it ,0 Benjamin Lee, 2d Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2008 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/benjaminlee2drec00leebrich > • « • » » » 1 •• 1 I > 1 >» > » > > > » » » » » » » » Benjamin Lee 2np, Ensign U.S.N. R.F. BENJAMIN LEE, 2d A Record gathered from Letters, Note-books, and Narratives of Friends By His Mother MARY JUSTICE CHASE *x *■ * o • THE CORNHILL COMPANY BOSTON ^V c^:^o> L4C5 COPTBIGHT 1920 Bt MARY JUSTICE CHASE THE PILGRIM PRESS BOSTON TO William Justice Lee, Jr. Leighton Lee Benjamin Lee, 3d Daniel Rodney Lee BENJAMIN LEE, 2d R?ii5S9S7 NOTE Thanks are due to Reverend Albert J, Coleman for assistance in reading and arrangement; to Paul C. Wagner for the account of college and fra- ternity life; to Charles F, Fuller, Ashton W, Hawkins and other friends for narratives of the months in Europe. FOREWORD Among the many friends whose hearts had been following Benjamin Lee, 2d, in the Great War, it is natural that the desire should have arisen to learn all that could be told of his last months of service. It was known to them that he had made careful notes on the work of the stations to which he had been attached, and that during his stay at Killingholme he had prepared a note-book from the "log-book" and the "day-book" which he had kept from the time of sailing. Some of them also knew that it had become a second nature with him, from early childhood, and a need of both heart and mind, to report the doings of his days in constant letters to his mother whenever he was absent from her. This book is the response to the desire of his friends to renew associations which had become so precious to them, and to possess some permanent memorial of his character and life. It has seemed fitting to include with the letters in this memorial volume, not only those written during immediate preparation for the crowning year of his life, but, as well, some record of those earlier influ- ences which had gone toward preparing him for the supreme hours of his young manhood. The letters of Ben's school and college days, like the early letters, are concerned mainly with the hap- penings of everyday life, rather than thoughts about them: for, though naturally analytical, he was always [vii] Benjamin LeCj 2d shy of anything approaching egotism in himself; re- serve and self-restraint characterized both his con- versation and his writing. Moreover, in the large understanding and complete sympathy that existed between him and his chief correspondent, there was no need of self-revelation and discussion. All the more serious and intimate disclosures could well be reserved for the continual intercourse that the meetings in one of the three homes gave them; and it becomes evident in the letters that it is upon these homes that the deepest interest of his thought and purposes centered. The letters written during boyhood days will doubt- less have special interest for the family; while the accounts of college and fraternity life have value for his associates and friends; the water story in Chapter I, an example of his youthful literary bent, and remarkable both for having been "in mind for a year," and, in view of his later experience, for its subject; the letters and notes covering his year and a half of ser- vice in the N. R. F. C, both at home and abroad, including the Eddy stone experience, and the narrative of the last leave, will make a more general appeal. Though the chances of war failed to satisfy Ben's desire of meeting the enemy in battle, yet, to days of waiting and arduous routine, he brought the same fortitude and cheerful endurance that the front lines would have demanded, and to the important and al- ways dangerous work of his stations, a man's con- centration and courage. When in the first days of the struggle the call came, he had answered it not only with the glow of patriotism, but thoughtfully, with a man's seriousness, conscious of the way he was choos- [viii] Foreword ing. All estimates of his superior officers and asso- ciates mark him as ever ready for the most difficult and trying service. Always he had seemed, with a rare instinct, to hold the balance true between the gifts that life so bounti- fully bestowed upon him and those gifts that she demanded of him — even to the complete giving of himself. He was not of those who always seem to be waiting to live; he lived with a zest as he went along, quite conscious of the happiness and beauty of his days: and though there appeared to be so much of satisfaction and achievement in store for him, yet it is almost with surprise that we find ourselves realizing how much he had made his few years tell; and that in the wealth of his experience, the extent and depth of his personal influence, and in the winning of his manhood, he had already lived a well-rounded life, a life that reached the heights of happiness and of honor. A* *J • V^a [ix] CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE I Ancestry, Childhood and School-days, 1894-1913 3 II Life at University of Pennsylvania, 1913-1917 29 III Training at Miami, Newport News, Norfolk, April, 1917, to December, 1917 .... 63 IV Foreign Service — January, 1918 to October, 1918 117 V Letters of Sympathy and Tribute .... 281 VI Accounts of Life in the Service by Ben's Friends 313 ILLUSTRATIONS Benjamin Lee, 2d, Ensign U.S.N.R. Flying Corps Frontispiece FACING PACK Benjamin Lee, 2d, 1906 7 Ben and " Nib," 1909 12 University of Pennsylvania, 1917 28 Home of William W. Justice 37 Cedar Canoe, 1915 46 "Farview," Jacksonville, Florida 59 Aero Club License 69 Newport News, June, 1917 77 Blueberry Farm, Camden, Maine 93 Naval Base, Norfolk, Va., 1917 106 Naval Aviator License 113 Benjamin Lee, 2d, December, 1917 . . . . . 115 Penzance, March, 1918 186 Flying Boat, August 4, 1918 239 Autograph Letter 246 Group at Killingholme, October 8, 1918 .... 267 Last Orders, October 28, 1918 274 Ancestey, Childhood and School-days, 1894-1913 1 i > » >\ » J •» > > 1 > 1 1 I , ) > '.= . • >;,, i] ^,> ;\ ;\; >;,> BENJAMIN LEE, 2d I Ancestry, Childhood and School-days, 1894-1913 Benjamin Lee, 2d, born in Germantown, Phila- delphia, November 4, 1894, was the third son of Leighton Lee and Mary Justice Lee. His paternal grandfather was the late Benjamin Lee, surgeon of the 22d Regiment, N, Y. Vols., during the Civil War. In 1894 he was President of the American Academy of Medicine, and in 1898, of the American Public Health Association; but his most abiding monument is the State Board of Health of Pennsylvania. Ben's great-grandfather, the Right Reverend Al- fred Lee, was the first bishop of the Protestant Epis- copal Church of Delaware. His great, great-grandfather, Benjamin Lee, was born at Taunton, Somersetshire, England, February 26, 1765, and, through his mother, Mary Pitt, was related to the two famous statesmen of that name. He entered the Royal Navy at the age of seventeen, and commanded a battery o^ guns in the battle of the *' Saints Passage" near Guadeloupe, between Admiral Rodney and Count de Grasse, April 12, 1782. Hav- ing rashly challenged a superior officer for counter- manding his humane orders regarding certain French prisoners, he was court-martialled and sentenced to [3] ••• • •• • yi •,• 1 1 •••••• —, , . ^ Benjamin Lee^ 2d death, but was pardoned at the solicitation of his brother officer, the Duke of Clarence, afterwards William IV, and, coming to America, he engaged in the merchant service. He was offered, but declined, the position of 2d officer of the frigate Constitution, Ben's New England forbears include the colonial governors. Sir John Leverett, George Wyllys and John Haynes, Judge John Trumbull, the author of the Revolutionary epic poem, "McFingal," and (elder) John White, early settlers of Cambridge, Mass., and Hartford, Conn. On his mother's side he was the descendant of a long line of Friends who were philanthropists and patriots. His great, great, great-grandfather, War- ner Mifflin,^ was, in 1775, the first man in America unconditionally to free his slaves — his father imme- diately following his example. His great, great-grandfather, Daniel Neall, and great-grandfather, also Daniel Neall, with John Greenleaf Whittier, Joshua Coffin, Warner Justice and other humanitarians of their time, were inde- fatigable workers in the cause of anti-slavery. Warner Justice (his great-grandfather) was the father of William W. Justice (the "Gramps" referred to, in Ben's letters). It was Ben's privilege to be intimately associated with his grandfather, who was an untiring worker for civic betterment in Philadelphia, the city of his birth. Thus Ben was surrounded and influenced con- stantly by the highest ideals of character and duty, ^ "Life and Ancestry of Warner Mifflin." Compiled by Hilda Justice. [4] Ancestry, Childhood and School-days and was inspired to carry forward the fine traditions of his family. 1894-1913 Ben appeared to be delicate as a little child, partly because he was very fair and small for his age. He was deliberate about everything he did, even in the matter of growing, and did not attain his full height of five feet, ten inches, until he was nearly twenty. Just after his fourth birthday he lost his father through a tragic accident. He developed at once a special thoughtfulness and care for his mother which never failed to the end of his life. For the next five years he lived at the home of his grandparents on Manheim Street in Germantown, and the comrade- ship between him and his grandfather, William W. Justice, grew and strengthened. When, as a little child, Ben rode up the stairs at bedtime on his grand- father's shoulders, he called him his "polo-pony" — but later the term of affection for him was "Gramps." Ben's love of animals and tenderness for little chil- dren were marked traits from earliest childhood. He was very fond of being read to, until, at seven years, he became so engrossed in Howard Pyle's "Robin Hood" that he began reading to himself. After his second year all the summers were spent at the family home, or a nearby camp, in Camden, Maine. Here he revelled in the joys to be foimd in and on the water, and became an expert swimmer, and familiar with all kinds of sailboats and canoes. His studious nature and characteristic gentleness gave his family some apprehension as to whether he [5] Benjamin Lee^ 2d was fitted to meet the trials of life. It was with a feeling of some relief that they received the report from his school, one day, that Ben had knocked out a schoolmate's tooth in a pitched battle. From ten to nearly fifteen years of age the winter months of each year were spent in the Florida home, where the "Daddy" ^ to whom many of his letters are addressed, filled the place of father and kind advisor. Among Ben's first letters is one to his grandparents in French (which he spoke easily from babyhood), written just after coming to Florida to live in the autumn of 1904. To his Grandparents Jacksonville, Florida, December 18, 1904f. Merry Christmas!! Chers Nana et Grand-pere: Aujourd'hui, c'est une magnifique journee. J'espere que vous viendrez bientot nous voir. J'ai un gentil petit poele dans ma chambre; si votre chambre a froid vous pourrez venir dans la mienne vous chauffer. J'aime beaucoup la Floride, c'est une tres gentille place. J'espere que vous etes bien portants tous les deux. Je crois que vous aimerez le coin de terre que nous pensons acheter. II y a de grands arbres, magnolias, avec de la mousse. Fifi et Nib sont bien portants, je crois qu'ils aiment la Floride. Nous avons seulement une cuisiniere maintenant ^ Joshua Coffin Chase. [6] 1906 >'•>>, • • 7» • Ancestry, Childhood and School-days parceque Tautre bonne est partie, mais nous nous tirons d'affaire tres bien. Justice va arriver jeudi. Daddy attend pour acheter le coin jusqu'a ce que Justice le voie. Je suis fache que vous n'allez pas etre ici pour Noel. Tout le monde envoie des baisers et de I'affection pour vous et Gramps. Votre affectionne, Ben. Ben learned to ride in California in 1903, taking to the new exercise with his usual enthusiasm for outdoor sports. After the adventure with the neigh- bor's pony, described in the next letter, a pony was bought for him and his brother Phil. Many were the delightful rides the boys and their friends enjoyed through the wood roads in the vicinity of Jackson- ville, Florida. To his Grandfather Jacksonville, Florida, December 5, 1906. Deak Gramps: Thanks ever so much for the funny papers you have been sending me. Last year the Gamble boys had a pony. This year they have gone to boarding-school, but their mother has kept the pony. Mrs. Gamble wants me to exercise the pony for her; so on Thanksgiving day. Daddy, Mother, Mack Angas and Phil went around to start me off. The colored coachman knew, but did not say, that the pony should be ridden with a curb-bit, and Mrs. Gamble was away on a hunting [7] Benjamin Lee, 2d trip, so she could not tell us. The man put me on the pony in the yard to try the stirrups on. When they were fixed he let me go. The pony had not been ridden for about two weeks and he was wild to go. Starting out the gate I tried to turn him toward Riverside, but I could not. He turned toward town and scooted for Thomasville. The pony took me down past Riverside Fire Station, going at "fire alarm speed." We kept on, up the viaduct, down the other side, lickety-split, on and on, dodging mule and horse teams, and raising a general powwow. At last we ran into the sand at the end of Bridge Street, then the pony ran more slowly, so I turned him, and was starting home right at the corner of Bridge and Forsyth Street, when the pony slipped and( fell! I was a little stunned and a man picked me up and stood me on my feet, and I saw a big crowd around. The pony got right up and waited for me. A colored boy said he would take the pony home for me, and I went with him until we met the coachman coming to see what was the matter. Then I took the car and came home. I am not hurt, neither is the pony. I am going to ride him when I get a curb-bit. I expect to go with Mother and Daddy to see Ben Greet play Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice." My love to Nana, and tell her that the Christmas fixings have come. Please forward this letter to Jus. I think he might be interested in it. Affectionately, Your whole grandson, Ben. [8] Ancestry, Childhood and School-days Life in Florida in winter was much the same as in Maine in smnmer. Sailboats were tried out on the St. John's River and the outdoor pleasures were kept up. There was also a telegraph line run from Ben's room to that of his friend, Arthur Perry, two blocks away. Late into the night sometimes, the Morse code could be heard being clicked off at a high rate of speed. Parts of several summers were spent at Camp Megunticook, established by Walter S. Cowing, known to the boys as "Prof." Mr. Cowing operated several branch camps in the more distant part of the Maine woods. One of the features of the summer was a trip to Squa Pan Lake. The following letter was written from there. To his Mother Squa Pan Lake, Maine, August 6, 1909. Dearest Mother : I got back from the Blackwater trip yesterday and I am taking it easy this afternoon. I guess the best I can do is to give you a detailed account of what has happened so far. Friday morning we went to Camden as arranged and got dinner in Spaulding's cafe. Prof, said I had better get a pair of long pants because of mosquitoes and black flies, so I did. ' / We had a good trip on the boat and I didn't get seasick. At Bucksport we took the train for Bangor where we had supper and spent the night at Adams House. It was really quite a nice hotel, but the meals were awfully slow. Next day on to Bangor and Benjamin Lee^ 2d Aroostook, to Ashland, where two buckboards met us, and took us a thir teen-miles' (Maine miles) drive to Squa Pan Lake. On the way we saw a fox, at which Tiny shot with his revolver. That evening Bill Crowder, Dick Wallace and I paddled a little distance up one side of the lake and back the other. We heard two deer snort. Next day we went to the beaver ponds, where I saw my first moose; it was only a small cow, but even that was interesting, as we had not yet had any views of the big bulls. We tore out a good deal of the dam, and that evening Tiny and three others of us went to watch the beavers rebuild. Just before coming in sight of the beaver dam, as we stole noiselessly along, we saw a deer get up from where it was feeding in front of us. It bounded away till nothing of it could be seen, but its white tail disappearing in the moonlight. Then we came to the dam, and there was a beaver swimming around the pond. We watched him about fifteen minutes and then had to start for camp. Next day we went out to the bear-traps and set them, also we went up the inlet. Tuesday morning we started on the Blackwater trip. The first night we camped down in some hunting cabins by the Squa Pan stream dam, after having gone down Squa Pan stream, exploring about two miles. Wednesday we paddled to Blackwater, and then waded and fished all the way up this stream, where we made a big lean-to for all ten of us. In the two days of this trip we caught 104 trout, all big enough to eat, and were eaten most heartily. Next day, that is yesterday, we came to Squa Pan [10] Ancestry, Childhood and School-days Lake over a slightly different course than we had come, going more through the woods, and not wading. At about 5 p. M., we all took a swim in Squa Pan Lake, then came home. This morning Mr. Walker, Dick Wallace, Ed Levis and I went up the inlet and saw a beauty ten-point buck, a cow moose and another deer. That is all up to now, but I have lots to say. For instance, we have had nothing but great weather, so far — tap wood!! Up to date, we have, as a party, seen eight moose and twenty-three deer. I, myself, have seen four moose and six deer. So far my living expenses have been $1.25 for a pair of khaki trousers and two pairs of woolen socks, which are a necessary article when your feet are wet all the time, as they are here. I am very sorry, but I shall have to get a pair of heavy moccasins in Ashland. As my high shoes are a fraction small for plain stockings I can't get them over woolen ones. I can get in Ashland a good pair of moose-hide moc- casins for $2.00, which would cost $4.00 in Phila- delphia, as they make a specialty of things for hunt- ing people, deer, I mean. Please send me $2.00 of mine and my two Sunday quarters, as I want to get a hunting-knife and some films. I would have answered long ago, only that we had to leave almost immediately after I received your loving letter. If I think of anything more before this letter leaves, I'll put it in. I'll write again soon, anyway. * «. . i Anectionately, Benino. [11] Benjamin Lee, 2d In the autumn of 1909 Ben began his boarding- school life by entering the Chestnut Hill Academy, near Philadelphia, where he remained until 1913. It was during these years that he became a good cor- respondent, averaging never less than three letters a week to his mother. His Sundays and short holidays were spent with his grandparents in Germantown, but he never failed to go to Florida for Christmas and spring vacations. One year a visit to Washing- ton was suggested at Easter, instead of the long trip to Florida, for a short vacation. After careful con- sideration he decided in favor of Florida and wrote: "I am still glad I am going South and expect to stay so. All the sights in Washington, and some other places, seem weak when opposed to the family." And in his last letter before the vacation, he wrote: "Two days, and again two days, and we shall see each other." The four years at school were very happy ones. Ben took a large part in the musical clubs and in the school publications. A few of his letters written dur- ing these years follow. To Mr. J. C. Cha^e Chestnut Hill Academy, Philadelphia, October 8, 1909. Deae Daddy: Thanks ever so much for the letter which I received a few days ago. This is evening study period, but as I have finished all Monday's lessons, I am making the best of a good chance to write to you. [12] "A pq ' » ' ' n , ■> ' J 1 ■> ■> » •> 111 • ••• • • * • • •• • • ••• Ancestry, Childhood and SchooUdays Tomorrow (Saturday) before going home I am going to see the Quaker City Motor Club race in Fairmount Park. A good many fellows are going with Mr. Fall, one of the teachers, and I shall be with him until the race is over, when I shall return to Manheim Street in time for supper. I expect about everybody else is back in Jackson- ville by this time. I am enclosing a schedule of my daily occupations. The pool here is certainly a peach. It is^' all marble tiling and warmed to the temperature of the air. You must certainly have a swim there some time. There are lockers, three in a room. I have No. 3, in which I keep my rough clothes. There are two boys who come to school here every day that have Hupmobiles; they are great little machines, 20 h. p., and smaller than a baby Buick. I hope to get a ride in one of them soon, possibly run it, but I doubt that. They are guaranteed to fifty miles an hour, but make five or ten more. They have come into great favor in Philadelphia, where the greatest amount are sold. I think that they are manufactured in Germany. They are sold for $750 with a Bosch magneto and full equipment. In this evening period is when most of the tacks are applied to the seats (pants?), but I have not received any donations of the kind as yet. Monsieur Blanchet, the French teacher, is in charge tonight. Some few minutes ago we had quite a conversation (in French) about whether study can be pursued best with the feet resting upon the seat in front, or not; verdict: not. This acquainted the boys that I speak French, and I shouldn't be sur- [13] Benjamin Lee, 2d prised to receive "Frenchy" for a name, as I went by that at camp a good deal. There is going to be a choosing of light and dark blues (sides), so I guess I'd better say good-bye. Affectionately, Ben. P.S. — I hope this reaches you in the evening, so that you will have time to read it. To Ms Mother Chestnut Hill Academy, Philadelphia, March 5, 1910. Dearest Mother: Dr. Patterson decided that I had better drop physical geography and take 3d algebra instead. As for French, I am to decide with Mr. Blanchet. This morning I shall do some work with Mr. Craig and then probably with Mr. Blanchet. I guess you have been reading an exaggerated report of the strike in the Times, but last night, any- where from 30,000 to 75,000 men went out on a sympathetic strike. A few cars have been blown up by bombs, many by brickbats. I received your jessamined letter yesterday. I am glad you liked the story. I wrote it while in bed with tonsilitis, over a month ago, but the idea has been in my head over a year. I didn't know how to call it, so the editors did. I could have supplied a better name than that, for instance: "A Watery Adventure," but I didn't think of that until after it was pub- lished. I put a Wissahickon on the library table last Sunday, and Gramps read it. When he came to this [14] Ancestry, Childhood and School-days story he also read it almost to the end, then he saw, "B. Lee," looked up, and said, just what I was ex- pecting: "Hello, Ben, did you write this?" I hope Sister is gripping her bicycle with a gripless hand. With stacks of love, Ben. Published in "Wissahichon," February, 1910 A TRUE STORY The fact that I was an orphan and going through school practically by charity, powerfully affected my already melancholy nature. My chief diversion from the ordinary school routine was swimming, and, at this, I considered myself quite good, although there were some that did not share my views. When I was refused a position on the school team, the seeming disgrace was to me so in- tensely magnified that I became despondent and resolved to commit suicide. After having decided on drowning as the surest way, I procured a good rope and, on pretense of having something to get from my locker, I entered the pool building. The pool was twenty feet deep at one end, sloping slowly to the other, one hundred away. It was there that the swimming contests were to be held the next day, and I thought, with almost fiendish delight, of my body's being found by those who had wronged me. I now fastened one end of the rope securely to my body and, taking a long breath, dived for the outlet [16] Benjamin Lee, 2d pipe on the bottom. An instant only I wavered, for, thinking of the cruel and unjust world above, I quickly made fast the remaining rope to the pipe. In the eternal minute that followed, there flashed through my mind year on year of forgotten time and then, with a choking gasp, all was a blank. Slowly, slowly, slowly — it seemed hours afterwards — I drifted back to semi-consciousness and began to think. Was this another world, or had I been torn from the clutches of death against my will? Soon I stirred and felt water all about me! It could not be; this must be a dead man's idle dream, and yet I breathed, felt, too, some tight-wound band about my body — it was the rope. I opened my eyes and saw that I was in the same position as before — should I call it Death? I undid the rope, and did not sink or rise, but maintained a perfect balance, with the water about me. I now explain this by the fact that my lungs were full of water which I seemed to be breathing instead of air, occasioning a great gain of weight, so that I could, by a slight motion, go up and down. I tried swimming ahead and started towards the opposite end of the pool. There I almost injured myself, as it took me but half the usual time to swim the length, and I arrived at the end unexpectedly soon. Then I sank to the bottom and meditated. At present, with this wonderful new phase of life before me, I had not the slightest inclination to die. I also noticed that my pores seemed unusually large and pulsated. Here, I thought, and I was right, is the secret: were it not for my pores' breathing, my lungs [16] Ancestry, Childhood and School-days could never extract from water the oxygen necessary to life. Soon a scheme struck me by which I might make everlasting fame. With my ability to stay under water and swim at such a remarkable speed, I should enter the contest on the morrow! After making this resolve I rose to the surface and started to climb out of the pool, but in less than a minute I fainted and fell back in the water. When I gathered my senses I was breathing hard, and then, for the first time, I realized that air must be as poisonous to me now as water had been. So I was( cut off from the upper world and doomed to stay in the pool or die! Still I decided that I would try to win the race next day, then make a desperate attempt to recover life in its true state, which seemed to me now far more alluring than being confined to the water forever. All that night I spent in a doze, keeping my posi- tion by an effortless waving of my hands. The next morning I was awakened by a faint light from one of the upper windows. I quickly sank to a deeper and darker spot where I could not possibly be seen, and there I stayed until faint reverberated footfalls hurrying about made it known that the match was about to begin. Rising a few feet, I caught sight of five figures leaning over the edge preparatory to the start; five, where there should be six! Evidently one was miss- ing. I rose again and saw that our best swimmer was not there. Quickly I made my resolve and, darting to the surface, I took the vacant place among the [17] Benjamin Lee, 2d racers. At this instant the word "go" rang faintly in my ears. I was almost choking, but plunged in and, with two quick breaths, I was well again. With all the speed that I now possessed I rushed to the far end of the pool and back; hardly stopping. I scrambled out upon the marble tiling, and there went through the horrors that accompanied my former change, but this time in my mind was the day and night spent under water. Then, as before, a sickening blackness overcame me and I was as one dying. When I came to I was in the school hospital with doctors and a nurse working over me. I asked about the race and, to my great satisfaction, learned that I had been counted as dead, but victor in the contest. B. Lee. To his Mother Chestnut Hill Academy, Philadelphia, January 16, 1911. Dearest Mother: Yours of Friday, I got yester- day evening mit joy. We went to church yesterday morning in the carriage, in the rain, but it cleared off pretty well by afternoon. I stayed for supper and didn't get up here until eight o'clock. It was 20" before breakfast, so I don't know how cold it was last night. But it is clear, and two or three days like this will make ye grande skatynge. The Oregon apples are great. I brought a few back with me. Gramps' birthday was a great success. He received a houseful of flowers, and a telegram from John Wanamaker in New York, and letters from Governor [ 18 ] Ancestry y Childhood and School-days Stuart, ex-Mayor Weaver, and many of his friends. I hope you are all well. Affectionately, Ben. 414 Manheim Street, Germantown, February 8, 1»11. Dearest Mother: Here I am in my two rooms and a bath suite for three weeks, more or less. I am still in bed this morning, as I have not been getting up until 11.30 or so, as dozing is a fine way to lose time. I will give you an idea of what has happened since Saturday when I last wrote, I think. Saturday morning I got down here, read up to date in Literary Digest, and played with Nib. I took a walk with Nib in the afternoon, also. I began to feel a little soreness in my throat and under my right ear, and Sunday morning Dr. Smith came down. Gramps did not go to church as he wanted to see the doctor. Dr. Smith saidj right away that it was mumps. He didn't prescribe anything but lamb's wool for the mumped-up places. I slept in the same room with Jus Saturday night, but haven't seen him since, as before Sunday dinner I was quarantined. The only people who are allowed in my room are Gramps and Miss Taylor. Yesterday my other side began mumping a little, and now it has caught up to the first side. I have been amusing myself considerably with my [19] Benjamin LeCj 2d mandolin; I find that I can pick out a good many tunes. I know quite a few hymns by heart from singing them, and even more tunes when I get started on them. Yesterday I didn't get up until 11.30, then I made out and revised a list of things I needed from school. Buchanan went up for them and Miss Bray got them. I put just where everything was, so I guess she didn't have much trouble. She got everything but one, and that was mail. I am quite sure there is a letter or letters from you there. I shall get some one to 'phone up to have them readdressed. The English work for the next week is reading! The book that I was to be reading for a while, "Antiquary," I finished yesterday. I know the books to be read, and can read a lot of extras, too, of Scott or Dickens or George Eliot, etc., and poetry ("Idyls of the King" and others). The French I can carry on, I think, so as to come out fairly well. The same with history and algebra. About the best I can do in geometry will be reviewing. I may be able to do some advanced work, too. The extent of annoyance that I have had so far consists of a feeling like cramps, now and then, in the mumped places, but that is only temporary, and I hope will stay so. Yesterday it snowed continuously until five o'clock. It was very powdery and dry. It blew about and drifted a good deal. Last night it rained a little and then froze. There is not enough snow for sleighing, except for Josephine Dodge's pony sleigh, which went by last night. [20] Ancestry, Childhood and School-days I hope there is "nothing like this in the family," and all are well again and flourishing. Stacks of love and hugs from . Bumpy Ben. 414 Manheim Street, Germantown, February 10, 1911. Dearest Mother: Your day before yesterday's letter received on time for breakfast this morning* Don't worry about my not wanting to read any letter you could write, whatever be the subject. Yesterday it snowed from five to nine o'clock in the evening, and so Gramps was able to sleigh in today. That much snow alone would not amount to much, but it had a good ice foundation. I ara awfully sorry to hear of: All the colds in Jacksonville, but I hope All the spring weather will knock All the colds in the head, and All over creation. I am feeling more comfortable, if possible, as my left side has stopped hurting a good deal. My right never did bother me. I have been playing kboo and flinch and euchre with Gramps, and we expect to have some sniff, too. I am disappointed that I shall not be able to go to Lawrenceville on the 18th, as that will only be two weeks from when mumps started. As usual I have just gotten up; it is eleven o'clock and postie coming soon. Don't worry about me at all. I am all right and in good hands, you know that. Stacks and oodles of love, Ben. [21] Benjamin LeCj 2d P.S. — I think those quick aeroplane trips you speak of will more likely be ten years hence than a hundred.^ Hopefully awaiting them, I remain, B. Lee. Chestnut Hill Academy, Philadelphia, November 8, 1912. Dearest Mother: Yours of Monday received on time and another one this morning. The birthday goods are fine, about two-thirds gone already, but much appreciated by self and many others. Have not been indisposed at all by an overdose of goodies. I am glad you had such a Wee trip to Crescent City and that grove. Are the tangerines ripe yet? Your birthday telegram reached me through Ger- mantown at a very proper time, as it was 'phoned up just when several cronies and I were celebrating with part of the boxes' contents. Nana mailed the written telegram, which I received next day. Yesterday was a "pourer" from morning till eve- ning. Gym was in order for the afternoon, but today is cool and sparkling, perfect November weather. Last Sunday Gramps was telling me how danger- ous he thought football, and how glad he was that I didn't play. A little later I told him I was out for the soccer team. He thought that meant the football team and before I had time to tell him the difference, he apologized very profusely for having berated football so much! Of course he was glad to hear that I wasn't playing football. ^ A prophecy which has been fully confirmed. [22] Ancestry, Childhood and School-days I was asked to join the Chess Club here last night, so I did, having no objections. Mack Angas was admitted at the same time. I hope every one (including cow) is very well. Stacks and oodles of love, Affectionately, Ben. Chestnut Hill Academy, Philadelphia, February 22, 1913. Deaeest Mother: Your last received yesterday. I didn't really expect that Daddy would want to give us an ad., but I had to ask to get Mack to do so. Mr. Angas is going to put in a page of Hobe Sound real estate stuff. The concert went off beautifully last night, with- out a hitch. The quartette, of which I was one, as you know, made quite a hit, as did also Mr. Bensinger, who is one of the new teachers this year. The sex- tette from "Lucia" was very good, too. I shall hear that sung this afternoon by Scott, Tetrazzini, Egener, Mr. Georgini, Mascal, and some one else. I passed up everything for this month (or rather, period), getting a medium C in French, a high B in history, and a medium A in German. I also got 1st in German class. I expect that now that the concert is over, work will begin on the play at once; it will be given some time after Easter vacation. Last night was rather wet and it was raining when the concert was over, but the place was packed, so that most of the boys had to stand up. It was one [23] Benjamin Lee^ 2d of the most successful concerts, according to most people. The quartette wore large artificial sun-flowers, which attracted much attention. "Bob" Barrett is getting seats for "Barber of Seville" this morning. Mack, he and I are going next Tuesday, after dinner in Germantown. Stacks and oodles of love. Affectionately, Ben. Chestnut Hill Academy, Philadelphia, April 14, 1913. Dearest Mother: Yours of Saturday received with greatest pleasure this morning. I certainly am glad your trip was a success in spite of the very rainy day. You have "nothing on us," as it has rained if not all of every day since Thursday. Nana, Gramps and I drove in to "Disraeli" Sat- urday matinee, and were very much enthused by it. The play was fine, the acting splendid. Went to church with Nana and Gramps yesterday morning. Aunt Lizzie and Uncle Joe May were out to dinner; after they left, Nana and Gramps drove up with me. Only one fellow out of ten passed the German condition make-up exam, that I took Friday, and he did it by liberal cribbing, so I don't feel so badly about not passing it. Mrs. Harper gave us the now usual brick of ice- cream with cakes last night, which same, let us hope, she continues. [24] Ancestry, Childhood and School-days Gramps and other people seem to have a strong feeling that I should take Wharton School instead of Arts and Science, in view of my probable future business occupation. There seems to be a great deal of reason in the arguments advanced and, although I don't like to change my mind unless for the better, I think this would be a justifiable case. There is no doubt about it that Wharton School would be more advantageous from a business standpoint, and I guess that is the one to consider. The entrance re- quirements are practically the same. You and Gramps have talked of Trust Companies and Brokers' offices. Well, they are about the last things I should choose as vocations as long as there are other jobs open, for one has to take a matter of health into consideration, and I know I should never get along well shut up morning and afternoon six days a week. The only way to know whether or not College will be appreciated is to try working. Lots of fellows do work all summer during the school or college vaca- tions, so there is no reason I should not do the same. It is not worth while going into the matter too deeply until I get an expression of your views on it. If this meets with your and Daddy's approval, I am absolutely ready to back it up with a good three months' work at any job that I can learn. My summer certainly would not be wasted under any condition. Finally, if this plan does not appeal to you as practical, reasonable and advantageous, I shall give [25] Benjamin Lee, 2d it up immediately, but it is worth giving serious consideration. I hope this will be easier to read than it was to write; however, take your time about answering it. Stacks and oodles of love. Affectionately, I Ben. Ben graduated from Chestnut Hill Academy in June, 1913, and entered the Wharton School, Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, in the autumn. That summer was one of the happiest and most active. It was also the last summer of his grand- father's life. Automobiles replaced horses, and long trips were made about New England. In August Ben spent two weeks with friends in the White Mountains and climbed a number of the Presidential Range. X [26] At the University, 1913-1917 "RECORD— 1917" Benjamin Lee, 2d $ K 2 "Ben" 414 Manheim Street, Germantown, Pa. Wharton Chestnut Hill Academy. Friars' Senior Society; Second Soccer Team; Associate Editor Pennsylvanian (1) (2), Editor (3) (4); Editor Punch Bowl (3) (4); Managing Editor 1917 Class Record (4); Orchestra Committee (1) (2) (3), chairman (4) ; Pipe Committee (1) ; Picture Committee (2) ; Band Committee (3) (4); Junior Week Committee; Wharton Executive Committee (4); Chair- man Wharton Visiting Committee (4) ; C. A. Campaign Committee (4) ; Michigan Trip Comrolttee (4) ; Cremation Committee (2) ; Class Day Speaker (4) ; Chair- man Ivy Ball Publicity Committee (4); Class Historian (4); Rifle Club (1) (2); Seminole Club (1) (2); Chestnut Hill Academy Club (1), Treasurer (2), Sec- retary (3); Cercle Francais Play Cast (1), Treasvu-er (2), Vice-President (3), President (4) ; Chairman Class Day Committee. [From The Record, University of Pennsylvania, 1917] [28] University OF Pennsylvak^ia. 191T > > }\ i i } J ' J J > J J , ' J ' J J J . J J ^ J « » * .* t • • « t t • II At the University, 1913-1917 It seemed strange to some of Ben's friends that he should have selected the Wharton School as his undergraduate department in preference to the Col- lege, as the Arts and Science Department is known. The latter was not only more appealing to his natural inclinations, but also more full of opportunities for the expression of his already promising and ever- developing hterary ability. There is no doubt, how- ever, in the minds of those with whom he was asso- ciated during his years at the University, that his greatest enthusiasms were aroused by his work in the fraternity and for The Pennsylvardan, the Uni- versity daily newspaper. Ben was initiated into Alpha Chapter of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity on December 16, 1913. His great-uncle, Alfred Lee, 2d, his uncle, Charles T. Lee, his cousin, William W. Justice, Jr., and his brother, William Justice Lee, were members of the same Chapter. With him were initiated Edward H. Morris ("Teddy"), Henry R. Wharton, Jr. ("Harry" or "The Little Cherub"), and Emile C. Geyelin, known as "Millie," who particularly de- lighted in calling Ben "The Little Sage," a name for which he was probably responsible. In April, 1914, Ben was elected to a minor office,^ that of Theta, and from that time imtil his death, he was con- [29] Benjamin Lee, 2d tinually serving the fraternity, either his own Chapter, the Grand Chapter, or the national organization, in an official capacity. In October, 1914, he was elected Chapter Upsilon and in December, 1915, Chapter Tau, a position which required a large amount of hard work. He resigned this office in April, 1917, when he left the University to begin the private training which he felt to be a necessary preliminary step to his contemplated service with the air forces of either the Army or Navy. One of Ben's par- ticular interests was inter fraternity relations. In the spring of 1915, he was very active in the redrafting of the Interfraternity Agreement, which regulates the rushing of freshmen by the various fraternities. He was also the Chapter's representative on the Inter- fraternity Council during his Senior year. During Ben's undergraduate years three national conventions of the fraternity were held. In Decem- ber, 1916, at a convention held in Chicago, Ben was elected Grand Upsilon, although he himself was not present. In April, 1917, he was granted leave of absence and his department was placed in the hands of an assistant. His final decision not to attend the Convention at San Francisco which met in August, 1915, is an- nounced in a letter written in May of that year. In January, 1914, on his way to Philadelphia from riorida at the close of the Christmas holidays, Ben attended the Convention at Nashville, Tennessee. The following letter, which gives an account of the trip, was written less than a month after becoming a member of the fraternity. ' [30] At the University To his Mother 414 Manheim Street, Germantown, January 6, 1914. Dearest Mother: Your letter was waiting for me here when I got back at ten o'clock tonight. Glad to hear the good news from Jacksonville. The Nash- ville trip was indeed a success, more so than I could have anticipated. I must say first, however, that the Easter trip to Jax will have to be called off, of which I am heartily sorry, as it has become a familiar idea and one on which I was counting. To start the new year right, some of the faculty, including the deans, ruled that this year's vacation should be limited to three days!!! A mighty nice fellow from Georgia Tech got on the Dixie Flyer at Atlanta and we soon discovered our mutual destination. Thursday evening, as per program, we had a smoker, and "cake walk" by three colored couples. Very entertaining and new to about every one. Certainly was to me. Friday morning, a ten-mile ride to the "Hermit- age," General Jackson's old home. The Ladies' Her- mitage Association did the honors of the place, after- wards feeding us on welcome coffee and crackers. It was rather raw and rainy, but the autos had tops, and we coats. The dance came off in the afternoon and was a great success. Business and initiation occupied the evening and was followed by a "Dutch" supper. Saturday was "business" all day practically. Very interesting. The next convention will be at the Uni- versity of California, Berkeley or San Francisco, Cal., [31] Benjamin LeCj 2d probably August, 1915. It will coincide with the Exposition in full blast. Of course we Freshmen who were sent this time will not be sent. We were extraordinarily lucky to be sent to this one. The big banquet, toasts, speeches, lasted until 12.30 A. M. Sunday. We trickled into the sleeper and most of us were well on the way to bed by 3.10 a. m., when the train pulled out. We had to forget the day temporarily and while away the tedious hours at bridge yesterday, under the auspices, if not the benediction, of Brother Dieffenbach, "Bishop of Hartford." In such good company we felt no qualms. From Cincinnati on the snow was in evidence. This morning there seemed to be three inches in the country. We rolled in to West Philadelphia at 8.30 and beat it straight for the house (fraternity). The fellows on hand hung around during our breakfast, while we expiated on the "Convention." Vaughan, Vaughan, Sr., and Hartley Merrick were there (at the Convention). Dick Philler and G. Bower, Hazeltine Smith, Dayton Voorhees and Dave Williams completed the Philadelphia delegation. There were two others also I think. Work started as usual today, also Pennsylvanian work, for which reason I didn't get out here to dinner. As it is now about 12 p. m., I will stop and put this at the front door as a precautionary measure. Stacks and oodles of love, Ben. P.S. — Awfully sorry about Easter. (Can't be helped anyway.) [32] At the University Ben's "heeler" days on The Pennsylvanian began with the opening day of the University in his Fresh- man year, September 26, 1913. He sm^vived all the cuts made during the strenuous competition which lasted throughout fall and winter, and in April was elected an Associate Editor. One year later, in April, 1915, Ben experienced one of the keenest disappoint- ments of his college days. He was a candidate and nominee for the position of Managing Editor, an election which would have given him an excellent chance of being Editor-in-Chief during his Senior year. He was defeated in the election, and although made an editor at the same meeting of the Board, he knew that one of his undergraduate ambitions would not be realized. The "low of his barometer" was in proportion to the elation of the letter written just after his first election in 1914. 