March 2016 Auction Ends Thursday, March 31st, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/31/2016
Lot of 3 letters and envelopes from and to Lester E. Mayfield, a First Class Navyman who was killed on 7 December 1941 on the U.S.S. Arizona, which was sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor. One letter is from Mayfield aboard the U.S.S. Arizona in December 1940 and two are from his family to him, dated 5 & 8 December 1941, 2 days before Pearl Harbor and the day after. Both these letters are addressed to Mayfield on the U.S.S. Arizona. The letter by Mayfield to his family is housed in its envelope, postmarked 30 December 1940 aboard the U.S.S. Arizona. Letter reads in part, ''Well I got back ok. I sure wish now that I had stayed until Thurs. instead of leaving Wed. They gave me a bum steer on getting into Seattle. I got here at 4:30 the evening of the 27. I stayed in town until last night then came back to the ship. I had seven cents when I hit Bremerton. That is making it about right isn't it. Did you folk have a nice Xmas? How long did you stay in at Aunt Madges? Oh yes how is Charles getting along? Is he getting any better? I got back and had Xmas cards from Aunt Pearl's, Loyd's, Pat's, and a letter from Earl also a box of candy from Uncle Guy and Aunt Pearl. They said Margaret & Loyd have both had the flue and been in be[d] for a week but both are better now. Boy I sure had a touch of the flue Wed. nite and Thurs. but I feel ok now. I was so sick I could barely see Wed. nite. Well I guess every in the div. [B Division] remembered me for when I walked in every one let out a big sigh and said 'Well I guess we quit eating again because here is stroke back on the job again.' I will send you the stuff for Forrest the fifth or sixth. Have you ever heard from him or has he come back to Stone Town? Well I better close for now so answer soon and tell all about every thing. Sending my love to all and a Happy New Year. Les.'' Two page letter measures 8'' x 10.5''. Written in pencil with light toning, else near fine.
Of the 2 letters to Mayfield, one is a poignant letter from Mayfield's mom, dated one day after Pearl Harbor on 8 December 1941. She clearly doesn't know that the U.S.S. Arizona was destroyed in the attack and believes he is still alive. Letter reads in part, ''My own sweet Buzz-- Well I guess all Billy H. broke loose in Hawaii yesterday or at least that's what we hear on the radio. We have all been expecting it for some time but it came as a terrible shock anyway. I don't believe many people expected it to be hit in Hawaii. Well it sure hurts to have you over there in the danger zone but do your bit darling. I know you will anyway with out me telling you. Jimmie says he is going as soon as he is old enough...Sure is going to be a blue Xmas in the Old U.S.A. this year but not because we feel we will lose because we know we won't...I love you so much best love and God bless you / Mom''. Envelope includes returned to writer stamp as the U.S.S. Arizona was no longer a legitimate address. 3pp. letter is written in pencil on brown card-style paper. Measures 5.5'' x 8.5''. Folds and toning, very good condition.
Final letter postmarked 5 December 1941, 2 days prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor, was also sent from Lester's mother in Stone City, Colorado. 5pp. letter written in pencil on brown paper reads in part, ''To the best and sweetest boy in the Navy...We went up the hill and got our Xmas tree today...Chas. sure is anxious for you to come home...I sure wish you could be here, but I know it is impossible now...'' Last 2 pages are written by Madge and Tiny Tim, presumably Lester's younger siblings. Envelope includes return to writer stamp, as it was ostensibly received in Hawaii after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Measures 8.75'' x 11'', in very good condition.
1940 Letter Aboard the U.S.S. Arizona, Sunk in Pearl Harbor Attack -- With U.S.S. Arizona Postmark on Envelope -- Also Includes 2 Letters Addressed to Ship, One the Day After Pearl Harbor
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