Letter, 19.6.1925, from John B. Chevalier

Object reference: RA 318B32

Type: Letter

Sender / Author: John B. Chevalier

Recipient: Roald Amundsen

Date: 19.6.1925

Language: English

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Transcription

[Written in another hand] Godt svar [Good response]

New York,
June 19, 1925

HARVARD CLUB
27 WEST 44TH STREET


Dear Captain Amundsen:

         With all mankind we are overjoyed at your safe return from the Far North; your brave name is on everyone’s lips in New York.

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When you left New York I told you that all our hearts would be with you and I have been terribly worried and now we are all so happy.

              It was a feat worthy of

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the bravest of the ancient Vikings and not only have you added another brilliant page to exploration but your success is a great and practical assistance to the great cause of aviation.

              We have

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unlimited faith in your courage and resource but we were worried. We thank God for having guarded you in all the great dangers.

              The First Reserve Aero Squadron is

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very proud that its great Honorary Member has now done so much for aviation in addition to his immortal achievements in exploration. Your hop to the

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Far North without a base was every bit as brave as long distance daylight bombing which was one of the roughest games in the War. Heroes and hero worship are not dead in modern

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times.

              When you left for your steamer that day I wondered if you obtained that novel, “Thelma” by Marie Corelli. If not I will hunt for it when you return to New York. There

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is an old fearless Viking in it just like you.

              I shall bring up my little son to know that I had the privilege of meeting you.

              We all joyfully await your return to New York.

                                          Devotedly yours,

                            John B. Chevalier

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