3539 Locust Street, Philadelphia, April 27, 1914. Dearest Mother: I was elected tonight Associate Editor of Pennsylvanian, and so I am in a tem- porary golden cloud. I knew of my nomination last Monday night but thought it best to keep it dark, as the election did not necessarily follow. Only one other freshman was elected, Raymond D. Stevens, a "Psi U." Others will probably be elected before the end of the year. Yours of Wednesday received with pleasure Fri- day. Glad to hear of continued good weather during the past few days. The great annual Relays came off Saturday and [33] Benjamin Lee, 2d were certainly thrilling, especially the last race, barely won by Oxford. A cold drizzle which occasionally broke into a rain kept things pretty uncomfortable. The stands were packed, however, in spite of the cold-producing dampness. I was there from 1 to 6 p. M. ; got pretty stiff at the time but it does not seem to have struck in. I will send along the papers with the Relay stories which I wrote last week. In the "advance," or the issue of Saturday morning, I was assisted by an editor, Eugene Southall. He has just been elected to the News Editorship for the next year. Winthrop Williams received the job of Editor-in-Chief. "Cap" Townsend was elected Managing Editor. Aunt Mary and Aunt Faith came out to 414 to dinner Sunday. Frances was there and Uncle Al- fred, so it made quite a party. I don't remember any bad news so I guess it was all good. I came in at 3.30 p. m. to write the "Relay" story for the Monday paper. Got out from the office at 12.30 a. m., so I want to turn in pretty early tonight. Mrs. Woodbridge invited me, through Donald, to spend two weeks in Waterville, some time subsequent to July 28. What chance is there that I would have to refuse at the last minute, any worth considering? Tell Jus that his note was received this morning and thanks for writing. John (Ike) is hard at work here in the library digesting law cases. He leaves with the "Mask and Wig" at the end of the week. Stacks and oodles of love. Affectionately, Ben. At the University Ben's letter describing the Annual Publications Banquet, held soon after he became a member of the Pennsylvanian Board, furnishes an interesting exam- ple of the "community of clothes" custom which is part of the tradition of all colleges and universities, being particularly in vogue at fraternity and club houses. To Ms Mother 3539 Locust Street, Friday, May 1, 1914. Dearest Mother: Yours of Monday at hand. I expect to live at 414, beginning Saturday night, and only spend Friday nights in town, as I have switched to that night. "Jack" Lansill and I are to be the regular editors for Friday nights. However he is the real boss, as he is a full-fledged editor, and I am an associate. Lots of interesting things have happened in the past twenty-four hours. Of course I went to the 33d Annual Publications Banquet last night. When I paid for my place at the banquet I in- quired of the chairman of the committee whether the affair was to be formal. I understood, informal. Well, with my usual eleventh-hour luck, I went to the office at 6.45, just before leaving for the Ritten- house to banquet at 7 o'clock. I had on my ordinary blue suit. "Ray" Stevens, the other newly-elected Associate Editor, said: "Are you going up to dress now?" Well, it didn't take me long to find out where I stood. I should have known that it would be formal, but I guess my suspicions were allayed by [35] Benjamin ILee, 2d what I thought the chairman had said. I started up to 8539, but met "Millie" Geyelin (Emile Camille). We went over to his room and he got me into an assorted combination of pants, shirt and coat, also vest, collar and tie, which really fitted me surprisingly. So I got to the Rittenhouse very comfortably by ten minutes past seven, and was ahead of half the bunch. There were about forty-five present. The boards of the four publications, Pennsylvanian, Punch Bowl, Red and Blue, and Record; also Mr. James S. Benn, city editor of the N orth- American, and the following guests, who were seated directly opposite me: The Provost, J. P. Wickersham Crawford, Prof. H. W. Hess of Wharton School, Deans Quinn, Frazer, McCrea. They all made speeches (toasts — better). Also the incoming and outgoing Editors-in-Chief responded, and several alumni who had been recently connected with the publications. Mr. Benn spoke very interestingly. The Provost spoke last and, as always, with great power and feeling. The banquet and the addresses were worth working for all year, irrespective of being on the paper. Just think, there are only four 1917 men who got to that banquet. But I wish that every candidate could have heard Dr. Smith's talk — it was really an inspiration. What he drove at most was "service" — service to the University while an undergraduate, no matter how small the service. Well, after the banquet we got back to the office about one o'clock. Nearer 12.30 I guess. The can- didates had been putting out the paper, three of them at least : Robinette, Clark and Spratt, considered [86] » ' J ' ' ' '/. » t c «' •^ 1 1 1 « 1 1 » t «. 1 jl « I It I At the University as efficient as Stevens and myself. They will prob- ably be elected this spring. I didn't want to write the banquet story, but — ^not for me to reason why. I stayed on with Spratt and Clark until the paper was out at 3.30. Got up at twelve this morning. I start my regular Friday night duties tonight but expect to be out before 12.30, as Jack Lansill is very efficient. Well, it is almost five o'clock now and I must do some work for to-morrow. You are not the only one who is likely to go broke if I stay here much longer. But I guess it doesn't cost me any more to live here than at 414. Had to shell out three for the banquet and expect to lose six more plunks for my Pennsylvanian key, or emblem of editorship. Affectionately, Ben. 414 Manheim Street, Germantown, May 22, 1914. Dearest Mother: How time is flying, and how busy you will be during this last week of preparation! It must be pretty warm in Jacksonville judging from the heat we are having here. Try and do the least amount of tiring work possible, so as to arrive here in condition to enjoy the stay a little bit. Letters from you and Jus came this morning. We judge the other was from Jus, although it wasn't signed. Gramps is having a very tiresome time. I am told by the nurse that most of the back of his neck is [87] Benjamin JLee, 2d % affected. She reported no real improvement this morning, but that he is no worse. That doesn't seem one bit satisfactory.^ It seems to me as though Gramps were too old to be laid up for a week or more with boils, but I don't see anything to be done but let Dr. Smith keep after them. Everything going O.K. with me. Got out the paper with Homer Sullivan Tuesday night. All set up by 1.15. Will take the paper again next Tues- day so as not to be too tired following Saturday. What train? What time due in West Philadelphia? A hientot, Ben. In the fall of his Freshman year Ben became in- terested in "Le Cercle Francais," an undergraduate organization composed of students sufficiently inter- ested in the French language to devote some amount of time and attention to it in addition to the required class-room work. A play was produced annually, and Ben's first connection with "Le Cercle" was as one of the cast of Max Maury's "Le Chauffeur," produced in 1914. This was Ben's first and only his- trionic flight while at Pennsylvania. In the next three years he was successively treasurer, vice-presi- dent and president of the organization. As treasurer he was largely responsible for the financial success of the production in 1915. It was this play which was the occasion for the "condition of dress verdancy" of the following letter. ^ Ben's grandfather, William W. Justice, died two days later, on May 24, 1914. [88] At the University 414 Manheim Street, Germantown, February 21, 1915. Dearest Mother: Yours of Tuesday on hand. I hope you are having as nice a day as this for your down-state expedition. Warm sunshine and soft turf make spring seem tantaHzingly near. The play and dance were an unqualified success. The former went better than I would have supposed possible, considering length of time rehearsals had been held. The floor was pretty well filled, as two hundred people came, not counting players and man- aging force. Financially speaking, the surplus will be very slight. Unusual demands on people this year re- sulted in an unusual number of turned-down patroness invitations. Then Monday night was very stormy, which probably cut the attendance by twenty-five, at least. At any rate, I am well out of it not to be "in the hole." By the way — dress suit and appurtenances were all hunky. I felt perfectly at home with outfit. Supped in same at 3539 before going to town, but my condi- tion of dress verdancy was quite unsuspected; one brother knew, but was under solemn oath not to divulge secret. We had a large rushing dinner Tuesday night. About twenty undergraduates, thirty alumni and thirty Freshmen. The accommodations for eighty just about filled things up. Dinner was great suc- cess, I believe. We have smoker this Tuesday and, of course, Freshmen to lunch and supper about daily, [39] Benjamin Lee, 2d usually six to twelve at lunch. Expensive, but worth it. Attended stag birthday dinner at the Anchorage last night. Vaughan Merrick's twenty-first. About twenty present. Party broke up about 11.30, and Jack Hirst brought me to corner Manheim and Wissahickon Ave. in auto. All going well now. , Stacks of love, Ben. It was in January and February of 1915, just pre- ceding and during the "rushing season" of that year, that Ben made the friendships which proved to be the most intimate and lasting of his college career. Al- though he had frequently spent several nights a week at the fraternity house prior to this time, it was not until after the Christmas recess that he lived there during the week, going to Germantown only for Saturday and Sunday. This resulted in a closer per- sonal relation with the other members of the fraternity, living at the house and around the University. During the months of rushing, Ben's active par- ticipation resulted in the making of acquaintances who, upon becoming members of the fraternity, be- came some of Ben's close companions, many of whom are mentioned in his letters. [40] At the University To Mr. J. C. Chme 414 Manheim Street, Germantown, April 10, 1916. Dear Daddy: Thanks a lot for your letter and trouble to secure data on the southern Metropolis. It is just what I wanted, and lots of help. Mother's telegram received this morning put my mind at rest about the trip, as I had been somewhat doubtful about Nana's being willing to wait over. It certainly will be wonderful to get South after all, if only for a few days. Phil and I had a shopping expedition this after- noon, buying high-cost-of-living suits at Reed's, and shoes at Steigerwalt's, next door. Note that the suit to suit the schoolboy cost more than the finery to fit the other fugitive. I'll be sure-nuf fugitive in a few days, for all will want to scalp me when they hear of my spring training trip right into the balmy. By the way, we are having it quite warm right here. Barometer dropping, and temperature rising to about 70° odd at noon. ' Am bringing air-cooled underwear and ice packs, hoping you are the same. Affectionately, Ben. To his Mother 414 Manheim Street, Germantown, April 12, 1916. Dearest Mother: This will acknowledge your letter received this morning, and two with trip in- [41] Benjamin LeCj 2d formation from Daddy. Mileage received on my return this evening. To-morrow I will exchange mileage and secure berth for A. C. L., Palmetto Limited, No. 83, leav- ing West Philadelphia at 5.42, April 14th, Wednes- day, arriving about 7.30 or later Thursday. I expect to wire on taking train Wednesday afternoon, so that this will be old news. But should you not receive a wire, this will be the final decision, and it would mean I had failed to remember to telegraph. John Clark and I nominated for Managing Editor of Pennsylvanian to-night. He is a fine fellow and an untiring worker. Wants the job as badly as I do and has fully as much chance, if not more chance, of getting it. Am prepared not to be too disappointed. Elections come next Monday, and as proxies are allowed I need not be there. A jeudi! Lots and stacks of love, Ben. 414 Manheim Street, Germantown. May 1, 1915. Deaeest Mother: Yours of Thursday came promptly at breakfast time this morning, and I have another received Wednesday at 3539 — both bringing good news. I did not see Mack Angas last Sunday, as no doubt he had no spare time after trip both ways was con- sidered. He probably went straight through to New York. I have given Convention trip serious consideration, [42] At the University and have decided against it. I appreciate the oppor- tunity and your kindness in offering to send me, and although it would be a splendid trip in many ways, several things seem to outbalance it for me in favor of Blueberry Farm. My absence would include practically all the time Daddy, Jus, and Frances would be there, as well as a large part of the "regulars' " stay. There wouldn't be much summer at either end of my absence for that time is always devoted to the opening and closing of shop. Another thing which I had not thought of until recently is that Nana really needs me there to do a lot of things that would otherwise fall on you or her- self. The place will certainly never run itself. I hope you won't be disappointed for me because I'll not be for myself. Am looking forward to a real Camden summer. Routine work stiffening up a bit, with just four more weeks of college. Have cleaned up all my back gym work and am all through for year now. Phil may come to Straw Hat Day Penn-Princeton baseball this afternoon. Just at present a downpour seems imminent. Glad tea went so well; you were lucky to be in on first round as charter member. Stacks and oodles of love, Ben. Ben was sufficiently interested in all the various undergraduate activities to enter competitions in practically every department. In the spring of his [43] Benjamin Lee, 2d Sophomore year he tried out for assistant track manager, and during this period was designated to take the Freshman team to Mercersburg, an account of the trip being given in the following letter. To Ms Mother 414 Manheim Street, Germantown, May 9, 1916. Deakest Mother: This is the close of a beautiful May day which I have enjoyed, especially as a rest from yesterday. Paul Wagner, Murray Spahr, and I walked out in time for dinner, following the West Drive. They went in town again at about 3.30, since when I have been reading, and tinkering out a few tunes on piano. Phil rode with Uncle Theodore this morning. Yesterday, bright and early, I rose — at quarter of eight — and took the 8.40 to Harrisburg with my twenty Freshmen charges. I had gotten out the worthy sheet the night before until 2 a. m. Lunch was all ready for us at 11.20 in the Harris- burg station. Our train for Chambersburg left in twenty minutes. We changed again, arriving in Mer- cersburg at 2.30. The team got ready right away, feeling a bit worn, it is only fair to say. The track-meet went off well, our team losing forty-eight to fifty-nine points. Jimmy Wharton took third place in both high and low hurdles, which was good, considering the opposition. I want to get him up to Camden for a week or so this summer. He is a little prince, as are several others of our Freshmen. [ 44 ] At the University We had supper at Mercersburg Academy and took our various trains back. We had a special Pullman both ways from Harrisburg, which made it nice. Played cards most of the time, thus managing to stay awake. The Freshmen were an unusually nice crowd and gave their "manager" no trouble at all. We arrived in Philadelphia at 11.40, I going straight to 3539, and soon to bed. This should have been a two- day (over night) trip to give our team a good chance. One of their boys scored eighteen points, winning three first and a second. He is planning to come to Pennsylvania next year. I should like to get out for some golf with Phil, but this track-managership work takes about every afternoon. I don't care particularly about it and know who will get it ("Spike'* Shannon, who roomed with "Roby" when I used cot in dorms). He is a good man to get it, and he will, undoubtedly. But having been out since October (not always so fre- quently reporting, however) I don't want to stop until the competition is over. That would leave Cap. Townsend rather short-handed, as there are but four others in the competition and always lots to do. Phil is much enthused at possibihty of another trip in "Hudson," and thinks of obtaining information on Berkshire routes if you say anything definite as to prospects. I have five of my ten books of poetry reviewed for Dr. Weygandt, all are due by now, but he is of the "willing to take them late" kind — in no way pedantic. Other work coming along pretty well. I think there will be no doubt of my passing F and [46] Benjamin Lee, 2d A 1, Bookkeeping and Accounting this year, although probably one-third of the class taking now will flunk. I really understand what I do in it now. Hope you are all in top condition and not feeling heat as yet. My love to Frances when you see her. Affectionately, Ben. In the summer of 1915 Ben added a fast-sailing canoe to the fleet of boats on Lake Megunticook. Another trip was made to the White Mountains, this time by automobile. Before an early start to Water- ville, N. H., on the morning of July 21, Ben wrote the following lines and left them as a greeting on his mother's desk. To Mother Were I a bird, at dawn of day, I'd seek your home, tho' miles away, Rest on your roof, and keep all fear. Danger or harm from coming near. And wake you with song — sweet, soft, clear; 'Twould make no dif'rence to you, dear. Were I a bird. The first two years which Ben spent at the Uni- versity were, in a sense, experimental. During that time he discovered those courses and subjects in which he was most interested. His various excursions in practically every branch of University activity and competition had taught him likewise the best outlets for his natural likes and abilities. By the time Ben had reached his Junior year, his [46] i-H as o < Q ^A_i_kJ • • • < • • •• ••. • •• • • • • • • •• • • • • • •• » ' • ( t • • « » « c f r c » t » « At the University college career had assumed a definite direction. His greatest enthusiasm had been developed in under- graduate interests which demanded either literary or executive talent. His work in these lines of endeavor had already achieved results. He entered competi- tions for the editorial boards of the Punch Bowl, sl humorous magazine published monthly by students of the University, and the Class Record, the undergrad- uate annual. He was elected an editor of the Punch Bowl in January, 1916, and Managing Editor of the Record at the end of the college year. Ben also be- came involved more and more in University, class, and fraternity affairs. He was a member of all kinds of committees of more or less importance, but requir- ing in the aggregate a great deal of time and effort. In this way he soon became closely identified with those organizations through which the undergraduate mind and sentiment makes itself known and felt. In the fall of 1915 Ben established his headquarters at the fraternity house and, from that time on, spent most of his time, when in Philadelphia, around the campus, going to his grandmother's home in German- town over Saturdays and Sundays. He became a part of the social life of the University and the fra- ternity in a degree which is possible only when living on the campus as one of the student-body. Frequent sessions of bridge in Ben's room after dinner which the best of intentions very often failed to restrict to the time limit of one hour, originally fixed, made new friends and acquaintances, and served to sharpen the intellect for the battle with learning later in the evening. Ben had many nightly visitors attracted by [47] Benjamin LeCj 2d the supplies of cheese and crackers and other in- digestibles frequently on hand, or by the prospect of a long bicker during which any proposition, how- ever profound, could be settled on the instant by a suggestion of adjournment to the White House for the consumption of a hybrid meal, the main purpose of which was to dispense with the necessity of break- fast next morning, thereby insuring an extra half hour's nap. With the approach of midnight the mind of the American college student inevitably turns to thoughts of food. He has no characteristic more universal; it seems to be acquired instinctively upon matriculation. It probably accounts, in part, for Ben's marked popu- larity immediately following the arrival of a box of oranges from Jacksonville. It may also explain the celebration of his twenty-first birthday in which a suit-case full of fruit, candy, cake and jam, and a jug of cider figured prominently. Late in the spring of 1916 Ben was elected his- torian of his class for his Senior year. He also made Friars, a Senior society. The latter honor marked him as an undergraduate of prominence, a man whose influence for the best interests of the college and importance in the life of the college community was recognized. In July, 1916, Ben was asked to join a party on a trip to Glacier National Park. He was reluctant to leave the pleasures of Camden, but finally decided it was too good an opportunity to miss. His letters, only three of which are given, show how greatly he enjoyed and appreciated the wonderful scenery and [48] At the University the greater opportunities for more diflScult climbing than any he had yet tried. To his Mother - Many Glacier Hotel, Glacier National Park, Wednesday, August 2, 1916. Dearest Mother: A letter and! a big envelope and letter received Monday night and now at hand. Glad all going as per u. o. at Blueberry. Just received a letter from Harry Wharton making it all O.K. for him. Will probably meet me at Boston or Portsmouth and come North. We can go to camp in a day if desirable and plan that way. You may be reassured about my health and con- fident your dreams due to lobster, etc. May not be gaining weight but am getting hard as nails. My last letter reported up to and including trips to "Going to the Sun," I believe. Sunday we took the riding trip to Swift Current Pass, with Mrs. Dodge, Josephine, Fay and others. We were again fortunate with weather and had a fine all-day ride, with an on-foot climb up the Pass. Trip would have been a trifle dull but novelty of having real youth to talk to made it fine. J. D. and I beat it back and had earlier supper and a row on the lake at the finest time for the evening lights. The riding has not laid me out at all although in most cases I would rather walk — i.e., go faster with not much more effort — and save three or four dollars a day! Monday I struck off alone at 8.30 a. m., with lunch [49] Benjamin LeCj 2d and camera. Went six miles up the Piegan Trail and climbed to an altitude of about 8,000 up some reason- ably stiff cliffs, to photograph the Bridal Veil Falls that drop sheer a couple of hundred feet and alto- gether about 1,000. Found it easier going up than down, and crossed the shoulder towards the Grinnell Glacier. Followed eight goats one hour, but too quick for me and failed photo. It was one o'clock by then and I ate a bit of lunch and loaded my trusty camera with films one year old, bought here. Prob- ably all will go bad! Horrible thought. Walked for an hour across the Glacier snow field. • •••••••• By referring to the more or less accurate aeroplane map which I sent you, you can follow the various trips. Continuous dotted line indicates course on Monday. • Ate more lunch at 3.30, having covered a couple of miles of glacier, then went down towards the falls to find a way down to Grinnell Lake and trail. The snow field in cross section was like this: • • • • • • •,• • So I had to cross over to Grinnell Mountain and find an arroyo down which to scramble. This was slow work, but not half as slow as when still about 1,200 feet above the lake I hit the alder thickets. It took about two hours to cover a mile and half through this underbrush, down hill. Then at 6.30 I finished up lunch, which consisted of one sandwich and orange at that time. By 7.30 I struck an un- familiar trail and it took me an hour and half in, losing my way once, when in sight of hotel, for half [60] At the Urdversity an hour. I was across the lake! Twilight lasts until nine, and it wasn't dark yet when I came in. Am told a trail will soon be made where I came down, which is the only place you could come down from the glacier. As I had warned Cousin H that I might be late, she was only just getting ready to worry when I pulled in. A hot bath put me in shape for a fine sleep. Got the trained nurse to tie up my right ankle, which I had turned. That it was not sprained is proven by the fact that it is now sound. Yesterday we ponied to Iceberg Lake, which is highly interesting. To-day another fine one, but we are laying off just for luck. Friday to Tuesday, inclusive, I travelled thirty-four miles by pony and sixty-eight on foot, climbing from the hotel level of 4,500 to 7,000 or more four times. My tramping shoes are wrecked. We have horses for to-morrow and go over to Piegan Pass, to Sun Camp, Friday. Don't mind going over that any number of times. Will be there Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Glacier Hotel Tuesday and Wednesday. Stacks of love. Benino. GOING-TO-THE-SUN ChALETS, Glacier National Park, Sunday, August 7, 1916. Dearest Mother: This is a quiet, clear day — just suitable for a mountain Sunday. Our days have been full and time flying as usual here. Thursday morning I rode to Cracker Lake with Uncle Theodore. Afternoon took it easy and packed up. Cousin Hilda and I, with guide and two other [61] Benjamin Lee^ 2d travellers, left at 9.00 a. m. Friday morning with horses. We lunched at Piegan Pass — my third lunch eaten there. I climbed to the Siyeh Pass, killing a couple of hours and reaching here a half hour after balance of the party who had been travelling steadily. Yesterday we rode to Gunsight Lake and lunched there. By that time I was getting pretty bored of riding slower than I can walk, so I again deserted, and went to the Blackfeet Glacier — ^that is, as near as possible. Climbed to about 8,000 feet level on Mt. Jackson — elevation 10,000, then had to start back. Had the same pony as the day before and knew what he could do. Came back from Gunsight the nine miles in 1.20, a saving of an hour and forty minutes over time taken going up. We are comfortably fixed here. To-morrow, weather permitting, I will hike to Sperry Camp, over Gunsight Pass, eighteen miles. Tuesday morning see Sperry Glacier and arrive Lewis' Hotel, Lake McDonald — only seven miles further. Leaving there by boat and bus, and train, Belton to Glacier. Arrive Glacier Park Hotel Wednesday afternoon in time to pack up and leave Thursday with party. Expect to pick up another hiker or two for trip to-morrow, but can get along nicely without. This is a wonderful location. Mr. Hill has a camp on other side of the lake. Would like to investigate it. He is never there. Received another letter and enclosures about Thurs- day. Mileage now about 100 horse and 75 foot. Love to all. * «. . , AflPectionately, Ben, [52] At the University Lewis' Hotel, Lake McDonald, Tuesday, August 8, 1916. 2 p. M. Dearest Mother: I mailed a postal this morning — it should reach you the same time as this note. Sunday we took it easy, walking to the Sexton Glacier in the morning. I left my camera up part way and had to walk back for it in the afternoon, which was pleasant enough. Uncle Theodore pulled out on the morning boat, and headed for Glacier Park and comfort. Met a man named King from Iowa on Monday morning, and we joined forces for the tramp over Gunsight Pass. We had breakfast at 6.30 and pulled out at 7.30, arriving at Gunsight Lake by 10.30, nine miles. The climb up the pass was stiff but beautiful, and as the divide has a lake just each side of it, this adds to the effect. We lunched on the Continental Divide, at an altitude of 6,900, having climbed from a lake altitude of 4,400. Then we descended to Lake Ellen Wilson and climbed back another 1,500 feet to a second pass, and then into Sperry Camps. As we got there by 3.30 we did not have to stay, and the place was not particularly attractive. We got some oranges, which were most refreshing, and tramped on in here the balance of the twenty-four miles. This makes my total mileage in Park since Friday before last about 100 horse (eighteen miles a day for eleven days), and 100 on foot. Would have done all on foot with as much comfort and pleasure and saved about $30, but of course riding and walking don't go well on same trip and same party. [53] Benjamin Lee, 2d Went out after a swim and supper and saw five or six black bears feeding. No grizzly showed up. Have loafed around to-day after a big night's sleep, and will be glad to get out. Comfortable place but nothing to do when stopping for such a short time. Take the boat at 4 p.m. (it is now 3 p.m.), arriving Belton in time for supper, and train to Glacier Park, arrive about 9.30 p. m. That gives me to-morrow to get things straightened out and go through heavy mail that must await me there. Last mail received at Many Glacier. All held since we left there. M. G. best place for a week's stay — am homesick for it! We were oldest L. I's by the time we left, and were personally known to all hotel force. Met several interesting people there, including orig- inal explorer of the Park, Mr. Grinnell, for whom glacier is named. Haven't worn hat or cap on any trip and am pretty well burned, but train will take it all off, I guess. Hope all well and going as usual. Affectionately, Ben. Ben's letters written while at college frequently failed to inform his family — an omission of which he was wholly unconscious — whether he was still attend- ing classes and complying with the other requirements incidental to obtaining a degree. Like most boys in his position, the routine of classroom work and study after two years had become so much a part of his life and changed so slightly from week to week as to call [64] At the University forth very little, if any, comment. It is not improb- able that the present generation of parents will appre- ciate the following typical letter, written on the day after his twenty-second birthday. To his Mother ^ 3539 Locust Street, Philadelphia, November 5, 1916. Dearest Mother: Your birthday letter and en- closure received with much pleasure yesterday morn- ing on rising at 10 a. m. Many thanks for both. Also one from Jus and a long letter from Cece awaited me at 414 Manheim. Couldn't get hold of Phil Saturday, so went to the Haverford-F. M. game with Bud and Phil McMas- ter. Fine game, Haverford winning handily 21-0 by great playing. Am thinking of starting military training course here. Uniforms and equipment necessary will cost $15 to $20, which is quite an item. Perhaps Daddy could suggest a remedy, as I know he favors the training. Thanks lots for offering to cover cost of Pittsburg trip, but we made it so economically that I can do all right without financial shipwreck. However, I might suggest that the same cannot be said of the Michigan trip, which all good Pennsylvanians will take. This is the trip I planned but did not take two years ago. Am on the "Michigan Trip Committee," which implies going, but gets no rake-off, as our class has abohshed the old graft along those lines. [65] Benjamin Lee, 2d Trip will be from Friday night or afternoon to Sun- day night or early Monday. Game is played at Ann Arbor, Michigan, November 18. No details of the trip as yet arranged. Love to all. Affectionately, Ben. This letter also illustrates one of the ingenious methods by which Ben relieved the continuous finan- cial stringency common to all students, however large or small may be their allowances. The Pittsburg trip referred to was made by motor with four members of the fraternity to see the Penn- sylvania University of Pittsburg football game. The return journey, a matter of about eleven hours' run- ning time between Pittsburg and Philadelphia, was rendered memorable by travelling part of the distance over the ties of a trolley track at a point where the road curved and the track did not follow. Ben was considering very seriously during his Senior year the nature of what he was going to undertake after graduation. A farm was proposed at one time and favorably discussed. Joining forces with his brother Justice in Florida was a possibility, but the fact that practically all his friends and com- panions lived in or near Philadelphia tended to dis- courage this project. The truth of the matter was that Ben had reached no satisfactory decision. He felt that his four years in the Wharton School were point- ing the way into a business which would eventually keep him tied down to an office. What he really [ 66 1 At the University desired was work in which outdoors played a great part. He also never relinquished entirely the thought of journalistic or editorial work, in which he took the greatest pleasure. The uncertainty in Ben's own mind was reflected in his letters. To his Mother 3539 Locust Street, Philadelphia, February 8, 1917. Dearest Mother: Two of your letters at hand since my last writing ten days ago. Sorry to have waited so long, but other things seemed .to butt in at otherwise opportune times for letters. Previous to your letter mentioning his presence, I had gotten in touch with Uncle Charley. He came out to lunch last Friday and stayed a while after- wards. Hope to get him out to Germantown this or next Sunday. In re law there is just one point on which you need straightening out. There are not "many other inter- ests absorbing you at college" when that department is entered. The Law School men take absolutely no part, in fact they are not eligible in undergraduate activities, they might as well not be at Pennsylvania except for a few big athletic events! Mighty sorry to hear of such a bad freeze. Al- though weather has been severe until today, I had no idea of Florida damage. The papers have been so full of war news that otherwise important things have been overlooked. This is the final word to me against coming South. It backs up my belief that it would be unwise for [67] Benjamin Lee, 2d all of us to concentrate our interest in "fickle Florida." Like fertile and sunny Italy near Vesuvius, she can't be trusted too far. Well, I hope the damage will not extend beyond the year's crop at any rate. One more exam, tomorrow and the tale will be told. After I got going, the daily exams, last week were not so bad. I have heard from four of them, and from Tuesday's. Went to "Very Good Eddy" with Paul and his father and. mother, after dinner at the Bellevue. (Note, I never attempt to study the evening after an afternoon exam.) Friday night I go to see Beerbohm Tree in "Henry VIII." Had planned a trip to Reading over Saturday and Sunday, but Paul has to marry off his friend, F. S. Brown, Jr., instead. Love to all. Affectionately, Ben. To his Sister 3539 Locust Street, Philadelphia, February 12, 1917. Dear Cece: Instead of sending you a Valentine I am going to "tear you off a bit of a letter," with local news to date. Phil stayed up at school last night. They had some kind of a minstrel show, supposed to be given by colored people. . . . He showed up this morning in time to join in for the waffle party we were still having at 9.30, and acted as though he hadn't had any breakfast at all at school. Then we went to [ 58 ] t en o CD O o » » 4 t At the University church and distinguished ourselves again as ushers. There were an unusual number of people at church, and most of them on Phil's side, so he had to work pretty hard. Donald Woodbridge promised to put $5.00 in my dipper, but he put 5 cents instead! Three of the boys from the Fraternity came out to GermantoVn with me last night, and after supper we had "some" bridge. My partner and I were beaten four rubbers to six, but we did very nicely in successful doubles, and wound up sixty-nine points ahead. This afternoon I walked in with Murray Spahr. It was pretty cold, about 25° I think. Hope you and Daddy will keep in riding trim until the Easter vacation, so that Phil and I can have a few more of those dandy cross-country gallops with you. Bestow affectionate kisses for me upon my nephews, and believe me your affectionate brother, Ben. The declaration of war in 1917 solved these diffi- culties for Ben. The important question now to be decided was what his part in the war was to be. That he actually did get into the service which he really desired to enter was largely due to his way of tackling a situation. Ben first made up his own mind as to exactly what he wanted to do and how he was going to do it. After that the accomplishment of his task or the achievement of his end became much simpler. His proverbial "luck" was nothing more than the application of this rule upon all occasions to which it was fitted. He chose aviation, guided very prob- [69] Benjamin Lee, 2d ably by the same sporting instinct which refused to recognize that a curve in the road could be more than a quarter-turn. Any curves which violated this rule of the road merely added to the thrills of life and motoring, both for Ben and his passengers. Aviation was undoubtedly in Ben's thoughts for at least two years before April 6, 1917. During the early months of 1917, as it became more and more evident that a declaration of war by the United States could not long be delayed, this preference grew into a deter- mination to make every effort to join the air forces. Having made his decision, he considered the possibili- ties of both Army and Navy. At first, the Army seemed more attractive, but upon investigation he con- cluded that the Navy offered a better chance for early active service. And so it was Naval Aviation. [60] Training at Miami, Newport News, Norfolk April, 1917 — December, 1917 Ill Training at Miami, Newport News, Norfolk April, 1917 — December, 1917 In April, 1917, Ben was spending the spring vacation in Florida as usual, when war was declared between the United States and Germany. He had abeady made up his mind that he wished to enter the aviation service. He returned to Philadelphia to make arrangements for his graduation from the University of Pennsylvania, and after a few days returned to Florida, going at once to Miami, where he had private instruction in Naval Aviation from Harold Kantner. To his Mother Miami, Florida, April 22, 1917. Dearest Mother: This will accompany Daddy and supplement his latest news from the front. You will get it good and hot from the griddle, as he leaves here to-night and should reach Jacksonville in the afternoon, no doubt. We had a very pleasant day, starting with a motor trip to Cocoanut Grove, where we spent half an hour with cousin Edith Gifford. We went in Graham's car, which I drove with varying success. Then I ice- cream suited and we went to the beach with the [68] Benjamin JLee, 2d Grahams and Robinsons in their cars. Had a fine swim in a surfless sea. We dined to-day with cousins Fanny and "Hap" Davis, then I caught a ride back to the city and got into my old brown suit. So far I have flown twice Thursday afternoon, the second time for instruction, and then about 12 and 5.30 Friday and Saturday, and 5.30 this afternoon. I am afraid that over 100 minutes have been used up already. Will settle to-morrow for the first batch. My flights have averaged about twenty-five minutes. Did poorly yesterday afternoon, but better again this afternoon. First we start off and I am supposed to handle everything but the throttle. We leave the water, then Kantner throttles down to a slower speed, and I try to head straight across the bay for a certain point, keeping not over two to five feet from the water. Then we go full speed, rise to 200 feet and turn right or left, coming back across the bay with the wind and climbing a little. We always rise and land against the wind, which is usually straight across the bay. When we have turned, I push her over and Kantner closes the throttle, and I try to make a good landing, hitting water very gradually. Made the round trip four times. The third landing elicited an O.K., and the fourth was bum. I should improve them a lot to-morrow, though you never can tell. Sometimes, when trying to make sure of a newly explained point in management, I forget some- thing much more important. Kantner then blows me up and the lesson is over for the time being. I guess lie gets tired of correcting the same bonehead mis- [64] Training at Miami ' takes about the fourth or fifth time. However, I am making headway about six times as fast as if at the land school, where there are more than ten to a machine, and manage to fly ten minutes a day each at the start. There are some good scouts at the field. They leave town usually at five, however, but are some- times around during the day and evening. Of course my evenings, so far, have been pretty well taken up, Daddy being here to knock around with. Daddy has certainly been corking and has spent a whole lot of time in Jacksonville, too, helping fix things up. I have more than half enough for the course now in bank. But I am getting every minute in the air that I can, for Kantner certainly is a fine instructor. I apparently have lots of free time, but actually I have to be right there in case some one else doesn't show up, and also to learn by observation. Lots of love to all, with, as Cece says, "a big share for yourself." Affectionately, Ben. To Mr. J. C. Chase Miami, Florida, April 28, 1917. Deak Daddy: Yours of Thursday and Friday at hand. The advisability of taking and passing the Aero Club test for the license rests largely on the fact that this would provide a definite result or proof [65] Benjamin LeCj 2d of accomplishment to date, which would be universally accepted at greater face value than a mere Curtiss Co. certificate. This would be a stepping-stone, in other words. In comparing the time spent on the boat you must recall that it is generally conceded to be easier to learn than the operation of a tractor land machine, and that the pupil can start at once, as I did, "paddling my own plane," without the same danger of breakage, and Mr. Kantner says that he has let many pupils take the tests on less experience and ability. I have been doing the tests for three days, and with twenty minutes in the air alone, to get used to the different weight-balance of the ma- chine, should have no difficulty in passing same. This could be done Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning, and I would then have something to show for the investment here. The deposit of $6,000 by wire in the bank imder the agreement is simply a necessary formality, and there is not a chance in the world of damaging the machine. The extra time required will all come well within the $400 anticipated, as I have a margin of over an hour left. Please understand that I do not say this is neces- sary for my future progress, because I do not know enough about requirements, etc., but if there is no particular objection, it would seem wise to take this test while still under the supervison and advice of Kantner, and over the course for which I made the buoys myself and over which I have flown many