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With “The Great War” almost over, there were some 54,000 American bodies with which to contend; here Wilson explains, delicately, the system of burial currently employed, and states that as soon as the war is over, “the bodies of these heroes will be brought back to the United States.”Typed Letter Signed, as President, 1 page, quarto, The White House, Washington, October 9, 1918. To William C. Motter in St. Paul.
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THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
9 October, 1918.
My dear Mr. Motter:
Immediately upon the receipt of the letter signed by yourself, Mr. Bird, and Mr. Froelick, I took the matter of removing Mr. Reid's body, at once to this country, up with the War Department and am sorry to report that they have convinced me that it is not possible now.
The system of taking care of the bodies of our soldiers who die in France is very carefully worked out. The graves are all marked, identified, identification tags are buried with the corpse, and we have a regular grave corps or burial corps by whom this whole matter is cared for. After the war is over, the bodies of these heroes will be brought back to the United States.
I need not tell you how gladly I would cooperate in this matter, if it seemed wise to make an exceptional case.
With much regret,
Cordially and sincerely yours,
WOODROW WILSON
Mr. William C. Motter,
Merchants National Bank Bldg.,
St. Paul, Minn.
WASHINGTON
9 October, 1918.
My dear Mr. Motter:
Immediately upon the receipt of the letter signed by yourself, Mr. Bird, and Mr. Froelick, I took the matter of removing Mr. Reid's body, at once to this country, up with the War Department and am sorry to report that they have convinced me that it is not possible now.
The system of taking care of the bodies of our soldiers who die in France is very carefully worked out. The graves are all marked, identified, identification tags are buried with the corpse, and we have a regular grave corps or burial corps by whom this whole matter is cared for. After the war is over, the bodies of these heroes will be brought back to the United States.
I need not tell you how gladly I would cooperate in this matter, if it seemed wise to make an exceptional case.
With much regret,
Cordially and sincerely yours,
WOODROW WILSON
Mr. William C. Motter,
Merchants National Bank Bldg.,
St. Paul, Minn.
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THE WHITE HOUSE
[...]SHINGTO[...]
OCT 11
930P
[...]
Mr. William C. Motter,
Merchants National Bank Building,
St. Paul, Minn.
[...]SHINGTO[...]
OCT 11
930P
[...]
Mr. William C. Motter,
Merchants National Bank Building,
St. Paul, Minn.
