Description:

Large collection of over 100 war-date letters written by and to Ralph Canuteson, a doctor-in-training during World War I. Nearly all of the letters appear to be written between himself and his wife, Elsie, reading in part: ‘...Since I came here...I'm just beginning to get a little realization of the purpose of life...For instance a doctor's profession was, to me, just a means of getting money rather than a means by which suffering people may be helped. Every time I take a patient to or from the operating room I feel a compassion for them and wish that I might relieve their pains...I'm so tired tonight...as we have 10 operations...the new orderly came in and talked for half an hour...I don't enjoy myself when any long winded, simple minded Jew harangues steady. You couldn't call him a Jew when he doesn't believe in any religion?...in the dispensary each student is required to diagnose 12 new cases during his time there (3 wks)...there is some general, I forget who, who wants to bet any sum from $1,000 to $15,000 that the soldiers will all eat X-mas dinner at home. Doesn't that sound good?...There is a conglomerate bunch in this company. The original company...had in it several Indians. There is a bunch from Co. I of the 5th was transferred here. They are Milwaukee Polacks. To tell you the truth, I'm not impressed with the appearance of the company as a whole, but there may be some fine fellows...a notice was placed on a bulletin board saying we were going somewhere to do ground duty. I'd sort of dread going across but it wouldn't be so bad after we got there. It's just like on the rifle range. Before we start firing we feel nervous and notice the sharp crack, plug[?] of the rifle and the bullet but after we fire a shot we forget it all. I really don't believe we'll ever see real action even if we do go across...I just lay in bed from six till seven thirty just imagining what I'd do if I were home. Believe me it was an ideal dream. You know what kind they are, don't you?...The top sgt. of J Co. said he'd trade 15 privates for me. Do you think I'm worth that much?...This army life gets on ones nerves sometimes – the everlasting uncertainty and having someone higher in rank doing your thinking...I took my medical exam today...' There are also several letters written by Canuteson to Elsie in 1926. Eighteen personal, small b/w photographs showing the camp Canuteson was stationed at accompany this lot, along with a 3.5 x 3.5 in. photo book depicting Canuteson's office post-war. Also included are birthday cards, anniversary cards, wedding announcements, etc. A fine lot worthy of further research.

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

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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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