times. Mr. Kantner keeps an accurate record of time in the air day by day, and I shall copy this oif and get him to certify same for me. Training at Miami If I can get into the proper Naval Reserve chan- nels, with the opportunity to help repair and care for machines and fly a reasonable amount, I can then qualify for the tests necessary for an ofiicership in the Naval Reserve. As in the O. R. C. Aviation Section this would require several months, and per- haps twenty or more hours of flying. But what I now have secured in the way of foundation should prove of great assistance in getting into the afore- mentioned proper berth. That is why I believe the license entitling me to fly a boat alone would be conclusive and important evidence. Trusting that this will find the family in continued good health, and that I may see same within a rea- sonable time, I am Always affectionately, Ben. To Ms Mother Miami, Florida, April 30, 1917. Dearest Mother: Letters from you, from Jus, and a long one from Daddy received in this morn- ing's mail, not to mention a telegram which the faithful Mr. Frazure brought in this morning at 3 A. M. Went down to see J. Graham after breakfast and secured what will apparently do the trick, his sig- nature for Chase & Co. on the Curtiss form. I have also Kantner's O.K. written on the wire to him, and a statement of time in the air, also signed. Have not flown as yet to-day, but expect to go up [67] Benjamin Lee^ 2d / solo for fifteen or twenty minutes this afternoon, and practice landing within 150 feet of buoy. Then I have a date with Mr. Pancoast, the Aero Club ob- server, for 6 A. M. to-morrow , when I will proceed with the test, which will call for not over half an hour's flying, ten figure eights and two landings to buoy. . . . . . . Present plan is to leave here some time to-mor- row afternoon, in Kantner's car, spend the night at Palm Beach, if possible to get that far, and the next at Daytona, arriving Jacksonville some time Thursday. . . . After to-morrow noon I will be moving North as fast as letters almost, but will get something off to-morrow. Lots of love. Affectionately, Ben. Miami, Florida, May 1, 1917. Dearest Mother : . . . Flew for about half an hour all told this morning, for the first time alone in the machine. I was perfectly confident and managed well enough to escape criticism from Kantner. How- ever the machine carries farther on the coast, or volplane, as it is lighter, and seemed to throw me out on the distance, so that each time I landed over 200 feet beyond the buoy. Just before, with Kantner in the machine, I had stopped right alongside. I guess it would have been too much to expect a perfect record on the test on my first solo flight. Mr. Pancoast, the observer, is very nice about it, and urged me to try again this afternoon, or to-mor- [68] Training at Miami row morning, if the wind comes up this afternoon. He takes a real personal interest in it, as does of course Kantner, as you can see by the fact that he is delaying his departure by one day on my account. The chances are very good of my doing the trick successfully on the next trial, and it would be more satisfactory to succeed. I guess this posts about all information to date. Lots of love, Ben. On the day following this letter, May 2d, after only twelve days of training, Ben passed successfully all tests required to secure Aero Club license and a diploma from the Curtiss School. On Board B. & O. Express, Due Philadelphia 8 p. m. Tuesday, JMay 8, 1917. Dearest Mother: This will confirm day-letter to Daddy with results to date. On arrival at Washington yesterday. Jus and I went to New Willard, lunched and left our baggage. Went at once to the Capitol buildings, and found Senator Fletcher to be in closed session. Went to Army and Navy buildings — Admiral Usher in New York. Lieutenant Tower's office next door, however. Had a comprehensive discussion with him and Lieu- tenant (j.g.) Chevalier, in which Jus also took part. Decided to take the exam, this morning. Saw Senator Fletcher at 5.30 — most cordial. I had already ex- changed his Signal Corps letter for one to N.R.F.C. [69] Benjamin Lee, 2d authorities, also signed by the Secretary. Jus made an appointment for 10 a. m. to-day. Went to 9th and Penna. at opposite end of city with Jus this a. m. Filled out some papers. He left while I was being examined. Physical and eye examinations were thorough. Only defects were underweight and necessity to correct vision. The examining surgeon wrote "good physique" on the application, and with a statement of my progress in aviation, carried me through O.K. through the four counter signatures necessary, including the Surgeon General in the Navy building to whom I had to take it. In a week or ten days I will be wired to report at Newport News. A few months' training on pontoon machines, plus the mechanical and theory of naviga- tion studied, should fit me for commission as Ensign, base pay $1700 a year, and I suppose equivalent to second Lieutenant in Army. Training will continue, however. My application to Towers would not he considered had I not had training. They want partly trained men, but can not as yet afford to teach from raw material. The men now in work have secured part of their preliminary training themselves. Prospects are for a good bunch of fellows. This afternoon I returned to enlistment point and was sworn in as Seaman, 2d class. Took B. & O. so as to arrive in Philadelphia in time for Fraternity meeting. Will mail this on arrival. Oodles of love, Ben. [70] Training at Newport News After many delays and disappointments and a second visit to Washington to locate lost orders, they were finally received on Monday, June 4, 1917, and Ben left that night for Newport News, Virginia. Newport News, Va., June 8, 1917. Dearest Mother: Received a nice note from Lieutenant Johnson, as forwarded by you, apologiz- ing for the various delays, and hoping that I was here at last. . . . The boys in tents have offered me accommodations which I will look over to-morrow noon. They have breakfast and lunch at the same restaurant that we all do, right by the field at boat harbor. Then after flying, come on to the hotel (two miles by trolley), and have a room and bath where they can clean up. Practically every one has supper here, so as to have a square, hearty meal. . . . This is a mighty congenial bunch, by and large. There are more fellows of interest to me in the fifteen Navy students than in the forty-five Army students at Miami. "Jack" Geary turns out to have been in the second form at Chestnut Hill Academy my first year in the fourth; he then went to Groton and Harvard. There are at least ten Harvard fellows and one Tech non- graduate. Rather much Bostonese and "old chappy" stuff, but that one can get used to. It is amusing for a while. They were "at Cambridge," as they say, rather than Harvard. Don't know why, unless it sounds rather English. Geary knows lots of Phi [71] Benjamin Lee, 2d Kaps and other University fellows I know, having spent much of his time in Philadelphia. Went to the movies earlier in the evening with Wetherald, after doing a little room hunting unsuc- cessfully. Lots of love. Affectionately, Ben. Newport News, VaIJ* June 10, 1917. 3j p. M. Dearest Mother: Yesterday was very productive of mail,- bringing a letter each from Jus and Daddy and two from you. I received a notice of registered package but have not been able to secure same as yet from post-office. This is undoubtedly my Aero Club license. Work was as usual yesterday. It was hot and close again, so not much was accomplished. The new boat should be ready for trials to-morrow. The Miami boat was tried out and performed O.K. In the afternoon I helped load the speed scout that the Englishman broke up into an express car. Also an R-6 type pontoon machine which is sent back to the factory to serve as model for fifty that have been ordered by the government. Some of these should be ready for shipment in less than a month, so per- haps we will get the use of a couple or more here. I inspected the tents to which I was invited yes- terday. Was not very favorably impressed by the surroundings or care of the outfit. If I camped out [72] Training at Newport News would want to secure one of the tents and move off to a location of my own choosing. But I think a good room will fill the bill better and not cost very much. Will stay as is for a few days and try to locate a very desirable room for permanent quarters. One of the boys got a nice one for two dollars a week. My approximate schedule so far has been as fol- lows : 6 A. M. Wakened by "bugle calls and war songs" from encampment of N. G. near by. 7 A. M. Steam siren. Rise. Catch 7.30 car or auto. 7.40. Breakfast, "Boat Harbor Lunch Room." Straw- berries, two shredded wheat and milk. 8. Muster, or roll-call. Fall out for work of the day. ^ 12 M. Lunch, "B. H. L. R." Iced tea, something sub- stantial, and pie or ice-cream. 1 p. M. to between 4 and 5 p. m. Afternoon's work. Shower at hotel. 6.30 p. M. Supper with four or five others. Write, or movies, or study. 9.30 — 10.30 — 11. Hit the hay. When we get down to real work and get in some flying, which is likely to be quite soon, our schedule will stiffen up. We will also undoubtedly start in with drill and instruction this week, as the work on the boat is finished. The trigonometry I mentioned was in connection with velocities and air pressure, and angles of incidence, etc. The drill will be regu- lation infantry work, up to a certain point. My drilling at the University will probably prevent my being much behind the others here. I would like to get the Ledger, either remailed or sent direct, whichever is convenient. [78] Benjamin JLee, 2d Rain all day, and nothing else to do anyway, enabled me to finish up work as per carbons mailed you. Pay will be almost $20 a month, plus subsistence of $1.25 a day. The two should keep me well fed, and car fares and sundries to spare. I had better have riding breeches and puttees after a while, but no necessity to send them for a few days, so that they can go direct to new address when I move. Hope this will reach Germantown in time to carry my love. Affectionately, Ben. , Newport News, Va., Thursday, June 21, 1917. 5.30 p. M. Dearest Mother: This note should await you in Boston as I will mail it this evening at supper time. Am enclosing carbon of a list asked for by Daddy. Notes from him and Jus, to-day, report all O.K. in Jacksonville. Daddy is expressing me a box of oranges ! Please acknowledge to Mrs. Angas for me the receipt of another dandy pair of socks. It was so cold the night they arrived that I slipped them right into service as bed socks. That temperature did not last however, as the last two days have been corkers. Am all but blistered from drilling in the sun morning and afternoon. Now it is pouring. A much-needed rain. To-day we got "shot with dope" for typhoid, [ 74. ] Training at Newport News and all have sore arms. We shall be injected twice again, at ten days' intervals. Things have taken queer turns here recently. Yes- terday we learned, that the Navy boat, which had even been marked with our insignia, on wings and tail, was not to be ours after all! So the prospect of practical work dwindled rapidly. I decided to take a crack at the land flying, just to keep my hand in, and see if I was forgetting much. Due to having had time at Miami, but not the full 400 minutes, I was able to obtain the old rate of $1.00 instead of $1.50 as in force since June 1. Rose at 3.30 this morning, and met Carl Carlstrom at the Plaza Restaurant, where his class gathers. It was about 5.30 when my turn came however. I had a great ride for sixteen minutes. After the first time around he let me handle the machine, and I tried six landings, improving a little each time. Everything went finely and now I am satisfied that, like swim- ming, flying doesn't forget itself. The light, power- ful tractor machine handled more easily than the boat, and but for a slight difference in the controls, and learning to land on a different medium, I had no trouble at all. It was great to get up again! To-day a well-substantiated report got about that the Navy was to take over this school, bag and bag- gage, from A to Z. This came from Lieutenant Towers in Washington, through Jack Geary; also they ceased all instruction to civilians at noon to-day. The Curtiss Co. wants to get back Harold Kantner, but I doubt if they can now. If the above takes place the school can be devoted [75] Benjamin Lee, 2d entirely to N.R.F.C. work and our personnel ex- panded slightly. Also it is possible that the very wise move will be made of giving us all several horn's of instruction on the Curtiss JN. land machines. This would please everybody. It is wise, because in actual conditions at the front the Navy fliers are frequently detailed for land instruction or work at the front. This would also permit of making a start at once in flying, instead of having to wait additional indefinite time for the pontoon machines. Because of the likelihood of our getting this land instruction I am not going to take any more at my expense. Also because of the prohibitive cost of same to yours truly. If it were definitely known that we were not to receive any land instruction whatsoever, I would consider it well worth while and very im- portant to take at least fifty to one hundred minutes at own expense. When going to the front one can never tell what will come up. I might have a chance to escape from Germany if I could fly a land machine well ! Be sure to let me know what Mack Angas is going to do. Am anxious to know whether he is coming down here. With prospects of more equipment this place becomes more attractive. Under any circum- stances, as Ensign Fallon remarked, we are each one of the twenty luckiest fellows in the U. S. A., and there are hundreds who would give anything for our places. Best wishes to all in the motor party, and hope you have regular Camden weather. Lots of love, Ben. [76] Training at Newport News PERSONNEL^ OF NAVAL RESERVE FLYING CORPS Newport News Division June 21, 1917. Lieutenant (j.g.) H. B. Cecil, Commanding Officer. Ensign William B. Atwater, New York; 40; married; experience, since 1911, a land flier, exhibition work. Ensign Nugent Fallon, Boston; 30; Boston Tech; chemical busi- ness; about 500 both land and boat; traveled everywhere; attractive. Ensign "Jack" Geary, Jr., Philadelphia; 20; Harvard Fresh.; just married Bessie Wister; 400 minutes on boat at Essington; fine fellow. "Seamen, Second Class." {In order of arrival here) C. Halloway, Baltimore; 24; land license obtained here. Westmore Willcox, Boston; 23; Harvard; boat license; fast quarter miler; fine fellow. Moseley Taylor, — ; 24; Harvard; land and boat; grandson General Taylor; football player; fine fellow. Goodhue Livingston, Jr.; 20; Harvard Fresh.; land; from New York ; my roommate ; fine fellow. James Hutchins, Boston; Harvard; boat; has been sick; fine fellow. James Warburg, Chicago; Harvard; boat; son of Paul Warburg, banker; fine fellow. Charles Fuller, Boston; 22; Harvard Soph.; land and boat; athletic; fine fellow. Royal W. Wetherald, Boston; 25; Tech two years; land and boat; sporty; nice chap. Cecil (Mike) Murray, Boston; 19; Harvard; land and boat; very nice. Mark Walton, Boston; 23; Harvard; land and boat; O.K. Richard Townsend, Boston; 27; Harvard grad. ; land and boat; married; Stutz. James Finnegan, New York; 25; secretarial experience only; son of New York politician ; very amusing. Emory Stone, Pittsburg; 24; has made many trips with cavalry "remount boats" ; fine fellow. Lyman Peck, Pittsburg; 26; boat experience; has traveled in Brazil, etc.; good scout. ^ A list enclosed in the preceding letter. [77] Benjamin Lee, 2d Benjamin Lee, 2d, Philadelphia; 22; boat; University of Pennsyl- vania. Robert Stocker, New York; 18; at St. Paul's, Garden City; son of captain in the Navy ; no experience. John Foster, Georgia; 21; college course; no experience; a good Georgia Cracker. Instructors William B. Atwater, see above, is acquiring experience in boat work, and should pick up pontoon work fast later. Dore Hequembourg, experienced on boat work. A Curtiss instructor. Comments above, "land and water" means usually about from 200 to 400 minutes of each. Newport News, Va., June 28, 1917. 2.30 p. M. Deabest Mother: I am sitting on the porch of the office at the field, looking out over the water and stopping all the breeze in reach, which is none too much. Dropped a line in care of General Delivery, Portland, but am doubtful whether it will reach you. At any rate, this letter, if sent by the through train, should reach Blueberry Farm by Tuesday morning at the latest. At last things seem to be straightening out here. Yesterday a mosquito fleet boat (size of Robin Hood with crew of three) was sent to tug us in if our motor fails, "somewhere in America," out on the bay. The boat's old owner is captain, and he has enlisted friends for crew. They are out three-quarters of a mile now, at anchor. To-day we were ordered in from morning drill and told we were each to get a flight in the boat. So [78] Training at Newport News far six fellows have been up. We go in order of arrival here, temporarily. The idea is that we are now in active flying duty, and that 50 per cent, in- crease in pay begins to-day. Lieutenant Cecil told us that the school was really being taken over for us, and that we would all get land flying at once, and pontoon (hydro) when the N-9's come. The new boat will be used now also. This is great, and promises well for going right ahead at a reasonable pace for progress. Being far down on the list, I'll either get up late this afternoon or Monday, likely the latter. Yesterday we got paid and I received $25 cash, which represented pay and subsistence for eleven or twelve days (5th to 16th inclusive, I think). We have all recovered from the effects of our typhoid inoculation. Most of us simply had sore arms, being in excellent condition, due to drill and Swedish exercise. Weather continues hot but clear. By keeping out of sun, except when drilling, it is all right. I drill stripped to the waist usually in the morning and with a shirt in the afternoon, so have managed so far to pick up a good protective coat without getting pain- fully burned. Have just finished a long letter to Daddy with all good news to date. Hope Jus comes North, arriving Washington on Sunday, as I could spend any Sun- day there and would certainly like to see them all, if only between breakfast and lunch time. Boat leaves Old Point Comfort Saturday night, arriving Wash- ington 7 A. M., Sunday, and returns on similar [79] Benjamin Lee, 2d schedule. Of course I couldn't make it any other day. A long letter from Mack, received yesterday, advised me fully of his plans: Engineers Corps. The flying boat has not been out since lunch, and I presume there is adjustment necessary on the motor. They are not dependable until lots of little things have gone wrong and been fixed, and have operated a couple of hours continuously at least. Guess I won't get up imtil Monday. It doesn't matter much anyway. Everybody is happy now — you can't make us mad! Time has certainly flown here. Love to all in Camden, and oodles for Ma Velvet. Affectionately, Ben. CuRTiss School, Newport News, Va., Monday, July 2, 1917. 10 p. M. Dearest Mother: Yours of last Thiirsday brought out by the Lieutenant this morning. Glad things are going so nicely in Camden. Prospects are looking up daily here also. A few days ago Lieutenant Cecil read a letter from Washington censuring any attempts at advance- ment via political or other pull, and stating that let- ters received by the department at Washington, recommending reservists for advancement, would be forwarded to the officer in charge of said reservist. Also, that note would be made on his record of same, and that repetition of "offense" would be cause for [80] Training at Newport News disciplinary measures. Having read the letter he said, "And I have a letter here referring to you, Lee." Afterwards he showed me a (very proper, I thought) letter from Senator Fletcher to Lieutenant Towers. Of course I explained that I was not directly responsible, and would make every attempt to see that it didn't happen again. I sent a copy of the general letter to Daddy. . . . It means that a strict policy of non-intervention will have to be adhered to, whether I am sent to Madagascar or Mons, with or without a commission. If I should be ordered aboard ship by Lieutenant Cecil or his superior, in Washington, would feel that it was the way in which they wanted me to serve, and therefore the best for the Navy! Of course, nothing radical is likely to occur, but if anything should, remember that interference is risky business, unless conducted by an expert, and is likely to react on the intended beneficiary. Probably most of the thousands of reservists in the Navy have some one interested and taking trouble about them. Result, a flood of inquiries, requests, etc., from people of such status, that they must be answered. That is Lieutenant Cecil's explanation. . . . Sunday we trolleyed to Virginia Beach, which was superior to Ocean View — better surf, beach, people, less crowded. Had a bully swim, as weather was top Camdenish for August. Adjourned to Monticello and had dinner. . . . There are 1400 N.R.F.C. men on the lists at [81] Benjamin Lee, 2d Washington waiting to be detailed active duty here and elsewhere. No doubt their fond parents and friends are among those causing trouble by solicitude. Perhaps some of us will be detailed to instruct the above, when we have had all the training. If appli- cations for this service are in order, and other things favorable, I'll apply for it at the proper time. If any one writes to Washington about it I'll probably be court martialled and shot at sunrise daily. Am in "Dore" (Theodore) Hequembourg's class of seven on the new Navy boat. This is what I really prefer at present. The list of fourteen was simply cut in two, and I happened to be in the upper half (last one!). . . The details of our course were read to us on Friday, but not yet posted, so I cannot give an accurate summary. We are each to do 600 minutes of solo, mostly on land and N-9, if the latter show up. Of course that means for me probably 50 or 100 more on the boat first, and 150 at least on land, and 50 or 100 on N-9, so it will mean a general total of 1200 to 1500 done, all told before obtaining provisional rating as ensign. Also tests for duration, altitude, rough weather, navi- gation and accuracy, taken in any of the machines, and examinations in assembling, and care of, and dissembling engines, planes, theory of flight and navigation, and drilling the section or squads of students. If there is anything you think of I haven't mentioned, that is included also. We have lots of work cut out for us. You may rest assured that the course is to be most thorough and quite slowly taken. [82] Training at Newport News Having finished here and secured rating of provisional ensign, we will go to Jamestown, Pensacola, or some other point for instruction in more advanced flying, and on more practical types of machines for fighting purposes. We don't now expect to see the front before next spring's drive, though a few months in winter might be put in, in France, on finishing work. May take a sail on the 4th, as we all expect a holiday. Hope the boys in Camden get time enough off from farming to keep some of our equipment in proper shape by giving the usual attention, and to use same later. I would rather have my "pets" used to any extent than not at all. If I get a week off, you know where I'll be! Love to all, Affectionately, Ben. Newport News, Va., July 20, 1917. Dearest Mother: At last, two eventful days in quick succession! Yesterday solo work began. No- body soloed. Two boats were put out of commission. To-day, four of us got into action, and no damage was done. Having been the principal actor, in fact the goat, in yesterday's little "escapincident," perhaps it didn't seem so funny to me, but all I know is that the shores seemed lined with seamen, second class, con- vulsed with laughter. . . . For the time being, solo work is to be done on the [88] Benjamin JLee, 2d Miami boat, so yesterday morning it was trotted out on its little wheeled truck, and left at the top of the runway, to be warmed up and made ready for action. This I was told to do. Working with me was the "captain" of the crew in charge of that boat. To make a long story short, when I cranked the motor over, it started with a rush that carried the boat down the runway, crushing the horse placed in front to guard against said contingency, and then tearing down on to the water. Lamke, the man with me, was frantically steering to the left. You see, the interesting part was that another machine was just coming up to the end of the self -same slip, with one of the fellows in front of it in the water, helping guide it in. This chap, Finnegan by name, cast a desperate hunted glance our way, and attempted to flop to safety, only too late. "At this point our hero, bringing all faculties to bear upon the problem, quickly switched off the motor, thus saving two machines from wreck, and countless lives." The total damage amounted to an afternoon's work repairing sprung planking on bottom of Miami boat, due to removing from the truck in an unusual manner, as it is an arduous job for nine athletic young men under ordinary circumstances. Fortunately for me it was quite the "captain's" fault for allowing me to start the motor with the throttle wide open, in as much as it is the only one of the boats on which said condition occurs when it is apparently closed. The other damage merely consisted of a broken or, rather, split rudder on the new Navy boat. Under orders I spent two hours yesterday taking it off and [84] Training at Newport News putting on a substitute. To-day I spent two hours taking off the substitute and putting back the repaired rudder, Dore having said in the meantime that he would not use the boat until re-equipped with its own rudder. . . . This afternoon Mike Murray soloed, also Chas. Fuller from our class, and Mose Taylor from the other. All went well in every case. Charley stayed out about fifteen minutes and had a regular joy ride, for which reprimanded, as the idea was for as many as possible to get a short ride. A little later the usual rain set in, so we adjourned to a first-aid lecture by the doctor. There are about three more fellows now ready to solo, and all will be within a short time. My total air time, including Miami, is now 593 minutes. This also includes my time on land machine with Carl Carlstrom. Now it is about the end of a perfect day, with the limpid drip of rain to lull me to sleep, punctuated by the swats and exclamations of Jack Mabbitt, who is on a raging mosquito hunt. Two of the best of enlisted men (including Captain of our crew) were sent to Boston Tech to-day for Navy course similar to Army. Will mail this first thing in the morning,, not having written yesterday or to-day. Love to all. Affectionately, Ben. [85] Benjamin LeCj 2d Newport News, Va., August 7, 1917. 11 A. M. Dearest Mother: Being timekeeper I only have to sit quietly on the porch, in the shade, and put down the time up, down, and elapsed, each flight made by three machines in action. Roy is here in his bathing suit, worrying about how soon he can finish on the boat. Charley Fuller is getting a lecture on caution from Dore. Two men are soloing, and a third just going out in the big R-6 pontoon machine. Guard duty was not bad this morning and I do not yet feel tired. This morning I was lucky. The Naval Academy School ship Kearsage is in the har- bor, and Lieutenant-Commander Ellyson brought over ten Ist-class men and twenty 2d-class men to look around the school, they (Ist-class men) being especially interested in aviation. I was detailed to give them a hop each in the Miami boat. This was great fun and wonderful practice, for it meant mak- ing short flights and ten landings. ^ The hops averaged from three to six minutes, total- ling forty-six minutes of flying, which it took an hour and twenty minutes to do. The fellows were all keen about it, and some took hold very quickly when I gave them the controls for a couple of minutes. As the water was fairly rough on the get-aways, this made it additionally worth while. Lieutenant-Commander Ellyson thanked me personally (I felt like thanking him!), and one of the fellows insisted on kodaking [86] Training at Newport News me. Great excitement for yours truly, but the usual calm exterior. . . . Love to all. Affectionately, Ben. Newport News, Va., Thursday, August 6, 1917. 9 p. M. Dearest Mother: Your letters of Sunday and Monday at hand, also Outlooks from Nana, for which thanks. Things have been interesting the past few days. Monday I took a fifteen-minute ride with Stinson, as it seemed a pity to leave without having had the experience. He let me drive the land machine to an altitude of 3,500 feet. Then he put it through the following: Stall, motor on. Stall, motor off. Side slip. Two loops. Tail spin. Spirals to 500-foot level. Of these, the stall was most strain on one's solar plexus. As you may remember the diagram in book sent down here, "Theta" showed how the machine is put straight up and then drops, as if pivoting on the tail. The drop is the thing. To-day I was waterman, but flew first for fifty-four minutes, staying out sufficiently overtime to get Dore peeved. After much effort, Charley Fuller and I have at last gotten transferred to the N-9 pontoon machine, and hope to get some instruction on same from Carl Batts to-morrow. With the proposed shift in mind, I made my last [87] Benjamin JLee, 2d boat flight a good one, and did some short turns and spirals, a la Kantner, that were rather new to these parts. I should not instruct a primary pupil in short turns, but it is well to know how to make them so as to get out of a corner, perhaps. ... We may move Monday to Jamestown, everything permitting. Our new quarters are being prepared and runways laid for boats. Paul Wagner writes that he plans to go to Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., August 23. Guard duty very tiresome last night, so will make up, beginning soon. Love to all. Affectionately, Ben. To his Brother Newport News, Va., Saturday, August 18, 1917. 9 p. M. Dear Jus: Glad to get your letter from Cam- den. Congratulations on Lieutenant (j.g.) U.S.N.R. That is certainly fine and dandy. Your wire not received as yet, which explains delay in my appraisal of great news. Hope to see you here, or Jamestown, at your con- venience. You could pick up a little advance dope on planes in a few hours' stay. Have been assigned to the R-6 twin pontoon 200- horse plane since yesterday. Had two flights yester- day, forty-five to fifty minutes, and thirty-one to- day. . . . [88 1 Training at Newport News At roll call we were asked to specify whether we would be willing to act as instructors if requested to do so. About nine, including all the best fliers, said that they would, so Jamestown may see us for quite a while, each with a class of N.R.F.C. neophytes to handle. . . . We should be commissioned by September 1, and get ten days perhaps soon after. Afraid the prob- lematical vacation will come after you are hard at it again, so I hope you can stop over on *way up. Will wire if we shift to Jamestown during the week. Am certainly tickled that you found such happy solution of difficulties. Washington is certainly our panacea. Affectionately, Ben. To his Mother ' Newport News, Va., Tuesday, August 21, 1917. 8 p. M. Dearest Mother: I will send box by express when I can. Will also send a propeller by freight to Haverford College to await Phil. A notice was read a few days ago authorizing Commandants of districts to release all college students under twenty- one, September 15, as their studies are preferably not to be interrupted. They would, of course, be subject to call later. Wrote congratulations to Jus in Jax. His wire never showed up. . . . [89] Benjamin Lee, 2d One of the most attractive features of such an un- pleasant proposition as war comes into play when conditions make it possible to write for something and have it arrive without even having to think about it again. This sounds spoiled, perhaps, but is due to the fact that we are frequently so tired, dirty, and out of sorts at night, that getting supper is almost too much trouble, not to mention sitting down and studying or thinking logically. For instance: Up at 6 A. M. this morning. Pushed and tugged machines from 7 to 8. Breakfasted, hauled boxes to a boat for two hours, alternating with hoisting 3,500 lb. machines in and out of water, ditto this afternoon. Unable to fly due to inability of instructor to get N-9 off the water and lack of permission to solo until above instruction trip is made. Lunched at 1.15. Helped set up another machine, etc. Put last ma- chine away at 6.30. Went to supper, dirty, at 7, with Roy Wetherald, as he had to go on watch from 8 to 12, and here I am complaining about an exas- perating pen! . . . When I finish this epistle I shall take off my trousers and attempt to wash them, knowing full well that they must go on to-morrow, in whatever condition they may be. This is due to the slowness of the unworthy tailor in Norfolk who has broken every promise in his catalog, and then some. . . . At one o'clock muster to-day Lieutenant Cecil spoke to us. Said some would be needed as in- structors at Jamestown, and balance might (probably would) sail within a month for Dimkirk, and further training there. This is unofficial, but there is no . [90] Training at Newport News harm in not spreading the news. We don't want to be torpedoed on the way. I saw the Lieutenant later and told him I was will- ing to go or stay, as he advised. He said he would see how many were anxious to act as instructors for a couple of months and would make up the balance from those who might prefer to go any way, and that he expected we would all be over in four or five months. So it didn't make so much difference. He advised me to sit tight, which I have so far. Unless he feels that he wants me here very decidedly, I should certainly prefer to go now and get started. I think most of the live wires will go. . . . If I do stay and instruct, which now seems unlikely, and I would somewhat rather not, it would almost surely be on the flying boat, as no one likes the boats but Jack Geary and me. However, I like them less now, but feel would be fully qualified to instruct, begin- ning any time. This would be fairly good experience, but nothing extra, as that is a type machine not used much abroad, and if I became soaked in its ways I might have troubles on other types. It will all come out in the wash, and it is many a time I have thanked my stars for a non-worrying disposition. Worry has almost ruined the flying of half the fellows here, at one time or another. If I had two days with nothing to do, I would write to every member of the family but, etc., . . . and they can all absorb from the same manuscript. Lots of love. Affectionately, Ben. [91] Benjamin Lee, 2d Newport News, Va., August 23, 1917. 5.20 A. M. Four to Seven Watch The lights of Jamestown sparkle near; The lights of Old Point sparkle clear; Our fleet's at guard between. Ah, but it'sj wonderful off to the east When dawn breaks through its dozen beams. The Roads' dark gray at break of day. Changes to silver gleams. Ah, but it's witchery off in the west. With snowpeaks and lakes in the sky — (If you would all get up at dawn. You'd see the same as I). This is a "dawn-comes-up-like-thunder" morning, but promises well for flying. If I don't get on to the job I'm liable to have plenty more of this four to seven watch business so, au revoir, and back to earth. — B. L. Norfolk, Va., September 6, 1917. 10 p. M. Dearest Mother: Wire from Daddy should post you briefly. The watch arrived day before yesterday, and is a beauty. Many thanks for it, hope you will have a chance to see it soon. Daddy came to the field this morning with Jack Geary while I was doing the last half hour of my ninety-minute test. I went out first this morning in the N-9 206, and it was very rough, with a fast wind. [92] tilt lite *■ t c c < 1 1 .*' 1 1 t t ( 1 w to w O Training at Norfolk Had no trouble except in landing near the "Maud" from my altitude of 4,000 feet. The wind held me back, so that I stopped well short of the mark, but near enough to be passed by the observer. Got released for the balance of the day and went to lunch in town at the Monticello with Daddy. Jimmy Warburg let me take his sweet Peerless runabout. Returned to field at four and helped put away a couple of machines. Bobby Stocker took and passed his test this afternoon. Every one came in town for supper, so I did, too. . . . Latest is that I shall apply to-morrow for leave, beginning about the 14th and lasting long enough to go to Camden and return to Philadelphia by motor with you. Shall probably not get conmiission until some in- definite time, such as two weeks,^ but there is nothing more I am expected to do to obtain it. Two Sunday letters received reporting Camden news. It is getting late, and so will close with love. Affectionately, Ben. Ben was granted ten days' leave, from September 12th to 23d. He came directly to Camden, Me., had a happy four days there, and motored back with the family as far as New York, then left by train and boat for Norfolk. ^ Actually not for two months ! [93] Benjamin Lee, 2d Norfolk, Va., September 23, 1^17. Deabjest Mother: I have just sent a night letter which should reach you with the meat of the news to-morrow morning. The trip down was uneventful, but disagreeable. Wakened at 5.15; got on boat at 5A5\ breakfast at 6; boat left QAS, It was rough coming over to Old Point Comfort, and the boat danced all over the map. I fled to the open air and so staved off the worst danger. Arrived Norfolk and found a tall young Ensign in his "blues" waiting for me. It was certainly a nice surprise. Jus and I proceeded by trolley, arriving at the "Gravestone" Inn in time for lunch. There he met most of the officers and men. There were lots of strange faces around, and many things to discuss. Lieutenant McDonnell, whom I saw in Miami, and who was in charge at Palm Beach, then Huntington, will take charge here very shortly. Every one is pleased. With the advent of twenty from Tech matters of organization have been rearranged. The three Ensigns (Geary, Fallon, Atwater) have supervisory charge of administration, repairs, and flying respectively. McLeish (who didn't get to France after all) and Read are instructing. Murray, Townsend, Walton have in rotation the duties of officer of the day. Self, Stocker, and Taylor are substitutes or understudies for same. That puts me in what is at present, or appears to be, a soft job, but may have to alternate regularly with Murray, which would make it harder. [94] Training at Norfolk It is apparently authentic that the tests for Naval Aviator must be taken before commissioned. This will involve twenty to thirty-five hours solo prepara- tion probably, which it is the present plan to have done here. Impossible to tell how long this will take. There are at present five machines in fair condition out of the original nine. I haven't had much chance to talk it over with the others, but believe there has been very little flying during my ten days' absence, and no one has progressed much. Jus and I spent afternoon looking around the hangars, machines, etc. No flying, of course, due to heavy storm wind prevailing. Came in and had early supper with Luther and Loman, his two office mates, who had also come for a look around. Went out to the boat, via trolley, and walked back, a good two- mile jog, and here I am. Expect to locate some friends in dining-room very soon, and have a bicker and ride home with them. Would not recommend Cape Charles route this time of year under any circumstance. Well worth extra trip to Washington to eliminate bum train ride, and bum change to bum boat. At least you can get brass beds and bath on Washington boat, though Jus doesn't think much of the food. Am all cheerful and ready to wait two or three more months for my commission. Certainly had a wonderful vacation; it exceeded all possible expecta- tions, thanks to all concerned. Love, Ben. [95] Benjamin Lee, 2d Norfolk, Va., Sunday, September 30, 1917. Dearest Mother: Roy and I are spending another evening midst the luxuries of civilization, as to-mor- row we shall again go back to plain living and high flying. Saturday morning at 11.30 I had a nice solo flight of about forty minutes, without passenger. Flew over to Langley (government experimental) Field, ob- served the hangars and a few machines out on the field, from about 3,500 feet; this took up most of the time. Spiralled down from just one mile altitude, and came in just before rain started. We had a lecture and a study period after lunch, then were dis- missed at 3.30. Came in to Norfolk with some of the fellows; went to Old Point by boat and had supper at the Chamberlin with Jack Foster and Bobby Stocker. Met Arthur Perry after supper and talked with him for balance of the evening. Retired early and rose at 8.30, enjoying a hot and cold bath and good breakfast. Got a car and went to Langley Field. There was lots to be seen there. The Italian machines are beauties, and their performance only serves to show how hopelessly backward we had become in aviation. For instance, their flying boat will climb 1,000 feet per minute easily. Ours, 100 feet per minute. That is a fair basis of comparison too, and their motors are about ten times as depend- able as the Curtiss. There was a little flying done, but mostly we looked around and talked to the Italian pilots. One of them in particular, the one who pilots the Macchi [96] Training at Norfolk flying boat, spoke French very comfortably, and we talked several hours. He finally came to dinner at the Chamberlin with Roy and me, and kept up a steady flow of language. Fortunately, it was all very interesting. We finally persuaded him to fly over to our base to-morrow afternoon and stop in for a call. Unfortunately, this scout boat is a one-man machine, so there is no chance of a hop with him. It makes about 105 miles per hour. . . . Hope all goes well in Germantown. Love to Nana and Frances and Cece. Affectionately, Ben. On Top of Massachusetts Building, Naval Base, Va., October 3, 1917. Dearest Mother: Am enjoying a gorgeous day by studying on the tower of this building, thus combining practical observation with the theory. If luck holds I may get a thirty-minute hop this after- noon. At last Jack Foster and Steve Stone are soloing, and all those who haven't had ten hours are taking one-hour flights, so that they may catch up. Monday Admiral Dillingham called on us formally. He had been talking to Willie Willcox, Sunday. Said he thought we had had a raw deal and was going to try and have it remedied (not in those words). This was very encouraging. Monday afternoon we all fell to on a football, and had a flne rough-house game. Best sport for a long while. I am no player, but this was fun. Yesterday, study and a little flying. [97] Benjamin JLee, 2d On the 5th we have our first exam.; 15th another, and 18th a couple; so you see that blocks the week- ends pretty thoroughly. I should otherwise have tried to make Philadelphia, Saturday the 13th. It is ob- viously impossible to get ten hours' solo between now and November. I have thirteen hours' solo now to my credit and that would mean twelve more. May get five, if lucky. However, with the Admiral taking an interest in us, things look brighter, and there is less talk of what to do if our commissions do not materialize before orders for France. We are all easily convinced on this score by the latest definite dope, whatever it may be, and it is hard to decide one thing definitely and stick to it. But, unless mat- ters become exceedingly unsatisfactory and dilatory (more than now), I shall stick right in this Corps, and let come what may. They must commission us eventually, and I can at least afford to wait! It is time to fall in for lunch. Will try to mail this now. < Lots of love, Ben. Norfolk, Va., - October 10, 1917. Dear Mother: This is the quiet hour of two. We are enjoying a lecture by Lieutenant Masek, the new assistant to the Lieutenant. Willie Willcox has just awakened from a nap on my shoulder, due to the necessity of my writing and therefore moving. The lecturer is speaking of things we know already, so digestions have the upper hand, so to speak, , . , [98] Training at Norfolk Monday was a good flying day. Several solo flights made, bringing the list a little closer to me; think I am about fourth up now. The exam, taken at three. Passed with 3.45 on a basis of 4-100 per cent; 2.5 is passing. . . . Your letter of Sunday reporting all O.K. for a visit over 20th and 21st. If possible I should like to get off in time to make Philadelphia Friday night, due to Founders' Night meeting at Phi Kappa Sigma, when there