Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

See the University of Virginia Library’s use policy.

Preferred Citation

Robert H. BeCraft World War I Letters, Accession 9096-ca, Special Collections Department, University of Virginia Library

Acquisition Information

This collection was purchased on November 7, 1986.

Funding Note

Funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities

Scope and Content

The collection consists of ca. 120 letters, 1918-1933, chiefly love letters written by Private Robert H. BeCraft (October 12, 1894--December 14, 1933) while serving in the United States Army at Camp Lee, Petersburg, Virginia , as a member of the 10th Company, 3rd Training Battalion, 155th Depot Brigade , and subsequently with the 39th Company, 10th Training Battalion . His letters are addressed to Maude Harmon of Wytheville, Virginia , whom he married in 1922.

BeCraft's letters discuss his army activities during World War I which consisted mainly of drills and training. He mentions the deaths of four men from the effects of excessive heat and woundings that took place on a rifle range, August, 10, 1918; and an outbreak of influenza in his camp, September 28 and October 14, 1918.

Miscellaneous items in the collection include a "Permanent Good Conduct Pass," 1918, for BeCraft; his American Legion Membership Card for McDowell County Post Number 8 in Welch, West Virginia , 1930-1931; an electrostatic copy of a newspaper obituary and funeral notice regarding BeCraft's death in Wythe County , 1933; and various items pertaining to life insurance veteran's benefits.