Black Jack Pershing writes from headquarters in France

Heading:
Author: Pershing, John J.
Title: Letter from General John J. Pershing to American singer and songwriter Carrie Jacobs Bond, congratulating her on the song "A Perfect Day"
Place Published: France
Publisher:
Date Published: 6463
Description:

Typed Letter, signed by Pershing. On page of 4-page letterhead of American Expeditionary Force, Office of the Commanding General. 22.5x17.7 cm (9x7").

General John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force in France, writes to the noted American composer and singer, "I am in receipt of your note of July 2d with reference to the song 'A Perfect Day.' Anyone who could write a song which means so much as that must be a very great person... I am delighted to know you through this correspondence." During World War I Jacobs-Bond gave concerts in Europe for U.S. Army troops. "A Perfect Day" was especially popular among them. It is not known whether this letter predates the concerts, but it seems likely - in September of 1917 there were still relatively few American troops in France, and Pershing may well have been attempting to recruit Jacobs Bond for the future entertainment of soldiers as their numbers increased.
Condition Report: Soiling to the blank fourth page, old folds, very good.