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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters, to Mrs. Clayton Smucker

November 3rd.1918.

My dear Mrs.Smucker,

          I thank you very sincerely for your letter of October 12th expressing your devotion to the Cause and to our men who are serving therein on this side.1

          The courage and fortitude of the mothers of our men has been to me one of the most inspiring features of America’s participation in the war. I have seen the same thing on this side. Fortunately our American mothers have not had to mourn the losses that these mothers over here have sustained. I can assure you that their bravery is something that has excited the admiration of all the Allied fighting forces.

          I know that you will be glad that the present situation indicates that there will probably not be very much more fighting before this war has been brought to a successful termination. At the present time the submarines have all been withdrawn to German waters and the submarine chasers are no longer subjected to any danger. It is to be hoped that this condition will pertain until an armistice has been declared, when the demobilization of the naval forces will begin and you will have the joy of seeing your son very shortly afterwards.

Very sincerely yours,            

Vice-Admiral. U.S.Navy.      

Source Note: LT, DLC-MSS, William Sims Papers, Box 24. Addressed below close: “Mrs.Clayton Smucker,/1311 Vernon Street,/ Harrisburg,/ Pennsylvania.”

Footnote 1: This letter has not been found.

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