Other Comments:
August 26, 1939
[Washington, D.C.]
Dear Charlie:
There came across my desk a reference to your retirement on September 30th, I think it was for my signature to the order for your retirement, and I was really shocked to find that you were about to leave the active list.
I have many memories in connection with you that have left a definite impression throughout the years. To begin with, when I first saw you at Calapan, you were to me the quintessence of Army experience and knowledge of the Adjutant who knew all the regulations and understood all the forms and methods of administration. Also, you had a laugh like Taft and I can still hear you chuckling over old Bill Pitcher's comments or strictures on this and that.
Then, later came the period when you brought your bride to Santa Mesa. I never will forget the many evenings that you haled me to your quarters, from that turbulent bachelor mess, to enjoy a delicious dessert and the peace and quiet of a real home, along with a little delightful music. At that time I was much in need of exactly that wholesome influence, and I have never forgotten the impression it made on me.
Odd to relate, I have a very definite recollection of your amusing description of running the Maytag washer and the ironing machinery in your cellar at the War College during the days of extremely high prices and more extremely low pay.
Please write and tell me what your plans are, and give my affectionate regards to Mrs. Weeks.
Faithfully yours,
George C. Marshall
Document Copy Text Source: George C. Marshall Papers, Pentagon Office Collection, General Materials, George C. Marshall Research Library, Lexington, Virginia. Document Format: Typed letter.
Recommended Citation: The Papers of George Catlett Marshall, ed. Larry I. Bland, Sharon Ritenour Stevens, and Clarence E. Wunderlin, Jr. (Lexington, Va.: The George C. Marshall Foundation, 1981 ). Electronic version based on The Papers of George Catlett Marshall, vol. 2, "We Cannot Delay," July 1, 1939-December 6, 1941 (Baltimore and London: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1986), pp. 40-41.
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