is usually a great reunion. This, of course, depends on great many things, including whether the Lieutenant looks up how recently I have had leave! Lots of love. Affectionately, Ben. Norfolk, Va., Naval Base, October 15, 1917. Dearest Mother: Nothing of note happened Sat- urday. There was flying, but not for me. Went to town in the evening and had a room and bath with Roy. Got up at 9.30 and had breakfast, then I proceeded by trolley and ferry to Boat Harbor — Curtiss School. Though busy, Carl Batts gave me preference, and I had thirty valuable minutes of instruction with him. Learned how to get out of tail-spins and other bad positions, also did several loops and landings. Stayed all afternoon watching Stinson and Batts fly. They are both wonderful fliers. Each took up Con- way, a movie operator, who filmed the other doing all kinds of stunts. Batts glided down a half mile [99] Benjamin Lee, 2d upside down. He did this for a short distance with me once, and we got pretty well oiled up from the motor. . . . Two new and two old N-9s operating to-day, so I had an hour's flight, 9.30 to 10.30, in new machine. It is a beauty, handles easily, and more power. The hour went all too fast; went to the batteries at For- tress Monroe and could have bombed them if they hadn't shot me first. The chances for the week-end aren't looking up at all. I shall apply about to-morrow, or Wednesday, and see what luck I have. But don't be too disap- pointed if I can't get away, as there isn't much liberty being given nowadays. I have now 956 minutes' solo to my credit, that is fifteen, almost sixteen, hours. Should be able to get two or three more this week if weather holds. To-day is beautiful and snappy, southwest wind and reason- able waves. Will get this off at once as it is really a Sunday letter delayed. Love to all and hope all goes nicely. Affectionately, Ben. Norfolk, Va., Greystone Inn, October 18, 1917. Dearest Mother: I wired at noon to-day that I should not be able to get away, and advising against upsetting your plans and making a stop-over here. Needless to say it would be a great pleasure to see any or all of the party South bound. On the other hand, it is a pretty out-of-the-way place to come to [ 100 ] 1 ■) > ■> > J , < Training at Norfolk for one day. It is probable that I will get at least three or four days before final orders, and if not, perhaps you would not find a through trip to Phila- delphia, or New York any more trouble than the stop-over here. Tuesday I had a nice evening flight of about an hour. It has so happened that my turns have come last, or almost last, so that I have come in at five- thirty or quarter of six. It is a beautiful time to fly, with the sun setting red over Newport News. Tues- day I went over and watched Batts and Stinson chasing each other around over Boat Harbor and Newport News, just like a couple of playful pups. The machines took on personality as I watched them, and finally I could tell by the differences in flying which was Batts and which Stinson. I had a sixty-nine minute flight this morning. Took an Army Signal Corps officer with me. He is from the balloon detachment at Fortress Monroe, and wanted to compare possibilities of observation from a plane with his other experience in the kite balloon. We located some buoys that we were to find, then went over to Langley Field to look around. Got in just at lunch time. This afternoon I was hustling along in my exam, when Mr. Atwater 'phoned up for me, and I finished my paper and beat it right down. He said I was to take some one over to Cape Charles and back, pronto! This was great dope, especially as I had a new ma- chine to drive and a good compass. . . . Looked over a map of Chesapeake Bay and started off. Destination was Cherrystone Island, near Cape [101] r (\ t e t ' < t It t Benjamin JLee^ 2d Charles town. This proved to be the size of Negro Island, Camden. Was out of sight of land for twenty minutes on the way over, due to thick atmosphere. Cleared up on the way back, but I steered compass course. Landed and stayed in the machine for fifteen minutes while passenger addressed the Naval detachment there. He had to be carried ashore, due to shoal water. Got back O.K.; two hours, fifteen minutes from time of departure; 107 minutes actual flying time. This puts my solo time up to twenty hours, fifty minutes, so I should hear from the Lieutenant about taking tests very soon. Certainly am sorry to disappoint you after delaying departure on my account. This is war! Love to all, Ben. U. S. Navy Aviation Detachment, Hampton Roads, Va., October 21, 1917. Dearest Mother: Letters from you yesterday and Friday indicate that you will proceed to Jack- sonville as per plans, and can be free for a quick jimip any time thereafter. Under the circumstances this is the best arrangement, I guess, and may look better as time progresses. The ride with Batts last Sunday was not a free one, though he was very friendly in the manner — taking me up right away upon arrival at the school. It was worth so much more than it cost that I might consider it almost free. [102] Training at Norfolk Friday morning it was blowing pretty hard, but not too hard for flying at first. I was sent right up for my 6,000 feet test, landing 200 feet of a mark. All went well for a while, then the motor seemed to lack power. After an hour I had only gotten 3,800, so gave it up. The motor started to miss a little. N-9s should be able to climb 7,500 in an hour, at their best. Tried the second test, cutting off the spark and letting the motor stop at 3,000 feet, and attempted a landing 200 feet from the patrol boat. Missed by about fifty or more feet. I had the distance right, but got a little bit side of the wind and so got blown sidewise. Mechanics found several adjustments necessary and got the motor running properly again. Then all flying was called off, due to squall wind which had been increasing all morning. However, I got credit for my "rough air flying" test, as it was very bumpy and hard to manage. There was a forty-mile wind from the southeast. This ended all flying for the time, and as it still blows there is only hope for the morrow. The crowd from Squantum, Mass., arrived yester- day. Seventeen students; have had five hours' solo each, no work or study; and a working force of 100 mechanics, sailors, messmen, etc. These Squantumites have something to learn under Mr. McDonnell! Hope this reaches you before leaving. It will have to be part of our missed Sunday visit. Stacks and oodles of love, Ben. [ 103 ] Benjamin Lee^ 2d U. S. Navy Aviation Detachment, Hampton Roads, Va., October 26, 1917. Dearest Mother: Card and letter from German- town the last news, though I expect a letter from Jacksonville this morning or afternoon. Wednesday we took our final exam, on Bowditch Navigation. My mark not yet corrected, but quite sure of at least passing; 4 is perfect. My other marks are as follows: Loaning, Part 1 3.45 Loaning, Part 2 3.20 Gunnery 3.02 (1st with two others) Seamanship 3.9 (1st in class) Bowditch ? We still have an oral exam, in Semaphore and Radio, but this should not cause any trouble. This is another good flying day. Had I been on the active flying list I would have had good flying yesterday. Jack Foster got in three hours, Bobby Stocker four, and passed his test. Seven machines bombed Norfolk with Liberty Loan hand bills. I shall probably have a chance at the 6,000 test Monday or next good day. I will keep missing it until I can get there by a normal glide. Will send this Special, so it may reach you Sunday. Lots and lots of love, Ben. Norfolk, Va., ■! November 4, 1917. Dearest Mother: At last all tests are behind and there is nothing more to worry about. The coveted [ 104 ] Training at Norfolk commission may be expected in about ten days, dur- ing which time I shall be getting in some solo on the big R-6 machines. Yesterday I took the cross-wind flight with Lieu- tenant Masek as passenger-observer. In the after- noon took the 6,000 and finally made the mark all right. Several of the others have finished. Mr. McDonnell just returned from Washington and has the latest dope: those of us who finished yesterday will form a unit — Fuller, Hutchins, Stocker, Stone, Foster and myself. His present expectation was that if we received the appointment on foreign service for which he recommended us, we would sail in about three weeks. This is great, and an ideal group. Of course I will keep you posted and will wire if and when leave is obtained. This will probably not be for a week or ten days at the earliest. Spent the night here with Roy and enjoyed a luxurious morning. Now we take some Boston friends of his to Newport News and Old Point. It is time to get going. Will write again this evening if an5rthing of interest. Letters received regularly and with usual pleasure. Lots of love and a birthday kiss "from me to you." Affectionately, Ben. Naval Base, Va., November 10, 1917. Dearest Mother: Yours of 8th and enclosures, also letters from Daddy and Cece post me thoroughly. [106] Benjamin Lee, 2d Do not measure my appreciation by response in this ease, as I have not written since Tuesday. I expect to send you a day letter to-morrow forestalling anxious inquiry, I trust. My commission is in my pocket, but I am not yet an Ensign. It seems as though every conceivable obstacle must be overcome first. But I suppose my letters are more understandable if chronological. Wednesday afternoon adverse winds arranged for us an evening's liberty. My winter green uniform saw daylight. I got hair-cut, dinner, and fought with the tailor a bit. Ordered my birthday eats to be delivered Friday. Bought a pair of warm, rabbit- lined gloves — birthday thanks. Thursday morning I instructed Jack Foster and Bobby Stocker on the F-boat, to our mutual edifica- tion. In the afternoon I had my first solo in an R-6 (twin pontoon 200 h. p.) and enjoyed it very much; now nothing but an 11-6 will do me. They are beau- tifully balanced machines and far easier to fly than the N-9, or boat. I retired to a safe distance and ample height (one mile) to do my first loops (three and a stall), with which I experienced no difficulty. It seemed as well to satisfy the natm^al craving which every one has at this stage of the game, and to prove to one's satisfaction that it is easy, though not advis- able for steady diet on pontoon machines. Looping is only appealing as a feat and loses its charm after it is once done. Spiralling down, on the other hand, is the most pleasing part of a flight, the motor being cut off and the machine more responsive. No strain on the plane either. [106] 1 1 ■) > ■>■>>' ON w o o Oh o H CO H PQ > 2 ^ H 03 o OS ^ PS 03 33 ffl ^U O h , ^ P-H Sffl . o O u o Q < oCQrd W !-< ," <; O 3 on a: 2 Training at Norfolk Friday the commissions came for five of us. In the afternoon the doctor gave us a strict medical exam. — the strictest I have ever had. Of course he found my eyes as usual, and felt that regulations required the sanction of higher authority in order to pass me on to higher rank. He was unable to finish all the examining. This morning we went to the dispensary for the Base, where they have one of the whirling chairs. He gave us about ten minutes each of that most unpleasant testing. Whirled in the chair, then told to look at his finger, here and there. Whirled again, head down; told to sit up, but unable to do so. It turned out O.K. for us all, as we all reacted favorably and were duly dizzy. I was proud to have my semi-circular canals (in ears) proven of good quality by being very dizzy and lop-sided. The doctor said I showed, therefore, the best natural equilibrium of those tested today. This was some compensation for commission hold-up, and for feeling miserable until after lunch. The others were sworn in after lunch. A properly endorsed letter was mailed to the Surgeon- General stating the facts and requesting the proper waiver. This should forthcome by wire on Monday or Tues- day. I am annoyed but not alarmed, as I think there is little reasonable doubt of its coming through all right. I was after the doctor to telegraph, but terms and figures and Naval precedent seemed too formid- able to overcome. In the afternoon I gave a student about an hour and a quarter instruction on R-6 work. This may sound queer after one solo, but you see I had in- [ 107 ] Benjamin Lee^ 2d struction under Batts at Newport News, and besides, I have had some forty hours' solo by now (counting the instructing I have done), and the time is experi- ence in the air, on no matter what machine. You probably realize fully by now that you need not fear for me any lack of thoroughness or too great haste on the part of the Navy. ... Now it is ten o'clock and the bugler has made a racket. We usually turn in between 8.30 and 9, week-day evenings, so there is not much to them. Several times the infernal taps have waked me, and once I jumped up and closed the windows, thinking it was morning. . . . The place has developed wonderfully and we have been fortunate with weather, too. A record of fifty hours in the air was made day before yesterday. That means about eight machines flying six hours. Really about a dozen, sometimes ten in the air at once. Rules of the road and precautions to be observed of course. The runway on which machines are placed can only hold four, so that limits the capacity of the place at present. It is a real flying school, often three machines gliding down at once and always several others in sight humming their tune. My leave will probably not exceed five days and had better be in Philadelphia. Lots of love to all. Affectionately, Ben. [108] Training at Norfolk To Ms Brother Norfolk, Va., November 16, 1917. Dear Jus: Yours of recent dates, direct and via Jacksonville, post me that matters are still delayed in your department. Shake hands with Ensign B. Lee, Lieutenant Lee, for at last the obstacles are behind me. Perhaps this is old news, depending on whether mother has for- warded — but this is the story: The recommendations went to Washington, No- vember 5. Mine compared sufficiently favorably to secure foreign duty, it seemed to me. The five sent in then were all recommended for foreign service. Yesterday the waiver came and yours truly was sworn in, much to his satisfaction. Sported my "ailerons" last night, for the first time, on a brand-new forestry green uniform, also on regulation green coat. Due to the need of instructors, it seems unlikely that I can get leave at present. However, we expect orders for France (Egypt or the Mediterranean) any time during the coming week, or any time thereafter. These carry four days' leave before reporting in New York. I have had a reasonable amount of R-6 flying, and a good deal of boat and N-9. A few nights ago, when giving the mechanic a joy ride in the old Miami boat, I brought it in through the arch into the lagoon, about two feet off the water. Fortunately it was getting dark and so I got away with it, unobserved by unfriendly critics, if any. [109] Benjamin LeCj 2d "Dave" McCuUough is here now — ^recently com- missioned two-striper. He took his Naval Aviator tests in F-boat a day or so ago and passed on the second trial. Flies boat beautifully. Didn't he test out the HS-1 recently? I believe he is to fly it be- tween here and Washington. Hustle it down, I want a crack at it before sailing. I understand we are to have almost surely H-boat work in patrolling. This should be very boring after using tractors over here, and all hands are hoping for some land flying, if only instruction. Yesterday a student in an N-9 got me Into a snappy tail-spin by making a rotten turn. I let him go to educate him, all other means having been tried in vain, except that of a fire extinguisher on the head, which is sometimes recommended! I have supervision over N-9, 347 and R-6, 192, with a class of five Tech. ground-schoolers to instruct. Yesterday I got through the class in the morning and helped out on other classes in p. m. Had four students who had never been up before. Gave them no stunts but started them right away on air work. One of them sufficiently good to try turns on his first hop. . . . I should be able to make Philadelphia, if lucky, next Saturday. Hope you get your delayed orders very soon. It is horrible waiting for the Navy Department to act. Affectionately, Ben. [110] Training at Norfolk To his Mother Norfolk, Va., November 24, 1917. 8.30 p. M. Dearest Mother: At last I was able to wire you the news we both wanted, and with that to feed upon I hope a certain shortage of letters will not seem so acute. The truth of the matter is that from day to day mere circumstances have prevented my applying for this leave. On Wednesday Lieutenant McDonnell took our prize R-6 and flew to Washington, to return the next day. Coming back he had motor trouble. Finally this morning about 11 a.m. he showed up, and was immediately swamped with applications for leave. The following were granted: Stocker, five days, beginning at once. Foster, ten days. Jack Geary, four days. My leave begins Wednesday and is up Monday morning, four days. We are as pleased as Punch. . . . We have all done considerable flying, and in four good days last week, made a total of over 200 hours flying for the station. Yesterday was a pretty long day for me, but not unusually tiring. Instructed my class on the R-6 in the morning, and didn't do much in the afternoon, as Harry Davison was using the R-6. Took a ride with Jack Foster as pilot as he wanted to try some advanced air work, spirals, flipper turns, etc. Later in the afternoon I went about five miles out and flew around the departing U. S. S. Florida several times [111] Benjamin LeCj 2d to cheer them on their way to England or France to join the fleet. All hands had liberty at 3 p. m. Drew my $90- uniform gratuity and some pay from the paymaster to-day, amounting to $145. Went to Peebles & Wells, tailors, and found my bill $158, which made the check look sick, so I still owe $50 there, having retained a portion for travelling expenses to Philadelphia. Guess I shall have to accept your offer of additional grub stake until my pay gets into full swing. Also I have been warned by pioneers writing to their friends here that it is well to take plenty of cash or Express checks abroad, as Navy pay is even slower coming there. Wednesday night I shall take the Cape Charles boat and train for Philadelphia, arriving Broad Street Station early and in time for breakfast in German- town, if on time. Thursday afternoon the Penn-Cornell game and usual reunion at 3539 Locust will be one of the fea- tures of the week-end, and a very special reason why I have kept to the policy of watchful waiting for this particular week-end. Every one has been saying that I would miss the vacation by waiting and, in fact, there is yet time for a slip, should orders come. Am writing now to Nana, Phil, Jus and Bud Philips, who has written for me to "jump ship," if necessary, to get there this week.. With luck then, I assume that we may give due thanks together November 29. Stacks of love, Ben. [112] Training at Norfolk From Thanksgiving until December 30, Ben and his mother were together, so there was no need of letters. Ben received orders for foreign service the middle of December with, of com'se, a week's leave. His sailing was delayed from day to day, owing to, coal shortage, until January 7, 1918. To Mr. J, C. Chase 414 Manheim Street, Germantown, Saturday, December 29, 1917. Dear Daddy: Your wire answering mine at hand, and your congratulations accepted with thanks for us both. Things have happened almost too fast to tell for the past week, but the feature of the last few days has been the 'phone call to New York, and the regular postponement of the sailing date. Present advices indicate a probable departure Monday noon. This is especially subject to postponement, due to blizzard now on hand which may delay the coal en route the bunkers. Mother will be in Jacksonville soon after, or per- haps before this letter, and will be full of news and details for some time to come. . . . Ruth and I will go to Wilmington with Phil and mother on their way South. Bud Philips will meet us there and we will proceed to Kennett for the day, after which I will go to New York, unless fortune favors me again with a day's delay. I hope you had a chance to tell Mack of my en- [113] Benjamin JLee^ 2d gagement to Ruth Philips. I didn't know his honey- moon address, if any. Many thanks for your special troubles for me while in Jacksonville and, in fact, at all times. Affectionately, Ben. [114] Letters, and Extracts from Ben's Note-Book, Written Between January 7, 1918, and October 28, 1918 December. 1917 ) J i j> > > > 1 J ' ' J J J J J , ' > * » 'j J ' J i , ' IV Letters, and Extracts from Ben's Note-Book, Written Between January 7, 1918, and October 28, 1918 To his Mother Monday Afternoon,, at Dock, January 7, 1918. Dearest Mother: Arrived from Germantown at 1 A. M. last night. Coming from Kennett Square Bud and I stopped at Haverford and saw Bill Fer- guson, but Phil had not arrived from the South. Left fur coat at Cousin Marianna's and saw her, also Uncle Theo. Left Cad and hopped a trolley to N. Philadelphia for the nine o'clock and waited an extra hour. Had a nice room at the McAlpin. Left a call for nine o'clock. Spoke to Jack Foster on the 'phone. He called the S. S. Co., and so did I. I then 'phoned to Ruth that there was no use coming over. She and Mrs. Philips were going to join Mr. Philips for the auto show here if I was to have any spare time. Didn't leave my room but had the 'phone going every minute. Got "Mothersill" by telephone, also trunks and Abercrombie package. Had my uniform pressed over night. Repacked trunks, and had the little steamer, with small satchel, expressed to Gtn. Sent you a wire, [117] Benjamin Lee, 2d saying good-bye. Failed to interview J. P. Morgan or the pay office. I mailed a letter to the office American Line to be mailed to you on arrival of ship. Hope they will do so. Will send a cable from , anyhow. 2.10 p. M. The table is shaking so I will stop and hope that this letter may reach you. Lots of love to all. Affectionately, Ben. Monday Noon, January 14, 1918. Dearest Mother: I hope my letter mailed Mon- day afternoon last reached you O.K. It was to be taken ashore at Quarantine by an officer. Also you should receive one before this, left in New York, to be mailed by the S. S. Co. That would make this the third letter to you since sailing. I had hoped to be able to write a great deal but no such luck. My "sea legs" have been delayed en route. While only actively sick two days I have had to be careful of smoke, food and confined places, and stick to steamer chairs and fresh air pretty steadily; also do not use my eyes. I have read only one book in eight days. Charley Fuller and I had an unknown quartered with us. It was great luck that Ensign Dick Warren, U. of P. '17, happened to be crossing and could exchange with the other fellow. Dick was a good classmate friend, especially the last two years. We [118] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Extracts had all our French, English and history classes to- gether. Charles has just the right kind of a wrapper, and Dick some good slippers, so all goes well. I tried "Mothersill's" the first day out, and it worked pretty well, but am saving the rest in case of storm the last couple of days, because from now on we are supposed to be dressed and wearing life- preservers from 6 A. M. to 8 p. m. at least, in case of attack. ; ' We are as comfortable as possible on a boat built thirty years ago — considering that we are three to a cabin with all port-holes closed at night. Good meals, of which I have only missed three completely; good service; French and English stew- ards; good room stewards; bouillon at 11 a.m. and tea at 4 p. m. "Lemon Squashes" can usually be obtained if one can brave the smoking-room, also hair-cuts, of which I shall secure one this afternoon. There are about twenty-five naval officers on board, two hundred and fifty captains, majors and first lieutenants, and two or three hundred sailors aft. There is an interesting English Royal Flying Corps captain who is going back to active service. He got hit a year ago in his Nieuport by an "Archie," which carried away his landing gear and caused him to smash up more or less on the landing. A number of the fellows are using Naval Attache, Paris, as forwarding address. We will probably be in London only a short time, so I'll likely give Brown, Shipley & Co. that address myself in case any- thing comes there. [119] Benjamin Lee, 2d It is pretty hard to write anything but plain de- scriptions, etc., as long as "the ship goes wop, with a wiggle between,*' as Kipling puts it. But I do want you to know how much I appreciated my three weeks of vacation before leaving, — a wonderful week in Jacksonville, — and two unexpected weeks of honeymoon, almost, with Ruth. I could not have enjoyed this so much if you and I had not our special times in Norfolk, and later, that I knew you couldn't begrudge the time. Do you remember three weeks ago to-morrow — Christmas morning? You knew me before I knew myself, and perhaps you knew of my love before I realized it fully. Oh, I'll always have heart enough for two as long as one is Mother! Lots of love to the family, and I'll write more when ashore. Affectionately, Ben. From Note-Book January 16, 1918. S. S. New York, {One day from Liverpool) . Four A. M. Had any one looked in on us through the cabin doorway he might have remarked that a gun shot wouldn't wake us. Dick Warren slept with one foot almost out of the doorway, which was open for that purpose, and had the other lanky limb folded to fit the bunk. Charley Fuller, up above me, could only be identified by an intermittent and rather soothing snore. I was dead to the day-world of [ 120 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Extracts rocking ships and oily dining-rooms and probably- enjoying the fresh air of the upper regions, or Kennett? Was somebody shaking me? No, it came again — an explosion, dull, but powerful. Torpedoed. In less time than it takes to tell we were pulling on breeches and shoes. Our steward, Kreutzer, had called in his usual cheery voice: "All on deck, gentle- men." A third explosion came almost at once. "That's three," I said, and considered the old ship as good as sunk. Dick was struggling into his famous life-suit that he had been kidded about so much, and Charley climbed into his fur flying-over- alls. I put on everything in reach, and blessed the captain for not blowing the "boat station's" whistle. So considerate of him, I thought, to give us time to dress properly before taking to the boats. At the same time, I had a queer hopeless feeling, for we were hundreds of miles from England still, and even the best of life-boats — So I expressed myself to Chas.: "That third hit, aft, will finish her, won't it?" He and Dick looked at me questioningly, so I ex- panded the statement: "I say, three torpedoes will sink her sure." A light dawned at last, and Charley relieved me. It had only been the six-inch guns firing, which I, coming from a sound sleep, had as- sumed were torpedoes in the good ship's sides! For fully five minutes I could not believe the truth, so thoroughly was I imbued with the thought that we were in a sinking condition. In fact, it was not until we reached Liverpool that I completely recovered from the mental shock sustained from 4 to 4.10 a. m. [121] Benjamin Lee, 2d Now I could laugh at Dick and his life-saving suit, so I made off to the deck with a large cake of choco- late, which Bobby Stocker soon helped me dispose of. Enthusiastic Bob had happened to go to sleep dressed, and Steve Stone, his cabin mate, had not the heart to wake him up at ten, the night before, so Bob was almost the first on deck, and watched the gun fire, but of course saw nothing in the pitch blackness. In another hour dawn began, and by 5.30 the sun looked over the edge of the world, making the sky an artist's palette. The east showed Mars all brasses, and deep blues, bloodstreaked. Softer was the western picture — softer and sweeter. The clouds were rolled and wooley near the horizon, while above they streaked in fleecy baby blues and pinks with a cluster of carnations here and there. To Ms Brother U. S. M. S. "New York," January 16, 1918. Dear Phil: If the worthy censor realizes that the following has absolutely no military value, you may get a chance to read of our trip herewith. I arrived in New York about 1.30 Sunday night, the nine o'clock from Philadelphia being quite late. Next morning I 'phoned from the McAlpin and was surprised to hear definitely that the boat would pull out, and I had to be on board by 11 a. m. This necessitated some hustling, but I finally made it in a taxi. Found Chas. Fuller and the others at the dock. [122] Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Extracts Charlie and I got a cabin together and got Dick Warren for the third. Dick was in my class at U. of P., and quite a chum there, so it worked out finely. For six days I wasn't good for much but a steamer-chair on deck. This old thirty-year-old boat has some motion; it pitches and rolls and, due to the engines, wiggles and shakes most of the time. We are quite comfortable; grub excellent; cabins crowded but fairly good; steamer-chairs and rugs; bouillon served at 11 and tea at 4 p. m. There are only about naval officers on board, and about army captains, majors and colonels. Also some sailors aft, a number of them being . By day before yesterday I managed to write a couple of letters. Yesterday I played a bit of chess with Dick, and in the afternoon played bridge with him vs, Chas. Fuller and Peck. We trimmed them by only 300 points on seven rubbers. So you see I have at last recovered a bit. Able to enjoy the grub a bit more, too. Since yesterday noon we have been in the so-called "barred" submarine zone, and have been required to keep life-belts on. Also we had a couple of life-boat drills and were assigned to boats, about fifteen to a boat. Last night some of us turned in and some not. Our bunch all did, although I think we kept on underwear instead of pajamas. We didn't antici- pate any trouble. The weather was thick yesterday and of course last night it was pitch black, but the boat jammed right ahead with all lights out. No one [123] Benjamin Lee, 2d is even allowed to smoke on deck, as the slightest glimmer might give us away to a watchful submarine. At 4 A. M. there was a heavy metallic crash. Charles switched on the lights and we started to pile out in a hurry. I thought torps were hitting us, but it proved to be either a brush with the real thing or an expression of nervousness on the part of the gunners. At any rate they let fly several times. I turned in again and was roused about eight, just in time to enjoy dawn on a beautiful morning. Dawn at 8 A.M.? Yes, our watches have been tampered with considerably, due to our eastward course and to England's daylight saving hour. A destroyer is reported approaching. We were supposed to be met and convoyed yesterday, but the thick weather evidently made it impossible to find us. Of course we cannot use our wireless while in this region. If this letter gets through, and I don't see why it shouldn't, you had better take it to Gtn., as I have not written to Jus or Frances. My love to them, and regards to all hands. Affectionately, Ben. To his Mother U. S. M. S. "New York," January 16, 1918. Dearest Mother: This letter is written with an eye to possible strict censorship, which may be im- posed on some of the others written previously. No one knows just how far it is reasonable to go. [ 124 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Extracts Yesterday and to-day I have felt much better and enjoyed several hours of bridge yesterday p. m., with- out ill effects. To-day is beautiful, moderate temperature and sunny. Every one is cheered mightily as we an- ticipate making port in a day or so. We have had a little excitement at odd times, but everything is all right now, and we are enjoy- ing every protection. I shall of course cable you on arrival, and to Ruth also, if possible to send two. You should also receive a letter mailed from New York when we make port. I have written at length a few days ago; also to Phil, with some bare account of our more interesting experiences. He can forward this if the censor is sufficiently willing. I am feeling fine and really think my "sea legs" are somewhat established, though enjoying the advan- tage of a sea that is much quieter than a few days ago. Chas. Fuller made a sketch of me in his bathrobe when I wasn't feeling very well. It is amusing and I will try to send it. Lots of love to all the family. Affectionately, Ben. From Note-Book January 17, 1918. 9 P. M. What is so dark as a London street? Answer: A London station, and quite right that it should be [125] Benjamin Lee, 2d so. "Very right and proper too," as they tell us here. And so it was that we couldn't find Jack Foster's grip or Steve's trunk until all other passengers had removed their "boxes" from the platform, and left these two precious articles standing alone. After that two taxis sped us at nervous speed through a labyrinth of streets, whose lamps merely served to make us more aware that it was raining. We saw none of the cheerful London crowds that night, with the ever-present chippies and their "Hello, Yanks." It looked like little old New York to Chas. and Steve, when we passed into the flare and bustle of the Savoy. Then for a dinner "regardless," which took two hours to down, and prepared us quite fully for a night in priceless beds. Of course getting up, at best, is still getting up, but, oh, you showers! . . . To his Mother ^ Savoy Hotel, London, W. C. 2, Friday, January 18, 1918. Dearest Mother: Here we are, comfortably in- stalled in London's best. It seems very unreal and strange to see places and read names that we have heard of all our lives — and it is certainly a wonderful city to see for the first time. Our last hours on board were not tame, and so passed well enough. Yesterday we lunched at the Adelphi in Liverpool, and caught the 2 p. m. for London. We had lots of [ 126 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Extracts nuisance and trouble with our baggage, due to every- thing being in a jam and having no known system of checking, etc. I thanked my stars for concentration on suitcase and one trunk. Some of the fellows have two trunks (small ones), a canvas bag, and suitcase, and that makes for all kinds of extra trouble. As there were a dozen naval oifficers en route, London, a car was provided for us. But it was a cold ride and we were glad of a cup of tea at one of the stations. Captain Van Alstyne, the R.F.C. flight com- mander, came through with us all the way. Of course we got a lot of good dope from him. We left and checked our trunks at Euston Station, and taxied to the naval headquarters, arriving there by eight. Lieutenant-Commander Stark was in charge and was most cordial. He did some 'phoning for rooms for us and told us we need not report today. We go tomorrow at noon — get orders and tickets, etc., and take a train from Waterloo Station about 4 p. M. I believe this may make a mean trip to Paris, but who cares? We recover fast enough! Gilchrist Stockton is a Lieutenant (j.g.) in this Navy Office and I expect to see him tomorrow at noon. He is tremendously well spoken of. This being a large hotel, accommodations were finally secured. A number of others were chock full. Jack, Bobby and I occupy a suite of two rooms and bath, the others a similar suite. We dined here late last night and went to bed tired out after en- joying music for a while. This morning a fine shower bath started things [127] Benjamin Lee, 2d right. After late breakfast Chas. and I toured on foot for a while. Stopped at B. S. & Co. and left "Naval Attache, Paris," address for them to forward mail. Also cashed a $50 express check, twenty of it French, and thirty English money. It isn't half as hard to get on to the English money as we thought it would be, and it's twice as easy to spend! After 123 Pall Mall we wandered down by the War Office and other public buildings. Arrived at Westminster Abbey just in time to enjoy the short noon "Intercessional Service." Then we explored the Abbey to our mutual edification and enjoyment. On the way back I purchased a chamois under- shirt and trunks and two pairs warm pajamas. The chamois things, of course, would not be worn next to the skin, but under the uniform or other flying clothes. I think they will prove valuable. Most of my English money went by the board at this store. You know I started short of pajamas and you had doubts as to my getting along. These new ones are fine and warm. We lunched at one of the many Lyons stores — chain of lunch rooms. One cannot spend more than 1/ 3^. there, so it is quite an economy compared to the Savoy, where a good dinner costs the better of £l. We took the Hampstead tube to Euston and arranged to have trunks transferred at Waterloo Station; then tubed back to Leicester Square and walked back from there. We stppped in at the National Gallery and soon had to leave, due to closing hour. Then at "Fullers" we had scones and cocoa, returning to the hotel for [128] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Extracts a shave, and now writing. I think every one of us got one. I said to my barber, ''Fous parlez hien r Anglais pour un Francois" and he said, ''Vous parlez hien Francois pour un American,'' but of course he had to say that! Chas. and I have tickets for "The 13th Chair" at the Duke of York Theatre — Mrs. Patrick Camp- bell playing. It is by the author of "Within the Law." We are enjoying a bully time, and we agree that sightseeing, as a side issue to war, is more fun than sightseeing j?^r se. Of course wei know we won't get too much of it! In a few days we will be settled down somewhere on the job and saving money. I should have quite a bit coming to me as it is a month since my last pay, so there is no danger of shortage. The fellows who drew two months ahead and are spending it are liable to have a thin time. Speaking of thin times, things are certainly pared down to war basis here — England's S. O. S. — "Save or Starve," the posters say. The place is full of officers. Few Americans, as they are concentrated outside of London now when coming through. Lots of love to all the family. Affectionately, Ben. From Note-Booh January 21, 1918. After a beautiful day ride up the Seine valley and part of a day in Paris, the only logical conclusion is to sup ''a la hohemienne" Not very, but some. [129] Benjamin Lee^ 2d Anyhow, Chas. and I decided that the nearest ap- proach was a small French cafe, so we had the garqon fetch ''du vin rouge et du pain/' Being unimaginative, and equally unambitious, he brought us only that, and nothing more. Now, even allowing that it takes a fair drop or so to wash down a supper of dryish bread, we still had more than enough of the indifferent wine. But, mark you, it was not on what, but where we feasted that counted. At any rate, we walked briskly to and from the Madeleine until I was able to assure Charley that I could fly along a chalk mark, if necessary, and in the future took counsel with myself, as to the potency of indifferent wine. To Ms Mother 38 Rue Vaneau, Paris, January 25, 1918. Dearest Mother: It seems quite a while since I wrote in England, but as usual I have been expecting definite news to write and said news has been delayed. At any rate, we will be in Paris several days, per- haps a couple of weeks, then we will go to a French, English or Italian school or base. Not very definite, is it? However, I have been expecting to wire you soon, and may do so shortly. My last letter was written our day in London. That night Charley and I saw Mrs. Pat Campbell in "The I3th Chair." This was well done, and quite a thriller. Saturday morning I purchased a warm, brown wrapper, packed up, and reported at the office [130] Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Extracts for orders and transportation. Looked up "Gik" Stockton and he had me to lunch at the Embassy. We had a very pleasant time which can be renewed if I go to London again. Then I met the others and we proceeded via Waterloo Station, and got our trunks on board for Havre. Rather a dull ride down. Supper on the Havre boat. Chas. and I had a state- room together and the other four had one. The trip was not bad. I ate some MothersilFs Pills and wasn't upset by, or in spite of them, but neither was any one else! We came to Havre fairly early, had breakfast on board and reported at headquarters. Then Chas. and I toured the town on foot. Very pretty situation and altogether just what we expected. Saw five fly- ing boats at one point, but they were not operating. We lunched and loafed at the British Officers' Club, where everything was very nice. Caught the Paris train at 12.50 and had by far the prettiest ride so far. Six of us had one big compartment, and part of the time two, so we slept a good deal after dark, but before that, the afternoon trip up the Seine Valley was really delightful. We saw a lot of the old houses — chaumieres — and farms and picturesque things. We were met at St. Lazarre and motored to thie Hotel D'lena, right by headquarters. We got set- tled and turned in by midnight. Monday morning .we reported and presented our credentials and orders. Then Bobby, Jack and I walked in rather a drizzle along the Seine and to "Les Invalides," where we saw a number of planes in the [131] Benjamin Lee, 2d courtyard, including Guynemeyer's machine. La Tombe de Napoleon was closed. Chas. and I then moved into this pension, 38 Rue Vaneau. It is a regular French pension, quite near the Fairchild's place at Cite Vaneau. The Blair Fairchild's are Chas.' uncle and aunt. Chas. and I had a little supper in a restaurant near the Madeleine, then went to the "Olympia," a sort of Keith's, which was enter- taining, as were also the people there. Tuesday, January 22, we reported for new orders and got them. These were to take us to Moutchic- Lacanau, Gironde. A Naval Aviation station is es- tablished there on a lake for training in bombing, etc., and using French types of machines. Mike Murray, Walton and others are there already. It is apparently quite a good place, though still rather undeveloped. Is a summer resort for Bordeaux, which is thirty miles away by train. We were fairly pleased to go there, and there isn't much choice. It should he a pleasant winter climate compared to nearer the channel. We started operations for the collection of travel- ing expenses incurred at various points. It appears that the maximum per diem is $5.00. So we collected that for the time in London, and with transfer refunds we managed as much of a bill as $29.00, which is nothing of course to what the actual expenses were. Every httle bit helps, however, and all the other fellows were down to rock-bottom in funds. I still have about $75.00, checks, and can draw pay here now, so am better off. The others, having drawn $300 in advance, and then had two weeks to spend [ 132 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Extracts in New York, were "out of luck," as we say. But they will have pay coming due on the 30th of January. Lunched with Chas. and Mr. and Mrs. Fairchild and Major Green — Army Aviation. After lunch Major took all of us, but Charley, to Villa Couble to the large Government testing field. The place is immense. Hangars ''a perte de vue" and machines galore. We saw all the latest types of land machines, including some very fast ones, lots of Spads and Nieuports. Got back just in time for a small, special recital in this room. Sam Dushkin, Mile. Goudre, and a clever pianist were the performers. Sam is a young Russian protege of Mr. Fairchild, and a wonder on the violin. His friend is a skilled pianist, and Mile, sings and acts out little parts very cleverly. She sings a few American ragtime hits in quaint English. The three are in Y. M. C. A. work and go to the various large camps where they must afford tremendous entertainment and pleasure to the soldiers. Mile. G was at the Odeon before going into this work, and Dushkin was about to make his debut in 1914, so you see they were real! Dushkin, Charley and I had supper here and went to the Casino — music and comedy. Lots of Americans and Canadians there, "en permission^ Half of the show was in English. Wednesday we got up about noon. One never could get up unless absolutely necessary, when caje au lait and the petit dejeuner come right to the bed- side! It is one of the pleasant French customs. Charley is getting along pretty well in his French, [133] Benjamin Lee, 2d as he had a fair school and college foundation. The others are not progressing much, especially staying at a hotel. The French currency is a cinch after Eng- lish. Also the exchange is quite favorable, so it is a pleasure (as always) to have some to exchange. Everybody here says that things are doubled in price, so there is not as much difference as usual. But at that, the