Charles C. Adams First World War correspondence, 1918 September 17

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Summary

Creators:

Adams, Charles C., LT, b. 1892 and Davidson, Laura Smith

Abstract:

This collection contains one correspondence from Lieutenant Charles C. Adams, American Expeditionary Force to friends during the First World War.

Extent:

.01 Linear feet (1 folder)

Language:

English .

Preferred citation:

[Item title / description; Box "n" / Folder "n"], Charles C. Adams First World War correspondence (2017.141.w.r), Center for American War Letters Archives, Chapman University, CA.

For the benefit of current and future researchers, please cite any additional information about sources consulted in this collection, including permanent URLs, item or folder descriptions, and box/folder locations.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains one correspondence from Lt. Charles C. Adams, AEF to William Garrett "Uncle Billy" Ingram, and correspondence from Mattie Lee Ingram Wood (Uncle Billy's daughter and the grandmother of the donor) to a teacher describing the existence of the letter.

The correspondence written from France by Lt. Adams mentions a new draft law that might see "Aubrey" forced to register, but assures Uncle Billy that it will be an educational experience as long as he "gets back not permanently disabled." He also assures him that not as many get killed as one might think.

Lt. Adams also discusses surgery and his work at the front, with some work similar to civilian life (i.e. appendicitis), though he could "cut off an arm or leg blindfolded and in the dark now." He also mentions that he prefers to work at the front because it feels "more like you're at war up here" and he wants to help the men who "face the music." He describes the American soldiers as determined and feeling a sense of duty, and also being humane to the surrendering Germans "as a general rule." "It bewilders the Germans, French and all to see the grit and determination of an American soldier. They can't understand how green untrained, unseasoned soldiers can face the music till he falls and never give an inch..."

Biographical / historical:

Lieutenant Charles C. Adams, American Expeditionary Forces (b. 1892) lived in Longview, Texas and worked as a doctor before and after the First World War. After the war, he lived with his wife Madge Campbell Adams and her parents in Longview and continued to work as a doctor (living with her parents as late as 1930, per the census). He was the family doctor for William Garrett "Uncle Billy" Ingram and his family to whom the letter is addressed.

Acquisition information:

Gift of Laura Smith Davidson.

Rules or conventions:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:: Correspondence -- World War, 1914-1918
War -- Medical aspects
World War (1914-1918) -- Casualties
World War (1914-1918) -- Prisoners and prisons.
Prisoners of war
Names:: Davidson, Laura Smith

Access and use

Restrictions:: This collection is open for research.
Terms of access:: There are no restrictions on the use of this material except where previously copyrighted material is concerned. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain all permissions.