Raynor HCA 2013-07
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/18/2013
Manuscript journal, "My Log. Observations and Happenings. Walter J. Seeley, Ensign U. S. N. R. F.," September 24, 1918 - January 7, 1919, 128pp. 8vo, leatherette boards with marbled endpapers, neatly penned entries interspersed with a handful of schematic illustrations. This journal chronicles Ensign Seeley's deployment to Europe, the Armistice, and his immediate post-war duties, including tourism in France! Excerpts read, in small part, "(9/24)…we were awakened by soldiers singing. 1500 soldiers came aboard, nearly half being negroes of a labor battalion…(9/25)…we started, 12 ships in all, accompanied by destroyers, sub chasers, seaplanes, blimps, etc…(9/29)…I never realized what it was to go to war until I saw a bunch of men gathered together in one corner of the deck…praying for the mother, wife, sister, or sweetheart left behind…Very funny to watch negro sergeants put their details through physical exercise…(10/2)…Passed a fleet of fishing vessels last night returning from the Banks. One of the fishing vessels was rammed by one of our ships. Sunk….(10/5)…We are in the danger zone now and our escort has not yet arrived. We are a little fearful lest a sub get us…got a little remorseful today to think that I was willing to leave my dear mother and my darling girl for this…(10/6)…We are now about 12 miles from the northern coast of Ireland…(10/7)…We came in sight of land near Liverpool…It certainly is a relief to get in the calm and quiet of the river Mercy and be able to see land…(10/10)…took a two storied motor bus like those on fifth ave to Grosvenor Gardens to the U. S. Navy headquarters and reported…saw Buckingham Palace…(11/11)...Armistice signed at 11 a.m. Hurrah! Little work…Every vessel in the harbor, river and dockyard blew off their steam…Everyone went wild, people along the streets shouted, cried, swore. Old women and maids danced and sang in the streets, all men shook hands and clapped every other man on the back…" The covers somewhat loose with minor chipping, light foxing on the "title page," internally clean in overall good condition.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.