cash goes farther. And you can Igo pretty good distances in a taxi for 2% francs. The French soldiers are everywhere, and officers, too. Lots of blue uniforms about. A few English — Americans only near American headquarters, of vari- ous kinds. Not veiy many cripples in evidence. They must be out in the country, or somewhere else. Dined at the Fairchild's and went to hear Gounod's "Mireille" at the Opera Comique. Quiet little opera but very enjoyable. Good voices; house full. More French officers and, of course, a much more attractive class of people were there. The Fairchilds have a small but snug apartment at No. 3 Cite Vaneau, and have very delicious dinners. Both are doing various Red Cross work with Mrs. Edith Wharton's committee, I think. If you ever needed anything in the way of special news of me, etc., Mr. Fairchild would be glad to do anything at all. He is very kind, and both are delightful people, so it is doubly nice to be taken along by them as Charley's friend. Yesterday on reporting at headquarters we had orders revoked, due to some epidemic at Moutchic. We were to have gone this morning so it was lucky to find out in time. Fussed around with our expense [ 134 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Eootracts account business. In the afternoon I went to the aviation field at Villa Couble again with Major Green and Colonel Boiling. Inquired at headquarters for various people — John Mitchell, Don Woodbridge and others, but unable to locate same. Stopped at the Y. M. C. A. Mr. Hawes is out somewhere at the front with the Foyer du Soldat, French Y. M. C. A. Saw one or two fellows who knew some I knew. Dined again at No. 3 Cite Vaneau, and spent a quiet evening there. Reported at headquarters 9 o'clock this morning. Our new orders simply keep us in Paris for an unknown period, ostensibly on duty at the office, but actually only required to report at 9 a. m. This is fine for Chas. and me as we have lots to do, and have hardly begun to go around yet and see anything. It is possible that we may be sent back to England to a school or to Italy — or perhaps we will just wait here until everything is O.K. at Moutchic. (I think it is just mumps there.) So it is, as usual, a matter of simply carrying on to best advantage and letting the future care for itself. We saw Lieutenant McDonnell at headquarters. He had been at Moutchic, and had much of interest to tell us about aviation there. He is coming to the Fairchilds to dinner tonight, then we will all go to Folies Bergeres as a relief from opera! We almost went to Le Grand Guignol, but Mrs. Fairchild re- belled at the "horreures" advertised. Walked down through the "Champs" with Bob and Jack from the Rond Point, then on through the Tuileries. By the use of a good map, I have gotten [ 135 ] Benjamin Lee, 2d a fair working knowledge of the central part of Paris and how to use the Metro and Nord-Sud. We use the Solferino Station here. Paris is certainly handsome. In spring and sum- mer it must be beautiful. Seems just the only city I know of that has anywhere near enough parks and wide enough streets. Given a few more days and Chas. and I will see quite a few more of the im- portant things. This is a fine afternoon but we were both rather tired, having hoofed it most of the morning. I have used up about half of your writing-pad and don't know whether all of these sheets will go in one envelope, but there is nothing like trying. Hope all are well in Jax and Philadelphia. Wish I could write to every one, but it would only be a repetition and takes considerable time! Love to all the family and loads for Ma Velvet. Affectionately, Ben. Hotel D'Iena, Paris, January 26. P.S. — Received orders this morning. We report back to London and will be sent to a station to work with members of the Royal Naval Air Service (R. N. A. S.). This is very fine and promises well for good equipment and an opportunity to use it. We move from here Monday. I am going to investigate cables and, if practicable, send you one giving London headquarters. Address, U. S. Naval Headquarters, 30 Grosvenor Gardens, London. [136] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Extracts This is another fine day. I am bound for 30 Boule- vard Hausmann, and then Notre Dame. Love, Ben. British Officers' Club, Havre, France, A. P. O., No. 1, B. E. F., Wednesday, January 30, 1918. Dearest Mother: We are enjoying a quiet day at this Club, whose hospitality is extended to Ameri- can officers. I wrote of lunching here with Charley on the way in. Saturday I went to the ends of Paris to send you a cable, as follows, addressed Chase & Co.: "Write Brown Shipley London All well Love." I then went to another office and cabled B. S. to hold mail. Also stopped in at Notre Dame, and walked back through the old Cite, and along the quais. Charley and I dined at the Fairchild's and again lunched there Sunday, then we went to the Sym- phony Orchestra. In the evening Chas. and I went to "Thais" at I'Opera. Monday we had to fuss around headquarters for transportation and tickets, etc., then we lunched and dined at the Fairchild's. You can see what a large part they have played in our enjoyment of Paris. I got to feel very much at home there and liked them very much indeed. Monday morning we rose at six and caught the 7.30 train, after the usual trouble in getting trunks [137] Benjamin LeCj 2d on board. This train apparently was an express, so we made excellent time, arriving there easily by noon. However, the boat from Havre to Southampton was already booked full, so we had to wait over one day. Spent the night at rather a poor hotel — ^the best here — and reported again at local headquarters at 10 A. M. Berths are reserved for us tonight, so we should reach London by noon tomorrow. It is our expectation only to be there a short time before we are sent to one of the channel bases operated by the Royal Naval Air Service. Yesterday we introduced ourselves at the local flying base and had a talk with a French flight lieu- tenant. We have seen several flying-boats and sev- eral blimps on patrol duty. Two blimps (dirigible balloons) looked very fantastic last night as they came in through a pink mist at sunset. The harbor was beautiful then, with the headland almost lost in fog. Today is sunny and moderate, — regular Jax winter weather. We are going out for a walk now. Love to all the family. Affectionately, Ben. From Note-Book Havre to Southampton, January 31, 1918. Mine was a cabin in the geometric center of the packet boat — one of eight in a large room, and very uncomfortable looking it was, too. By mere joss Charley had secured one down forward with two [ 138 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Eartracts Army officers, so when we had walked the deck for an hour and failed to work out the pain from my back, he offered an exchange, which was gratefully accepted. He helped me to undress and climb in for the night. The two officers seemed sympathetic enough and offered to help in any way, but I inot knowing what was wrong, knew no more what would cure. The night seemed rather long, as I only slept two hours and could not toss. By morning, to move was agony. Fortunately for me the old packet still lay at her dock in Havre, so I had the day ahead of me. It had been growing on me that the van Dyke- bearded doctor (so his friend called him) was familiar in feature. Finally I ventured, "Do you happen to be Dr. de Schweinitz?" My memory had served me fair, for I had seen him operate once at the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania hospital (incidentally seeing the job from a balcony outside his and Jimmy Wharton's windows — Jimmy being there for his eye cure). At any rate my suggestion of rheumatism or lumbago (thinking of Daddy's "backs") was ap- proved, and Dr. de Schweinitz fed me on aspirin. Later we had a long chat about our mutual friends, Wharton, Shorty How, and the little doctors (Bud and Em). The final decision was awarded to aspirin vs. pension wine, and I vowed again to watch out for bad wine. It was not the quantity, and perhaps not the quality or lack of it, that did the damage, but merely my organic lack of acclimation to alcohol in general. [ 139 ] Benjamin LeCj 2d So we arrived back in England glad to get there, and feeling unduly privileged at having had a week in France just to enjoy it. On arriving in London, for me at least, there was the added joy of a good baker's dozen of letters. To his Mother Savoy Hotel, London, W. C. 2, Sunday, February 3, 1918. 5 p. M. Dearest Mother: What a joy it was to find a bundle of letters waiting for me at B. S. Co. yes- terday! There were four from you, four from Ruth, and one each from Cousins Anna Grayson and Sophie Steel. This was my first word from home since sailing, you know, and it was a wonderful pleasure. Your letters were the last two addressed tq Kennett Square, and the first two addressed B. S. Co., num- bered 1 and 2, of January 8th and 9th. I supposed from then on you may have written to the Naval Attache, Paris, and I probably won't get them for weeks. I find that mail coming through Government routes to such addresses is hopelessly slow, and so will use Brown Shipley entirely as per my wire to you of ten days ago. Ruth kept on with some to B. S. & Co., so the latest from her is dated January 17, after receiving word of our arrival. I'm certainly glad that notice came through so promptly to you all. It must have been relieving. When I returned to the hotel my letters caused great excite- ment. At this point I was interrupted and unable to [ 140 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Extracts resume writing until 2 p. m., Monday, February 4, I will explain why later. All the fellows wished they had thought of using a banker for letters. Charley is the only other one to hear from home. Today Charley brought me two more letters from you, Nos. 3 and 4, and three from Ruth, one from Jus, one from Paul, and one from Cornelia Cheston. So you see I'm faring very well indeed. Also a letter from Daddy, reforwarded from the McAlpin, which was equally welcome, though dated December 28. Now that I'm to be separated from the "bunch," it is very fine to be hearing from home. I suppose I can expect to hear at least every week now from you and Ruth, even allowing for delays in forwarding. I am enclosing a schedule showing our trip to date, in case some of my letters haven't come through. I'm making a noble effort but the interruptions are many. Kenneth McLeish is here now, telling about his experiences to date in a big English school under the Royal Flying Corps for training. He was at Norfolk f oi^ some time. Result — it is now 5 p. m. and no progress. I wrote last from the Officers' Club, Havre. We spent a couple of pleasant days waiting for passage. Several times we took long walks out to the head- lands and watched the planes and blimps come in at sunset. We really enjoyed it very much. By this [141] Benjamin Lee, 2d time every one else was out of cash, but fortunately I still had some travelers' checks. We finally got berths Thursday night and slept on board. I had a stateroom with two doctors, Major George de Schweinitz being one of them. The other was a Bostonian, who knew Mr. Hawes. A sort of rheumatism that had been coming on grew acute that night, so Dr. de Schweinitz kindly fed me some aspirin which went to the right spot. He thought that the unaccustomed wine which we got at the "pension" perhaps had something to do with it. So I'm "off" it in spite of the fact that one is expected to consume no water over here! At any rate, after a poor night, I was soon on the mend, and by the time we reached Southampton I was O.K. We reached London in time for a good supper, and stayed at the Savoy to get one night of sure-nuf comfort and baths. Next day we reported at 30 Grosvenor Square for orders. I saw "Gik" Stockton again and had a pleasant chat. We learned our several allotments. Bobby Stocker and Steve Stone are to go near Southampton. Jack Foster and Chas. go to Dundee. Lyman Peck and I to one of the Devonshire Stations. I shall not be far from where Cousin Sophie Steel is staying, at Falmouth, and might have a chance to get over some Sunday. Of course Chas. and I are especially disappointed to be! separated, but we think it will perhaps be a matter of three or four months until we go back to some station in France. In the meantime we will get splendid training in the R.; N. A. S. [ 142 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Extracts Peck is sick in Paris, but should join me at the R. N. A. S. Station soon. Saturday night, Bobby, Jack and I went to the "13th Chair," which I had seen before, but enjoyed all the more. We stayed that night at Haxeir$ Hotel, which Steve picked to be more reasonable. Sunday we walked up to London Bridge and around the streets a bit. After lunch Chas. and I went up to St. Paul's Cathedral for the afternoon service. It was very beautifully sung and in a won- derful setting. Then we returned to the Savoy to write a few letters. That is when I started this letter. Steve Stone had been in bed all day with a cold, but got up to be near a fire, as there was none in his room. He got chills, so we decided to move to the Regent Palace Hotel. We 'phoned, then taxied over, and put Steve right to bed with an electric stove. The house doctor prescribed for him. He has what they call Trench Fever — a kind of grip and pleurisy. He had 104" temperature last night but has picked up a lot, and woke up today feeling much better. A navy doctor called today and O.K.'d every- thing done for Steve to date. I think he will be on his feet by tomorrow or next day. We have been travelling so much, and moving from hotel to hotel in different cities and climates, that we all feel the need of getting settled down for !a good, quiet, long time in one place. Needless to add, we are all eager %o get to work, and the prospect of doing so within the week is most encouraging. This morning we reported for written orders at 30 G. G., then spent a couple of hours with the pay- [ 143 ] Benjamin Lee, 2d masters over expense accounts, transfer of pay ac- counts, etc. Another half day will be necessary to- morrow before we can get all straight, perhaps even more time. The red tape even in war time! It's unbelievable. I had lunch here (at the Regent Palace) quietly, with Steve in our room, and spent the afternoon chatting and writing, interrupted frequently as I have said. Now it is 9.30 p. m. I have a bath scheduled for 10.30, and so hope for an unbroken hour to write. Will try mailing this at 30 G. G., and have it censored there, as there is much news of inter- est to you which might of course be cut out by a British censor. You will be interested to know that all but two or three of the letters from the United States were opened by the censor, but nothing deleted. If any of mine are censored it will simply be due to my having mentioned too many names of places, dates, or incidents. You've no idea how getting your letters and the others have "bucked me," as they say here. It is perfectly bully to be in touch again. I am awfully glad that steamer letter of mine got to you, and the cable promptly, too. I have noted dates of my writing, and so when I hear which letters get through will know the best way to send them, Le,, through the Navy or British Post. I will send this Navy. Lots and lots of love to every one that wants it. Perhaps I'll have more time for other letters than [ 144 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Extracts yours and Ruth's when at my new station, but, any- how, oodles of love for Ma Velvet and family. Affectionately, Ben. P.S. — This letter is for news. I'll read yours for the fifth time and write again. This is a memo., jotted after reference to my line-a- day, showing our moves to and fro: Docked at Liverpool. Train to London. London. Hotel Savoy. Sightseeing and headquarters. London. Southampton. Havre to Paris. Hotel d'lena. Paris Headquarters. Moved to Pension. 22-28. Paris. Reported daily. Paris to Havre. Hotel Moderne. Havre. British Officers* Club. Havre. Cabin with Dr. de Schweinitz. Southampton to London. Savoy Hotel. London. Received letters. Reported headquarters. London. Service at St. Paul's with Chas. Regent Hotel. London. Reported for orders. Wrote all p. m. (except when frequently interrupted). " 5. Reported headquarters, a. m. (Written night before.) If a good day will go to an Army Field with Ken McLeish, one of the Palm Beach Yale bunch. RAIDS How queer it was! We left London just before one air raid. Left Paris one day before the biggest raid there yet, and due to delay in Havre missed an- other in London by one day ! No doubt the American papers have better accounts than we got here, so I won't elaborate. [ 145 ] Jan. 17. (( 18. €t 19. « 20. it 21. tt 22- tt 29. It 30. tt 31. Feb. 1. << 2. tt 3. tt 4. Benjamin Lee, 2d From Note-Booh CaTTE WATER, NEAR PLYMOUTH. February fog, rain and mud were the striking fea- tures of R. N. Air Station, Cattewater, as I plugged along on foot carrying a suit-case which seemed to be bungied to the road. A friendly Observer-Lieutenant, Croke by name, led me to his cabin and steamed me out. Then he in- troduced me to the officers in the mess, including Sketchley, Calloway, Harrison, and little Lushing- ton, all of whom I was to see a good deal of. The English accent and R. N. A. S. lingo was all new and fascinating, as was also the talk of long four- hour patrols and substraffing. Next morning at breakfast an older-looking, seed- ily-dressed, two-striper Lieutenant quizzed me a bit. Fortunately, I did not take offence, though I could not at first quite "get" his attitude. Then I realized that he was J. S. Mills,! the 1st Lieutenant, or "Num- ber One," as usually called by the Limies. Mills was later my Commanding Officer at Newlyn. I have been remarkably fortunate in my C. O.s over here, and Mills was a good one for a starter. A FEW R. N. A. S. EXPRESSIONS AND THEIR INTERPRETATIONS Hichhoo — excitement, special stunt, air raid, etc. Beef Trip — a convoy to Holland. Full out — enthusiastic. Dud — no good — rotten. Wash out — cancel, or worthless if a pilot. Konk — engine breaks down. Wind up (to get the) — scared, nervous. [ 146 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Ecctracts Deleted — crashed or crossed o£P the list. Flip — a flight. A spot of — a bit of leave, a drink. Cheerio — good luck, so long. Wangle — to "work" or arrange by graft, persuasion or diplomacy. Limey — the American Jacky's name for the Englishmen. To Ms Mother Southwestern Hotel, Southampton, Monday, February 11, 1918. 8.45 p. M. Dearest Mother: Your son is a wanderer for fair, and when you read of my travels you will agree that the slogan is not far from wrong: "Join the Navy and see the World." We got our orders Monday, pay and expenses Tuesday, the 3d, and proceeded Wednesday. I left for Plymouth on the eleven o'clock, and Chas. saw me off from Waterloo Station. His was to be a night train. The trip down through southern England was rather pretty, but long. Made Plymouth by 5.30 and took a local to a station nearer the R. N. A. S. base, arriving there 5A5, It was raining, and the mud was inches deep during an additional ten-minutes' walk, lugging my suit-case. However, I was warmly welcomed by a couple of flight-lieutenants, who warmed me up in their room and found me a cabin. (Note nautical term.) The quarters are plain but clean. Room small, large enough for bed, trunk, wash-stand and a couple of chairs, not to mention coal stove, which is invaluable. The cabins run about fifteen to a hut, the huts being long concrete walls and [ 147 ] Benjamin JLee, 2d sheet-iron roofs. The whole place is just "in process," as was ours at Norfolk. In another building I enjoyed dinner, and the ward-room lounge afterwards. There are some twenty-four officers regularly stationed there, chiefly pilots and observers, all lieutenants or sub-lieutenants. Sub-lieutenant equivalent to Ensign. They are agree- ably like any other bunch of young fellows, and as interested in me as I was in them, so we got along O.K. Next morning I reported to Lieutenant Mills, who was in charge — very nice fellow. The day being bad, there was no flying of conse- quence. I investigated around through the mud. The equipment is fair and, given good weather, the station can carry on a reasonable amount of patrolling. Friday and Saturday not much doing. I studied up a bit on some maps and courses but didn't get down to the motors. Saturday I had a five-minutes' ride as passenger with Flight-Lieutenant Woolver. He was testing the machine, but found the wind too stiff and rough to make much progress. In the meantime three other ensigns showed up, Pensacolans, one of whom I had met at the Savoy. It makes me sore to think that, after all, our bunch could have been kept practically intact by a little head work on the part of headquarters. These fellows are all right, but not particularly interesting. My trunk came day after I did, so I had all the comforts, and got out my heavy Army shoes, bought in Philadelphia. Even these were not heavier than the English wear. They expect the mud and don't seem to mind it. [ 148 1 Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Eartracts There was a wire received that two machines were ready for delivery at one of the factories at the Isle of Wight. Flight-Lieutenant Sketchley planned to go for one and Flight-Lieutenant Lushington for the other. Sketchley got permission to take me as pas- senger-observer for the return trip. We then heard that only one machine was ready, so Sketchley and I left Sunday at 11 a. m. We changed at Salisbury, with an hour's wait, and again at some dinky place. The trains were fearfully local, so we did not get into Southampton until nine last night. Got supper and had a good sleep. The trip do^vn was quite interest- ing, it being beautiful weather, and of course passing through much of the prettiest country in England. Also, we had several interesting Australian officers aboard to Salisbury. Sketchley is a good companion — a Londoner — about twenty years old. Has been in since September, 1915. We had breakfast here and caught the 8.20 boat for Cowes, arriving there an hour later. We went to the famous Fountain Hotel, where at once our jour- ney met with disaster. There was a pilot from an- other station with instructions to fly this same machine (or "ferry it," as they say) and deliver to our station. He had been waiting two days already for good weather. We proceeded to the factory headquarters and Sketchley sent a wire to our C. O. for instructions. We then proceeded by boat to another branch of the factory, up the river, through some famous ship- building docks. Saw the plane that was to have carried us back to Plymouth in three hours along [ 149 ] Benjamin Lee, 2d the coast. But we were out of luck. We stopped at "The Folly," a quaint tavern, kept by an old sailor, where Sketchley had stayed several times on previous ferrying trips. Then we returned to Cowes and the Fountain Inn to await a wire. Finally we took the 6 p. m. boat back to Southampton. First I 'phoned to another R. N. A. S. base to speak to Bobby Stocker and Steve Stone, but couldn't get them. From the hotel here, however, I got in touch and talked to Steve. It was impossible for them to get to town by that time. While Sketchley and I were having supper the wire came, telling us to return to Plymouth. Train service is so upset that the best dope seemed to be to return via London, rather than by the terribly long cross-country day trip. We will catch the good midnight train out tomorrow night, which will give Sketchley a little time in London as a reward for his disappointment. I think I may run down to see Bobby and Steve and another base, getting to Lon- don in the p. m. As we travel on a Navy warrant this is not very expensive. I expect "Sketch" can collect all his collateral living expenses, but probably I won't. It was a big disappointment to get done out of our trip back, and we were rather sore about it; especially as things are pretty dead at the base and these ferry- ing trips are considered plums. I almost came to the conclusion I was of more use in Norfolk! But no doubt will get some encouraging flying in a week or so. To date the machines I will fly have nothing particularly radical about them, and should be easily [150] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Eoctraets mastered. They are quite similar to the R-6 machines we used. Just before leaving Plymouth I received a batch of letters from B. S. & Co., including three from you, the latest dated January 22, which made excel- lent time. I read them and enclosures over a considerable part of the journey and, needless to say, enjoyed them keenly. Yes, all letters but two or three have been read by the censor but nothing marked out. The mess is good, and wej get better food, including butter once a day and sugar, than can be secured at hotels or restaurants. Also roast beef often, lunch and dinner both. This pen doesn't "fount" very well. In fact it often drives me to distraction, and to dipping it into ink- wells, which I despise doing. However, it usually "comes across" when I have to make a memo., and there is no other ink handy. When I get back to the base I will take a day off soon to read all your letters and answer questions, for I can't remember them unless just read. As a matter of fact, perhaps there are not many to answer. I'm very well, — enjoying things as they come along, — cursing the inefficiency of the Royal Navy as we used to do our own, and hoping for lots of flying to do in the near future. And, believe me, I wouldn't mind getting back to the United States any time at all. However, this south of England climate is milder [151] Benjamin Lee^ 2d than Norfolk, and spring should come along in a couple of months. It is time to turn in. I will try to mail this via U. S. Navy, London. Lots of love to all. Very affectionately, Ben. Cattewater, near Plymouth, R. N. Air Station, February 14, 1918. Dearest Mother: This finds me back at head- quarters after the rather disappointing trip to South- ampton about which I wrote you from there in letter No. 9. . . . I caught the three o'clock to London (February 12), feeling much cheered up by the time spent with members of the "home team." Stopped at Navy Headquarters, 30 Grosvenor Gardens, and saw Gik Stockton for a minute, and Lieutenant Edwards, our immediate superior. Went to the American Officers' Inn for supper, and found it to be a corking place. Stayed the evening. It is run nominally by the Y. M. C. A., but really by a number of American dfficers' wives and their English friends. They do everything to make visitors at home, and frequently provide entertainment. There was a small dance there. Mrs. Phipps and guitar entertained all hands. She was one of three famous Virginia beauties, at one time much talked of. Taxied to Paddington Station and joined Sketch- ley. We got a couple of beds at the last minute, as some people did not show up, and so travelled quite [ 162] Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Extracts comfortably from midnight to 7 a. m., breakfasting here at the base. , There wasn't much doing yesterday. To-day is by far the finest since my arrival. Warm, sunny, and not too much wind. I turned in after five o'clock tea yesterday afternoon, and after a fine hot bath, so feel rested to the limit and ready for an instruction hop on a Short this p. m. The other three Americans here agree with me that for efficiency our bases had it over this one "like a tent," and we wonder how they can muddle along so when at war. Of course this base is a nice safe distance from anything ap- proaching activity! Stanley and I, after a few solos on Short Seaplanes, will go to a smaller station for actual patrol flights. We will not be far from Land's End. This station, I am told, is quite a nice one, so we look forward to moving. After drawing my Navy pay I replenished travel- lers' checks rather than open an account £ s. d, at B. S. & Co. • At last I've had laundry done, and nicely too, so I'm stocked for quite a while. A photo of Jus and a group, including you, arrived with three letters just before I left for Southampton. Thanks ever so much for sending them on. Your letters are always opened, but nothing marked out. Yours all received, including No. 8, January 22, except No. 5, which you say went to Paris. It is lunch time, and if I don't go right in will [163] Benjamin Lee, 2d have to wait an hour, so will try to get this right oj0f. Love to Nana, and Daddy, and Cece. Affectionately, Ben. Cattewater, near Plymouth, February 19, 1918. Dearest Mothee: Thinking that I was going to move to a near-by station soon I notified B. S. & Co., so have received no letters for several days. How- ever, there should be a number from you and Ruth when I do get there. If we have a day or so of good weather for a few more flights here, Stanley and I will go down. We are now considered lucky to be going, due to the desirability of the new station in many ways, and because the less popular officer in command of that station is coming here, exchanging with ours. Result: a number of the best fellows are also changing, so I will start knowing a nucleus of four or five at the new station — not newly constructed — only new to me. Things have progressed better during the last few days. On Friday Sketchley gave me fifteen minutes' coaching in the oval control Short. Then I had over an hour's solo and got quite at home with the ma- chine. Experienced no difficulty at all, either in resuming flying or in changing to this English type. It was tremendously bracing to get back to flying after just two months. Saturday, weather was not so good, and between one thing and another I didn't get up. The other three here all had at least one solo on Friday or [ 164 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Extracts Saturday. Had supper in town with Stanley and went to see "Grumpy" afterwards. It was quite well played. Sunday was the finest day I have seen in England. In the morning Stanley and I took a long walk to a headland near by and enjoyed it tremendously. In the afternoon I had about an hour with a passenger along. I Air smooth, country beautiful, motor ran well, everything fine-O. Monday I got a flight right after lunch. Nothing in particular occurred. To-day, weather rather poor. Other fellows got turns in, however, so I am "first up" in the machines we have been using, and if weather is fair will be up in the morning. Stanley and I are ready to move on almost any time. We want to get a few hops in Sopwith Scout Seaplane before going, and perhaps a practice patrol or two. This is headed paper, so I removed the heading not knowing whether it would pass the censor. Lots of love to the family at 1357, and bushels for Ma Velvet. Affectionately, Ben. From Note-Booh Cattewater, February 21, 1918. Stanley and I got the school machine for a two- hour flight, and it was a priceless morning. I took it first and ambled around the harbor, quietly gain- ing altitude and enjoying the beautiful Devonshire [155] Benjamin Lee^ 2d rolling country and cliff brows. Toward the end of my time we had reached 3,000 feet altitude. I cut the power and lay old man Short well over for a spiral, gradually drawing it in closer. There is nothing quite as satisfying as a thorough-going spiral, and my enjoyment was perhaps the keener when Stanley tapped my shoulder and asked me to "come out of it" at 2,000 feet. Well, who wouldn't? I pulled her in a bit closer and called back: "Do you mind if I side slip? — just five hun- dred feet!" The answer was emphatic so I eased out of it and soon landed. Then the shoe was on the other foot, for though Stanley didn't try anything but straight flying he did it in such a way as to "put the wind up" me thoroughly. Fortunately I stuck it out and kept quiet until his time was up and we started in. We got in safely. < To Ms Mother Penzance, February 22, 1918. No one knows it*s Washington's Birthday here! Dearest Mother: Here we are at Penzance, and most delightfully situated. The trip down from Plymouth was very enjoyable, yesterday afternoon being fine. Scenery was very English, of course, but often the hills reminded me of Massachusetts, and I would say to Stanley, "We are nearing the Berkshires." At any rate, we enjoyed looking out until darkness came on, and then bridge for an hour. [166] Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Eoctracts I think you have been at Penzance? It is one of the famous Cornish Riviera places, anyhow. We are staying in a dehghtful country-place a mile out. Every comfort of home and an excellent table make this the most attractive place we have been so far, and we are "full out" for it. Stanley and I share a large room, with plenty of wardrobes and haut-boys to spread into comfortably. After breakfast we walk a couple of miles to Newlyn, through the most picturesque little fishing village streets. This is really seeing England de luxe; though I suppose we won't travel for some time now — and will be quite happy not to. Will write at length soonly. This is just to post you to date. Love to all. Affectionately, Ben. From Note-Booh Newlyn- February. "No flying today." My line-a-day book records that much too often to suit, both at Newlyn and Felixstowe. This day at Newlyn I didn't mind however, having been Duty Officer since 9 a. m., and not particularly relishing the job of moving in and out a lot of machines. Our day room was not so bad for one, but might be called crowded when a dozen pilots and observers sat around and smoked on dull days. However, a window at each end could be opened, and the air soon cleared when the gang packed off to Yorke House [167] Benjamin Lee, 2d for the night. Then a steward made up the fire and served my supper, after which I retired to a chair by the coals and wrote or read. Sometimes I could accomplish a great deal, but this night the interrup- tions were many. Finally I went the rounds at 11.30 p. M., got startled by the sudden "Halt!" of our own sentry, and ambled back through the mist to bed. Excuse me — a board bed is a bunk, and equiva- lent to a mattress on the floor, which is better than nothing at all. I turned the light low. A great tramping awoke me. "Is it five o'clock?" I asked, thinking it the sentry come to wake me, and with characteristic lucidity for me when half asleep, inquired of the weather also. "Bloody" came the an- swer, in a well-known voice. It was Mills, the Com- manding Officer, and he proceeded to inquire in detail just how it was that he had gotten on to the station unchallenged. My explanation, though scarcely clear, could not be proven wrong, so next came the sugges- tion that I should do a surprise round at two o'clock. To this I agreed, but, always warm-hearted, Mills said that he would go himself, being up and dressed. So he sprawled his six-feet-six in an armchair by the fire, and dozed off. After a while I, too, went to sleep and woke at five to find a doubtful weather, the Duty Officer's bugbear. If it is just too bad to fly and he orders out the machines, the pilots curse him on arrival from Yorke House. If just good enough, and he does not, the C. O. jumps up and down his back fiye^ or six times. At any rate I decided against patrol this time [158] Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Extracts and struck it lucky, as the day grew worse with the daylight. At nine my relief came, and I strolled to the Duty Ford, much pleased to have the job done for ten days more. A wild ten minutes' ride put me within reach of hot water and a good breakfast with the Doctor. Imagine my confusion at seeing the C. O. come plung- ing along the drive on an old motor-cycle. I had forgotten to inquire whether he was coming up! "What on earth were you thinking of to run away with the car and leave me." To which there was really nothing to answer but, "Sorry." It was not until I was leaving for Felixstowe that the Doctor told me how "fed up" Mills had been for, in addition to other crimes, I had kept him awake all night with my sleep ravings in far from sotto voce. I must say that I have seldom met Mills' equal as a Comimanding Officer, if only for his attention to business when on the station, and thorough camaraderie with the junior officers in the mess and of evenings. To his Mother Penzance, Monday, February 25, 1918. Dearest Mother: My last regular letter I see was written February 19 from the other station. I also wrote a couple of days ago, solely to notify you of Stanley's and my arrival at our new station. At last I've done my first patrol — the first use to which my training has been put since April, 1917, when I started out with Kantner. It is great to be [169] Benjamin Lee, 2d under way at last. (Omitting of course the instruct- ing that I did at Norfolk. I mean the first real war work. Your fear that I would get at it too soon and with too little training has slowly dissipated by this time, I expect!) To resume: February 20 was too rainy for flight. In the afternoon I took a ten-mile tramp with a braw Englishman, and we enjoyed the old Englishness of the wet countryside. Enjoyed our "tea" heartily at five. Then I turned in, after a hot bath later. February 21 was a bully day. Stanley and I went up together in a. m., and each flew for half an hour. Went to 4,500 feet and saw a great panorama. When we came in there was an order from the Wing Captain for us to proceed. So we packed up hastily and caught the three o'clock train, arriving here in time for a brief visit to the station before dinner. Our new Commanding Officer, Squadron-Commander Mills, came down on the train with us and we enjoyed bridge for a while. Washington's Birthday was uneventful. I had a "Short" allotted to me to use and cherish. It was undergoing replacement of wires, etc. February 23 was* a poor one for weather. February 24 Stanley got up for an hour's flip around the harbor in his machine. All of these days were nice enough "ashore," though not particularly good for flying. We enjoyed the two-mile walk to the station from our princely quarters, and spurned rides in the Ford (!) a number of times. This morning there was no flying due to a heavy north wind. After lunch it let up. The day has [160] Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Extracts been a Camdener right straight through, so I was doubly lucky to get up this p. m. Went out with observer, bombs, wireless and full minor equipment at 4 p. m. Followed given compass courses and came in at 6.15, having covered the area specified. There was only a short time when we were not in sight of Land's End or the Scilly Isles, but on a less clear day we might have been totally de- pendent on the compass. Yesterday a fine batch of letters came in from B. S. & Co. I was glad to hear that Ruth had gotten one letter from me — the sixth it was — and rather surprised that none had gotten through to you by 5th February. I hope that doesn't mean that they were held up permanently by the censor. A letter from Daddy was among the star collection. All of yours addressed B. S. & Co. have come in sequence, only the Paris ones missing so far. Next rainy day I shall spread them out and look for ques- tions to be answered. It took me all one afternoon to read yours and Ruth's and enclosures, which are very welcome and keep one well in touch. Now that I'm settled, for a few months at least, will plan to write a trifle shorter and more frequent letters as the chances for writing are better than when we were constantly on the move. Lots of love to the family. Affectionately, Ben. P.S. — The daily walks and fine food are making me feel in super-extra health. [ 161 ] Benjamin LeCj 2d Penzance, March 2, 1918. Dearest Mother: Letters have been frequent and appreciated recently, not to mention a fine box of knitwear and Nunnally's, and books, received last night. Yesterday I was officer of the day, and so had to stay day and night at the station. As it blew, there wasn't much doing. While I was enjoying a cozy supper by a coal fire, the package and letters from you. Jus and Phil were brought in. Needless to say the evening was a success from then on. I'm certainly pleased that letters were at last getting through to you. Even if only a few, you will be posted somewhat. Probably I shall have to be even more discreet in the future. A letter from headquarters is at hand requesting the Senior Officer present to see that proper censorship is carried out for his detachment. I tell Stanley that I must read all his letters and censor them! The socks and sweater are fine. The sweater a worthy successor to the original, which is giving splendid service. Choc's are fresh and delicious, and books appreciated. At present there is no shortage of literature here, except newspapers from the United States. A Ledger now and then would be appre- ciated and an occasional Literary Digest, It is great that Bowse was elected Class President. We always thought he was a good scout! Letters come from B. S. & Co. with very little delay, if any, and the only ones unaccounted for from you and Ruth are those sent to Paris. Your valentine came a couple of days ago, still in February — merci! [ 162 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Extracts I also have a nice note from Cece at hand which I hope to acknowledge shortly. I am told there is but one nag in the vicinity suitable for riding, but I see a lot of pony carts and chaises with what we would call marsh-tackies drawing them. I had letters from cousins and Aunt Augusta recently, with kind offers and invitations. The only ones I might see at all soon are the Steel cousins at Falmouth. Perhaps I can get over during the com- ing week. We don't make any difference Sundays from other days, so there is no chance for them. Your No. 17, dated February 12, made good time, reaching London February 28, and here the next day. It was nice that Daddy could work even a short visit to Gtn. into the Washington trip. Glad Nana is planning Cad trip to Camden with you. Here it seems strange to see no cars. It is impossible to get petrol, except for official purposes. This would be a wonderful country to see, but hard to get at except by motor. We get bird's-eye views occasionally. I am going to try and see the Clovelly Cliffs that way, though they are pretty far up the coast. Now I'm going to stop and go to the Western Union Office to see whether I can cable from here, just to cheer things along. Lots of love to all. Affectionately, Ben. P.S. — This is a Camden day, but too much wind for flying. [163] Benjamin Lee^ 2d From Note-Booh Eddystone, March 3, 1918. Trip of Short Seaplane N-1606. Pilot: Ensign B. Lee; Ob- server: Sub-Lieutenant Rowley, R. N. A. S. \ Rowley and I stayed down at the air station for lunch, being stand-by pilot and observer for B flight. In the morning I had started out in my own machine, 1614, and failed to get off the water, as the engine was only revolving 1050; so, as the bay was rough, I properly ruined the stick and was towed in. For that reason I was available to take out another ma- chine. While we were at lunch the signal came through that N-1606 was to do all possible patrols in order to get in twenty-five hours' motor time as a test for some new features. This was a high com- pression, aluminum piston Renault-Mercedes; 1606 was run out and prepared, but J. S. Hughes, to whom it belonged, did not return from Yorke House in time, so we received our orders and pushed off at 2.15 p. M. Turning 1300 the engine took us off with a rush. We circled the bay once while Rowley got out his serial, then I throttled down to cruising speed and we started for Lizard. Five minutes later Rowley wrote: "Wireless not working, shall we return or go on?" I throttled down and inquired the prospects for fixing it. He thought not good^ so I said, "Let's go on to Lizard and if it still doesn't work then we can turn back." He agreed, and ten minutes later called out that wireless was working. [ 164 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Extracts Off Lizard the wind seemed to be quite easterly, and I had to head well east of south to keep that course. After ten minutes I figured that we were ten miles south of Lizard and so, receiving no sug- gestion (it was Rowley's second patrol too), pro- ceeded to cover the prescribed area as best I could, steering E. by N. thirty minutes, S. ten minutes, W. N. W. fifteen minutes, N. E. ten minutes. We then sighted a convoy. I looked at Rowley and saw that he was using W/T. Almost at once we sighted land on our port-bow. I turned to Rowley: "That's Land's End, isn't it?" "Yes, I think so," he an- swered. We each had figured in more N. E. wind than existed, so it was still Lizard that we sighted. Rowley agreed that we had better stay with the convoy for a while at least, so we proceeded to zigzag in front of it. Between three-thirty and five o'clock I felt miserable. The clouds were at 2,000 feet and lower, so the constant rocking and swaying made me feel seasick, and I was on the point of returning several