Cadet Aero Squadron. In early 1918, after a brief stay in New York, he was promoted to first lieutenant and shipped to France. He served in the 258th Aerial Squadron of the U.S. Air Service which was an integral part of the American Expeditionary Forces. His principal correspondent at this time was his father who relates to him the latest war news and events on the home front. He often mentions the "flyers," is very proud that his son is "chasing the enemy," and has constant praise for the French and English air squadrons. In late September 1918, nearing the end of the war when "the Hun is on the run," Alan's father hopes that his son will return by Christmas. Alan returned home on February 16, 1919 and in May, he moved to Akron. In 1921, after visiting California, he settled in San Pedro, took his father's advice and went into business by leasing the Sanford Hotel. In all, 99 letters, well in excess of 325 pp. All are octavo or quarto and the majority are accompanied by their original addressed envelopes. About half of the letters are of war date. A clean and very legible correspondence.

Acquisition Type

Purchase

Restrictions Apply

No