Description:

Fine collection of over 100 war-date letters, telegrams and documents to and from James D. Martin from 1918 to 1919. Martin was the field representative for the newspaper ‘Stars and Stripes' for the 7th Division in Paris, France. The majority of his letters were sent to his wife, Mary, and read in part: ‘...this is a holiday in France. The people here are pretty much Catholic and live up to it much better than we do, but war has made a great many changes in everything...With a gas mask and a steel helmet and my pack (everything I own) you would not very easy recognize your husband...America must pitch in and keep sending soldiers and necessities...Have you been to the cemetery lately, take a nun out and see, just for me how the plots look, and see that they get the proper care. Now in the next tent there is an argument over the Italian and Irish armies. The spirits of the men is wonderful...The French have suffered a lot and the world will know later her suffering...we remain in our pretty little camp. I guess the old Kaiser will know he is fighting some reals soldiers soon. Wait til the Americans get a crack at him...When the shells start whistling, well we know we are safe. The aircraft are the ones we fear the most...I may be sent out on the road any day now...The ‘dough boys' are still giving the Kaiser heart failure...Some of the troops in our division have already gone to Briey...and other places up there near Luxembourg...Ah, another shot in the arm, or in other words an injection for the prevention of typhoid...Gee, I wish they would sign the peace terms then it wouldn't be so bad, we would have some chance to get back quicker...' These letters are accompanied by several personal documents, including: ration certificates, address book, forms relating to his discharge request due to his wife's illness, blank ‘Stars and Stripes' memorandums bearing his printed name, ‘Stars and Stripes' bulletins released to staff, General Orders from the American Expeditionary Forces (often listing transfers), newspaper clippings, and Martin's official ‘Stars and Stripes' card indicating his position with the newspaper and his military rank as colonel. A fine lot worthy of further research.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

January 26, 2023 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000