times, thinking it would be unsafe to be in the throes while at the wheel. I couldn't decide whether it was worse to fight the bumps or to let the plane rock in and out. Rowley offered me some chocolate, not knowing how I felt. First I turned it down, then accepted and ate it. As no immediate results ensued, and I felt neither better nor worse, I decided to stick it out. At four o'clock another Short appeared, and at four-forty Rowley said: "They have signalled that they are going home." I thought that we would give them a twenty-minutes' start and find the runway [ 166 ] Benjamin Lee, 2d clear on landing. At five o'clock we started back. "How about N. E.?" I said. Rowley said, "Yes"; but later suggested that "We had better steer 60" on account of the wind." I changed accordingly. By six o'clock we were both a bit worried, as land should have shown up even with poor visibility. For the past two hours I had been pumping air pressure, and this was becoming extremely tiresome. I asked Rowley where he thought we were. He pointed S. W. of Land's End to the point from which we had left the convoy. It was possible then that we were N. W. of Land's End, especially as we had been steering 30° for twenty minutes, so we struck east, in event of our being west of St. Ives. It soon became increasingly difficult to see the com- pass, as the luminosity was poor. By six-thirty it was pitch dark, but the machine did not seem hard to handle, and I found myself more sensitive to side puffs than during the day time. Rowley flashed his Aldis lamp and found that we were heading south. From then on he flashed at intervals to help me keep a compass course. By six-forty-five we sighted a light dimly. It took fully twenty minutes to get near it, part of the time nose down and full throttle. Often we would veer off course between flashes and find it again on either beam. It seemed almost hopeless to reach the light, but finally we found it getting well under us. We were then at about 1,000 feet. While some distance from the light I had advised him to drop his bombs, and he had also pulled in the wireless serial. I throttled down and circled widely around the [166] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Ea^tracts light, Rowley using the Aldis for all he was worth. Getting no response at the end of five minutes, we agreed to land and got away with it safely, using about 900 revolutions, with the elevators well back. We bounced once, rather softly, and settled on the surface. The light was now behind us so I started to taxi to the leeward in the hope of finding a land- ing or, at least, getting a line aboard from the keepers. Suddenly the stump reef loomed directly in front. I swung hard to the right, but too late. We crashed on the reef, hard enough it seemed to shatter both floats. Above the din of the surf I yelled that I was going to jump from the wing, and to come along. His answer was indistinct. I tried to get out, but the controls had jammed back and it took all my strength to force them forward. I tore my watch from the dash and put it in my coat pocket, at the same time opening the air-bottle valve. I heard Rowley's belt inflate just after mine, then hurried out on the left wing. In the meantime the surf had carried the seaplane clear over the end of the reef, so that I had to jump clear off the wing and strike out for the rocks not ten yards away. At once I threw off glasses and goggles, and soon gauntlets followed. The waves crashed over the reef and boiled down on me. I swam hard for ten or twenty minutes, though handi- capped by my overcoat and a heavy leather coat. The reef seemed to draw gradually away from me. Soon I looked about and found that the set of the current was carrying me not towards, but at least past the main lighthouse. Then, too, I began to hear [167] Benjamin JLee, 2d shoutiS from the lower part of the lighthouse. Rowley, too, was calling, though by this time the machine had drifted several hundred yards away. I started to shout also, and heard: "Who are you?" It took me quite a minute to frame the answer: "Naval aviator," and then I plugged away for the light. Progress was slow, and I called for a boat, hardly expecting one. Finally I began to get under the lea of the lighthouse wall. It was only a matter of minutes until the keepers tossed me a buoy and pulled me around to the iron ladder. Even then I was almost swept away again by the surge of waves passing over me. Finally I dragged up, step by step, to the plat- form — and even here the waves seemed to pursue me. The answer to my first question was "Eddy stone," but being rather dazed and having an idea that we were somewhere near Ireland, I only understood when they said, "Near Plymouth." And I was disap- pointed that they had not been able to help Rowley. Tying a rope around me, two keepers went up the ladder, while the third boosted me a tiresome thirty feet, and so into Eddystone light. The chief then set off lights from the upper balcony, calling patrol boats from Plymouth, and the response was very quick, the first boat arriving within half an hour. Until 7.45 the men reported seeing Rowley's lamp flashing, as the machine gradually drifted away before the wind and tide. At eight o'clock a boat appeared and, being signalled by lamp, at once started an all night search. Soon she was joined by two more. In the meantime I had been assisted up five weari- some winding stairways. Then my new friends un- [168] Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Extracts dressed me before the kitchen stove, wrapped me in a hot blanket and made some cocoa. The first cup combined with much salt water and came right out, relieving me greatly. I couldn't hold the cup for shivering, and this kept up for half an hour. Finally, by dint of cocoa and almost sitting in the stove I quieted down and began to feel comfortable. The cozy room, circled by two foot walls, was quiet enough, then a door would open and the sound of the sea and wind rush in, while the chief called out the latest report from above. I felt confident that Row- ley would be picked up if he only stayed with the floats and kept the light going. By nine o'clock I was warm, and so, dressed in knitted woolen; underwear, they packed me off to bed, up two more flights. I slept soundly, only waking when the keepers wound the great mechanism used to revolve the light. There was a keen sense of comfort and security in the lighthouse, accentuated, of course, by the events leading up to my arrival there. I should have felt perfectly content but for the thought of Rowley. Early next morning a torpedo boat came alongside, but the keeper signalled it to come back later. It was a beautiful morning, and after a good breakfast one of them took me up to the top and showed me the polished, watch-like mechanism. Plymouth Bay seemed very near then, and the fifteen miles would have been easy the night before had we recognized the lighthouse. s ■ After lunch we had a game of chess, interrupted by my torpedo boat calUng again. They sent a whale- [ 169] Benjamin Lee, 2d boat alongside, and it seemed to rise and fall by the ladder in rather appalling style. However, I got in and away, wearing my own well-dried clothes. They left me at Cattewater, where I stayed a week report- ing once or twice to the Admiralty headquarters for interviews and reports. The seaplane floats were picked up. Rowley had evidently stayed in the fuselage, as his body was picked up the following day. From the Keeper of Eddystone Light [This letter from I. F. W. Williams, Keeper of the Eddystone Light, while written a year and a half after Ben had spent the night there, seems to fit in most naturally after the account in Ben's note-book of 'March 3, 1918.] » Trevn, Morrat Terrace, Penzance, Cornwall, May 6, 1919. Dear Mrs. Chase: I have only just returned from the vicinity of the Wolf Rock Lighthouse where we have been waiting to effect a landing, but we have been unsuccessful. We shall make another attempt to-morrow. I thought I would reply to your letter now, which I only received on my return home this evening, as I shall have no time to do so to-morrow. Your letter to me was redirected from Plymouth, as I have left the Eddystone. I am now the Principal of the "Wolf," and reside with my wife and family in Penzance, quite close to the Flying Station at Newlyn, where your boy started from on that event- ful night when we helped him out of the water. [170] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Extracts It will give me great pleasure to give you all the information I can respecting the rescue, but I almost shrink from doing so because of the repetition of the word "I." At any rate, I trust you won't think it another case of Bill Adams winning the battle of Waterloo, where you will remember Bill did this and Bill did that. It was on a Sunday night that the seaplane came down, somewhere about 7 p. m. One keeper was on watch in the lantern. I was writing in the subsidiary light-room. The third keeper was reading in the living-room, the floor below me, when all at once a bright light flashed for a moment into the tower. It was observed by all three and, quite unknown to one another, we were looking out of the windows to try and make out what had caused the flash. Some mo- ments passed and it was seen again, and we then began to acquaint one another by shouting up or down the staircase that there was "something" in the water flashing a light. We hastened down the tower and opened the entrance door and went down the dog steps (merei bars let into the tower) to the plinth, or base, and after some time we could make out the "something" was a plane. I shouted, but received no reply, and still the plane was "bobbing," first on one side of us, then another. That there was some one on the plane was apparent, because they were using an electric torch, but for what reason we did not discover till later. Some time passed. I continued to shout, or rather scream when, all at once, I thought I heard a voice, not from the machine but from the water, and I remarked to one of my colleagues, who [ 171 ] Benjamin Lee, 2d had ventured down with me (I must just mention that a very big sea was running at the time, although the tide was low and it was a frightfully cold wind from the northeast) that I believed a man was in the water, and he replied, "I thought I heard a voice as well." I commenced shouting: "Where are you?" and after some time I distinctly heard these words: "Oh, God, give me a boat!" But I could not locate the voice or see anybody. So I suggested to my comrade to get a life-buoy and I would keep up the shouting and keep watch. The life-buoy was brought, and I got ready to heave it, my mate holding the life-line attached to it. Then a tremendous sea rushed past us, nearly sweeping us off the base, but that sea left a lot of foam, and I saw your son in the water, and by giving the life-buoy a good swing I succeeded in planting it right alongside of him, and in less time than it takes to write this we felt the tug on the line. But it was only his hitching his arm into the buoy, he was powerless to do more, being in a state of collapse from the cold and the shock. Anyhow, we hauled the line in until he was alongside the dog steps, but he was not able to help himself, so I went down into the water and put my arm around him and supported him up to the landing. He asked where he was and I told him. He said he thought he was somewhere on the coast of Ireland. "Well, my friend," I said to your boy, "do you feel able to climb those dog steps?" He asked: "How many?" I told him and he said: "Any other way to go up?" and I said, "Unfortunately no. Come on, now," I said, "you are wet, so am I. I am beastly cold, so [ 172 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Extracts I know you are. So the sooner we are up and inside the better it will be." I could see the boy's nerves were shaken, so I thought he required a little bucking up. I told him quite frankly that the tide was rising, and that unless we got up and inside soon we should be both swept off the base. So I shouted to my comrades to lower a line down and I would make it fast around him, which I did, we then began to as- cend, my comrades pulling gently on the line, and I supporting him around the waist. It was a slow, very slow process, and my heart was thumping badly the whole time. He was past further effort and, about half way up, he lost all control of his legs. We hung, so to speak, in the balance for what seemed an eternity, but I continued to urge him on and spoke cheerfully and, after a little while, he commenced to again ascend, getting his body just above the sill of the door. I placed my head at his back and my comrades pulled on the line and, so, I pressed him inside, where he lay for a moment, then we helped him on to his feet. I asked him how many were on the plane and he said one man. One of my mates remained behind to take his flying kit off, and we went up to fire rockets to call assistance for Rowley who was still on the plane using the torch. We fired rockets for forty-five minutes, and four destroyers came from different directions in answer to same. I Morsed by lamp the message that we had rescued one man, and that there was still another on the plane requiring immediate help but, unfortunately, the elec- tric torch was exhausted, or, the machine being dam- aged by being in contact with our rocks they could not [ 173 ] Benjamin LeCj 2d see anything by their search-lights. By this time it was about 10 p. M., and we were so cold we could not keep a limb still to save our lives; so we went to the living-room where your son was wrapped in blankets in front of a blazing fire. I was never more surprised in my life to find our visitor was an American and little more than a boy. So I began to tease him about running away with his father's seaplane and so on. . . . Anyhow, finding he was about my build, I went up-stairs and obtained some woolen underclothes which fitted splendidly, then to bed. He had had some cocoa but was not feeling well enough for food. We assisted him up to bed where he slept soundly till next morning about 8 a. m., when a destroyer appeared off the lighthouse and I semaphored the full details of the affair. I asked your son his name and his rank, and he seemed pleased, because he was anxious about your hearing that he was missing. After that he had breakfast with us, your son looking quite a typical lighthouse-keeper in my shore-going uniform. Dinner time came round and he enjoyed another meal. We then sat and played a game of chess, and just as we were finishing a torpedo-boat came out from Plymouth and took him ashore. I really do think that he would have liked to have enjoyed the peacefulness of the lighthouse for a day or two. He was feeling the effects of his strenuous time of the night before. Anyhow the boat was there and we parted company. I asked him to be kind enough when, visiting us again, to come in daylight and not come fooling around at night, because light- houses are not open to visitors after sunset. He [ 174 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Eoctracts laughed, and said he would try and bear it in mind. Dear Madam, I hope you will pardon this hasty and beastly scrawl. I beg to thank you for your kind remarks. Needless to say we only did just what anybody else would or should do in like circumstances. I thanked God for giving us the opportunity: thirty minutes later and we could have done nothing. I should much like a portrait of Mr. Lee, as the memory of that night will never fade out of my mind and, should you visit Newlyn, I hope you will stay with us. We have a fine house and in a fine situation. Yours very sincerely, I. F. W. Williams. Ben made no mention of his Eddy stone experience in his letters home until May 21, 1918. To his Mother Penzance, Thursday, March 7, 1918. Dearest Mother: As there is some question as to the advisabihty of writing letters full of detail, and some question as to their getting through, I shall make this brief. Work is progressing normally, chiefly interfered with by weather. No matter how Floridian in tem- perature this climate may be, it still cannot compete for sunshine. Last Friday, I think it was, I sent the following cable through the post-office at E. M. F. rates: [ 175 ] Benjamin JLee, 2d "Chase & Co., Jacksonville, Fla. > Am comfortably installed Penzance regular duties congratulate Phil class honors continue Brown Shipley Love. (Signed) Lee." I haven't heard as yet from the P. O. whether or not the message was finally sent through. It had to go via London. I am going to try and get over to see Cousins Steel in the course of the next two or three days. I have a day or so vacation due me very shortly. I have hardly written a letter outside of those to you and Ruth; knowing that the family will get all the latest from you, it hardly seems worth while to duplicate. Lots and lots of love to all. Affectionately, Ben. March 13, 1918. Deabest Mother: I'm back at headquarters and ready to get to work again to-morrow, after a very pleasant four days. First let me jot a few things before I forget. Books I can get very reasonably here. Two copies of Life however arrived (I forget by whom sent; was it you?), and they are considered "priceless" by the fellows here. The C. O. Squadron-Commander Mills is at present roaring over one of them. So if you can pass copies along they will be much appreciated by all hands. Perhaps a Literary Digest [176] Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Extracts or Post occasionally, too. I would hardly want a daily paper sent, but a copy of the Ledger once in a week or two would be nice. These should be sent B. S. & Co., as everything, in order to be sure to reach me. Besides, my location is presumably un- known, therefore I have removed the nicely stamped heading from this paper. Your Now 18 February 14, and No. 19 February 18 are most recently arrived — with several enclosures. Glad you got reports of me from France. One will be due from South Godstone, England, soon after this, as the Steel cousins have returned there after seeing me at Falmouth. The "Noo-nallies," as Phil used to call it, proved handsomely popular. A box has just arrived from Ruth with a pound or so of fudge, which kept beautifully, and two pounds of Domino sugar. I was quite surprised that the latter came through all right, but it was lucky, as sugar for beverages is just giving out here. I have a small bottle of "Saxin" Pills, one of which sweetens a cup. This is convenient when travelling. I wrote to Jus a day or so ago, requesting him to order me two pairs of gold-filled spectacles at Bodens, — to be same as last made there, — sent in a wooden box, with dozen Gillette Safety Blades. Brown, Shipley address. In event of my letter to him going down, it might be well to check up by men- tioning this next time you write. I'm glad things worked out so well for the fellows from Camp. It must have been a great pleasure for them just to be in such a nice place as Farview, [177] Benjamin JLee, 2d not to mention a meal there after a few months of Camp. Will endeavor to work off a few notes that should have gone long ago, now that I seem settled for a while (though I hardly dare murmur settled for fear of stirring up word to move on). Now for the past few days. Sunday afternoon I took a train for Falmouth (change at Truro), arriving there at 6.30, and going at once to the Falmouth Hotel. While registering Cousin Sophie appeared, and then her mother. They were extremely cordial, and it seemed very nice in- deed to spend a quiet evening with some American ladies having kindred interests. I was comfortably quartered in a small room with sea roar at night. Next morning and afternoon Cousin Sophie and I took ramble walks through Falmouth and along the waterfront. We stopped for tea at a quaint old house with two q. o. ladies in charge, who urged me to stop in should I have a forced landing in Fal- mouth. Also met one Captain Stopford, in charge of the harbor. Tuesday morning I assisted in their get-away by securing and holding down space in the through car- riage to London. I rode as far as Truro, and de- parted there. Saw Truro Cathedral, inside and out. It is only thirty years old; about the newest in Eng- land. The Cousins were extremely cordial and invited me to spend leaves at S. Godstone, whenever possible. I caught a train back in this direction, getting off at St. Erth, and took a short ride to St. Ives, arriving there in time for a copious tea at 3.30, which largely [ 178 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Extracts replaced lunch. I stayed at the Tregenna Castle Hotel, which was very nice and clean and comfy. I spent all afternoon down in old St. Ives and out on the Island. It was an ideal day with a big crash- ing sea coming over the breakwater and into the har- bor. St. Ives Bay was a deep blue, with a white breaker ^ c "^^ 1^ J Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Extracts that Mother and Father and I should go to meet the boys. In the afternoon Hilda and I gathered great bunches of forget-me-nots, marguerites and violets; we arranged them prettily and put some in the boys' room. A most delicious looking meal was prepared, the Japanese china being used for the occasion; the table looked very pretty with a large vase of blue forget-me-nots in the center, and scones, pancakes, heather honey, and other good war-time things around. When the train arrived, Arthur came up and shook my hand violently and then introduced me to Mr. Lee. A tall, straight, youthful-looking boy came forward, smiled pleasantly, and shook hands. He seemed just a little shy at first and did not talk much during the drive home. I sat opposite him and thought how nice his face was; it seemed to be quite a beautiful face; he wore rimless eyeglasses, and behind them I noticed two clear, twinkling gray eyes, rather more deeply set than usual. We soon reached the house, and the children came forward shyly to meet the boys. We had supper ; the boys had good appetites and so did justice to the meal; Arthur and Mr. Lee were very elated at the sight of pancakes. In the evening Mme. and M. Narik came down, and Madame sung, ''Chantez, ehantez, ma belle/' and the "Marseillaise," with much beauty and expression. She has a delightful voice. Hilda recited "Dow'ie Dens o' Yarrow," and Norman, "The Anniversary of Culloden." Hanella and I were persuaded to play our duet, "Schubert's Unfinished Symphony." [ 247 ] Benjamin LeCj 2d Mr. Lee soon found himself sitting on the couch between two small Highlanders. He must love chil- dren, for they took to him at once. He teased them and hugged them, and they were greatly delighted, but disappointed when it was time to go to bed. We had coffee and shortbread and then went a short way through the woods with the visitors. I walked with Arthur while Hanella went with Mr. Lee. She remarked before going to bed how charming he was. Thursday, August 8, 1918. We had breakfast at nine. It was a warm, sunny morning and the two boys looked awfully nice in their white flannels. The children, whose hearts Mr. Lee had won, did not desert him for a moment. We decided to have a tramp through the woods. Mr. Lee went on in front and ran several times backwards and forwards with Norman on his shoulder. His hair blew in the wind and shone in the sunshine, and he looked charming, running along the path through the immense pine trees. We walked on. For a time Norman, Mr. Lee and I walked together; he asked me about my college work and he told me about his in Philadelphia. We came home by the side of the river, eating wild rasp- berries and pulling flowers on the way. After dinner Mother and I prepared a picnic and we all set out for the top of Dreggie. The road passed through the pine trees, where the air was delightful to breathe, across the village and then over the valley. The fields were white with marguerites and the hedgerows thick with wild flowers. On the [ 248 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Extracts left we could see the beautiful Cairngorm mountains; their summit stood out clearly against the blue sky and there was very little snow on them. Mr. Lee thought they looked grand and I told him the names of those I knew. The Cromdales behind, and to our left, were purple with heather, and the clouds cast dark shadows on those low highland hills. For August is the second spring in Scotland. The heather and heath is in full bloom then, and the hum of the bees can constantly be heard as they dart from one bell to another. > We talked about the Scotch highlands and Mr. Lee compared them with the hills in Maine, and spoke of joyous days he had had there. He told me all about his family life and about his brothers and sister. Soon the road reached the foot of the hill and we began to climb. Several times on the way, Mr. Lee turned to look at the beautiful view of the mountains and valley with the Spey winding through the pine forests. I knew that our companion had a deep innate love of beauty, and I was glad that he could appre- ciate the somewhat rugged glory of our Scotch high- lands. I could not help thinking how fresh and charming he looked; he seemed to be a prototype of fine American boyhood, so clean and athletic and strong-limbed was he. Soon we were crossing the bare stretch of moor- land that leads to the higher part of the hill. We had a race to see who could get there first ; Hilda and Mr. Lee won. We gazed spellbound at the wonderful panorama of mountain, hill and glen. Far in the distance we [ 249 ] Benjamin Lee, 2d could just make out the sea with the mountains of Ross and Cromarty on the horizon. Behind the summit was a bleak desolate valley with a tiny little crofter's house here and there. Arthur and I started to hunt for peats and sticks for a fire. He asked me how I liked Bennie. I said: "Very much; I think he is a typically good-looking American boy." "Oh, no," said Arthur, "he is far better than that"; and I added that I had never known any American boys. When we had collected enough wood we lit a fire and sat around in a circle to have our picnic. The heather around was a blaze of purple, and Mr. Lee picked some, saying he would send half of it to his Mother and the other half to his fiancee. We were a gay party; we laughed and talked, and Madame sang charming French songs. At last, we thought we would have to return. Hilda and Mr. Lee ran all the way down, and at the foot they waited for me. We told the boy that we were very happy to have him, and he replied that we were not half so happy as he was, for now he would have somewhere definite to go on his next leave. Then he said: "Friends, yoii must not call me Mr. Lee any longer — just make me one of the family." And so we did. Supper was all ready and Ben told us to hurry and get dressed, else he would have something to say! We had a good supper of fresh salmon from the Spey, and home-made scones and pancakes. Arthur ate thirteen pancakes and Ben nine!! In the evening Ben and the children went into the [ 250 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Extracts garden and he tried to teach them baseball with a ball he had brought for them. Ian Spence came along to meet the American boys, and we played cards till dark. Ian told me he liked Mr. Lee awfully, and added that he was just like a friend of his who had been killed. Friday, August 9. We rose early this morning and took the ten o'clock train to Aviemore, a small village about fifteen miles south of Grantown. There were thirteen in the party. At Grantown station, Arthur had an argument with Father as to who should pay for the tickets. Eventu- ally Arthur put a pound into Ben's hand and told him to make Father take it. But there was a Red Cross box near-by, and Ben said to me: "Well, if Arthur doesn't know what to do with it, I'll sort it for him," and popped it into the box, to the wide- eyed amazement of Norman and Russell. At Aviemore we went into a wee shop and bought postcards and fruit, and then started off on the three miles' trek to Loch-an-Eilan. We passed through the great forest of Rothiemurchus, where some of the oak trees are over a thousand years old, and then over the bare wind-swept moor. Here the heather grew very long, so that the whole heath looked like a sea of purple with the hills on the horizon. When we reached the loch the sun had come out. We sat down on the grass and talked while Ben and the youngsters skiffed stones. Mother and my aunt had stayed behind to prepare a meal, and presently we heard shouts to come. We [251] Benjamin Lee^ 2d were as happy a crowd as ever made picnic on the shores of Loch-an-Eilan, and we were awfully sorry when it was time to return. Ben took Mummie's arm and walked with her for a bit; I always know boys by the way they treat Mother, and Ben was especially gentle with her. The family all collected together on a bank of heather, while I took a picture with Arthur's camera. Then my aunt took one with me in it, and the two boys in- sisted that I should sit between them. For the rest of the way Ben walked with Hilda and me, and took our arms, saying: "Come on, we'll make Arthur jealous!" He talked of many things and told us funny stories about his life at home; At Aviemore station we studied the well-filled book- stalls, and discussed Locke's books. The journey home was uneventful. In the evening Ian came along and I played all the old Scotch songs, while he and Ben sang them with great heartiness. A happy pair they were, singing "Ye Banks and Braes," "Afton Water," "Juanita," etc. Then for Ben I had to play "Old Black Joe," " 'Way Down upon the Swanee River," and others. Later we went out to the garden and played hockey, and Ben and Hilda had what they called a rough-house on the green, trying to knock each other down. Our two aviators were sleepy after their long walk, so Hilda and I persuaded them to have breakfast in bed in the morning, saying we'd each carry up a tray. They laughed and said, "All right; that will be great!" [ 262 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Extracts Saturday, August 10. Hilda and I got up ahead of the others to prepare trays for the boys, and at nine o'clock we marched into their room armed with a breakfast each. They were in the land of dreams, but soon rubbed their sleepy eyes and sat up. Ben looked hke a youngster with his bonnie fair hair. They were amused that we should carry out our promise, and glad too, for they stayed in bed until eleven and got thoroughly rested. They looked wonderfully fresh when they came down, dressed in white, and I thought how very much better they looked than on their arrival. Ben wrote letters until lunch time, while the others played croquet. Ben told me that he had written so many nice things home that his people would think he'd never want to return to the States again. I thought to myself that his people must simply adore him; he was so lovable and refined in every way. After lunch Ben and I cycled up to the village, for Ben wanted to cable home. On the way back Ben was showing me how to chase an aeroplane: he cycled absolutely quietly and in a line behind me. Suddenly I felt my back tire bumped, heard a crash, and looked around to see Ben just escape a fall. He saved himself with his heel and hurt it shghtly, so that he could not do any real walking during the rest of his visit. Consequently we had a picnic in the woods behind the house when we got home. The boys gathered sticks for Mother, who lit the fire and made tea. Then we spread two rugs under the trees and, to the amusement of the others, the young people all crowded on to the same rug. [ 263 ] I Benjamin Lee^ 2d After supper Ben, my sisters and I talked for a long time. I admired the boy tremendously for his simplicity and sincerity, and for the loyal, devoted way he talked of his fiancee. Simplicity and sincerity! Surely these are the most deeply rooted characteristics of the greatest men! Mother kissed my sisters and me good night, and we laughed when Ben held up his face for a wee kiss too. How Mother worships these soldier boys! Sunday, August 11. Bright sunshine awoke us this morning and we all dressed in light frocks for church. Ben and Hilda cycled, for Ben's heel was not yet better. The minister, who had been in France with the troops for a long time, and is a very decent, broad-minded man, did a very kind thing. He knew the boys were staying with us, and quite suddenly announced that "The American Battle Hymn" would be sung. A troop of boy scouts who were camping in the High- lands were present, and the minister addressed a special sermon to them, exhorting them to strive to be good and noble men. They were bonnie, brown- faced laddies, and they looked grand in their bright red tartan kilts. We watched them march past to the skirl of the bag-pipes after church, and Ben and Hilda, who were home before the others, went for a short run along the side of the Spey. After dinner Ben was sleepy so I persuaded him to have a rest. He was quiet too, and I seemed to know that he was dreaming of home, and a wee bit home-sick, and I thought he'd like to be alone. [264] Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Extracts After tea we went down to the river and watched him skip stones. Some of them rebounded right to the other side. We admired him very much, and he said, "Oh, my little sister could do that too, and so could you if you had a big brother to teach you." He told us, too, that if he and Arthur had another week's leave they would build a canoe and paddle it on the river. (We do not have canoes in Scotland.) In the evening the maids went out, so Mother thought that since it was the boys' last evening she'd bake pancakes for them. She called them to the kitchen and they were happy as two schoolboys, steal- ing pancakes hot from the griddle, when Mother was not looking, and dancing the "Lame Duck" in the intervals. The minister and his wife were talking to Father in the drawing-room, so we had to shut all the doors lest they should hear us. Ian came to say good-bye to the boys, and he told Ben that if he had nowhere to spend his leave to come to him. Ben said that that was very kind. "Not at all," said Ian, "you'd do me a kindness, for I have no one here." There is no one for whom I am sorrier than for Ian. He is always so brave and bright and cheerful in spite of the fact that he knows he shall never be Well again. It is hard to understand the reason for all the seemingly unjust suffering in the world. I should like to think with Francis Thom- son, that iti is but the "Shade of His hand outstretched caressingly." After supper Ben and my sisters and I decided to have a short walk along the river side, to the old high bridge. It was a beautiful, peaceful evening: [ 256 ] Benjamin Lee, 2d the sun had gone down in the west, and the little birds were asleep. A vast calm had spread over the country, and the only noise we heard was the ceaseless roar of the river as it rushed on its way to the sea. We wandered on to the bridge and stood there for a long, long time, not talking, but drinking in the loveliness of the scene. The sun had left a rosy light in the sky, and the great pine trees looked like giants against it. As one gazed, one's soul seemed to become, for a moment at least, part of infinity, so mysterious and beautiful was the scene. I wondered what the others were thinking, when suddenly Ben broke the silence, saying, "My, the air is sweet here I" Then we walked for a time and Ben told us he was very sorry that this was the last evening of his holiday, and that it had almost been like home. He said he'd like to see his friends, Mr. Hawkins and Mr. Schieffelin again, and we laughed when he said he had kissed them when he left, and that he didn't see why a boy shouldn't kiss his boy friends if he loved them. I told him I didn't see why he shouldn't either. We were very sorry and reluctant to go home again. Monday, August 12. We were very sad this morning for Ben, Arthur and Father left by the ten o'clock train. We had breakfast at eight, and Ben and I went for a short cycle run over the hills — to say good-bye to them. We also wanted to get some heather honey for Killingholme. We went to the station in good time. Ben took [ 256 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Extracts Mother's arm saying, "Are you not going to say good-bye to me?'* and walked up and down with her. She told him to come back as soon as ever he could, that we'd be delighted to see him at any time, and to be sure and bring a boy friend with him. The train soon arrived, and once again, we had to say farewell. But our hearts seemed to have become hardened, even to those partings, for we had gone through so many of them since August, 1914, and so many times, alas, the dear boys had never returned. To his Mother U. S. Naval Air Station, KiLLINGHOLME, September 2, 1918. Dearest Mother: This letter covers a week of not much action and, correspondingly, considerable dissatisfaction. But as it might be said that dis- satisfaction is the mother of new ideas and progress, it has not been a wasted period. Ever since my return from leave my own particular piece of equipment has been under repair, due to breakage while I was away. So in the meantime I have done some testing and some instructing, the latter well worth while. In fact, with students who have had a couple of hundred hours on other types, instructing becomes a pleasure. Sunday, a week ago, was spent rather pleasantly. It being a beautiful day, I was instructing. We managed to get stuck on a sand-bar and had to wait eight hours for the tide before we could mote back to base. A launch brought us in for lunch, however, [ 257 ] Benjamin Lee, 2d and we returned with books. I enjoyed two chapters of Stevertson's "Virginibus Puerisque," which Jackson (Ens.) brought along for me. Tuesday qualified a pilot. Wednesday rained about all day. Thursday called at 3.45 a. m. Went with one of my students. To-day he went alone and did himself proud. Bike riding in evening. Friday and Saturday, only general event each day was the veteran Compo crashing a machine. No one hurt. He went on five days' leave. Tex left on two weeks' leave. Sunday big wind tied things up to my satisfaction, as I had the day's duty to shove things around. Monday called at 3.30 a. m. Slept 9 to 12 a. m. Ran this afternoon, and showered before supper. I am very much afraid that we have enjoyed the cream of our year's weather. Wind and rain have been pretty active in the past week, contrasting with a fair amount of almost Camdenish days before that in July and August. , I see in my "Line-a-day" that a year ago I was beached for tearing a wing, and did water duty for a week. Also note that I left for Camden September 12. It's not too late for this year if I can get my machine in shape for a trans-Atlantic flight. Referring to first paragraph. With our room fixed more comfortably — two good easy chairs and a table — it has been pleasant to sit by the coal fire and chin it over. Tex and I have decided (in common with most Ensigns over here) that one can have foreign service or extra stripes. Now we prefer, of [ 258 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Extracts course, the foreign service, but feel that we rate more action than we are now getting, and that having done perhaps 150 hours each on a given type of machine, it is time for a change. Whether we can accomphsh this does not rest in our hands, but we will make the attempt when Tex comes back from leave. So if you hear of my shifting about (except for a possible leave in Scotland, five days at most) you will know that we were lucky and are getting what we are keen about. Lilfes and Ledgers have arrived recently. No letters for a week, which is normal. They seem to come in bunches and reach me in much the same time, however addressed. The last ones report regu- lar Camden times going on. Soon you will be enjoy- ing a trip back to Germantown. In fact, it's a puzzle where to address this, but will chance Camden. , Have written practically only to you and Ruth in the past two months, so you may have to assure some one now and then of my existence. With shorter days, longer nights, and a comfortable table, cor- respondence should look up. Lots and lots of love to all. Ben. P.S. — ^Almost every Philadelphia paper received accounts for one or more U. of P. friends or ac- quaintances. Captain McCall, a friend of Paul's, among the latest. September 11, 1918. Deaeest Mother: It is a good many days since my last letter but nothing has occurred in the mean- [ 269 ] Benjamin Lee, 2d time. There has been a period of stagnation, so far as I am concerned, due to the fact that my own boat has been under repair and that newer pilots are getting experience doing the routine work that a few of us were doing before. Then, too, we have had in the last ten days three of big wind and two of rain. Since the 1st of Sep- tember IVe only had a couple of hours in the air and that was instructing. The pupils are so apt that it is pleasant. . . . I spoiled this at the last minute by inserting a propeller blade, which is really usually on the mantle- piece. Nevertheless you can imagine that the three- layer shelf bridging the two bureaus, with table be- tween, makes quite a neat library and writing cubby. However, I prefer to sit in the large, blue, upholstered wicker chair and write on my knees, with the firelight on my right. Everything available is of course blue, except a bunch of orange flowers on the mantel-piece. Well, if one can't get into real action, might as well entrench comfortably and make the best of it. To-morrow I go on a twenty-four-hour duty — run- ning things on the beach. So, good-night. Lots of love. ' Affectionately, Ben. P.S. — Four letters received, "en masse," and large box with chocolates, marshes, knitted socks, books. Life arrived regularly. P.S.S. — Justice's Commander Westervelt and Chat Wetherill here, and had a talk with them. [260] Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Extracts To Ms Sister U. S. Naval Air Station, KiLLINGHOLME, September 14, 1918. Dear Cece: Your letters with the inside dope about daily doings and special stunts are always very welcome. I think you must have had a high old time this summer, with a considerable number of boys and girls available for swimming parties. Mother's last letter enclosed some snaps taken at the boat-house, with a whole gang on the float. Then on my bureau I have photos of the boat-house and of my "ceedah," taken by Paul Wagner several sum- mers ago, so I manage to remember Camden pretty easily. Wonder if I will dare ride with you driving a car? I'll bet Nana hasn't yet! I was in a Cadillac here one day for a fast run to a station fifteen miles away, and it certainly seemed good to hear the familiar clicks and buzzes that a Cadillac makes. I've seen a few Hups over here too. The nearest I have come to a Camden time was a month ago in Scotland, when my friends, the McGregors, took me up "Dreggie," which might have been Ragged, and then to Loch-an-Eilan, a bit of water very much like Mirror Lake. It has a ruined castle on a tiny island — I sent home some postals of it. You must have had some good sport in haying time. I'm surprised Alice didn't break any arms or [ 261 ] Benjamin Lee, 2d legs in her falling stunts. Which can dive best, now, Alice or Barbara Churchill? I've had some interesting letters from Ruth since her arrival. Every one seems to have shown her a mighty good time. I'm glad things were in full sway while she was there. How goes your piano, kiddo? I haven't heard any one play well since my leave in Jacksonville before Christmas — no joking. In case my last letter to Mother has not arrived this will acknowledge receipt of box with chocolate, book, knit wear, and a beaut of a blue sweater done by Cousin Madge (?). It just matches the chair I'm sitting in. In Mother's last letter she sent an express check. This came through O.K., and I'm saving it, as it can be cashed in Denmark, Holland, Germany, Austria or anywhere one is liable to be captured or interned. Guess the Germans wouldn't give me much for it though. This has been an Al lazy day, with steady rain outside and a snug fire here for me. Remember me to any of our friends you see in Germantown. Lots of love. Affectionately, Ben. [262] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Extracts To his Mother • U. S. Naval Air Station, KiLLINGHOLME, September 24, 1918. Dear Mother: Three letters from Jus arrived unopened to-day, bringing considerable news. It cer- tainly was great for him to get to Camden before going to Garden City. I expect more mail in a day or so. The bulkier letters are usually a bit slower due to being stopped and delayed by the censor. Speaking of censors, we have a queer one now. Letters are sometimes delayed a week before being censored. Every one is pretty sore about it. I'm wiring to Jus to-morrow, partly congratulations on the arrival of Dan,^ and to have him get in touch with Alan Harriman in New York. Harriman was my engineer for a long while, though really superior to the