Tasker Bliss letter to Nellie Bliss
December 18, 1918
Source: Bliss, Personal Correspondence,
Box 244, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress
I am going to try to keep up a diary of which I shall retain the original and
send the copy to you. Herewith is the first installment up to Dec. 16. I also inclose some very touching
statements which are all that I have been able to secure about the death of Colonel Shannon. Also some
photographs of the funeral ceremonies and of the field hospital where he died. Mrs. Shannon has already
received them. Please show to Eleanor the memorandum about Duncan's death. Col. Quekemeyer is
A.D.C. to Gen. Pershing. As soon as I get further details, I will send them to Eleanor. I fully realize how sore
the hearts of both of you are about the death of these dear friends. How much of it have I known in the
past year! And to think that the end of it all was so near when they met their death.
This morning we had a preliminary meeting of the American Peace
Commission. I am disquieted to see how hazy and vague our ideas are. We are going to be up against the
wiliest politicians in Europe. There will be nothing hazy or vague about their views. We are to have another
meeting at 5 o'clock this afternoon at which the President will be present. Perhaps something more definite
will develop (sic). **********
I am still holding my portrait. I have had no opportunity to safely ship it. I
enclose a letter to Raymond. Please mail it. Also another that explains itself. Last night went to the official
dinner given by the American Ambassador, Mr. Sharp, to President and Mrs. Wilson. President and Madame
Poincare were there and all the notables. I had a note from Goring just before I left Versailles for Paris.
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