War-dated ALS signed “CLC,” two pages, 8 x 10, October 29, 1944. Letter to his girlfriend Peggy, in part: "I am going to call 'Time Out' on this war for a few minutes…my mind has been a complete blank for several months…No doubt you've seen 'by the papers' that the devils are pushing us around quite a bit. However, they are paying for every foot they advance and for every airfield I've had to abandon, eight to date. My men are killing them by the thousands but they keep on coming—slowly but surely. Thing that hurts them more than the loss of men is the shipping we sink and damage. More than 100,000 tons sunk in September alone. They may take some more of my fields yet but there will [be] a lot fewer Japs in Tokyo when we get there…I have dozens of paintings, banners, cups and other trophies. Would almost require a city auditorium to display all of them…Don't know about your war correspondent friend coming out here. They aren't so popular right now: instead of reporting the war, it is charged that they are showing too much concern about politics. I wouldn't know as I have plenty of my own troubles to look after without messing into politics. There has been a major change long needed, in our military set up here and I believe it will have good results. Take time though. China would be in much better position if it had occurred a year ago. Suppose you've seen the announcement." Chennault also provides a list of items he would like Peggy to purchase for a lady married to a radio officer, and includes a small swatch of fabric as a sample for a potential dress material. He closes the letter, "Keep your chin up and tummy in—they can't whip us, can they?" In fine condition, with scattered light creasing. A significant letter offering Chennault's perspective during a critical period in the Pacific Theater.
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