job. He has gone back to become a pilot and receive a commission. Received a nice letter from Mrs. McGregor, ac- knowledging receipt of yours, and pressing me to come back as soon as possible. It is only a question of getting away from here. Unfortunately Tex is sick in London and I don't see much chance of leaving until he returns. Your latest is August 27. The most recent news is via Jus and Ruth. I hope this reaches you before leaving for Jax, otherwise will be much delayed. Letter to Cece was intended to cover period between this and my last to you. ^ Referring to his brother Justice's third son, afterwards named Benjamin Lee, 3d. [263] Benjamin LeCj 2d Nothing of particular interest going on here outside of routine work and not much of that due to Sep- tember winds and rain. Have just finished the "Count of Monte Cristo." Enjoyed it very much. September 5th Life arrived recently. A few cronies are toasting bread at my fire and calling on me to join in. Lots of love to all. Affectionately, Ben. From Note-Book KiLLINGHOLME. August and September, especially the latter, were distinctly a period of growling and grumbling. A large part of it was justifiable, especially as the six of us from Felixstowe only got in about ten hours a piece of flying during this period. Whether anything comes of the fomentation during this period, only time will tell. It is safe to assume that any pilot on the station would willingly give the last ten years of his life for a chance to get active service in France in combat work. Most of us would give it all to get away. To his Mother KiLLINGHOLME, October 3, 1918. Deabest Mother: Several letters and a package arrived in the last few days and formed, as always, a welcome interlude in the somewhat monotonous routine. [ 264 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Extracts Particularly I enjoyed the snapshots of picnic parties at Balance Rock, and little glimpses of the lake. They seem so fresh and up-to-date that it is next best to being right there. A long letter from Cece gave all the inside dope on trips to Zeke's Look- out, and several swims. It is mighty good to realize keenly now and then what a happy prospect is in store when the Huns are crushed. It makes us keep up to the mark when inaction makes it easy to despond. While we do little here, great things are going on in France. The push in the Verdun salient and for the Ostend line of towns is well under way; I can imagine the enthusiasm this progress arouses in all the allied homes. And Bulgaria suing for imcon- ditional surrender! Great! If things go as well as this, perhaps I would get leave at the end of my one and one-half years' service from last January. Half done in four days, as we count from date of leaving New York. Tex, Paul Ives, and I are anxious to see some more active service. Really all the pilots here are, but of course all could not get away. We feel that our apprenticeship on this work has been served. However, we have as yet hardly gotten beyond plans and hopes. It takes so long to convince authorities and arrange things. Of course practically every pilot would like to be on a fighting type machine over the lines, but only a proportion have the opportunity. Day before yesterday I went to a new height for me — 10,200 feet. This of course is only a moderate [265 ] Benjamin LeCj 2d height nowadays, but it is some satisfaction to have been there. It was bitter cold. I've been enjoying a pipe occasionally for the past month. It occupies a fairly unimportant place in my life as yet, as may be judged from the fact that I have forgotten to mention it before. Merci bien for the Maillards, choc, sweater, socks and sundries. If lucky, I will certainly use all the warm goods this winter. Yesterday I picked up a bit of a cold, and am going out this afternoon for a good run with a hot and cold shower afterwards. Will send this to Jax, with lots of love to all. Always affectionately, Ben. P.S. — I'm anxious to hear how Bowse makes out either for college or war. U. S. Naval Air Station, KiLLINGHOLME, October 22, 1918. Dearest Mother: Again I've been delinquent for twenty days. I'm sorry, and to bridge the gap I'll send a cable in the course of a day or so. Then it will still be a long wait for this letter, so I will write again very shortly in case this one falls by the way- side. Imagine my only flying five hours in September! Most discouraging, when for months I have averaged at least twenty or twenty-five, which is not much. One month at Felixstowe I did sixty. That is the way to live in this game — plenty of flying to feed [ 266 ] Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Extracts on. Here it is picking up crumbs of test flights and occasional instructing. I am not complaining for it could not be very different, circumstances control the flying weather, etc. Saturday I went out for five hours with one Zabriskie in his boat. Dandy fellow, Zab is. Sun- day seven hours and a half with George Rumill. That is the best yet for an American outfit. With some wind helping us we came back from the Tyne River to the Humber in one and one-half hours, which is "moting" some, as it is about 120 miles. Yesterday I slept late, having been up at 4.30 the two previous mornings. Went to Hull in the after- noon, enjoyed a hair-cut, measured for a suit, and bought a pair of leather sea-boots, knee high. These are great for sloshing around in the prevailing fog and mud, also warm and quick to get into at early hours. Tex and Paul Ives expect orders very soon, calling them away to work on land machines, at least tem- porarily. "Baron" Compo and Johnny McNamara have gone to the Emerald Isle. That will leave Jay Schieffelin and me as the remains of the Felixstowers. Outside of actually being lost at sea, this represents the maximum hardships of war for me. Of course I am tremendously glad for Paul and Tex that they are going, as it is their heart's desire. Isn't it strange that modern warfare, such as is carried on here at least, should be of such routine, long-distance style, that your greatest enemy is ennui? That is why we are all so keen to get to France and fight. [ 267 ] Benjamin Lee, 2d Looking at my "Line-a-day" I see wind, rain, or both recorded for all but four days in October. And when these are absent fog prevails, but we are getting used to that and fly anyhow. October 11 one of the newer fellows here had a very bad crash, due to inexperience and an engine failure. The three others in the boat were killed. You have probably seen some mention of Tyson's death. Fine fellow. I've been nursing Tex back to health since eight days ago when he barged into a truck while motor- biking at night without lights. Foolish thing to do — and he was lucky not to be worse hurt. His right arm was as close to being broken as possible, and three doctors had a hard time deciding whether or not it was actually broken. He is much better now, still sore and stiff, but getting about a bit and will be able to go at once when he receives orders. I thought of buying his motor-cycle but have definitely decided not to. Letters from you and Ruth have been frequent and interesting, Ruth seems to have had a wonderful time in Camden, and writes with much feeling of the way all hands took her into the family. I certainly appreciate it all tremendously. I suppose the only way I can show it is to write more frequently. And that is perhaps the hardest sometimes. Letters from Jus and Daddy also post me as to Phil's progress. I hope there are finally no hitches. I feared trouble because of the large number wishing to get into the U. S. N. R. F. and of the new draft regulations. Tell Phil I wish I could give him 400 [268 1 Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Extracts minutes at one simoleon per, or at nothing per. I instructed in landings this morning for two and one- half hours. I often think of Phil and wish he was alongside at the other wheel. I could go to sleep on a long patrol and count on being O.K. when awakened. Here's a warning for him — ^not to be lured by any- side issues. Fellows have taken a meteorological course after Tech, with promises of quick foreign service. Result: they are not yet trained as pilots and won't be. Phil will not get over for a year, or I miss my guess. My regards to all remaining friends in Jackson- ville. A letter from Don Woodbridge tells of a permanent job in Paris in charge of Radio. Good for him, but I venture he will wish to be flying again soon. Love to Cece and Daddy, and oodles for yourself. Affectionately, Ben. To Ms Brother U. S. Naval Air Station, KiLLINGHOLME, October 25, 1918. Dear Jus: T see it is a month since my last to you — too long. But there has been nothing doing and we have been bored stiff. Unable to go on leave, as travel is prohibited until the prevailing flu scourge is checked. Yours of September 26 and 27 latest to arrive. There is a mail due in very soon, however. Hope you [269] Benjamin LeCj 2d saw Harriman eventually. I suppose, like others, he is worrying now for fear the war will be over before he gets back. Well, I won't mind its stopping when it stops Right, and that couldn't be before a long while. Expect to lose Tex Hawkins and Paul Ives soon, leaving only Jay Schieffelin of the old crowd here with me. Tex and Paul are expecting to go with the British on land machines. I applied to go but got turned down. May get a chance later — ^we couldn't all go now. Was out from 7 to 2.40 in a Naval Aircraft Fac- tory boat a few days ago — ^best yet. This is O.K. for work near land, convoys, etc., but not to be trusted too far at sea as yet. Good old Rolls for mine when it comes to deep-sea work. Hope your other half stripe has come through, you certainly rate it. Lots of fellows over here, who rated their 1st, and a half, six months ago, and were recommended, haven't gotten it; in many cases they are holding responsible positions. Compo, of whom I have written, was sent to Ireland to act as Squad- ron-Commander. He was recommended when I was, in June, but that is as far as it goes very often. One gets fed up for a while and then gets over it. Per- haps I'll have to cable for a waiver on my eyes before receiving a promotion. Haven't written whatsoever for a couple of weeks and expect to cable tomorrow to bridge the gap. It seems criminal not to write regularly, yet sometimes it is the hardest thing in the world. If Phil has hitches and trouble about getting into [270] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Eoctracts the N. R. F. C, he might do better in the Army. This is good clean service all right, but mighty slow and too long distance for a steady diet. One gets wild sitting around here, only a few hundred miles from real land and air fighting. I was surprised to hear of Conyers Button getting married. Made me feel like an old man. Too bad about Dick Day — and Jack Graham I hear, too. Did you know Tommy Evans at the U. of P.? He crashed in a fog at an English school and was killed. I dug up an old acquaintance of yours here, much to our mutual surprise. Harold Wilcox, 1913, Law. We have had some great chins about fellows at col- lege, mostly your class. He is second pilot with Paul Ives, but a well-qualified first pilot himself. Hope Dan has picked up and is in good shape, and that Frances and the other standbys are well as usual. Dodge the flu! Always affectionately, Ben. To Mr. J. C. Chase U. S. Naval Air Station, KiLLINOHOLME, Foreign Service, October 26, 1918. Dear Daddy: Yours of September 19 and 23 at hand and, as always, much appreciated, deserving of prompter response. Well, I've just heard a piece of good news, which if it is true will make it much pleasanter for us. We are to be allowed to censor our own letters as officers always do at other stations. [ 271 ] Benjamin Lee, 2d The situation had become acute, due to the fact that censoring was in the hands of an extremely unpopular and, I think, misguided young person. I sent a cable to-day to Chase & Company, "Writ- ing well love Lee." This is to help bridge the con- siderable gap in my letters to mother. Have just come in from watching rather a good football game. Our gobs played an Army team from not far away and trimmed them 7 to 0. The Killingholme band has just arrived and lent a festive noise to the occasion, while a couple of boats being tested swooped by occasionally, just to remind us it wasn't Franklin Field. You have no doubt read of the recall of Hun sub- marines. That seems to leave us out of a job for the time, but of course there is always the chance, and hope the enemy will try something in the way of fleet action. (Operations suspended for supper.) 9.30 p. M. — We have just returned from the movie hall, at which our new band was inaugurated tonight. It is really corking and acts as a first-class orchestra. With the leader there are thirty-three all told, trained by John Philip Sousa at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. In addition to the new band we were favored. with four New York girls — a Y. M. C. A. troupe. They were very attractive and got away with several songs and little stunts very nicely. It was their first show on this side, so they were pleasantly agog at the ovation received. They don't realize that it will be the same everywhere. [272] Foreign Letters and Note-Book Extracts The Y. M. C. A. does splendid work here. There are four Y. M. C. A. men on duty here permanently, and they share our mess, of course. One seems to be an ex-college professor. His specialty is organiz- ing classes of various kinds, at present having one in French and one in English history, with about fifty gobs in each. He also helps run the Y. M. C. A. hut, which includes writing-room and circulating library. The second is chiefly in charge of the hut and of news bulletins which come in from time to time. Mr. Mills is the athletic director, a good boxer himself; helps coach the football team and runs athletic events in general. Mr. Peters is the entertainment specialist and con- trols the daily movie show, shipments of films, etc., travelling entertainment troupes, and any particular hickboo that may be gotten up. You see there is plenty for each to do and they do a lot more that I don't know about, particularly for the men. For instance, they got the coon stewards organized into a "jazz band." We have four doctors and a dentist here — the Navy has a "rep" for caring for its personnel, you know. I don't know just how the Red Cross comes into it, except for an ambulance, which I am glad to say has only been in use one day. No Hun scalps available from here at present. I could send you a piece of aluminum from a Zepp brought down at sea, but as I regret to say we had no part in the job it is not quite so interesting. Ledger is coming regular now. Every Sunday tells of some friend going West. Dick Day the last. [ 27& ] Benjamin LeCj 2d Well, the boys at the front are getting what they are paying for anyhow — it's wonderful work. Best regards to Jax friends and love to all at Farview. Affectionately, Ben. P.S. — No leaves granted for some time now, due to the epidemic in England. [274] U. 8. BAViX POfiCBS OPEfiATIHG IN EUROPEAN WATERS U. S. HAVAL AIR STATION, KILLINGHOLME. Se October 1918* BGL/8 Troffl: Commanding Officer. To : Lieut ( Jg) P.P. Ives. USNHP. dobjeot: ^ Orders for detached dnty. 1. You will proceed as division connnander of a dlTlslon of three P-EA's to Dundee, Scotland, and re- port to Officer Commanding R.A.P. Station, Dundee, for 8uoh duty as may be assigned you. Z' Machines and crews are listed as follows: 8686 itrjgL^Pj Lyfia,USNRP.r Pilot) .gn T*l i li D e gf fif ? DSBHP.(8nd Pi! lleul Ensign Tt'iili^ If e gf l^iT f DSBHP.(8nd Pilot) W. Pardridge. Elc(ro). Radio operator J. Cullen, MMle, Engineer. 4082 Ensign A.W. Hawlcins. USNRP. (Pilot) lieut( Jg) R.H.MoCann,USNRP.(2nd Pilot) Klaus, E.J. , Elc(ro) , Radio operator Cote, R. . Engineer. 4067 Ensign B. Lee, USNRF.( Pilot) Ensign J. GarriBon.USNRP.{£nd Pilot) R.G. Pisber. MMF.o Engineer p. Harris, Elo(ro) .Radio operator. 3. Immsdlately upon your arrival you will report your arrival to this station by wire* So soon as you receive your instructions from Officer Commanding h.A. P. Station, Dundee you will forward to this station a ooniplete written report of the duties assigned and ^ there- after such reports as you may deem necessary. 4* Upon completion of this duty y^u will return to this station. Foreign Letters and Note-Booh Extracts On October 28, 1918, just one week before Ensign Lee's twenty-fourth birthday, he was killed when start- ing on a flight from Killingholme on the Humber to Dundee, Scotland. [275] Letters of Sympathy and Tribute nnHESE letters of sympathy and appreciation were -*■ chosen from those written by Ensign Lee's superior officers, comrades and friends who were especially asso- ciated with him in the Great War. \ V Letters of Sympathy and Tribute U. S. Naval Forces Operating in European Waters U. S. Naval Air Station, Killinqholme, November 4, 1918. My dear Mrs. Chase: It is with the deepest sym- pathy and regret that I have to confirm the death of your son, Benjamin Lee, in a seaplane accident which occurred at this station on October 28. I feel that you are anxious to know something of the circumstances attending his death, and something of his splendid work at this station. On the morning of October 28 we were called upon to carry on work in connection with particularly im- portant operations in the North Sea. This work called for our best pilots and our best machines. Three machines were ordered out, among them your son's machine. His machine was the first one to leave, the promptness with which he made his prepa- rations being the occasion of especially favorable com- ment at the time. He took the air and circled about, waiting for the other two machines. As these ma- chines took off he spiralled down and turned to take his place in formation. In the middle of the turn, foi^ some unknown reason, the machine suddenly went into a side slip and spin. He pulled out of the spin, straightened out into a dive, and it appeared for an [281] Benjamin Lee, 2d instant that he had a small chance of recovering, but there was insufficient height and the machine dived into the Humber River. Two tugs and two other machines were at the spot immediately. The second pilot, Ensign Gar- rison, and the radio operaitor appeared on the surface and were rescued. Ensign G. S. Hodges and Lieu- tenant McCann, who were in the other two machines, dove overboard time and again in and about the flaming wreckage in utter disregard of their own lives, in an endeavor to rescue your son. They continued their efforts until all possible hope had disappeared. Everything that was humanly possible was done to rescue your son, but without success. He never ap- peared on the surface, and he must have been instantly killed. Although a thorough search has been made for his body it has not yet been recovered. The loss of your son has been felt keenly as a distinct loss to the station. He was keen, intelligent, skilful, daring, painstaking, thorough, and in all his actions showed himself to be the highest type of officer and gentleman. I have had every confidence that he would carry out intelligently, thoroughly and well any duty that had been assigned to him, and I deem it a privilege to be able to say sincerely that I have felt the greatest admiration and respect for his ability as an officer and pilot, and for his splendid qualities as a man. He was loved and respected by all who came in contact with him, and his death is felt keenly as a personal loss to every one of us, and as a distinct loss to the station for which he has done [282] Letters of Sympathy and Tribute so much, and to his service and his country which he has served so faithfully and so well. Ensign A. W. Hawkins, his roommate and most intimate friend, has taken charge of his effects, which will be held awaiting your commands. If I can be of service at any time, please conmiand me. Sincerely, Bruce G. Leighton, {Lieutenant U, S. Navy, Commanding.^ The following is part of a letter to Mr. Charles Day, a friend of the family, who kindly communicated with Admiral Sims when the news of Ben's accident was received: U. S. Naval Forces Operating in European Waters U. S. S. Melville, Flagship SO Grosvenor Gardens, London, S. W. 1. 28 December, 1918. My dear Mr. Day: Although I have been in- formed that several of Ensign Lee's associates have recently called on his mother, Mrs. Joshua C. Chase, with a view to giving her all the details of the sad accident which resulted in his death, I am, in reply to your letter, giving you the following: The part of the letter referring to the accident is omitted, being very similar to the account given by the Commanding Officer in preceding letter. Ensign Lee had established a very high reputation for his courage and skill together with a daring which was a magnificent example to all those officers with [283] Benjamin JLee, 2d whom he came in contact. His death was a very severe blow to Naval Aviation and to the Service in general. Accept my appreciation of your kind letter, and trusting that the foregoing may be some consolation to the family of the late Ensign Lee, Believe me. Very truly yours, Wm. S. Sims. (^Admiral, U. S. Navy.) U. S. Naval Forces Operating in European Waters 9th November, 1918. To Lieut. William J. Lee, U. S, N. R. F-6, Curtiss Engineering Corporation, Garden City, Long Island. My dear Lee: I have just returned to London after an absence of a month in France, during which time I have had no news from this side. The first news with which I was met was the very distressing information that your young brother was recently killed in the seaplane accident at his station. I have heard none of the details of this mishap beyond the fact that it occurred during ordinary fly- ing while he was operating a British-built boat of the F-2 type, approximately the same as the H-16. I mention this fact especially as I know there will be some comfort in it for you. Due to the peculiar circumstances that practically all of the boats at Killingholme were built under your supervision, you have probably more than once imagined that some [ 284 ] Letters of Sympathy and Tribute imperfectton in one of these boats may have been responsible for the accident, and I feel sure that it will be comforting to you to know that this is not the case. I enjoyed very much seeing your brother at Killing- holme on my last visit there, and am very much shocked at the unfortunate outcome of his Naval career. He had the reputation of being a particu- larly skilful flyer, and in the absence of any definite details I am quite at a loss to account for his fatal mishap. Please permit me to express to you and to Mrs. Lee my very deep sympathy. Very sincerely yours, Conrad Westervelt. {Commander, U. S. Navy.) 30 "Grosvenor Gardens, London, November 3, 1918. Dear Mrs. Chase: The loss of Ben is the saddest bit in the war for me, and I wish that I could express to you how badly — not only his good friends — but every one in the service has felt about it. From the point of view of the service there were very few as valuable as Ben — as a pilot his name was known by every one. I see all the young pilots just arrived frorri home, and often they ask me, "Who is this pilot Ben Lee we have heard so much about?" Fame Uke that may mean very little to you, Mrs. Chase, who know his marvelous qualities of mind, but it shows that he had courage and boldness to a [285] Benjamin LeCj 2d degree that I have never seen, and that counts for a great deal in this world. What I can hardly bear to lose is Ben's mind and, above all, his wonderful sweetness. He had perfect courage, the most original mind and, what counts more, the greatest kindliness and love for his friends that I have ever known. We were very close to- gether at Hampton Roads, and I prized his friendship. I have never known him unsympathetic, and he has helped me over and over again by his kindness, gen- erosity and judgment. After we came over here we did not see each other so much, though we were both in England, but we always wrote to each other and saw each other whenever possible. I shall send you some of his letters if I can lay my hands on them. I do not think that Ben was satisfied at Killing- holme. He was much too clever and far too good a pilot. . . . After all, Ben was one of the most experienced pilots in the service, had done his turn at Felixstowe and knew the game, and it irritated him, as it. did others, to be told to do things which he knew were wrong. The diflPerence between Ben and the others was that he did ^not hesitate to say that things were wrong, in that delicious quiet way of his, and of course the inevitable result was that he was reminded that he was an Ensign, and that it was against discipline to say anything. It was heart- breaking in a way, and I was happy to hear a few weeks ago that he was feehng better and that things were going more smoothly. I suppose he wrote you all this. ... ^ Ben and I had many plans. We were going to [ 286 ] Letters of Sympathy and Tribute write some stories and articles together, and we were going to spend our next leave in Scotland. I wish that I could tell you all our long talks our trip over, when we shared a stateroom, and our almost penniless travels between London and Paris. Those memories are the happiest that I have in England, and there are many more — of a short leave of his in London, of Felixstowe, and a long consulta- tion in his rooms there. Tex Hawkins and he were a wonderful pair, and there was something very touching in their relations — Tex very young, and over-anxious, and Ben keeping him steady with a few words here and there, but most by his quiet manner and his steadiness. All of his friends there appre- ciated an aloofness and purity about Ben. He was a man's man, if there ever was one, and the straightest, without a trace of priggishness, that I have ever known. I wish that I could express to you just what he meant to us — ^to me especially. He had the rarest combina- tion of qualities, brains, sweetness, purity, and yet there was something of which he was perfectly un- conscious, a directness, sincerity and strength which left a lump in my throat often when I watched him. I am afraid this is all very incoherent. I am trying so hard to show you that we appreciated his quality, and that we loved him dearly. I feel terribly sorry for you, Mrs. Chase, as I know what you are losing, but remember that Ben gave himself, not only his life, but his wonderful personality, to some of us in a way which we can never forget. [287] Benjamin Lee, 2d The greatest immortality is the memory of our friends and the influence which we leave behind us. Ben can never be forgotten. My deepest sympathy. Sincerely yours, Charles F. Fuller, Madison, Wisconsin, November 15, 1918. My dear Mrs. Chase: My heart goes out to you. I beg you to let me tell you how deeply, deeply I am grieving with you; how sincerely I loved your splendid boy. Before they sailed you know how we were seeing him, and of the long confidences he and Charley were exchanging; and every time that Charley has seen him, in their work in England, he has written me of it : of "that corker Ben" — of the "magnificent work" he was doing — of Ben as "the first of them all." You know how they both stayed with my brother and his wife (Mr. and Mrs. Blair Fairchild) those few short days in Paris, at the beginning; and then Edith too wrote me "Charley couldn't have a more splendid friend than dear Ben Lee." My heart aches. It seems so hard that he, so straight and kind and beautiful of heart, should have been taken. That he gave his life, willingly, for a supreme cause, may help you in your grief, — but I do not know that anything can make up for the shattering, dreadful loss. Even to a person who knew him slightly as I did, — ^though for the high tension of [288] Letters of Sympathy and Tribute the time I felt as if I had come' to know him intimately well, — it seems that an irreparable loss has come. I send you my deepest sympathy. Yours sincerely, Lucia Fairchild Fuller. U. S. N. Air Station, KiLLINGHOLME, November 4, 1918. My dear Mrs. Chase: May I not take the liberty of writing to tell you how very, very sorry I was at the unfortunate death of your dear son. Benny was deeply loved for his modest, unassuming ways, his consideration and thoughtfulness for others, his uni- versal kindliness and helpfulness, his clear-headed sagacity, his upright, irreproachable cleanness and nobility of character, his wonderful self-forgetfulness and integrity, as much as he was admired for his skill, fortitude, endurance, hard work. He truly lived up to the ideal of a "soldier and a gentleman," and was absolutely the acme of a chivalrous gentleman, a veritable "chevalier sans peur et sans reproche/' And in proportion as we loved him and mourned him, we can and do sympathize most fully with you in your tremendous loss. If ever a man died in the service of his country and for an ideal, Ben did, as gallant a gentleman as ever lived. We wish we could say something to try to assuage your grief. But the best possible thing we can say, and the noblest monument that could be erected to him, is the memory of his noble qualities. Loved, admired and respected by all who came in contact with him on earth, he [289] Benjamin Lee, 2d must be carrying on in his fuller life the work he so nobly began here among us. Please accept our sincerest sympathy in your loss, and may God lighten it as only He can. Very sincerely yours, A1.EXANDER C. Zabriskie. November 5, 1918. My dear Mrs. Chase: I am Ben's roommate. I wish I could do something to help you and not just write to you. I hope you will be brave and strong because Ben lived and died so well. I don't under- stand a mother's love for her boy, but I reverence it. I know somehow that it's useless to try to comfort or sympathize with you — only God or people you love can do that. I have known Ben more than six months now — ever since he came to Felixstowe. I liked him at the very first because he was very quiet, either listen- ing or studying about something. He lived with three of us there who went to college together and had been flying together about a year, and very soon Ben was our friend just as if he had always been with us. Then we lost one of the fellows and Ben sort of took his place with Jay and me. He loved to fly, and was always keen and enthusi- astic about our work. I think he had the best head of any pilot here, and I have never known a more steady, skilful and daring pilot on these machines, and I have seen the very best English pilots. I taught Ben to fly these in one flight at Felixstowe. I have never seen anybody learn a machine so quickly [ 290 ] Letters of Sympathy and Tribute and so well. He was a first pilot on them in three weeks, and three months was considered very good time for Englishmen there. He was generally conceded to be the most thorough and skilful pilot here, and there are a whole lot of us. Some of the sailors who work and fly with us asked for your address. I don't know that you will hear from them, but I am sure there are very few of us they would feel that way about. Ben was very popu- lar with them because he was so fearless and expert, and because he was always just with them. I was ordered away from here October 29, the day after it happened, for nearly a week, and have waited to write you until I had packed up Ben's things. I have turned them over to the supply officer and you must write to the Commanding Ofiicer, U. S. N. Air Station, Killingholme, care of Post- master, New York, and request that they be for- warded on to you. Ben left five letters to be opened in case of his death — one to Jay and me, one to you, one to Miss Philips, one to Charley Fuller, and one to a Captain Wagner. I will send the three of them over by a mutual friend of ours, Paul Ives, who is going home in a few days to instruct. I will send you two little snapshots of Ben, which are all I have, and also some others of the machines, etc., which will interest you. Ben was a friend of everybody here. I don't think there is another fellow who was so generally liked. His nature was so fine and sensitive — he seemed al- most like a girl to me sometimes, and yet he had all [ 291 ] Benjamin Lee, 2d the iron in him that any man ever had. It was rotten luck to have Ben go in a crash. Crashes don't happen very* often in service, and when a pal is killed that way it seems much worse than any other, for you know it's just tough luck. It shook me all right, having Ben go that way; I could not understand it; and being right there and not able to do a thing to help him. Flying next day I was almost afraid of my machine. I have written Miss Philips and I asked her to show you the letter. The Captain wants to send both Ives and me home, but I don't want to go until it's over. I feel somehow as if it's deserting my friends who have "gone West" and left their work unfinished. November 8, 1918. I have been keeping this letter for Ives to take with him, but now it looks very much like an armis- tice and the Skipper wants Jay and Ives and me to go home to instruct in a week or ten days. So I will mail this, and maybe bring Ben's letters to you and Miss Philips myself. If I don't go Ives will bring them. I know it will be a costly victory to you, but I hope too it will seem a glorious one. Ben gave his strength and his life to his country just as truly as any man ever did. Your message about Ben's birthday presents came to-day. It was very thoughtful and brave of you to answer his death that way. I am always Ben's friend and yours. AsHTON Hawkins. [ 292 ] Letters of Sympathy and Tribute P.S. — I will advise Ben's bank in Hull and have them forward you his balance. I kept some sugar and chocolate out of Ben's things. A. W. H. Whitehall Place, Dundee, . Mathers Hotel, Limited, November 7, 1918. Dear Mrs. Chase: I am writing to send you my most broken-hearted sympathy for the loss of Ben. He was next to Tex Hawkins my best friend, and I have never loved or admired any man more. You will be glad to hear that two days before the accident he was listed as a flight-commander. I don't think we will ever know what caused the spin. Something inust have broken — that's the only way to account for it — because Ben was as infallible a pilot as there is in the service and was doing or- dinary straight flying, — not stunting at all. I sup- pose it is my duty to tell you all about it. That morning seems like a dreadful dream. Benny "took off" about half an hour before Paul Ives and Tex and flew around above the station wait- ing for them (the three machines were outward bound and were to go in formation) . Then Tex's and Paul's machines were launched and we watched them take off together. Just as they left the water Ben's ma- chine spun and nose-dived into the water beside them. Both the other machines landed again instantly and went straight to the spot where the crash had been. Nothing was on the surface except a little wreckage. [ 293 ] Benjamin Lee, 2d Paul got there just about thirty seconds after the crash and his* second pilot, George Hodges, dove over- board and pulled Garrison free — he had come up with a bit of wreckage. Tex arrived about thirty seconds later, and his second pilot, Dick McCann, dove in and helped. In the meantime the whole surface of the water burst into flame from the petrol coming to the surface, and the men swimming barely escaped. The wireless man from Benny's boat came up without a scratch and was saved, but Benny never came to the surface. He was held in the boat by the steering yoke, which nearly always jams in a crash, and this accounts for it. I got there in the station launch about three minutes later and the whole place was an inferno of flame. We got Garry and Hodges (who was burned some- what) out of the water and rushed them back to the ambulance. Dick McCann stayed and dived repeat- edly, from a little motor dory, into the fire, and tried to find Ben, but that part of the hull had sunk and was carried away with the tide. We went back in the launch and along with two trawlers tried, to get hold of the wreck, but everything was carried away except one wing and the engine section. Ben was unquestionably knocked out instantly when the crash occurred, and he never came to the surface. He was not burnt. There is no doubt but that it was mercifully sudden. He was in the best and gayest of spirits when he set out. Just before his machine was launched I climbed up on the fin and wished him good luck. [ 294 1 Letters of Sympathy and Tribute He smiled back and shouted above the sound of the motors, "So long, Schief, good luck." Then they shoved her on down the slipway and he made a perfect take-off as usual. Ever since getting to know him at Felixstowe I have thought everything of Ben, and it does not seem possible. A kinder, more generous, more attrac- tive and lovable fellow never lived. He was always "full out," and has done most vital service. He was so clear-headed and cool in the air that it was almost imcanny in certain emergencies. Perfectly unruffled, he always did the right thing quickly as he did in the spin. We could see that the controls were pulled back when the machine dove, which was the correct thing to do in that situation, and it proves that something must have gone wrong with the machine. Please be comforted, Mrs. Chase, by the knowledge that Ben has contributed splendidly to the present victory, that he died in the performance of his duty and died happy, and with a spotless record. He will always have a foremost place in the hearts of all of us who worked with him. There is nothing in the world so inspiring as the life of a man like Ben, an American gentleman who always did his duty with complete efficiency and enthusiasm, who had the high, pure American ideals and consistently lived up to them. Mrs. Chase, I send you my very greatest sympathy, and I hope you will let me know if there is anything I can do to make things easier for you. I'd do any- [295] Benjamin Lee, 2d thing in the world for Ben. You have made the sublime gift to the glorious cause. Most sympathetically yours, John Jay Schieffelin. U. S. N. A. S. KiLLINGHOLME. care of Postmaster, N. Y. Whitehall Place, Dundee, Mathers Hotel, Limited, November 12, 1918. Dear Mrs. Chase: I would just like to have you know what I thought of Ben. Although I have only known him since his arrival at Killingholme I have no hesitation in saying that I think he was the finest, cleanest and truest, through and through, of that exceptionally fine crew, and I only wish I could tell him so. About five months ago I was sent over, supposed to have been trained flying large boats. As a matter of fact I had flown a boat but once. I went up with Ben shortly after my arrival and he saw right away that I had not had enough training on boats. Of course I was anxious to fly them right off and our Squadron Commander had me down as being fully trained. Ben took me aside and very clearly pointed out my shortcomings, and then told the Squadron Commander that I needed more training on boats. I would never have told the Commander myself, and I see now that in doing so Ben undoubtedly saved me from a crash. I am glad I remembered to thank him for it not long ago. If there was anything to be done requiring a bit [ 296 ] Letters of Sympathy and Tribute of extra skill and nerve Ben was always there with Tex Hawkins and Jay Schieffelin. I think it does not take very much of a man to stand out above his fellows in quiet times and in a peaceful place, but if you knew most of the men at Killingholme I think you would realize what calibre of a man it took to stand out above them, and Ben was head and shoulders above them all. He did not have his equal in judgment, in abso- lute fearlessness or in value to the Service. And as a friend there was no one with the same quiet dignity, keen sense of humor and lovable personality. Under- lying it all Ben had an iron sense of duty and what is right, and I do not think there is a thing in the world he would not have done or tried to do if he thought it was his duty. I have a boy of my own, Mrs. Chase, five years old, and I only wish to have him grow up to be such a man as Ben was. More than that I cannot say. We who have sons and daughters growing up realize that it is men like Ben who have made the world a safe place for our little folks to live in, and some time I hope to be able to thank him for the part he has done so bravely, so cheerfully, and so self-sacrificinffly. ^ • i ^ "^ hmcerely, J. E. Baum, Jr. (Ensign, U. S. N. R. F. C.) Washington, D. C, December 27, 1918. My dear Mrs. Chase: I have wanted to write you for many weeks, and then put it off in hopes of see- [ 297 ] Benjamin Lee, 2d ing you. The day I left Killingholme for home, De- cember 11, I received a letter from Mr. Chase. We left England in a great hurry, but none too soon for any of us, and we were home for Christmas. It seems I shall always know you as Ben's mother. I hardly know where to begin because you have probably heard a great deal about Killingholme, but I wish I could tell you what Ben was to me and to all of the officers. I Ben was my first instructor abroad on the big boats. I landed in Killingholme on the fifth day of July; had flown boats to some extent here at home, but all of us coming over were sent with one of the older pilots at the station for receiving North Sea flying instructions, and it was my good luck to fly with Ben on my first two trips. Our first was rather uneventful. We passed an upturned life- boat miles out at sea and Ben circled it a half dozen times to make sure nobody was aboard. Coming back he gave me the controls to land on the river, which added greatly to my own confidence because I had always felt ill at ease in these large boats. Our second flight together was made on July 23, and I remember it very distinctly. It was a foggy, misty afternoon, and we were given our orders by Ensign Murphy, who was squadron-commander at that time. A sub had been reported off Flamboro, fifty miles from our base, and we were sent to a position near it where it was believed the sub would be. A convoy of fifty ships was coming down the coast and if this sub were not fought off the war channel it would probably get one of the ships. We proceeded to the position to which we were ordered, [ 298 ] Letters of Sympathy and Tribute and about five miles distant in the fog and mist we spotted a sub on our starboard bow at about right angles to us. It was lying on the surface and evi- dently waiting for the convoy. Ben was flying at about 1,000 feet. Harriman and Harris were in charge of the motors and radio and I was second pilot. Ben said when we left that if anything hostile were sighted to bomb from 400 feet and we would fly at a speed of seventy knots. He proceeded to the sub with all speed and I believe we made one hundred knots before we came up to it. I shot off a challenge light to the sub when about two miles distant. It replied by diving in all haste. When we came over its position it was well out of sight and under the water. Both bombs went off together and landed to the right of its supposed position. Bubbles and slight oil appeared on the surface. Ben then flew over to the approaching destroyers and they dropped depth charges. Nothing further was heard from it. There was at least 200 feet of water there and searching the bottom by divers was out of the question. There is some doubt, too, whether it was damaged, but I should be very much interested to read the sub reports for that date, of the German Navy. Coming back Ben again gave me a few landings, and the following day I made my first patrol. Up to that time I had looked upon the boats as a huge blunder and hated to fly them. Ben inspired me with a great deal of enthusiasm for them in those few flights, which carried me through the following months of foggy, misty patrols. He, himself, added greatly [ 299 ] Benjamin Lee, 2d to the performance of the H-16 boat when he looped one on the Humber River. That, incidentally, has never been repeated. Benny's and Tex's room was right across the hall from mine, and all of us took great delight in curling up around the fireplace on a thick day, and we held great "bickers" on schemes to utilize the big boats and secure more action, which was Ben's great worry. He repeatedly requested transfer to land scouts, or else suggested long bombing parties as to the German coast, and the details of these parties were worked out fully. I remember one which he put forward late in October. It was to fly to the Terschelling lightship in formation of twelve planes; there to be joined by twelve more machines from Felixstowe; secure full supply of gas there and proceed to Borkum, — the largest German Naval Air Station on the North Sea. If successful, to return to the station, a total distance of almost 600 miles. On the 28th when I was with Tex, neither of us could quite realize that it was Ben's machine on the water when we looked over to our left just after we were off the water. But Tex soon turned that