Guide to the E.R. McElligott papers , MS 00126

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Conditions Governing Access:

Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

Preferred Citation:

E.R. McElligott Collection, Special Collections Research Center, William & Mary Libraries.

Acquisition Information:

purchase. Accession 2023.164 donanted by Sheila Hathaway.

Biographical Information:

E.R. McElligott was born and raised in Boston Massachusetts prior to World War I by John and Elizabeth McElligott. He enlisted in the military as a draftsman and became part of the 152nd Aero Squadron assigned to Fort Slocum, New York. In late 1917, McElligott's squadron was transferred to San Antonio and then Chanute Field in Illinois. In 1918, McElligott was sent to England and then France as part of the war effort to recover and repair damaged planes. He returned to the United States in 1919. His letters cover the duration of his enlistment

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of correspondence and personal papers documenting the life of E.R. McElligott, a draftsman in the 152nd Aero Squadron of the United States Army. The correspondence series contains 102 letters and several postcards written primarily by E.R. McElligott. Letters are written to various family members, particularly McElligott's sisters and parents, and describe his life in the military from enlistment to discharge. McElligott describes his travels from New York to San Antonio and finally to Illinois, England, and France. His letters give insight into the daily details, entertainments, and worries of an enlisted man as well as personal observations of various American and European cities. McElligott's letters also briefly touch on his job of salvaging and repairing damaged airplanes, although specific details regarding sensitive military information were censored. Personal papers include a special emergency card belonging to Pvt. E.R. McElligott.

Container List

Series I. Correspondence

Scope and Contents

Letters are arranged chronologically into six folders the seventh folder holds postcards.

Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 1 id25263
Letters
1917 November 20-December 26
Scope and Contents
McElligott describes his travels from New York to San Antonio and then Illinois. He describes military housing, going on leave, and his military duties in the kitchen. He also mentions the dangers of typhoid and quarantine. McElligott sends his condolences over the death of his Uncle Richard.
Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 2 id25264
Letters
1918 January 1-February 12
Scope and Contents
McElligott writes from his base in Chanute Field, Illinois. He talks about sending money home and the payroll as well as his job as a clerk. He requests news from home and more mail as well as newspapers.
Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 3 id25265
Letters
1918 February 20-April 9
Scope and Contents
Letters from McElligott describing his transport from the United States to England. He gives his impressions of the English countryside and people. He briefly mentions working with the Royal Air Corps but can reveal no more due to censorship of letters.
Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 4 id25266
Letters
1918 April 13-May 6
Scope and Contents
Letters from McElligott from England in which he admires English hospitality. He explains that he cannot write very much about his service because of censorship. He requests more mail from home.
Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 5 id25267
Letters
1918 May 17- August 4
Scope and Contents
Letters from E.R. McElligott while stationed in England. He mentions his job recovering and working on airplanes. He also inquires about the war effort at home in the United States. In these letters, McElligott frequently complains about the slowness of the mail.
Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 6 id25268
Letters
1918 August 8-1919 February 23
Scope and Contents
Consists of letters from E.R. McElligott to his parents and sisters describing his time in England and France, including some details of his military service and his sight-seeing. There are also a few letters from family friends in the service writing to the McElligotts.
Mixed Materials Box: 1 folder: 7 id25269
Postcards
1917 November 19-1919 February 23
Scope and Contents
Includes various postcards sent by E.R. McElligott to his family from Fort Slocum, New York, San Antonio, Texas, England, and France. Also included is a publication from Chanute Field, Illinois.