way and landed very quickly. Paul Ives had the other machine and was there a few seconds before us. Those two boys were awfully quick in coming alongside. When Tex and I reached there George Hodges was in the water with two men ("Garrie" and Harris). When I came up after leaving the plane I was in, I found myself in what looked like a wing section. It turned out to be a tail plane. Harris was behind me [300 ] Letters of Sympathy and Tribute and somewhat dazed, and Hodges had Ensign Gar- rison on top of a floating gas tank. Then the entire plane sank out of sight. I dove, but could not dis- tinguish the bow from the stern and knew not where to look for Ben or the engineer. On coming up the surface was burning. It sounds odd, but the water was cold, and this warm gas felt quite comfortable on our necks. George told me he experienced the same feehng. Neither of us were badly burned in fact, and were on duty the following day. I yelled out to him to get away from the gas tank, but he was already ducking "Garrie" through the flames. Harris was struggling for a line which was thrown him from the tug and I started to help him with it. He was all right, however, and "Garrie" was in George's care. Coming back to the position where the plane had sunk, I noticed some bubbles rising, but on diving found nothing. A motor boat came along from the station and we searched further, but found nothing. My dear Mrs. Chase, I do not know why Ben had to go. He was more worthy than we. Had I only made out the position of the machine I might have found him, or more nearly located him. I felt very hopeless and helpless, and I am afraid only too gladly came aboard the launch when it reached there. We gave practically nothing to the war and Ben gave so much. We all respected him and loved him greatly, and have a solemn joy in remembering that we knew him at Killingholme. I trust I may be sent to Florida soon before leav- [ 301 ] Benjamin Lee, 2d ing the Navy, or perhaps meet you when you come to Germantown. With sincerest sympathy, Richard Harper McCann. Boston, Mass., February 3, 1919. Dear Mr. Chase: Your letter of January fourth was forwarded to me last week after going to Miami and back to Washington. I surely appreciate your kindness in wishing me to be your guest, and only wish I were in position to accept your invitation. . . . I knew Ben very well, in fact spent six months in the next room to him. His clean, fine spirit has been a constant inspiration to all of us, but especially to Tex Hawkins and myself, who have known him per- haps more intimately than the others. In his quiet, steadfast way he had built for himself a reputation in the service which was the envy of every pilot, and the name of Ben Lee will always stand for the best there is in Naval Aviation. I know that to him his share in the war was a disagreeable task — to be accomplished as well and speedily as possible — and the future was a shining goal for him. I don't know what I can tell you about him that you don't already know. The accident was simply one of those unfortunate combinations of circum- stance for which there is no explanation and which are unavoidable. ... That Ben was no longer at hand to drop [in on us [802] Letters of Sympathy and Tribute and have a talk, was hard to believe, but I know that his absence will not rob us of his influence. It was far too poignant for that. Ben was, in my opinion, the best pilot in the Navy, and wherever he went he established himself in the hearts of his fellow officers, English as well as Ameri- can, as an unselfish, fearless and courteous gentleman. Thanking you again for your kindness, and trust- ing that if there is anything I can do to enlighten you as regards Ben, that you will let me know, I am, Most sincerely yours, Paxil F. Ives. Princeton University, Princeton, N. J., October 28, 1919. Deak Mrs. Chase: This date will always be asso- ciated in my mind with one of the most gallant gen- tlemen that ever I knew, Benny. On this first anniversary of his death may I not again assure you of the admiration and love he aroused in all of us, the great sorrow we felt at his death, and the high pride we had in having known him during his life. I have seen, lately, quite a few men who knew Ben at different times and, without exception, they all considered him the highest type of manhood they ever came in contact with — a true Christian. He must be living on still in some other Ufe, nobly "carrying on" in a grander scale, the same cheerful, quizzical, kindly, strong, clear-seeing, unselfish Ben that we knew — but more so. His life and death were, to more than one man, the strongest of proofs of im- [808] Benjamin Lee^ 2d mortality. Such souls as his must live on, triumphant, free. Ben has been constantly with those of us who knew him. Every time I have run across a Killingholme man the talk has always come round eventually to Ben, and to what he meant to every one on the sta- tion. His life has been a great incentive to a better life, a stronger life; his death, to greater sacrifice, service and courage. I remember especially well two examples of two prominent traits in him, his thoughtfulness for others and his cheerfulness in the face of discouraging sur- roundings. One day we had been out on a rather unusually long patrol, in rotten weather, and on the way back we began to feel very hungry. Most pilots usually stuck in their pockets a sandwich or some- thing to appease their own hunger. Not so Ben. He produced a bag from somewhere — he was ever bringing out some delightful thing from nowhere at the crucial minute — full of sandwiches and chocolates for the whole crew. It was a small thing, but very typical of the way in which he thought of others besides himself. The other occurred during a spell of vile weather when enforced inactivity, a series of unpleasantnesses, rows, accidents, etc., had gotten us all feeling mighty depressed about ten feet below mud-level. Three or four of us were sitting around grousing. Ben alone had any cheerfulness. Finally one fellow said: "Ben, how the deuce do you keep so darned cheerful when you have no right to be so?" He brought down some book, I forget what, of poetry, and simply said: [304] Letters of Sympathy and Tribute "Here's the answer." We took the hint, and it worked. Again a small thing; but it showed how he refused to be disconcerted, how he rose above his conditions. His cheerfulness, humor, willingness to do something for others, helped a lot of men to "keep smihng." His life was one of the most worth while, one of the most triumphant I have ever known. The memory of him will abide with many men as a trea- sured possession, a great incentive for truer living. Very sincerely yours, Alexander C. Zabriskie. Washington, D. C, February 2, 1919. Dear Mrs. Chase: Pray pardon me in that so long a time has elapsed since you wrote to me, but my duties, since the wounded are arriving in large numbers, necessitate frequent trips to many distant hospitals and my correspondence has in consequence suffered. Indeed I well remember the night I crossed the channel in company with youi* son and those other officers, and I was distressed to hear last fall of his untimely death. Had I known where you were I should certainly have written to you at once and ex- pressed my sincerest sympathy. He was a splendid boy, and I realize the depth of your sorrow, but also your solemn pride in that he made the full sacrifice in so great a cause. I found him curled up in the upper bunk suffering acutely from an attack of lumbago, doubtless brought on by exposure to the raw, cold weather and also because he was unaccustomed to the vin ordinaire, [ 305 ] Benjamin JLee, 2d which we all drank in place of water. Your son was a friend of my cousin, James Wharton, — I think they had been classmates, — who is now in the A. E. F., and has been through all of the severe fighting since last July, was wounded, but happily not severely. Jimmie had been a patient in the University Hospital on one occasion, and your son had visited him there and seen me in attendance. He recognized me and it was thus we fell into conversation about things in general, but especially about the University and the home town. Some remedies I had with me and a little deep massage gave him rather prompt relief and he told me in the morning that he had slept restfully during the whole night. When the morning came, and until we landed in Southampton, he and his two companions and I continued our conversation, and he told me about his aviation experiences and what he hoped to do — so cheerfully, so bravely, so entirely modestly and disregardful of the dangers of his duties. Reaching the Southampton Station — while waiting for the train to start — your son found a stand where tea and war-bread sandwiches were on sale and came to the compartment where I was to tell me of his find. A thoughtful act, for that was our last chance for food that night. We chatted until the train started and I did not see him on the crowded and darkened Waterloo Station platform. Once afterwards I passed him in London, but not near enough to speak to him, only near enough to catch a glimpse of his smiling face and graceful salute. During our various conversations he spoke of you, asked me if I knew you, and told me you were living [806] Letters of Sympathy and Tribute in the South. I remember him so well and am proud that I knew him. Always I think of a sentence written by a Canadian officer: "When men die for something worth while death loses its terror." So it was with your boy. I am desperately sorry you have lost your son, but I know your heart is brave, even as his was, and you are of that wonderful band of women who, giving their children and themselves, made this glorious vic- tory possible. I am so glad you wrote to me. Yours sincerely, G. S. DE SCHWEINITZ. New York City, January 21, 1919. My dear Mrs. Chase: I received your lovely letter this morning. How can I ever thank you sufficiently for your kind thoughts? Ben's photograph, you may be sure, will be appreciated more than I can tell. He was a friend for whom I held the utmost respect and admiration and for whom I felt a keener affection than any other. In his passing, as I told his brother, I feel I have lost one whose place can never be taken by any other. It is very kind of you indeed to appre- ciate the affection I held for him and to trouble your- self to such an extent on my account. I am glad to know you received his note-book safely, although at such a sad time. However, I sincerely trust that it helped you during such a terrible time to read, in his own words, of the work which he performed so faithfully and so well. That he was loved by all who knew him is ably proved by [ 307 ] Benjamin Lee^ 2d the little book brought out by the men on the station, which perhaps you have not seen. In it there is written : Benjamin Lee, Second, Ensign, U. S. N. R. F., killed on patrol duty October 28, 1918. Fearless and daring, by many considered our "best pilot," he gave of his best to the cause of Democracy and Right. Considerate of the feelings of others, and unselfish to a remarkable degree, every one who knew him was his friend. The "crash" that caused his death called forth deeds of heroism from both officers and men, and his loss was mourned by all. With all the skill and courage of which he was the master, he paid a patriot's last full measure of devotion, and those who knew him envy him this noble gift. What more is left to be said than is there? Truly he was a man. I sincerely hope, Mrs. Chase, that if ever I may be of service to you, you will unhesitatingly call upon me. It would delight me and compliment me beyond words to be of service to the mother of one of the finest fellows I have ever known. Thanking you again for your kindness, I remain, Most sincerely yours, Alan Harriman. [308] Letters of Sympathy and Tribute Telegkam from the Seceetaky of the Navy 301 bm ke 62 Govt 755 pm DN Washington DC Dec 24 1919 Mrs. Joshua C. Chase, 1357 Riverside Ave Jax Fla. The Department is highly pleased to inform you that your son Benjamin Lee late ensign reserve force has been awarded the Navy Cross for distinguished and heroic service as an aviator operating with the naval forces on foreign service. JosEPHus Daniels. [809] Portions of Letters and Sketches from Charles F. Fuller, John Jay Schieffelin, AsHTON W. Hawkins and Dr. Kenneth R. McAlpin VI Portions of Letters and Sketches from Charles F. Fuller, John Jay Schieffelin, AsHTON W. Hawkins and Dr. Kenneth R. McAlpin The following letters and sketches were received after the manuscript had been sent away for pub- lication. It is interesting to note that the incidents described had many of them happened nearly three years ago — and a year and a half had passed since the last. "Tex" Hawkins' letter was written on a ranch in Colorado, in what different surroundings from those which he was recalling! From Charles F. Fuller , Harvard Club, 27 West 44th Street, New York City, April, 1920. Ben, in everything that he has ever done, impressed people, I imagine, as much by his individual way of handling problems as by how well he did them. His individuality and his strength of character were given a few splendid opportunities for free play in the war, and so I am going to sketch one or two periods of his training, roughly and incompletely of course, but with the idea of showing how the different [318] Benjamin Lee, 2d sides of Ben's character showed under various cir- cumstances. I remember him first at Newport News when he arrived in early June, 1917. When Ben joined us we were a pretty green lot, and the four of us who came from Harvard were, I own, inclined to think ourselves rather the fathers of the flock. Each new man we discussed minutely in our little star chamber, and from each we were inclined to demand at least recognition before he was fully and freely initiated. Ben was something quite different. We found him curiously silent and even indifferent to us. For fully two weeks he said practically nothing — did not join in our diatribes on the weather, the machines, or the instructors, and kept busy somehow by himself. There was not much work to do until Commander Cecil, U. S. N., formally took command of the station. We totalled at that time fifteen student officers, eight enlisted men and three planes, of which not more than two seemed ever to be in commission. The hot weather was beginning, broken by occasional heavy rains, and I think that all of us would have been dismayed if we could have foreseen the disappoint- ments ahead in the next six months; but we started enthusiastically enough, expecting new planes mo- mently, doing a little flying on the machines already there, and doing a great deal of dull physical drill. Ben, like the rest of us, was entertained by the new- ness of everything, and I remember that our chief pleasure was listening to the C. P. O. drill-master, who had many picturesque stories of service in the [314] Letters and Sketches Far East. We had not yet begun to chafe among ourselves, and those were happy days for all of us. We were all desperately afraid that the war might die on us at any minute, and the continued delay in arrival of machines soon began to wear on our tem- pers. As I look back on it, I am surprised that there was so little friction, considering the fact that the officers, Nugent Fallon and Jack Geary, were as new at the game as ourselves. I remember that Ben was about the only one who showed no effects of the strain. Perhaps the strongest reason for his detached point of view was his absorption in flying. He saw the future and the possibilities of it more clearly than we, with the result that he was able to amuse himself continually, just wandering about the flying field, or going over the machines again and again, or listening to the talk of the instructors. He and I were assigned to the care of one flying boat, and I shall never forget his conscientiousness, which came not from any desire for kudos in the eyes of the Commanding Officer, but because he really cared to have the boat in good, fine condition. The setting sun, dinner and the hot bath which awaited us at the hotel meant nothing to him as long as the boat was not in perfect condition. I remember many long hours between 5 and 8 p. m. when we washed, scrubbed or filled her with oil, and talked. They were very happy ones. Ben had already shown that he was the best flyer there, but his wonderful daring qualities appeared for the first time on his solo flight in the boat. I remem- ber that in the early morning he had been, for him, [316] Benjamin LeCj 2d rather depressed. That is, he had taken a long squint at the weather, which was beautiful, and then made a little face as he looked at me. When he got into the boat, he started right off, and for fifteen minutes he did everything with it, except loop. We honestly thought him mad — remember it was the first time that any one there had done any but the straight- est kind of flying in them. When Ben came down, we were really too excited and nervous to say any- thing. Of course. Commander Cecil rated him for having done it, but as Ben said, "He was really pretty decent about it," and the really amusing part of it was that Fallon, who was the next on the list to Ben, refused to take the boat up, as he was afraid it might be strained. Soon after this we moved over to the old James- town exposition grounds, and it may interest you to know that Ben was selected to fly the only boat left, across the Roads; his first official mark of distinction. I do not know what we expected to find on the other side of the water, but we none of us imagined so complete a desert as it was — a stretch of sand, an office half built, and a crane which broke after lifting one machine out of the water. To add to our troubles, we were quartered in the "Gravestone Inn," so named by Stone, which looked as if it had been on the verge of collapse for years: a hopeless, gray, dejected frame building that was once, I suppose, a part of the Jamestown exposition. Our first two weeks there were, I think, the hottest that we ever had, and it was the only time that I ever remembered hearing Ben complain. He did not [316] Letters and Sketches mind the things that we disliked, — the heat or the quarters, — but the food, or rather the apology for food which we were given, was too much for him. We pulled through quite safely however, and soon, with the arrival of a new lot of machines, we began to think about the commissions ahead of us. Delays seemed to gather like a cloud — inevitable delays, when one is trying to operate and build a large Air Station at the same time. Ben, as usual, took things more quietly than the rest, excepting the flying, which he studied, analyzed, and practiced with a silent intensity that we were only just beginning to appreciate. It was three weeks after his first solo in an N-9 that he told me of his attempted loop on that occasion, and described his failure and natural fear with per- fect calm. I inferred that since that time he had been successful, or he would never have said anything. I always thought that this was quite typical of him. The enforced intimacy of the Gravestone Inn (you remember our cubicals and the gaping walls) was never, I think, wholly agreeable to Ben. He used to enjoy the nightly discussions, — five or six in a cubical on the bed or the floor, the lamp smoking, and all telling their stories, but I think he missed Mrs. Blands and Jack Mabbitt, who always held Ben's imagina- tion strongly. Ben and I liked to listen to the talk for a while, but usually, and particularly in the fine weather, we would take a little stroll around the end of the grounds, or lie out on one of the piers and hold serious conversation. I think that we discussed about everything that one does under such circum- stances, — love, the ideal life, ambition, etc., or some- [317] Benjamin Lee, 2d times when we were very tired, we would just watch the stars or the ship's hghts in the bay in silence. I wish that I could begin to make you feel the charm of those evenings — Ben lying face up to the skies, quietly smiling over some idea or some little story of his life in Maine. His gentle, satirical frame of mind, plus his keen, though ordinarily well dis- guised likes and dislikes, made him really a remark- able talker when he could be persuaded to "open up." We discussed, perhaps more than anything else, love and war. On both subjects, I suppose our views were decidedly immature, but talk helped us to crystallize our emotions. It was an emotional time for all of us, though some felt it far more deeply than others. Ben felt, as completely as any one I ever saw, the beautv of the ideal of sacrifice, — not in a mawkish way; he was far too keen for that, but neither was he flippant about war, — an attitude so usually assumed by young men. He was never passionate against the Hun, even abroad, — I think, from a number of dif- ferent things that he said, that he felt merely that human life was an infinitesimal thing beside the fact of battle. I do not believe, although this may seem almost heretical, that he concerned himself much as to whether or not our cause was the best. His perspec- tive was longer than that; he was always looking at things ''sub specie aeternitatis/' and the vision of him- self as such a small pawn in such a huge game, with his humorous consciousness of the blindness, even of nations, made him feel that his only concern was to fit himself as well as he could, and to give with a free gesture. This disinterested strain in Ben was [318] Letters and Sketches one of the most precious things about him. He never had the shghtest touch of vanity about any of his achievements, though goodness knows, he had plenty of cause to be proud. He was full of gentle humor. I remember his assuring me once, in response to some amorous confidence, that I was in love with love. Months later I reminded him of it, laughingly, and he looked at me with a little twinkle, "Well, Chas," he said, "thank the Lord, when you are really in love you do not have to pick out reasons, you just know things." The Station grew fast, and our training days were coming to an end, but there was one incident that showed another side of his character. You probably remember that on one of his flights (when he had almost completed his twenty hours) he tore the wing of his machine on a fish-stake while landing. Ac- cording to established Navy tradition, he was sen- tenced to two weeks "on the beach," a stupid relic of Navy Academy discipline. Practically all of us had undergone the same punishment at one time or another, and we sympathized with Ben, only to find that regrets had no place with him. Instead, he argued to himself that, as the prime object of having an air station was to turn out pilots, there was little point to making no-flying a punishment! Of course, flying ivas our greatest pleasure, but, officially, it was our first duty. So far we all followed him, but Ben, possessed by the clear vision of his case, went straight to the Commanding Officer and laid it before him. In any one else it would have been a mad im- pertinence; in Ben, fearlessly thoughtful always, it [319] Benjamin JLee, 2d was entirely natural. The Commanding Officer did as we, the chorus, had expected, — swore, stamped and fired Ben, quite undisturbed and smiling, out of the office. The sequel was quite a triumph, for Ben was placed on the flying list three days later. The first phase was now over. Students began to pour in on us, and we suddenly found ourselves in- structors. Ben was easily the most popular — his reputation was already beginning to spread, and I am quite sure that he put in more flying time and turned out more soloists than any one else. He re- mained, as always, keenly interested to find out just what a machine could do; but he never did what many others, less competent than he, loved to do, — show off to their pupils and incidentally frighten them half to death. So the last month passed. I am glad that it was not longer, for Ben's sake, as he was really working too hard. We were glad to get our orders; not only for the sake of going across, but because our greatest usefulness at Norfolk was over. The place had grown so enormously that the old personal touch was fading fast, and there were plenty of instructors left to carry on. The trip over was somewhat disappointing, as Ben was never feeling very well, and lay in a deck chair most of the time, estimating the exact degree to which the ship was rolling and avoiding the dining-room as much as possible. Tha only incident was a submarine scare at 4 o'clock one morning, when Ben, awakened by the ship's guns, thought that the reports were torpedoes striking the ship. He often spoke after- [820] Letters and Sketches wards of his fright and anger at such an ungentle- manly attack. I do not think that any of us remem- ber our arrival or our wanderings between London and Paris with much pleasure. All of us were broke, except Ben, who assumed the stewardship of the whole party at once, most generously. Lyman Peck was sick, as was Stone; London was blanketed in fog during the whole of our three days there, and we were all a little lonely. But more than anything else, our desire to get started at work prevented any enjoyment of the present. The war atmosphere, a thing I can't very well define, had caught us, and our minds were fixed on the future, anxious to be done with the present. Paris for Ben and myself was better than London. We lived at a little pension where my uncle had rooms, and practiced French every morning with the landlady, who would allow no other language in her house. At Navy head- quarters we were given our orders for Moutchic, and a small sum of money for travelling expenses ; so, our minds at rest, we proceeded to enjoy the city. We arose early, and used to walk across the bridge, down the Champs Elysees, the Tuileries Gardens, and so to the hotel where the "home team" were living. It was wonderful to watch Ben's enjoyment. Of course he said very little, but he was thrilled at everything, — the shops, the cafes and, above all, by the people. Those few days were rather an oasis. My uncle and aunt were very fond of Ben, and laid themselves out to give us a good time, — even descended to taking us one night to the Folies Bergeres. To our disappointment we were sent back to Lon- [ 821 ] Benjamin Lee, 2d don, owing to an outbreak of meningitis at Moutchic. Immediately upon our arrival we were assigned to various R. N. Air Stations, and were told to leave (at our convenience). Ben and I had planned, if possible, to take a few days for seeing the city, but we were more broke than ever, the fog seemed just as thick; there were no aunts or uncles to go to, and worse yet, we were now faced with the actual part- ing. They were sad, almost irritable days, and we all left almost immediately. There is very little more that I can tell. Two days after my arrival at Dundee I got a long letter from Ben, describing his station (Cattewater), and enclos- ing a check for £,25, "Thought you might need this," was all he said. Wasn't that just like him? I saw him only a few times thereafter, although, of course, we kept up a correspondence. You know of his ad- venture at Penzance and his various movements, — to Felixstowe eventually. I saw him there once, when I had been sent down to help ferry a flying boat up the coast. Ben was thoroughly happy. He had learned all there was to know. The Hun was always near, and he felt that at last he was really being of some use, and indeed he was. The other men with him — Jay Schieifelin, Hawkins and Potter — were of the finest calibre, and the four made a better impression on the English officers than any other crowd of Americans. Ben's record at Killingholme I need not touch upon, as you must know it thor- oughly. He developed here from a sort of prodigy of a pilot to a full-blown officer, dignified and cool. From my position in London I was in touch always [ 322 ] Letters and Sketches with all of our men in England, and many in France. I have never heard of any one spoken of as the other officers at Killingholme spoke of Ben. ; He grew to be a kind of legend, and I remember several times being asked by young officers just reporting for duty from the States — what station was Lee at, and could they be sent to the same one. Ben was not really built for big boat flying, which is only more to his credit that he did it so marvellously well. There was always a scheme afoot that he and a few others should get away to a land squadron later; the others, in- cluding myself, were almost morbid on the subject, — we wanted to go so much. But Ben, with his better judgment, saw that he was doing more actual good where he was, and was quite content to wait indefi- nitely for such an experiment. There is only one thing more. Ben wrote me a letter dated May 2, 1918, which was sent me after his death. I am sending it with this. On the boat coming over we had discussed love again, under the light of new experience, and I had said that of course, ideally speaking, death was the master stroke for any one engaged — for then there could never be any disillusionment in the long years of after-life. From John Jay Schieffelin Yale University, March 21, 1920. Benny arrived at Felixstowe about April 10, 1918, and started in to learn the big boat piloting right away. It took him just about a week to pass through all the school work and get into the "war" patrol [ 323 ] Benjamin Lee, 2d flight. I don't remember the exact number of days, but it was quicker than any other pilot had ever done it. It took him about one more week to come to be regarded as one of the best and most reliable pilots ,on the station. He and I were allowed to take one of the two first machines that Americans took on a "lighter stunt" from Felixstowe, and a cooler head or steadier hand on the controls I never hope to see. We chased a Zep about forty miles, until nearly into Heligoland, and then went up to Blaavend Point on the Danish coast, and thence back to England. We got some photos of German mine-layers (Benny took them), for which the Admiralty thanked us. That was a flight of about 510 miles. Benny, besides all the patrolling he could get in, did a lot of instructing at Felixstowe, which was awful nerve-racking work, because many of the pupils were simply fierce. An- other flight we had together was when we went out with another plane to rescue Colonel Robertson, C. O. of Felixstowe, and Squadron- Commander Galpin, who were brought down by the Huns while doing a joy-patrol. We found them in the water, standing on their submerged and overturned plane, and took home Galpin and one of the ratings. The other plane took home Robertson and the other one. When we all moved to Killingholme, Benny was acknowledged the "hottest stuff" or "hot stuff est" boat pilot on the station. He had a swat at a Ger- man sub when he was patrolling with Dick McCann as his second pilot. The sub submerged when still so far away that he really didn't have a chance to get [ 824 ] Letters and Sketches a sight on him, but he had the fun of dropping his pills and making it hot for him anyhow. When Tex crashed in trying to take off after taxi-ing for miles at sea, Benny was on the job at the station and was the first to get out there in his plane and find him. He did a lot of instructing at Killingholme, too, and was right on the job when any stunt such as a tough night flight or stormy patrol was on. He and Tex used to sit in their cabin at night and sort of con- spire against the Germans, planning bombing stunts and little improvements for our planes, etc. There isn't any way I can think of in which he could have been more a master of his job, and as for personality, I can't write what I feel. When you love a man dearly because he means everything that is best in the world to you, and then he goes West with a smile and a "Good luck," you just get a lump in your throat and a feeling of unworthiness. Such words as lovable, winsome, clean, efficient, gallant, unselfish, all apply to such an extent that they appear feeble and stilted. Benny Lee was a gallant American gentleman and a true sportsman — God bless him. It is great to recall his "full-out" smile, ready humor (and dry), his razor-sharp wits in argument, and the thrill of pleasure at seeing him land his plane after a long patrol with a perfectly controlled fast swoop, touching just an inch of the step first, sending out a delicate thread of spray, and then settling smoothly in. I hope that this is not too late. I can't hope to do justice to Benny. [ 325 ] Benjamin Lee^ 2d From Ashtort W. Hawkins Red Top Ranch, Undercliffe, Colorado, March, 1920. The first time we saw Benny Lee was one day- early in April, 1918, at Felixstowe, a Royal Naval Air Station on the east coast of England. There were three of us Americans there then, two others had gone back home to instruct, and two more still further "West." We had just come in from patrol, and on our way to the mess, caught sight of a forestry green uniform in one of the machines. It was Ben, who, although he had only just reported to the Com- manding Officer, was already well acquainted with the big boats which he had never seen before. That was like Ben, as we came to know him. He had a remark- ably clear, strong head, and never rested until he had made himself past-master of any subject that inter- ested him. The three of us slept together and we had another cot put in for Ben. He was one of us right from the start, although we three had gone to school and learned to fly together. There was something lovable, almost wistful, about him. Everybody was his friend, and many of us learned to love him. He didn't talk much, especially at first, but was always listening, and never asked a foolish question. He thought things through each time for himself, and then seldom had to ask. He came from a fine old Philadelphia family, and his face looked as if he did. He wore glasses, being near-sighted, but, when war was de- clared, he wanted to fly, and went into the Navy, [826] Letters and Sketches because he had spent much of his life on the water in Maine and Florida, and loved it. He was finally accepted after he first learned to fly alone in less than two weeks at his own expense. Some Navy doc. used his heart and his head too, for, later, Ben came to be maybe the best seaplane pilot we had — at least on the other side. He had come across in January, 1918, and had been flying seaplanes at Penzance and Plymouth until ordered to Felixstowe on big boats. Really good big-boat pilots were scarce and it usually took three to six months for a new man to be rated a first pilot with a machine of his own. Pilots who came to Felixstowe all had more or less experience on other machines, most of them on float seaplanes and some from the naval squadrons at the front. They were first put on "Small Americas," little twin-engined boats that had a ceiling of maybe a hundred feet, just to get the feel of a boat, and then were given a few hours' instruction on the regular patrol machines, and passed out as second pilots on the War Flight. From that time it depended on a man's ability as to when he was given a machine of his own. The boats cost around .£10,000 apiece, and even with good pilots they lost on an average of one machine a week. One day they lost four machines and two crews out of a six-boat flight. The North Sea is a rotten body of water, foggy, and stormy most of the time, and a pilot had to have experience before he could navigate those big trucks in any weather, night or day, often for eight or ten hours on end over a sea that no machine could live in, with a crew of three or four men, all constantly watching for hostile [ 327] Benjamin Lee^ 2d submarines, war vessels or aircraft. Experienced pilots sometimes came to Felixstowe from the front looking for a less strenuous berth, but usually after a few weeks they told the C. O. they wanted to go back to France. We Americans got permission to instruct Ben ourselves. We took him up for an hour in a patrol machine, and before we came down he could handle it as well as any of us. Then we took turns taking him out with us as second pilot, and in two weeks from the time he arrived the Commanding Officer had given him a boat of his own. Ben was of a slender, graceful build, and he would often come in from a hard patrol completely worn out. But his spirit was dauntless; he didn't know what being afraid was; he didn't even joke about it as many fellows did; his own comfort and safety never seemed to occur to him. Whenever there was any hard flying to do, a Zeppelin raid at night or a submarine reported off the coast with night coming on and a half gale blowing, Ben would be the first man in the squadron office asking to go. His ma- chine was always in perfect shape and beautifully equipped, and his crew was the envy of us all; his wireless operator was a wizard; his engineer always kept his two big Rolls engines running like sewing- machines, and both used a Lewis gun with the best. We all laughed at Ben, he was so delighted the first time he went on a "lighter' stunt," where the destroyers would tow some of the boats on lighters all night, at twenty knots over to the German coast, and then slip them. The boats would make a reconnaissance [ 828 ] Letters and Sketches in and around Heligoland Bight, maybe up to the Danish coast, and then fly 300 miles home. Some months later we were all ordered to an American naval station further up the coast. It was a big station with a complement of some 1,500 men and had, what was considered at home, splendid equip- ment in the way of machines. But the machines didn't live up to expectations, and we strewed those old Liber ty-engined boats all over that part of the North Sea. The Navy department had taken over the station from the British with some pretty ambi- tious plans of bombing important German naval bases. Ben used to sit up until the small hours, thinking out these raids down to the smallest details, and even the skipper couldn't improve on his work. He had some hard luck one day about this time. He surprised an enemy submarine fully blown on the surface, some- thing which all of us had dreamed about, and which rarely happened. Ben had an inexperienced second pilot just from the States, and he missed clean with both bombs. After it became apparent that our American ma- chines could not do the work they were intended for, Ben lost interest and suggested to two of us that we get transferred to a British scout squadron in France for the winter. His idea was to get some fighting experience by spring, when we expected machines with which we could reach the German coast. Ben always used to talk about chasse work; it was what he was made for. We finally "wangled" it with the skipper and got ordered to an S. E. 5 squadron at the front. But at the last minute he wouldn't let Ben go because [ 329 ] Benjamin Lee, 2d he hadn't been flying just "according to Hoyle," and had finally looped one of the boats just to see if it would come over all right as he figured, but consid- ered by us an absolutely hopeless thing to do because of their weight and construction. . . . Several days later our orders to France were cancelled by 'phone from London, and three machines were ordered to immediate duty with the Grand Fleet in Scotland. This was just two weeks before the armistice was signed, and we were told that the German High Seas Fleet was expected out any day on a last desperate sally. With the hope of some excitement, Ben was in high spirits that morning. It was a fine day, one of the very few in that country. There were six of us, all good friends, and we had the three best machines and crews on the station. We were all on our toes and going to show the Grand Fleet about American pilots, etc. Ben took off first, and was slowly circling around waiting for us. We two took off together, and after we got up looked for Ben to join us, but the sky was empty. We circled, and finally saw a little spot of burning wreckage on the muddy surface of the river. We landed alongside and our second pilots each dived overboard to help two of the fellows whom we could see badly hurt in the wreckage. They swam to the wreck and got hold of them: the second pilot unconscious and nearly dead, and the wireless boy stunned and helpless, when, suddenly, the whole area covered with gas from the smashed tanks, burst into flames. Those two fellows fought their way out of the fire somehow, with the two helpless men in tow, [330] Letters and Sketches and finally got them on board a tug which had come up. One of them, the same fellow who had missed Ben's submarine, then swam back and dived repeat- edly under the blazing, tangled wreckage searching for him. They never found Ben or his engineer. After the armistice we talked to his second pilot in the hospital. He told us they were flying low, maybe 600 feet, and Ben was trying out the boat, which was strange to him. He was used to having Ben throw a machine around and wasn't watching. Suddenly he felt the boat slip straight down and fall into a dive. He instantly looked at Ben, who was calmly but fiercely using his controls, while a bright red spot burned in either cheek. That's all he re- membered. They hit the water vertically at better than a hundred knots, and the pilots sit out in front of the wings in a boat. Some naval decorations came out the other day, and Ben's mother received a Navy Cross. I don't believe there was one of us, that knew Ben, who didn't say to himself when he read it, "Damn good"! From Dr, Kermeth R. McAlpin New York, April, 1920. I met Benny Lee at the Naval Air Station, Hamp- ton Roads. He was one of the student officers await- ing commissions. The first time I recall seeing him he was coming up the beach, just after flying; face flushed and hair every which way, he smiled as he talked to a friend. At the time he seemed very young, but, most of all, his smile impressed me. [381] Benjamin Lee^ 2d Before he got his overseas orders I saw a good deal of him, and we became great friends. He had his own views about many subjects and they were honest views, not poses. In some respects Benny was never made for an officer. He liked to do things in his own way to find out if "it could be done." I shall never forget a real thrill he gave me on one occasion; he was coming down in a "tail-spin" and I thought he was in trouble; he was, as a matter of fact, trying out his machine. In another it would have been recklessness, in Ben it was research. The fact that he was part of the experiment never oc- curred to him; it was just part of his job to learn what a machine was capable of. As a student in the laboratory is to the practical man, so was he to the ordinary flyer; a seeker after truth if you will, but always willing to pay for what might help the other fellow. We lunched together a day or two before he sailed; he was quiet and had little to say, not because he was at all depressed, on the contrary, he was delighted at the prospect. But the rest of the party was talkative and he was always ready to listen. Several months later we met in the mess hall at Killingholme, England. He had just flown up from Felixstowe and was soon to go back. We only had a few minutes' talk; he certainly was all enthusiasm for his work. Later on, in June, he reported to us for duty, and then I got to know him better. The same quiet, smihng boy, with hair usually mussed, but he was rapidly developing that splendid mind of his. We [ 832 ] Letters and Sketches had long talks before the fire in his quarters. Benny and his room-mate Tex did most of the talking, and I was the listener. Once he asked my advice about something that was important and rather delicate. He was game and did as I suggested; he would not have asked for advice had he not intended to take it. Perhaps my pleasantest recollection of Benny is of a bicycle ride we took together. (Note: There must be some very good pictures of that ride taken by Bill Jackson.) It was on a perfectly glorious day in June or July. Four of us rode to a little inn where we had tea and returned in the golden twilight of an English summer day. Such a day was rare, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. The war seemed far away. Benny was the life of the party and all a boy. He was terribly upset because four of us could not ride abreast without touching our handle-bars. There were other fine days, but we never had another ride. We settled many mighty problems before the fire instead. And then there came a day when I went into Benny's room. Tex was out and Benny was not coming back. The whole room called his name. I was done hoping; all the foolish, last hopes were gone. A wee fire burned cheerlessly; I gazed through a mist that was not of England, and wondered why such a life should go out. In vain? I think not; he died playing the game he loved, not foolishly, but thoughtfully tJiat some one else might learn. A terrible price, yes, but he paid as he lived, Gladly, [333] ivil52987 0^0 o> THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY